Steam tags over time

Genre trends

Which Steam tags are drawing more players' reviews than a year ago, and which are getting crowded or going quiet — month by month, from the games we track.

Jul–Sep 2026 against Jul–Sep 2025: 5 rising, 18 cooling, 243 steady, 134 too small to call — of 400 tags with 100 or more games. The rule is under “How this is measured” at the bottom.

Rising (5)

Swipe the table sideways for more columns →

Tag	vs a year ago	vs a year ago	Upcoming	Followers, last 30 days
Job SimulatorTop contributor: ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs (26% of the growth)	+228%	+105%	860	+11%
NonlinearTop contributor: Big Walk (42% of the growth)	+190%	+84%	2,276	+6%
Alternate HistoryTop contributor: Hearts of Iron IV (49% of the growth)	+121%	+102%	1,289	+3%
MilitaryTop contributor: WARDOGS (37% of the growth)	+119%	+115%	1,708	+3%
Comic BookTop contributor: Dispatch (23% of the growth)	+61%	+55%	1,231	+12%

Cooling (18)

Swipe the table sideways for more columns →

Tag	vs a year ago	vs a year ago	Upcoming	Followers, last 30 days
Metroidvania	−72%	0%	1,597	+6%
Platformer	−48%	+35%	5,385	+5%
Hand-drawn	−44%	+71%	4,803	+3%
Souls-like	−44%	+75%	1,409	+3%
Bullet Time	−43%	+65%	577	+12%
Multiple Endings	−39%	+81%	6,481	+7%
Looter Shooter	−33%	+69%	713	+3%
Female Protagonist	−32%	+31%	5,041	+4%
Split Screen	−31%	+40%	472	+4%
Immersive	−28%	−7%	431	+1%
FMV	−28%	−26%	261	+96%
Difficult	−28%	+79%	2,386	+7%
Dating Sim	−26%	+30%	1,274	+6%
Co-op Campaign	−25%	+63%	648	+10%
Futuristic	−25%	+71%	3,823	+3%
Puzzle Platformer	−23%	+42%	2,511	+3%
Cute	−22%	+61%	10,774	+8%
Twin Stick Shooter	−21%	+120%	858	+2%

Steady (243)

Review volume and releases against the same months a year earlier. A tag up 20% or more says why it is not Rising. Each page has the monthly figures.

Grid-Based Movement+320% reviews · +113% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 85%
Wargame+220% reviews · +82% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 55%
Vehicular Combat+209% reviews · +80% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 72%
Hidden Object+195% reviews · +49% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 61%
Incremental+193% reviews · +217% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Class-Based+150% reviews · +161% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Nature+141% reviews · +78% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 54%
Dialogue Heavy+137% reviews · +73% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 54%
Idler+133% reviews · +242% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Creature Collector+126% reviews · +87% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 92%
Artificial Intelligence+115% reviews · +240% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Political Sim+107% reviews · +143% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Grand Strategy+106% reviews · +112% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Gambling+99% reviews · +194% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Escape Room+91% reviews · +3% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 51%
Strategy RPG+89% reviews · +74% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 60%
Collectathon+89% reviews · +129% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Stylized+84% reviews · +134% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Dogs+84% reviews · +87% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Destruction+80% reviews · +61% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 91%
Fishing+80% reviews · +105% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Automation+75% reviews · +249% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Faith+73% reviews · −9% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 60%
Team-Based+73% reviews · +170% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Underground+68% reviews · +139% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Cozy+66% reviews · +319% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Colorful+57% reviews · +79% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Tactical+56% reviews · +108% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Historical+55% reviews · +106% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Cartoony+55% reviews · +54% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 81%
Dark Comedy+52% reviews · +72% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Mining+49% reviews · +153% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Economy+48% reviews · +228% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Logic+48% reviews · +81% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Modern+45% reviews · +65% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Point & Click+45% reviews · +68% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
War+44% reviews · +126% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Turn-Based Tactics+44% reviews · +99% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Simulation+44% reviews · +121% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Spectacle fighter+44% reviews · +53% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Cooking+44% reviews · +97% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Resource Management+42% reviews · +246% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Replay Value+42% reviews · +122% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Early Access+41% reviews · +172% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Immersive Sim+41% reviews · +90% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Dungeon Crawler+41% reviews · +92% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Realistic+40% reviews · +44% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Satire+40% reviews · +78% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Relaxing+40% reviews · +102% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Magic+38% reviews · +70% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Text-Based+37% reviews · +163% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Medieval+37% reviews · +82% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Inventory Management+37% reviews · +135% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Cartoon+37% reviews · +52% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Short+37% reviews · +46% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Cats+36% reviews · +55% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Physics+36% reviews · +110% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Casual+34% reviews · +100% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Top-Down+34% reviews · +110% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Runner+34% reviews · +54% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Tutorial+33% reviews · +65% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Capitalism+33% reviews · +184% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Demons+33% reviews · +39% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Management+33% reviews · +162% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Stealth+32% reviews · +78% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Combat+31% reviews · +75% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Wholesome+31% reviews · +206% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Swordplay+30% reviews · +30% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 74%
Trading+30% reviews · +162% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Investigation+30% reviews · +116% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Arcade+30% reviews · +104% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
PvP+30% reviews · +139% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Supernatural+29% reviews · +41% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Mechs+29% reviews · +67% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Precision Platformer+28% reviews · +50% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Detective+28% reviews · +95% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Underwater+28% reviews · +158% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Cinematic+28% reviews · +56% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Sandbox+27% reviews · +107% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Dragons+27% reviews · +20% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 64%
Shoot 'em Up+27% reviews · +57% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Philosophical+26% reviews · +56% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Anime+26% reviews · +25% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 54%
PvE+25% reviews · +101% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Puzzle+25% reviews · +61% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Mystery+24% reviews · +63% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
1990's+24% reviews · +78% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Psychological Horror+24% reviews · +57% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Retro+24% reviews · +86% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Shooter+24% reviews · +65% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Funny+24% reviews · +73% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Real Time Tactics+23% reviews · +41% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Strategy+23% reviews · +120% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
3D Fighter+23% reviews · +7% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 85%
Auto Battler+22% reviews · +187% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Flight+22% reviews · +59% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Roguelite+22% reviews · +144% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Turn-Based Strategy+22% reviews · +111% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Score Attack+22% reviews · +162% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
3D Platformer+22% reviews · +27% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Choices Matter+22% reviews · +105% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Lovecraftian+21% reviews · +63% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Rhythm+21% reviews · +85% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Dark Humor+21% reviews · +82% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Parody+21% reviews · +74% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
3D+21% reviews · +71% paid releases
Not rising: releases grew faster
Mystery Dungeon+21% reviews · +9% paid releases
Not rising: one game drove 100%
2.5D+20% reviews · +85% paid releases
Survival+19% reviews · +107% paid releases
Time Manipulation+19% reviews · +41% paid releases
Walking Simulator+19% reviews · +43% paid releases
Card Game+18% reviews · +158% paid releases
Lore-Rich+18% reviews · +94% paid releases
Third-Person Shooter+18% reviews · +44% paid releases
Moddable+18% reviews · +117% paid releases
Narrative+18% reviews · +119% paid releases
Local Co-Op+18% reviews · +78% paid releases
Life Sim+18% reviews · +95% paid releases
Fantasy+17% reviews · +65% paid releases
Card Battler+17% reviews · +163% paid releases
Turn-Based Combat+17% reviews · +87% paid releases
Pixel Graphics+17% reviews · +81% paid releases
Sports+17% reviews · +66% paid releases
Design & Illustration+16% reviews · +2% paid releases
Isometric+15% reviews · +56% paid releases
Crafting+15% reviews · +73% paid releases
FPS+15% reviews · +43% paid releases
Conspiracy+15% reviews · +49% paid releases
Roguelike Deckbuilder+14% reviews · +134% paid releases
Gothic+14% reviews · +139% paid releases
Sexual Content+14% reviews · −4% paid releases
Building+14% reviews · +89% paid releases
Parkour+14% reviews · +25% paid releases
Roguelike+13% reviews · +128% paid releases
Co-op+13% reviews · +120% paid releases
Level Editor+13% reviews · +153% paid releases
Turn-Based+13% reviews · +95% paid releases
Online Co-Op+13% reviews · +150% paid releases
Multiplayer+12% reviews · +132% paid releases
RTS+12% reviews · +47% paid releases
Surreal+12% reviews · +39% paid releases
Dark+12% reviews · +71% paid releases
Action RTS+12% reviews · +29% paid releases
CRPG+11% reviews · +67% paid releases
Education+11% reviews · +65% paid releases
Minimalist+10% reviews · +129% paid releases
Driving+9% reviews · +78% paid releases
Survival Horror+9% reviews · +47% paid releases
Interactive Fiction+9% reviews · +54% paid releases
Base Building+8% reviews · +82% paid releases
Boomer Shooter+8% reviews · +66% paid releases
Old School+8% reviews · +80% paid releases
Indie+7% reviews · +91% paid releases
Cyberpunk+7% reviews · +185% paid releases
Action-Adventure+7% reviews · +41% paid releases
Farming Sim+7% reviews · +108% paid releases
Fast-Paced+7% reviews · +164% paid releases
Noir+7% reviews · +123% paid releases
Zombies+7% reviews · +27% paid releases
Family Friendly+7% reviews · +49% paid releases
Memes+7% reviews · +86% paid releases
Comedy+7% reviews · +96% paid releases
Singleplayer+6% reviews · +88% paid releases
Third Person+6% reviews · +38% paid releases
Visual Novel+6% reviews · +52% paid releases
Colony Sim+6% reviews · +107% paid releases
Science+6% reviews · +146% paid releases
JRPG+6% reviews · +6% paid releases
Dystopian+6% reviews · +75% paid releases
Voxel+6% reviews · +81% paid releases
Linear+5% reviews · +64% paid releases
Hentai+5% reviews · 0% paid releases
First-Person+5% reviews · +70% paid releases
God Game+4% reviews · +78% paid releases
Choose Your Own Adventure+4% reviews · +64% paid releases
Gore+4% reviews · +33% paid releases
RPG+4% reviews · +66% paid releases
Robots+4% reviews · +39% paid releases
Automobile Sim+4% reviews · +102% paid releases
Horror+4% reviews · +55% paid releases
Nudity+4% reviews · −9% paid releases
Aliens+3% reviews · +42% paid releases
Controller+3% reviews · +72% paid releases
Beat 'em up+3% reviews · +28% paid releases
Action+3% reviews · +74% paid releases
Abstract+2% reviews · +39% paid releases
Solitaire+1% reviews · +95% paid releases
Racing+1% reviews · +56% paid releases
Experimental+1% reviews · +18% paid releases
City Builder+1% reviews · +96% paid releases
Music+1% reviews · +53% paid releases
Dark Fantasy+1% reviews · +152% paid releases
Procedural Generation+1% reviews · +113% paid releases
Party-Based RPG0% reviews · +87% paid releases
2D Platformer0% reviews · +53% paid releases
VR0% reviews · +39% paid releases
Bullet Hell−1% reviews · +98% paid releases
1980s−1% reviews · +85% paid releases
2D Fighter−1% reviews · +51% paid releases
Post-apocalyptic−1% reviews · +66% paid releases
Violent−2% reviews · +68% paid releases
Adventure−2% reviews · +45% paid releases
Local Multiplayer−2% reviews · +87% paid releases
Atmospheric−2% reviews · +110% paid releases
Agriculture−2% reviews · +106% paid releases
Romance−2% reviews · +38% paid releases
Tower Defense−3% reviews · +128% paid releases
Emotional−3% reviews · +60% paid releases
Tactical RPG−4% reviews · +22% paid releases
Deckbuilding−4% reviews · +165% paid releases
Hack and Slash−4% reviews · +79% paid releases
Action Roguelike−4% reviews · +130% paid releases
Open World−4% reviews · +57% paid releases
Top-Down Shooter−4% reviews · +77% paid releases
Loot−5% reviews · +160% paid releases
Match 3−5% reviews · +17% paid releases
Typing−5% reviews · +128% paid releases
Sci-fi−6% reviews · +89% paid releases
LGBTQ+−7% reviews · +18% paid releases
Thriller−8% reviews · +51% paid releases
2D−8% reviews · +106% paid releases
Psychedelic−10% reviews · +26% paid releases
Perma Death−10% reviews · +90% paid releases
Exploration−10% reviews · +58% paid releases
Arena Shooter−10% reviews · +149% paid releases
Gun Customization−10% reviews · +51% paid releases
Time Management−10% reviews · +125% paid releases
Action RPG−11% reviews · +51% paid releases
Character Customization−13% reviews · +115% paid releases
Space Sim−14% reviews · +100% paid releases
Combat Racing−14% reviews · +70% paid releases
Side Scroller−14% reviews · +29% paid releases
Board Game−14% reviews · +113% paid releases
Tabletop−15% reviews · +110% paid releases
Psychological−15% reviews · +61% paid releases
Story Rich−15% reviews · +55% paid releases
Crime−17% reviews · +112% paid releases
4 Player Local−17% reviews · +75% paid releases
Mythology−17% reviews · +55% paid releases
Word Game−17% reviews · +90% paid releases
Space−18% reviews · +91% paid releases
Quick-Time Events−18% reviews · +76% paid releases
eSports−18% reviews · +23% paid releases

Too few to call

Under the rule's minimum in one of the two periods. Each page still has the monthly figures.

How this is measured

The rule. We compare the last 3 complete months with the same 3 months a year earlier, which takes out the season. Reviews are counted on the tag’s paid games only (free-to-play games have no monthly review history with us), so releases are counted the same way: paid releases. A tag needs at least 30 paid releases and 1,000 reviews in both periods, and no more than 50% of its releases in the two years free to play; otherwise it is “too few”. Rising: review volume up 20% or more, by at least as much as paid releases, and no more than 50% of that growth from a single game. Cooling: review volume down 20% or more. Anything else: Steady.

Reviews written is the Steam reviews posted in the month on the tag's paid games, of any age — the demand signal. Free-to-play games have no monthly review history with us, so they are not in it, and the rule compares it with paid releases. Releases are games that first went on sale that month (an Early Access game counts when it opened, not at 1.0). Both cover Oct 2024 to Sep 2026, the last complete month; a game carries many tags, so it counts in each.

We re-read a game's review history about once a week, so a game last read before Sep 2026 ended holds only part of that month. The review series therefore uses only the 80,421 games we re-read on or after Oct 1, 2026 — the same games in every month, so both sides of the comparison are alike — and leaves out 15 not re-read yet. Early in a month that is a smaller sample; each tag's page gives its own count.

Upcoming is the tag's coming-soon games today, and the change in their Steam followers over 30 days among those we read at both ends. Our follower history starts Jul 13, 2026, so there is no older change to compare with. Correlation only: a tag rising is a description, not a forecast.