The Walking Trade

What this shows: Wishlist rankings indicate pre-launch demand and commercial potential. Games climbing this chart (lower numbers = better) demonstrate growing anticipation. A top 20 wishlist position typically predicts strong launch-day sales. Watch for acceleration in the final 4-8 weeks before release—games maintaining momentum often exceed revenue expectations. For investors, wishlist trends can signal which upcoming titles will drive next quarter's performance. Sudden ranking improvements often follow major announcements, gameplay reveals, or beta access periods.

What this shows: Google Search trends reveal public awareness and interest over time, independent of Steam metrics. Spikes indicate moments when the game captured mainstream attention—typically around announcements, trailers, beta releases, or launch day. Compare search interest to follower growth to gauge whether marketing efforts are reaching beyond the existing gaming community. For unreleased games, rising search volume suggests effective promotional campaigns. For released games, sustained search interest months after launch indicates lasting cultural relevance. Investors should note: viral search moments don't always translate to sales, but they do indicate brand awareness that could drive future DLC or sequel success. This data helps answer "Is anyone talking about this game outside of core gaming circles?"