Top 10 free games on Steam

The evolution of the world of video games towards the free-to-play model has meant that popular online shops for gamers such as Steam now have huge catalogues of these types of games. The business model has changed and this, in addition to new business opportunities, also brings new educational opportunities, so let's take a brief look at 10 of the best free-to-play games on Steam!

What is Steam and what kind of games does it offer?

Steam has established itself as a complete ecosystem for gamers, something that was consolidated with the launch of its brand new Steam Deck. This online video game shop was founded in September 2003 by Valve, and has managed to completely revolutionise the way many of us purchase and play video games.

With more than 40,000 titles available, from independent studio productions to major triple-A releases, Steam's catalogue is one of the most attractive. This is why students like those on our Degree in Design and Development of Video Games and Virtual Environments will find Steam to be an inexhaustible library of resources that become valuable study material on current trends, gameplay, and even new monetisation strategies.

In addition, tools such as Steamworks, which makes it easier for developers to publish and distribute their own games, turn this platform into a learning and professional development space for video game creators.

The 10 best free games on Steam

Steam's catalogue of free and free-to-play games offers endless possibilities, which guarantees options for all kinds of tastes. Playing them, and doing so without having to pay for them, becomes an excellent resource for students of videogame design and development degrees, as well as for students of the CFGS - 3D Animation - games and interactive environments, learning how they are designed and being inspired to create their own.

Warframe

Warframe is an excellent case study if you are interested in how to make a game maintain its appeal over time through constant updates without losing its identity.

The complexity of this shooter's customisation system and the depth of its narrative universe offer countless opportunities to explore game system design and world building.

The Sims™ 4 

This revamped life simulator classic allows players to create and control people in a virtual world, and is perfect for students interested in designing complex interaction systems and simulating everyday life.

The enormous creative freedom afforded to the player in character design and environment construction is an excellent testing ground for experimenting with virtual architecture, character psychology and storytelling.

DOTA 2

The best example of how to keep a MOBA(Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) in top form for over a decade, as it is a perfect example of balance and character design. With over 125 unique heroes, each with their own set of skills, the game demonstrates the importance of diversity and specialisation in its design.

In addition, the management of in-game economy and the strategic importance of each map element are aspects that can inspire those looking to create deep and infinitely replayable gameplay experiences.

Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is a great opportunity to learn about designing missions that encourage collaboration, developing an ever-expanding world, and implementing progression systems that keep players engaged over time.

Apex Legends

This game is perfect if you want to learn how to design for maximum inclusivity and accessibility, as well as balancing unique character abilities in a highly competitive environment. The constant evolution of the map and the introduction of new legends keep the game fresh and offer lessons on how to retain the most demanding players .

Overwatch 2

In this case, we find another very good example of how to design characters and maps in video games to keep the gaming community engaged. Overwatch 2 focuses on balancing unique skills in a team environment with the aim of encouraging cooperation and strategy. And if you've tried the first Overwatch, the transition to this sequel is a great way to discover how to evolve a game while maintaining its essence.

Call of Duty: Warzone

This free-to-play version has not only been crowned one of the best free-to-play games on Steam, but it is a true example of how to manage an active community, implement attractive progression systems and balance competitive play. It is also one of the best schools of thought today when it comes to understanding the importance of cosmetics and battle passes when it comes to monetising this type of video game.

Lost Ark

This MMORPG ( Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) combines exploration, combat and narrative in a massive open world. You can learn valuable lessons about how to design engaging quests, how to create fantasy worlds and how to devise cooperative gameplay systems that engage gamers.

In addition, the various character customisation options enrich the gaming experience.

Undawn

Finding video games like these, which combine the survival genre with elements of building, co-operation and combat in a post-apocalyptic world design, is real gold dust for our students.

To play Undawn is to learn how to create an immersive gaming experience that encourages players to build shelters and defend against threats by working closely together to do so.

Summoner's War: Chronicles

And we close this list of the best free games for Steam with another MMORPG, one that offers a deep gameplay experience that combines monster collecting and evolution with daunting world exploration .

Playing Summoner's War: Chronicles, in addition to hours and hours of entertainment, can provide quality lessons in the design of combat systems based on different combinations of monsters, as well as the importance of strategy in team building and resource leveling.

No matter which genre you prefer, you can learn great things from all of them to apply to your own projects. But as well as letting yourself be carried away by their stories, be sure to pay attention to the details!