Can developers pay to rank higher?

No. Trending scores are calculated from public data using transparent weights. See our methodology for the exact formula.

What is the difference between spotlight and trending?

Spotlight is an editorial feature for games we recommend. Trending is a data-driven ranking based on player activity, sales, and momentum. Spotlight games do not get trending score boosts.

Do review keys affect rankings?

No. Review keys give us early access but do not change trending scores or data-driven placements. Rankings are calculated from Steam API data, not editorial decisions.

Editorial Policy

Last updated: August 10, 2025

We focus on clear, verifiable information. Game data comes from public Steam sources and our own processing. We do not sell placement and we do not take payments to boost rankings.

Core Principles

Data Driven: Rankings are calculated from measurable signals using transparent weights. See our methodology page for exact formulas.
No Paid Placement: Trending scores cannot be purchased. If a game ranks high, it is because the underlying data (player counts, reviews, rankings) supports it.
Independence: Editorial decisions and data analysis are separate from any partnerships or sponsorships.
Transparency: All data is sourced from public Steam APIs. See our data sources page for details.

Reviews

We accept review and preview keys from developers and publishers. When we review a game, we clearly state the review type (full review, early impressions, etc.) and how much we played. If a game is unfinished or in Early Access, we share our progress to give proper context.

Reviews get a badge on game cards but do not affect trending scores or data-driven rankings. All reviews remain independent opinions.

Spotlight Feature

Our homepage spotlight feature promotes games we believe deserve more attention. Spotlight placement is editorial and free. Developers can recommend their games through our contact page, but inclusion is based on our assessment of quality and fit.

Spotlight games do not receive trending score boosts. They appear in a separate promotional section and are clearly marked as featured content.

Embargoes

We honor embargo dates and standard NDA terms that do not restrict our ability to share honest opinions. If embargo terms conflict with our editorial independence, we decline coverage.

Corrections

Found an error? Email contact@trendingnow.games or use our contact page with the game link and what needs fixing. We correct verified errors and timestamp the update.

Data errors are usually caused by incorrect information from Steam's API. If Steam's data is wrong, we reflect that and do not invent corrections. If you have a reliable public source, include it in your report.

How Rankings Work

Our trending scores are calculated using weighted factors from Steam's public APIs. The methodology page breaks down exact weights (30% top sellers, 30% growth velocity, etc.) and bonuses. The data sources page details where each piece of information comes from.

You can verify our data by cross-referencing with SteamDB, Steam Charts, and VG Insights. Top seller and wishlist positions should match Steam's official lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Press Contact

For press inquiries, partnerships, or general questions: contact@trendingnow.games

See our contact page for more ways to reach us, including game spotlight recommendations and data corrections.