Nexus Mods acquires SteamDB

Nexus Mods, the world's largest mod-sharing platform, has announced that it has acquired SteamDB, an independent database focused on Steam. In a news post on its website, Nexus Mods described SteamDB as one of the most trusted resources in PC gaming and said the community-led site will operate as it always has while becoming stronger and better resourced.

SteamDB was launched in 2013 by two hobbyists known as Marlamin and xPaw. As it grew, maintaining the site became increasingly difficult. xPaw, who eventually became solely responsible for managing it, began looking for someone who could provide the resources, development capacity, and long-term stability he couldn't offer on his own. Nexus Mods said it shares many values with SteamDB, noting that both were built for large communities of hardcore PC gamers.

SteamDB tracks player counts, price history, updates, and other data for the entire Steam catalog. For Nexus Mods, the ability to see which version of a particular game players are modding was particularly appealing, as updates often break mods. The database's extensive historical records should help with ongoing development.

SteamDB will keep its name and won't change much in the short term. The main changes will be behind the scenes, with a dedicated team eventually managing the database and improving its infrastructure, security, and scalability. SteamDB has traditionally relied on donated Steam keys to track game files, and while community contributions remain important, Nexus Mods will also start funding keys itself.

In a separate statement, xPaw reassured users that SteamDB is in good hands. He said the goal is to invest in the project and help it survive, not change what makes it special. He also pointed to the rise of AI in a post-COVID world as a factor in the decline of 'the internet we once loved' and his own passion for continuing. xPaw said he has full confidence the team will keep improving the project for gamers, developers, and publishers alike, and he will assist with a smooth transition in the coming months.