Smite, the third-person multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) developed by Hi-Rez Studios, has been captivating players since its release in 2014. With its unique mythological theme and dynamic third-person perspective, Smite stands out in a genre dominated by top-down MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2. Over the years, Smite has built a loyal fan base, with its player count fluctuating but maintaining a steady presence on platforms like Steam. The Steam Charts, which track real-time and historical player data, offer valuable insights into the game’s popularity, growth, and potential for the future.
In this article, we will explore Smite’s performance on Steam Charts, examining its trends, key factors driving player engagement, and how it has maintained its relevance in the competitive MOBA landscape.
A Brief Overview of Smite
Before diving into the Steam Charts data, it’s essential to understand what makes Smite unique in the world of MOBAs. Unlike most games in the genre, which feature a top-down camera view, Smite places players directly in the action with a third-person perspective. Players control gods and mythological figures from various pantheons—Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, Chinese, and more—as they battle in team-based modes, primarily the iconic 5v5 Conquest mode.
Smite’s blend of action and strategy, combined with its mythological theme, has allowed it to carve out a distinct identity in the MOBA genre. Its relatively approachable learning curve compared to other MOBAs has helped attract a diverse audience, from casual players to hardcore competitors.
Understanding Steam Charts
Steam Charts is a platform that tracks the number of active players in real time for games on the Steam platform. It provides a range of data, including current player counts, historical trends, peak concurrent players, and month-to-month growth or decline. For games like Smite, Steam Charts offers a valuable lens into how the player base evolves over time, allowing us to see the impact of new updates, patches, and events.
While Smite is available on multiple platforms—including PlayStation, Xbox, and its own launcher—the Steam Charts data gives a focused look at the game’s performance specifically among PC players using Steam.
Smite’s Performance on Steam Charts: A Historical Perspective
Since its release on Steam in 2015, Smite has had a fluctuating but generally positive performance on the platform. In its early years, the game saw consistent growth, attracting a dedicated player base who appreciated its unique take on the MOBA genre. At its peak in the mid-2010s, Smite consistently attracted tens of thousands of concurrent players daily on Steam, a strong showing for a game competing with MOBA giants like League of Legends and Dota 2.
According to Steam Charts, Smite hit some of its highest player counts during major events, such as the release of new gods or significant updates. For example, the launch of new pantheons or gameplay modes often coincided with noticeable spikes in player activity. Major updates that reworked key systems—such as the Season 7 and Season 8 updates—also saw corresponding increases in players as Hi-Rez introduced significant changes to refresh the game’s core mechanics.
However, like most games, Smite has experienced periods of decline. Over time, many online games face challenges in retaining players, and Smite is no exception. Certain months show a dip in active players, especially during quieter periods when no major updates or events are happening. That said, Smite has demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back with each new season or substantial patch, keeping the player base engaged.
Factors Influencing Smite’s Steam Player Counts
Several factors influence Smite’s player count fluctuations on Steam Charts. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key drivers behind these trends.
1. New God Releases
Smite’s primary hook is its roster of gods and mythological figures from different pantheons. Each god release brings unique abilities, playstyles, and visual designs, which are highly anticipated by the community. When a new god is released, Smite typically sees a surge in player numbers as both new and returning players log in to try out the latest addition. Gods like Cthulhu, Shiva, and Mulan generated particular buzz due to their iconic status in popular culture or mythology, driving significant player engagement.
2. Seasonal Events and Battle Passes
Like many modern online games, Smite employs a battle pass system and seasonal events to keep players engaged. These events often introduce exclusive skins, limited-time game modes, and other rewards that incentivize players to return to the game. During these periods, Smite tends to see a noticeable uptick in player activity as players seek to complete the battle pass or participate in event-specific content.
3. Major Gameplay Updates
Smite’s player base often reacts strongly to large-scale gameplay changes, particularly those that impact the competitive meta. Significant updates, such as the reworking of items, major balance adjustments, or the introduction of new game modes, typically lead to a spike in player counts. For instance, the launch of Season 8, which revamped the Conquest map and introduced new gameplay mechanics, saw a boost in concurrent players as both casual and competitive players logged in to experience the new changes.
4. E-sports and Competitive Scene
Smite has a dedicated competitive scene, with annual events like the Smite World Championship (SWC) drawing in viewers and players alike. While the game’s e-sports presence is not as massive as that of League of Legends or Dota 2, it remains a key driver of engagement. During major tournaments, Smite sees an increase in player count as fans of the competitive scene log in to practice or participate in ranked play.
5. Platform Cross-Play
One of Smite’s strengths is its cross-platform play. In 2019, Hi-Rez introduced full cross-play functionality across all platforms, allowing players on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch to play together. This feature helped boost the player base, as it eliminated barriers between communities on different platforms. Although Steam Charts only tracks PC players, cross-play has undoubtedly had a positive effect on overall player engagement.
Trends and Challenges on Steam Charts
While Smite continues to maintain a steady player base on Steam, it is not immune to the challenges that many online games face over time. Some of the key trends and challenges include:
1. Seasonal Fluctuations
Like many live-service games, Smite experiences seasonal fluctuations in player activity. During peak times—such as the release of a new season or a major event—the game sees a noticeable surge in players. However, in between these high points, the player base can experience a lull. This is typical for many online games, and Smite’s overall trend remains positive, with the game bouncing back during each content drop.
2. Competition in the MOBA Genre
The MOBA genre is highly competitive, with League of Legends and Dota 2 continuing to dominate the scene. Smite’s unique third-person perspective helps it stand out, but it still competes for attention with these massive titles. Player count dips during the release of major updates for these other games, as some players temporarily shift their focus to other MOBAs.
3. Player Retention
One of the biggest challenges Smite faces is retaining players over the long term. As with any multiplayer game, keeping the experience fresh is crucial for player retention. Hi-Rez Studios has implemented battle passes, events, and frequent updates to address this issue, but the challenge of player churn remains an ongoing struggle.
Smite’s Future on Steam Charts
Smite has demonstrated remarkable longevity in an increasingly crowded gaming landscape. While its player count on Steam may not reach the heights of other MOBAs, its consistent updates, loyal player base, and unique gameplay keep it relevant. Hi-Rez’s commitment to releasing new gods, balance changes, and seasonal content ensures that the game remains fresh for both new and returning players.
Looking forward, Smite’s future on Steam Charts appears bright. With a steady stream of new content, ongoing e-sports support, and the growing influence of cross-platform play, Smite is well-positioned to maintain its presence in the MOBA genre for years to come.
In conclusion, Smite’s performance on Steam Charts reflects a game that has found its niche and continues to evolve. While it faces challenges like player retention and competition, its unique approach to the MOBA formula has helped it maintain a dedicated community. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, Smite’s ongoing updates and events ensure there’s always something new to experience in the Battleground of the Gods.