The Throne Awaits: Steam's Wishlist Crown Passes to Two Unconventional Successors After Silksong's Grand Arrival

For what felt like an eternity, one name dominated the discussions, the dreams, and most importantly, the wishlists of PC gamers worldwide: Hollow Knight: Silksong. The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Metroidvania masterpiece became a legend in its own right, a beacon of hope and a testament to patience.

But now, the wait is over, and Silksong is, at long last, in the hands of eager players. With its long-standing reign on the top of Steam's wishlist charts finally concluded, a power vacuum has emerged, and two rather... unconventional contenders have stepped up to claim the throne.

Meet the new monarchs of anticipation: Valve's enigmatic 'Deadlock' and the intriguing, yet legally fraught, 'Subnautica 2'.

It's a duo that perfectly encapsulates the wonderfully chaotic and often perplexing nature of the modern gaming industry, where hype can stem from both tantalizing secrecy and simmering controversy.

First up is 'Deadlock', Valve's latest foray into game development. Like many Valve projects before it, details have been sparse, shrouded in a veil of secrecy that only the company founded by Gabe Newell seems capable of maintaining.

What we know largely comes from a mix of whispers, early test phase leaks, and tantalizing glimpses. It appears to be a hero-based shooter, perhaps with elements of tower defense or a MOBA, hinting at Valve's continuous quest to innovate within established genres. Its rapid ascent to the top of the wishlist is less about a grand reveal and more about the sheer magnetic pull of anything new from the creators of Half-Life, Portal, and Dota 2, even if it’s still very much a work in progress and partially released into testing circles.

Then there's 'Subnautica 2', a title that brings with it a whole different kind of baggage.

While the original Subnautica captured hearts with its stunning underwater exploration, survival mechanics, and compelling narrative, its sequel arrives with the distinct moniker of a "lawsuit lightning rod." This unflattering descriptor points to the ongoing legal entanglements and contentious discussions surrounding its development and, perhaps, its marketing.

The exact nature of these legal woes remains somewhat opaque to the general public, but the mere mention suggests a rocky path to release. Despite, or perhaps because of, this controversy, players are clearly invested in continuing their aquatic adventures, proving that even a game embroiled in legal battles can still ignite fervent anticipation.

The transition from Silksong's almost mythical status to this new pair of wishlisted leaders is a fascinating snapshot of gamer desires.

On one hand, we have the allure of the unknown from a legendary developer in 'Deadlock'. On the other, the compelling continuation of a beloved world, albeit one fraught with external drama, in 'Subnautica 2'. Both are, in their own unique ways, "basket cases" – one still very much under wraps and potentially in flux, the other navigating stormy legal waters.

Yet, they command the attention of millions, proving that in the world of video games, the path to the top of the wishlist is rarely straightforward, often unpredictable, and always, always interesting.