Steam, the largest PC gaming platform, continues to dominate the market despite challenges from competitors like Epic Games. Valve, the creator of Steam, maintains its focus on improving the platform, which accounts for nearly all of the company’s global revenue.
However, Valve’s roots are deeply embedded in game development, and their titles remain some of the most successful and profitable games on Steam. This year, Dota 2, a game often perceived as “dead” by some in the community, proved its enduring appeal by ranking among the top-grossing games of 2024.
The Most Profitable Games of 2024 on Steam
Steam recently unveiled its 2024 profitability rankings, showcasing the titles that generated the most revenue on the platform this year. While exact earnings remain undisclosed, Dota 2’s inclusion in the Top 3 alongside heavyweights like Counter-Strike 2 and Palworld is a testament to its continued popularity.
Valve revealed earlier this year that Counter-Strike 2 was the top revenue generator for the first half of 2024. Alongside Dota 2 and Palworld, other major games contributing to Steam’s profits include:
Full List of Steam’s Top-Grossing Games in 2024:
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- Palworld
- PUBG
- Elden Ring
- Black Myth: Wu Kong
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
- Call of Duty: Black Ops VI
- Apex Legends
- Helldivers II
- Baldur’s Gate III
Notably, only five of these twelve games were released in 2024, highlighting the staying power of established titles like Dota 2 and Elden Ring.
Source: Steam
Why Is Dota 2 Still Profitable?
Dota 2’s enduring profitability stems from several key factors:
- Active Player Base: Despite claims of its decline, Dota 2 maintains a strong and engaged global community.
- Esports Scene: Major events like The International 2024 contribute to the game’s visibility and revenue through in-game purchases tied to the tournament.
- Microtransactions: Cosmetic items, battle passes, and exclusive bundles continue to generate significant revenue.
- Community Content: User-generated content, including skins and mods, adds ongoing value for players.
Valve’s Strength in 2024
The combined success of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and other Valve-associated titles showcases the company’s dominance in the gaming industry. Valve’s ability to balance platform improvements with ongoing support for their iconic games ensures their continued relevance.
Counter-Strike 2, launched in 2023, led Steam’s revenue in the first half of the year and remains one of the platform’s cornerstones. Similarly, Dota 2 disproves the “dead game” narrative with its impressive revenue figures and ongoing popularity.