The Asia-Pacific region (APAC) – led by Japan, China, and Korea – is “the dominant region relating to builders, publishers, and customers” of Souls-like video games.
That is based on knowledge supplied from Video Sport Insights, in a report which “explores the growth of Souls-like as a subgenre” of video games launched since January 2015.
VGI analysed the recognition of Souls-likes by taking a look at its subgenre tag on Steam.
Whereas the Souls-like style is widespread globally, VGI discovered that between 2020 and 2025 sport improvement on Souls-like video games “shifted closely in direction of APAC” – particularly when taking a look at models offered.
Nearly all of growth in models offered on Steam in the APAC region is led by AA and AAA titles, with Black Delusion: Wukong topping its chart at 20.3 million models.
Elden Ring got here in second at 15.6 million models, adopted by Monster Hunter: World with 13 million models. Darkish Souls 3 and Hades rounded out the Prime 5 at 9.1 million and eight.4 million models, respectively.
VGI famous that since 2015, unit gross sales of Souls-likes on Steam had been initially led by AAA studios, however “misplaced floor to AA builders in 2017” earlier than “rapidly regaining dominance.”
AAA titles accounted for nearly three-quarters of gross sales in 2024, which grew to 70% in 2025.
Wanting on the rise of Souls-likes, VGI discovered that 2019 was the height 12 months for Souls-like video games, led by Hades, Code Vein, and Blasphemous alongside AAA video games resembling Sekiro.
The subgenre slowed between 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Nioh 2 being the one main launch.
Souls-like video games grew to become “mainstream” from 2022 to the current day, with Elden Ring and Black Delusion: Wukong alongside a rising affect from Chinese language builders, publishers, and gamers driving the subgenre’s recognition even additional.
Elsewhere, VGI additionally analysed the frequency of video games tagged with Souls-like on Steam.
It discovered there was a 41% enhance in titles launched since 2015 tagged as Souls-like between 2023 (263 video games) and 2024 (371 video games).
In accordance with the information analytics agency, the increase in video games tagged was initially pushed by indie titles, with AA and AAA video games remaining “comparatively regular over time.”
“Total, the information highlights a transparent transition of Souls-like video games from an AA-led innovation section to widespread adoption and funding by AAA publishers,” mentioned VGI.
As for participant distribution, VGI discovered that Chinese language avid gamers of Souls-like titles are driving the style.
The nation accounts for almost half of all gamers (47%), adopted by america at 23% and Germany at 5%.
Russia and Canada maintain shares of 5% and 4% respectively, and the remaining 15% is unfold throughout different areas.
“What started as a distinct segment subgenre outlined by FromSoftware’s distinct imaginative and prescient has advanced into a worldwide pillar of sport design, now firmly embraced by AAA publishers whereas nonetheless nourished by creative indie studios,” mentioned VGI.
“The style has demonstrated outstanding endurance, surviving moments of stagnation and reworking right into a mainstream class with breakout successes resembling Elden Ring and Black Delusion: Wukong.”
It continued: “Wanting forward, the continued urge for food for difficult, skill-based gameplay means that Souls-likes will persist as a artistic proving floor, shaping fight programs, narrative design, and participant engagement methods throughout the broader gaming trade.”
The information analytics agency additionally highlighted the significance of the APAC region in boosting the sub-genre’s recognition in latest years.
“Japan established the inspiration, however China and Korea have quickly scaled their affect, each as artistic hubs and as important shopper markets,” it mentioned.
“China, in explicit, now accounts for almost half of the worldwide participant base, that means the long-term viability of any main Souls-like [game] typically hinges on its capability to captivate Chinese language audiences.”