Backlog Field Notes
Preview · figures illustrativeGaming backlogs
by the numbers.
Source · Public Steam library dataset (Kaggle, 2025) — preview
The unplayed pile
Bought, never launched.
n = — · Kaggle Steam 2025
68%of every 100 games owned
Played at least onceNever launched
Library size
The median backlog is bigger than you think.
n = — · Kaggle Steam 2025
Owned games per library
Median user32
Top 10%240+
Top 1%1,100+
Most abandoned
Bought by everyone, played by nobody.
n = — · Kaggle Steam 2025
Share of owners who never launched it
01
Game A — bundle staple72%
02
Game B — sale impulse68%
03
Game C — gifted bundle63%
04
Game D — long-tail RPG59%
05
Game E — strategy classic55%
Where the hours go
A handful of games eats most of the hours.
n = — · Kaggle Steam 2025
Share of total hours played
31%
22%
27%
20%
Top game per library31%
Games ranked #2–#322%
Games ranked #4–#1027%
Everything else owned20%
Method
Source
Public Steam libraries (Kaggle, 2025)
Unplayed
Owned, zero recorded playtime
Caveat
Public profiles skew more engaged