Steam Deck Continues to Dominate with Developer Support and Top Games in January

Steam Deck gains strong developer support while GOG prepares native Linux app and top January games shine.

Hardware by Tanvir Kabbo on Feb 11, 2026

The Game Developers Conference just wrapped up, and every year they release a state-of-the-industry report that surveys as many developers as possible.

This year, they talked to 2,300 developers. Among those surveyed, 40% said the Steam Deck is the platform they are most interested in developing for. This isn’t just PC in general—they specifically pointed out the Steam Deck. That puts it at third on the list, tied with the PS5 and PS5 Pro.

Steam Deck, Continues to Dominate, with Developer Support, Top Games in January, NoobFeed

It’s interesting because the Steam Deck isn’t lumped in with PC as a whole, while the PS5 Pro is combined with the PS5. Although the PS5 Pro requires boutique optimization and PSSR due to its slightly different technology, this likely reflects Sony's influence.

That 40% number is one percentage point ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2, which sits at 39%. Even though the Switch 2 has sold around 30 million units, many developers are noticing that it doesn’t necessarily move as many game copies as expected.

Many gamers skip certain new releases, even if they are highly anticipated. For example, some fans skipped Metroid Prime 4 despite high excitement.

Nintendo game reviews often give scores that are two points too high. If you see a 7 or 8, it can mean the game isn't as good as it could be. Developers are paying attention to these trends, which is why they are prioritizing the Steam Deck. People who play games on the Steam Deck tend to spend a lot of time doing so, so targeting this platform is a good idea.

Around 30% of the creators we talked to are already making games for the Steam Deck, and another 10% say they would prefer to distribute their next games on that platform. This is the best possible situation: dedicated users want to buy games, and creators are motivated to make their games work better on the platform.

In comparison, developers only liked platforms like ROG Ally 7% of the time. Despite sales numbers, the Steam Deck’s strong community and developer support make it a standout option.

GOG Launching Native Linux App

A popular PC storefront is finally getting a native Linux app, meaning it will work seamlessly on both the Steam Deck and the upcoming Steam Machine. That platform is GOG, known for supporting DRM-free games and optimizing older titles.

In the past, Steam has done a good job of adding new games but not so good at keeping existing ones up to date. To run, many older games required workarounds, such as manually dragging files into folders. This was especially true for games that used services that were no longer supported, like Windows Live.

GOG, on the other hand, makes sure that older games work well on new hardware while still giving you the best experience. Examples include the original Resident Evil trilogy, which is now available with polished PC ports that run smoothly.

Previously, Linux users relied on Heroic Game Launcher or Lutris to access GOG titles. While Lutris can be complicated, Heroic Game Launcher simplifies the process. A native Linux app from GOG is a major improvement, even if you need to continue using Heroic Game Launcher temporarily.

Despite some controversies regarding AI-generated art and hiring practices, the launch of a native Linux app is positive. GOG’s founder recently acquired the platform independently from CD Projekt Red and has positioned it as a standalone competitor in the marketplace. DRM-free support may create limitations for certain new titles, like those using Denuvo, but overall, this development enhances accessibility for Linux gamers.

Top 10 Most Played Games on Steam Deck in January

The latest numbers reveal which games are dominating the Steam Deck this January.

Mega Ball: This game has a dedicated fanbase, and players are highly engaged, making it the top title.

Stardew Valley: Many people purchased the Steam Deck primarily to play this game. It offers deep systems similar to Animal Crossing but with more complexity and longevity.

Baldur's Gate 3: Even if I don't like CRPGs, this game is always popular. It has a lot of complicated systems and dice-roll mechanics that keep people coming back.

Hades 2: It's better than Hades 1 in every way, and it has an addicting roguelike experience.

Fallout 4: This legendary RPG is still going strong because of its huge world, crafting, and mods that the community makes.

Slay the Spire: It is a card-based strategy game that keeps you interested while testing your problem-solving skills.

Ball X Pit: It is a roguelike game that is quite fun to play and doesn't use up a lot of battery power, making it great for playing on the go.

Vampire Survivors: It keeps players interested with its simple but fun mechanics.

Arc Raiders: A multiplayer game demonstrating that Unreal Engine 5 titles can run well on the Steam Deck, offering a smooth experience for fans.

Cult of the Lamb: Following performance improvements, this game maintains a loyal player base and continues to receive expansions.

The mix of old and new titles shows a healthy ecosystem for the Steam Deck. Players like experiences that are optimized, long battery life, and games that are easy to pick up and play at any moment.

Looking Ahead

The Steam Deck is still one of the best handheld gaming devices since it has a lot of games, developer support, and a strong community. The Steam Machine and Steam Frame are both interesting new pieces of hardware, but the Steam Deck's popularity means that it will stay an important platform for both developers and players.

The ecosystem is stronger than ever now that additional stores are opening and Linux support is coming online.

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