Nexus Mods acquires SteamDB, PC gaming's go-to data tracking resource

Nexus Mods has acquired SteamDB, PC gaming's #1 go-to resource for per-game player estimates, sales, and more.

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Mod-hosting site and PC gaming backbone Nexus Mods has acquired data-tracking site SteamDB. This deal sees two of PC gaming's most valuable community-driven resources being under the purview of the same group, and one critical distinction between them is that Nexus Mods runs ads on its site whereas SteamDB doesn't.

This was addressed by the new owners in the FAQ: "SteamDB needs to make money. While we could simply put ads on the website, we don't think that's the right approach here. So we'll be looking at other, lighter-touch ways to make the website sustainable."

Nexus Mods also makes an interesting case that SteamDB's wealth of metadata and information could help modders keep up to date with specific game builds and updates while also opening up other interesting opportunities for build-specific mod creations.

There are no plans to just integrate SteamDB into Nexus Mods, and SteamDB will keep its own branding and image. The main changes are happening where users can't see them--behind the scenes--as SteamDB transitions from an effective one-man operation to a team-based effort.

SteamDB's co-creator xPaw had this to say about the decision:

Frequently Asked Questions

Open a question for an answer from TweakTown's coverage of this news, or ask your own below.

Question #1

Will SteamDB remain a separate, ad-free site after the Nexus Mods acquisition?

Yes. The article says there are no plans to integrate SteamDB into Nexus Mods and SteamDB will keep its own branding and image. Nexus Mods’ FAQ also states they do not intend to put ads on SteamDB and will pursue "other, lighter-touch ways" to make the site sustainable.

Question #2

What reasons did Nexus Mods give for not immediately placing ads on SteamDB?

They said SteamDB needs to make money but that simply putting ads on the site is not the right approach, so they will pursue other, lighter-touch ways to make the website sustainable.

Question #3

How will SteamDB’s operation change now that it’s moving from a one-man project to a team?

The operation will shift from a single maintainer to a team handling the site, with changes mainly behind the scenes rather than in branding or integration with Nexus Mods. The acquisition aims to give SteamDB more resources, greater development capacity, and long-term stability while keeping SteamDB itself unchanged for users. Nexus Mods says they will avoid simply adding ads and will pursue other lighter-touch ways to make the site sustainable.

Question #4

Will SteamDB keep its current branding and user-facing features after the acquisition?

Yes. The primary article states there are no plans to integrate SteamDB into Nexus Mods and that SteamDB will keep its own branding and image. SteamDB's co-creator said the goal is not to change what makes the project special and that "SteamDB will continue to be SteamDB."

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"What mattered most to me was finding a team that understands what it means to be responsible for something the community depends on, and that shares my belief in building useful tools for gamers.

"SteamDB will continue to be SteamDB. The goal is not to change what makes the project special, but to give it the resources, development capacity and long-term stability that I could no longer provide alone.

"I have full confidence the team will be able to continue improving the project for gamers, developers and publishers alike."