Ball x Pit Defies Gravity, Charts, and Borderland 4’s Explosive Launch
2025 has been an incredible year for indie games, with highly anticipated titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Blue Prince being delightful surprises. Surprisingly, a new game called Ball x Pit has become another indie title that launched and immediately rocketed up the Steam charts. So, how did this obscure indie title manage such a stunning debut?
Ball x Pit Takes Steam by Storm
One can find the answer in the combination of timing, price, and pure addictive fun. Originally, the sixth best-selling game on Steam was Kenny Sun’s indie hit, until it dipped slightly from its peak position. At one point, the game was outselling the behemoth known as EA Sports FC 26. Although this feat can be considered impressive anywhere, it feels almost mythical in the UK, as the country is known for its fondness for the series formerly known as FIFA. Ultimately, the game’s immediate appeal is best exemplified by its ability to eclipse such a cultural institution, even if it was momentarily.
Currently, Ball x Pit sits just below the latest EA Sports FC, but it hasn’t lost momentum as it continues to outsell other major releases. While the game charts eleven places higher than Borderlands 4, it sits significantly above the acclaimed Hades 2. Granted, both games have an out, as they didn’t recently launch like Sun’s indie title did. However, this newcomer being able to outlast both FC and Hades 2 despite their brand recognition is still impressive. That said, what is given this little indie such a powerful and lasting punch against gaming’s titans?
A Revenue Riddle Wrapped in a Pit
It seems that Steam’s ranking of best-sellers holds the secret, as the chart reflects revenue, not just unit sales. This approach makes Ball x Pit‘s success even more remarkable. Right now, players can purchase the game for a mere $14.99, which is significantly cheaper than its competitors. Even with Borderlands 4‘s recent and somewhat surprising 20 percent discount, the indie game costs a fraction of that price. Given the game’s affordability, it shows evidence that its ranking isn’t influenced by impulse purchases.
Furthermore, PC players aren’t the only ones who can enjoy Ball x Pit, as it’s available on multiple consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, and landed on Game Pass on day one. For players who got completely sucked into it at launch, they can better explain the game’s magnetic pull. With its simple yet complex premise, the game becomes the very definition of an “oh, go on then, just one more run” experience. Just by looking at its devilishly clever design reveals why players got hooked; that and its easy-to-learn, difficult-to-master gameplay.
A New Indie Legend is Born
Despite these strong sales, Ball x Pit’s concurrent player count has not yet reached the stratospheric heights of giants like Silksong or Megabonk. Only eight indie games have shattered the 100,000 concurrent player mark on Steam this year alone, which is a record. So, what’s the likelihood that Sun’s new game can become the ninth title on that prestigious list?
