http://www.gamespot.com/news/steam-hits-6-million-concurrent-users-6400572

PC gamers set a new Steam record this weekend. According to the official statistics page for Valve's online service, there were more than 6 million members concurrently logged in to the service this weekend, representing an all-time high.

The exact peak simultaneous user figure of 6,046,314 was logged around noon on November 25. It is one million stronger than the 5 million recorded in January and 4 million logged in September 2011.

Launched in 2003, Steam is Valve's digital distribution hub, and it currently boasts 50 million users. Presently, there are over 1,800 titles from various publishers available for purchase and play through the online distributor.

The next advancement for Steam is its Big Picture mode. Currently in beta, the service allows users to browse, purchase, and play all Steam games through TV sets they already own.

Anyone know the reason behind the massive number of people online? Was there a new game out or something (Planetside 2?)

It's good to see Steam constantly growing, it's a great service

This is great news! I'm glad so many people are enjoying Steam (I know I am!) and I hope this continues to grow in the future. As Dota 2 continues to grow, I think we'll see Steam numbers jump considerably. Long live the PC gaming master race!

Veering off topic:

Meanwhile, one single game, League of Legends, has:

Monthly Active Users: 32MM
Avg. Concurrent Users (In July): 3MM

One game...

I don't mean to downplay Steam at all, but this just really shows the amazing success behind LoL...

Steam is great. It does log me in automatically though whenever I boot up my laptop.

I am glad steam is coming to Linux, maybe this will bring better graphics card support with it.

I'm just crossing my fingers that TI3 (The Dota 2 International 3 Tournament) actually happens. That'll be proof that Valve can at least count to 3. =)

I'm waiting for them troll-announce it as "TI4" though (skip the #3 altogether); I would find that humorous.

Planetside 2 isn't that big of a game, it has something to due with the huge library of steam and the great deals they give.  The steam august sale was going on and the number 1 selling game was Dishonered being offered for $29.99.  The christmas sale will be here next month and it'll be a bigger sale.

I keep seeing all these amazing figures for PC gaming but I have one question... Where are the PC gamers?! I've never met one in real life. Do they even exist? Or are they all part of an elaborate ruse by Valve to cheat investors? Food for thought.

You're still blinded by your 7 years old technology, that's why you can't see other gamers...