Slay the Spire 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Slay the Spire 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Phantom Blade Zero immediately tops over half a million concurrent Steam players, beating Silksong and Slay the Spire…
Phantom Blade Zero has achieved a massive launch on Steam, peaking at over 595,000 concurrent players shortly after release. This impressive number places it among the biggest launches of 2026 and in the top 20 games ever on Steam by player peak, surpassing titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Slay the Spire 2. The game is also receiving critical acclaim and is predicted to have sold over one million copies pre-launch.
Indies and original IP blew up in 2026
Research indicates a significant surge in indie games and original intellectual property (IP) success in 2026 compared to the previous year. Indie titles and new series comprised a larger portion of top-selling games, with some indie breakouts like Meccha Chameleon achieving massive sales figures. While AAA games maintained steady sales, the growth in the market is largely attributed to indie and AA studios experimenting with fresh ideas and franchises.
Xbox business manager says devs not using AI shouldn't "be in the business of being a business" – because he "vibe coded a bad but improvable game in 2 days"
Xbox business manager Brandon Stirrup stated that game developers not using generative AI should reconsider their business. Stirrup claims he created an improvable game in two days using 'vibe coding' and believes AI is essential for future development, asserting that studios refusing AI are not truly in the business of being a business. The article counters this by highlighting successful games like Palworld that did not heavily rely on AI.
Steam Hits New Milestone of Over 43 Million Concurrent Users
Steam, the PC-exclusive digital distribution platform, has set a new record with over 43.5 million concurrent users. This milestone surpasses its previous record set earlier this year. The platform has seen consistent growth, particularly since the COVID-19 lockdowns, with Valve's hardware efforts like the Steam Deck potentially contributing to its sustained user base.
Games Inbox: Is 2026 really the best year ever for video games?
Readers discuss whether 2026 could be the best year for video games, citing potential releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Ace Combat 8. Concerns are raised about the future cost of consoles from Sony and Microsoft, while PC gamers seek exclusive indie recommendations. The discussion also touches on potential DLC characters for Street Fighter 6 and the desire for remakes of classic titles like Final Fight and Cannon Fodder.
Steam on track to earn a record $20 billion this year thanks to games like The Witcher 3 Remastered and Wardogs, analyst…
Steam is projected to earn a record $20 billion in revenue this year, according to analyst firm Alinea Analytics. The platform saw a massive September, bringing in $1.6 billion, and is on track to surpass its previous yearly earnings. Major game releases like Wardogs and the remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt have contributed significantly to this success.
State of Indie 2026 Part 2: Economics and Pricing
Indie games generated between $3 billion and $4 billion in revenue in 2025, a significant increase from previous years, though their growth rate lagged behind the overall industry. The article examines the evolving economics of indie development, highlighting the rise of mid-tier developers with games priced between $20 and $60, and the continued success of ultra-budget titles targeting younger audiences.
I am here to save us all time by determining which of our most-played videogames would be more efficiently completed if…
This article explores how the hypothetical inclusion of firearms in games that do not typically feature them could impact completion times. Contributors analyze titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Dark Souls 3, Elden Ring, and Crusader Kings 2, debating whether guns would save time or introduce new complications.
Featuring a host of our favorite games from this year and 2 of our favorite gaming devices, you can now place your votes for the best in gaming in the Golden Joystick Awards 2026
The nominations for the 44th annual Golden Joystick Awards 2026 have been announced, with games like Resident Evil Requiem, Big Walk, and 007 First Light receiving multiple nods across 21 categories. Voting is open until October 23, and the winners will be revealed on November 11. This year's nominations are noted for their diversity, featuring both indie hits and AAA blockbusters.
State of Indie 2026 Part 1: Winners and Losers
The indie game landscape has shifted significantly since 2021, with AAA games experiencing a resurgence while many indie publishers have struggled. Genres requiring more skill and manpower, like open-world and Metroidvanias, are seeing higher returns due to less competition, while easier-to-make genres are oversaturated. Co-op games are increasingly popular, particularly among younger audiences, but success remains challenging, with a large percentage of indie games selling fewer than a thousand copies.
Slay the Spire 2 is back in action with a tease of its next zone
Developer Mega Crit has returned from its team break and teased new content for Slay the Spire 2. The studio is working on secret features, game modes, content, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements, including an alternate region for act two and a new character. A silhouette of a small, floating creature has been revealed as part of the upcoming content.
Why CD Projekt is Boosting Investment into Witcher Franchise
This article discusses how modern gaming habits favor short play sessions over long, uninterrupted ones. It highlights game design elements like natural play units, low re-entry costs, and constant saving as crucial for games to fit into brief windows of time, citing examples like roguelites and quick multiplayer matches.
Best Games to Play When You Only Have 30 Minutes
This article discusses how to find the best games for short play sessions, focusing on titles that can be enjoyed in 30-minute windows. It highlights genres like roguelites and certain multiplayer games, along with specific examples like Balatro, Rocket League, and Stardew Valley, emphasizing games with quick restarts, low re-entry costs, and constant saving.
PC Gaming Show Toyko Direct 2026 picks
The PC Gaming Show highlighted several upcoming titles, including the genre-mixed horror game Tenebris Somnia, the roguelike tactics game Wane, the multiplayer autobattler Piroker, and Hellcard II, a sequel to a multiplayer deckbuilder. Playtests are available for some titles.
After 894 hours in Slay the Spire 2, these are our 12 strongest opinions
Multiple editors share their opinions on Slay the Spire 2 after extensive playtime, discussing its strengths and weaknesses. While the game is praised for its popularity and deckbuilding mechanics, some critiques focus on Act 1's difficulty, the conservative nature of its mechanics, and specific boss designs like Aeonglass.
Steam Has Generated $15 Billion in Revenue in 2026 So Far, Says Analyst
Steam has generated $15 billion in revenue so far in 2026, according to analyst Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. Six new games, including Forza Horizon 6, Crimson Desert, and Resident Evil Requiem, contributed nearly $1 billion to this total. While established IPs dominate revenue, new IPs like Crimson Desert are showing significant success.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Steam Has Generated $15 Billion In Revenue So Far, And New Games Are A Big Part Of It
Steam has generated $15 billion in revenue so far in 2026, according to Rhys Elliot of Alinea Analytics. Top-selling games like Forza Horizon 6 and Crimson Desert contributed significantly, with new IPs making up 63% of the top 100 new games by gross revenue. Future releases like Phantom Blade Zero and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are expected to further boost Steam's earnings.
For an unhinged 84 minutes, Slay the Spire 2 expert contemplates 1 damage and explains a fight simulator built to solve…
YouTuber Jorbs, known for his expert Slay the Spire 2 analysis, has developed a complex fight simulator using machine learning to optimize in-game encounters. The tool, built in Sandbox, allows players to input cards and enemy data to calculate optimal play lines, though its complexity makes it impractical for most situations. Jorbs acknowledges the excessive nature of the tool but finds joy in the granular analysis and the pursuit of optimizing gameplay.
The people of video games on what gives them cause for hope
Industry professionals share their reasons for optimism despite current challenges, highlighting the resilience of game developers, the innovation within the indie scene, the growing cultural impact of games, and the enduring passion of players. They emphasize community support, creative freedom, and the potential for new ideas to emerge from difficult times, suggesting a bright future for the medium.
