SteamDB, the third-party database for tracking Valve and Steam updates, has released the Top Steam Releases of 2021 as decided by SteamDB’s rating algorithm. The top 10 games are as the following:
- Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
- Dyson Sphere Program
- Rhythm Doctor
- Firework
- Cookie Clicker
- The Room 4
- PowerWash Simulator
- Townscaper
- Tiny Bunny
- Before Your Eyes
It is interesting to see that two Chinese indie games made it into the top five of the list.
Dyson Sphere Program, the space simulation game developed by a five-person studio Youthcat, was an unexpected hit this year. The game rushed to the top of Steam’s Global Top Sellers within only one hour of its launch on January 21st, and it has maintained a 97% overwhelmingly positive review to this day.
Firework, a puzzling visual novel created by a one-person studio Shiying, was also phenomenal when it launched. The Chinese folklore-inspired detective story was narrated through mysterious graphics and creative interactives, bringing a fresh take on the visual novel genre for the Chinese gaming community. The TV adaption of the game is also in progress at the moment.
Both games are now localized into English; you can play them on Steam to have a look at some of the best modern indie games from China.