PC games have long been seen as more affordable than their console counterparts, but recent data suggests the gap is even wider than most expect. While building a PC carries high upfront costs and many AAA titles launch at similar prices across platforms, Steam’s most successful games reveal an interesting trend.

Figure 1. PC Games Get Cheaper as Console Prices Keep Climbing.

According to the GameDiscoverCo newsletter, which analyzed data dating back to February 2023, prices for popular PC games (excluding free-to-play titles) have been steadily declining. By examining first-month sales for games released over the past two years and plotting their median prices—a more accurate reflection than average pricing—the newsletter found that median prices often fall between under $10 and $20. This contrasts sharply with the $69.99 typical for big-budget games. Figure 1 shows PC Games Get Cheaper as Console Prices Keep Climbing.

Interestingly, this trend holds even for top-earning games on Steam. The median price for these bestsellers’ ranges from about $20 to $23. GameDiscoverCo concludes that for most new games without an established fanbase, pricing above $25 can make standing out difficult. Even well-known franchises face risk with higher price points. Indie favorites like Hollow Knight: Silksong launched at just $19.99 despite long development cycles, and other recent hits follow similar patterns: Peak at $7.99, Arc Raiders at $39.99, and narrative sensation Dispatch at $29.99.

This makes sense given the gaming landscape. Many top games are free, and older titles often re-release at lower prices to attract both new and returning players. Meanwhile, as console prices climb, players increasingly wait for sales rather than buying at full price. Overall spending on games has declined since the pandemic, aligning with the 2023 downward trend in PC game prices.

When you’ve already invested heavily in a PC—graphics cards, RAM, and all—the thought of paying $69.99 for every new title is less appealing. On consoles, however, the conversation centers on $80–$100 games, though there are exceptions, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at $49.99. For now, PC gamers seem to be getting the best value, and hopefully console pricing follows suit.

PC Games on Steam Are Getting Cheaper

Recent data shows that popular Steam games are steadily dropping in price. By looking at median first-month prices for games released over the past two years, the trend reveals that many titles now cost under $20. Even some of the top-earning games rarely exceed $25, making PC gaming increasingly affordable compared to console counterparts.

Console Game Prices Continue to Rise

While PC games are trending downward, console games are seeing the opposite. AAA console titles are pushing past $70, with talk of $80–$100 launches becoming common. This widening gap highlights the growing price discrepancy between platforms, putting more financial pressure on console gamers.

The combination of cheaper PC games and expensive consoles affects buying behavior. PC gamers can enjoy more titles for less, while console players are more likely to wait for sales or skip releases. Overall, the trend reflects how platform economics and hardware costs influence the value gamers get for their money.

Source: Polygon

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Steam Game Prices Keep Dropping While Console Games Become More Expensive, AnaTechMaz, pp.347