The co-op genre has dominatedSteamin 2025, generating a staggering $4.1 billion in the first six months of the year. This is after the successful releases of games likeR.E.P.O, Schedule 1, Peak, Monster Hunter Wilds,andElden Ring: Nightreignhave helped boost the genre. It continues a growing trend in the escelating success of games within the co-op genre.
$4.1 billion dollars in revenue makes the co-op genre Steam’s most successful in H1 2025and shows an 11% increase for the genre from H1 2024, according toAlinea Analytics.Monster Hunter Wildshas been the leading contributor in terms of revenue for the genre, withSchedule 1,R.E.P.O., andSplit Fictionhelping to round out the top five. The only non-co-op game in the top five for revenue on Steam isKingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
What The Co-op Genre’s Success Means For Gaming
More Games Should Have Co-op Functionality
With the recent growth of theco-op genre on Steam,the boom in co-op games has proven to be more than just a fad. Gaming has become extraordinarily profitable, and the co-op genre is proving to be one of the most profitable markets, especially on PC with free online functionality. This could change the landscape of gaming, which has typically been dominated by PvP multiplayer or massive single-player titles.
R.E.P.O.alone sold 16.4 million copies on Steam in the first six months of 2025.
Steam users have made it clear that they want to play with their friends, and this consistently growing trend might incentivize studios to make more co-op games.Many of these games have been lower-budget, indie titles, as is the case withSchedule 1,R.E.P.O., andPeak.These three titles have simple yet fun premises that have allowed them to goviral and dominate Steam, and they rank as the three games with the highest number of copies sold in 2025.
Our Take: The Rise Of Co-Op Gaming Is Great
Playing With Friends Makes Everyone Feel Closer
After the loneliness the pandemic put many people through and the somewhat toxic nature of multiplayer PvP titles,the rise of the co-op genre is exactly what many need. It allows friends to spend more time together gaming in less toxic environments. Everything is more fun with friends, and with the low price of many of these co-op titles, it’s accessible for almost anyone to get involved.
Even the AAA or bigger budget titles, likeSplit Fiction, these co-op games give players the ability to connect with each other and make gaming as a hobby more approachable. WithSteam’s free online functionality, everyone can get involved without spending too much money. It’s a great, growing trend, provided that corporate interests don’t start to dominate this space as well.
Steam
Developed by Valve and released in 2003, Steam is a popular video game distribution service originally used by the company to provide updates for Valve games. In 2005, Steam expanded to distribute third-party titles. Steam users can not only browse games for purchase, but they can also post reviews and upload self-made content.
