Steam Users Have 2 Games to Play for Free Right Now

Steam users can check out two nostalgia-filled titles without spending a dime, as a pair of entries in the Backyard Sports franchise have launched on the platform completely free to play. Over the years, Steam has been a go-to place for free-to-play offerings, and for those seeking a trip down memory lane, now is the perfect time to revisit Backyard Sports.

After lying dormant for nearly a decade, Backyard Sports was brought back into the spotlight last year, as new owner Playground Productions announced the return of the series. Since then, various entries like Backyard Baseball ’97, Backyard Baseball ’01, Backyard Soccer ’98, and Backyard Football ’99 have hit Steam, but not as free-to-play titles. However, that’s changed, as two other games in the beloved series have arrived without a price tag.

Steam Users Can Play Backyard Basketball ’01 and Backyard Hockey ’02 for Free

Because of the licensing issues and reports of some slow performance, this may be one of the main reasons why both Backyard Basketball ’01 and Backyard Hockey ’02 can be played for free while the other entries can’t, but it’s unclear. Regardless, the Steam reviews for both games are currently quite positive, despite the issues. Ultimately, the general feedback from reviews seems to be that even though it’s disappointing to see some pro players gone or replaced, it’s nice to be able to experience the games without having to pay.

While the Backyard Basketball and Backyard Hockey series weren’t as popular as other spin-offs, like Backyard Baseball, they still hold a lot of nostalgia for gamers who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s. The other four entries from the series that are available on Steam are all $9.99 each. While that isn’t a huge price point, it definitely adds up for those who want to play every game, so Backyard Basketball ’01 and Backyard Hockey ’02 foregoing the paywall is a pleasant surprise.

The return of Backyard Sports is bound to bring up fond memories for a lot of gamers. What’s even better, though, is that the games can also be introduced to a new audience, as well. Many gamers who grew up with the franchise may have their own kids and families by now, so Backyard Sports being brought back from the grave could be a great way to pass down a love for gaming.