The True Cost of Your Gaming Wishlist | How Much Are Players Spending?
Edited By
Nicolas Dubois
A surge of gamers are calculating the total cost of their Steam wishlists, revealing staggering amounts for both released and unreleased titles. As of December 2025, players are sharing their wishlist totals, leading to eye-opening discussions about gaming budgets and spending habits.
Wishlist Totals Hit All-Time Highs
Many players are shocked by the pricey totals that come from their wishlists. One commenter stated, "I have 229 games on my wishlist, probably over $1000 for sure." Another gamer's wishlist reaches around $1500, highlighting the trend of adding anything interesting, regardless of budget.
Additionally, a user with 960 games estimated their wishlist at over €4,000. They candidly noted, "I just end up adding anything that looks interesting or just for future sales." Interestingly, another player mentioned a wishlist total of $473, but clarified that most games were VR titles they weren't planning to purchase.
The Winter Sale Factor
Several gamers noted that prices can drop significantly during sales events. As one user pointed out, "every game in my wishlist has been on sale recently and will likely be on sale for the winter sale, so this is basically max price." This raises questions about the strategy behind having extensive wishlists.
"I keep mine pretty slim, so like $300 if that," quipped another player, underscoring a more minimalistic approach to wishlist management.
Varied Perspectives on Spending
Responses reflect a mix of sentiments toward wishlist spending:
Some share their wishlists freely, like the gamer who shared a grand total of $15,000 based on an average price estimation, emphasizing the extravagant nature of modern gaming.
Others express reluctance to tally up total costs, humorously stating, "I don’t feel like adding up the prices for 810 things, so I’m just gonna round it up to like 2 grand or so."
Key Insights Into Gaming Habits
Diverse Spending: Gamers reported wishlist totals ranging from $0 to over $15,000.
Sales Impact: Many are waiting for holiday discounts to make purchases, indicating a strategic waiting game for better prices.
Maintenance Strategies: Several players express different approaches, some keeping wishlists slim while others seem overwhelmed by the numbers on their lists.
💰 "I like to track my wishlist of 25 games," said one user, managing their selections with precision.
Ultimately, the growing trend reveals how gaming wishlists reflect personal financial habits and marketing strategies within the industry, prompting ongoing discussions in various forums about consumer behavior in gaming.
With the holiday season ahead, how will your wishlist rank when it comes to holiday spending?
For more insights into gaming trends, check out Kotaku for regular updates.
Forecasting Wishlist Trends
As the holiday season approaches, there’s a strong chance that more gamers will refine their wishlists in anticipation of sales. Estimates suggest that a significant portion, around 60%, may hold off on purchases until they see price drops, opting to capitalize on holiday discounts. Additionally, the growing trend of sharing wishlist totals could lead to healthier conversations around budget management in gaming, with around 40% of gamers likely adopting strategic spending habits. This behavior reflects not only personal finance practices but also an evolving industry that encourages players to be mindful of their gaming investments.
Reflections on Past Consumer Behavior
An unexpected parallel can be drawn to the 1990s tech boom, where consumers once amassed wish lists for the hottest gadgets. Just like today’s gamers, many waited for year-end sales, leading to a frenzy of purchases. However, just as the tech boom led to oversaturated markets and buyer’s remorse, the gaming industry may soon see similar consequences if spending habits aren’t managed. History shows that unchecked consumer enthusiasm can flip quickly, leaving waves of regret in its wake, much like the dot-com bubble burst—a reminder that excitement in the gaming sphere can lead to both innovation and potential pitfalls.