Zero games developer now holds the store’s 3rd wishlist
The landscape of Steam wishlists is constantly shifting, demonstrating that while big sequels and blockbusters grab attention, the true gems often lie in unexpected co-op adventures. In the recent releases of 2026, the crown has been claimed by established giants like Valve’s Deadlock and Hello Games’ survival epic, Light No Fire. But lurking just beneath the surface, redefining what players crave, is a delightful, chaotic co-op experience that has stolen the spotlight: Dear Passengers.
This airline comedy game, which throws players into the role of chaotic air traffic controllers, has rocketed to the top of the wishlists, positioning itself as a prime example of the viral friendslop trend that has defined recent Steam releases. The premise is delightfully absurd: players team up to manage a sinking airline, dealing with illegal cargo and the sheer panic of passengers who are, well, not exactly comfortable. As the game’s blurb suggests, players must manage the disaster while treating boggle-eyed, flappy-mouthed passengers to utter chaos.
What makes Dear Passengers particularly compelling is its unexpected pedigree. Its developer, Flexus, has carved out a massive global footprint, boasting over 300 million downloads across more than 150 countries on mobile. This extensive history shows that the team has mastered the art of reaching players worldwide, proving that even newcomers can dominate the gaming sphere.
Flexus is a studio founded in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2020, a group that has managed to grow and thrive through the intense challenges of a pandemic and a full-scale war, maintaining a dedicated team of over 70 people. This resilience has translated into a knack for creating games that connect with a global audience, regardless of the hurdles.
The game’s journey onto the Steam wishlists has been a remarkable ascent. Even before its massive visibility, the game captivated the community, eventually hitting two million wishlists by the end of July. This milestone caused a significant shakeup, quickly propelling Dear Passengers into the top five games on the wishlist boards.
The momentum continued, culminating in the game reaching the Top 3 wishlisted game on Steam, a feat that seemed surprising given the established expectations for co-op titles. This climb highlights how brilliantly accessible and engaging the game’s formula is, tapping directly into the appetite for shared, silly experiences.
This success is not an isolated event. It signals a broader trend where players are prioritizing deeply interactive, social games. Following the success of Dear Passengers, attention is turning to similar co-op experiences. For instance, over the hill from Funselektor Labs is already positioned as the next major contender, demonstrating that the desire for friendslop fun is driving the indie scene.
Flexus’s success on PC suggests a desire to bring their unique, accessible formula to a wider audience, moving beyond mobile dominance to solidify their presence in the core gaming community. It proves that world-class game design doesn’t need to come from established giants; it can emerge from dedicated, resilient studios building games that truly reach players everywhere.
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