PC games have long been seen as cheaper than their console equivalents, but recent data suggests the gap is wider than many realize. While the initial expense of assembling a capable gaming PC remains significant and some big-budget releases still share console price tags, the pricing patterns among Steam’s most-played titles tell a different story.
GameDiscoverCo, in a well-researched newsletter that compiled figures back to February 2023, analyzed first-month prices for games released over the past two years and tracked their median price points—a more telling measure than simple averages. Their findings show median asking prices for paid PC releases clustering between under $10 and under $20, a stark contrast to the roughly $69.99 price commonly associated with large-scale console-style releases.
The picture remains similar when focusing on Steam’s top-grossing titles: their median price sits around $20–$23. GameDiscoverCo argues that without an existing fanbase or strong brand recognition, it’s hard for a new PC release to compete if it’s priced above about $25. Even established franchises face risk at higher tags—examples include indie standout Hollow Knight: Silksong, which launched at $19.99 despite a prolonged development, and other recent hits that kept prices modest: mega-popular Peak is usually $7.99 and frequently discounted, breakout 2025 extraction shooter Arc Raiders retails at $39.99, and narrative success Dispatch sits at $29.99.
There are clear reasons for this trend. Some of the most-played games are free-to-play, and remasters or re-releases often carry lower price tags to attract both new and returning players. With console game prices creeping upward, many consumers prefer to wait for sales rather than pay full price immediately. Surveys indicate many players buy only a handful of games each year, and overall spending on games has declined since the pandemic—factors that align with the downward pressure on PC prices since 2023. Video Games Chronicle reports support this conservative purchasing behavior.
It’s also practical: after investing heavily in components like a GPU or RAM, players are often reluctant to pay $69.99 every time a new title appears. Console ecosystems, meanwhile, are debating higher price thresholds—some industry chatter mentions $80–$100 tags—but there are still examples of restraint, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at $49.99. Overall, recent years suggest PC players have generally received better value for money, and it would benefit consumers if console pricing followed a similar path.
Source: Polygon
