Why Steam Is The Most Important Gaming Platform

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Summary

  • Steam excels in game demos, offering easy access for developers and building hype.
  • Steam’s frequent sales outshine other digital platforms, offering significant discounts.
  • Steam’s open publishing policy benefits indie developers, fostering a diverse range of games.

In 2002, prior to its official debut in 2003, Valve unveiled a beta version of Steam. Although it had some issues initially, this platform revolutionized the industry as one of the first major digital distribution services. As it continued to develop, other giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo took notice and established their own digital stores, but not all of them fully grasped the lessons that Steam had to offer.

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I’d like to share an observation: Steam, in comparison to digital platforms on consoles such as the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5, has consistently excelled in various aspects. If these console giants – Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony – aspire to reach the same level of success as Steam, they would greatly benefit from studying the strategies employed by Gabe Newell and his innovative team at Valve, who have earned their status as industry leaders.

Demo Derby

The Best Aspect Of The Platform

In the past, particularly during the ’90s and early ’00s, playing game demos was a unique experience for many. Instead of downloading them online, players would often receive discs along with their magazines. These discs contained numerous demo versions of different games to explore. This was an exciting time, as it offered more than just news updates – it was a significant trend before the widespread use of the internet.

Fast forward to the era of digital stores on platforms like the Xbox 360, and accessing demos became even easier. Now, all you needed was a single click to start playing a demo version of a game.

Despite console digital stores being at their peak, they never matched the scale of Steam. Developers can easily publish demos and are motivated during events such as Steam Next Fest, which helps generate excitement. Interestingly, games like “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound” receive Steam demos, but are frequently not released on consoles, and if they are, it’s usually much later.

Constant Sales

Best Way To Buy Games Cheap

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say, Steam Next Fest might be the latest event series, but for many of us, the anticipation builds around the good old seasonal price drops! Whether it’s summer or winter, these sales never seem to follow a fixed schedule, but when seasons change, you can bet your last dollar that gamers start drooling over the possibility of snagging a $60 game for just a buck!

Take the 2015 Mad Max game, for instance. It’s consistently been selling at rock-bottom prices, and if you’re a fan of the movies, I’d highly recommend grabbing it – it’s often overlooked but definitely worth your time!

Game discounts aren’t limited to seasonal sales; individual developers and larger publishers have the freedom to reduce prices whenever they see fit. Interestingly, if a game is on sale on Steam, it tends to be cheaper than on other digital platforms like Nintendo’s eShop. This might not seem logical, but whatever Steam is doing, they are clearly successful because their sales are renowned and always advantageous for the player.

Backwards Compatibility

Play Some DEEP Cuts

Back in the day, about a decade ago, Microsoft shook up the gaming world at E3 2015 by promising a significant focus on backwards compatibility for the Xbox One. Although not every original Xbox and Xbox 360 game could be ported to the newer console, it was still an impressive attempt that continues to hold its ground on the Xbox Series X/S. Other gaming platforms have tried to preserve our gaming history, but Steam takes the crown yet again in this aspect. As a gamer, I’m grateful for these efforts to keep our gaming past alive!

In addition to numerous classic PC games from past decades being accessible via Steam, there’s a wealth of console games that have yet to be rediscovered. For instance, the overlooked horror game _Cold Fear_, set on a ship, was initially released for PC, PS2, and original Xbox. Although it’s no longer available on contemporary consoles, it can still be enjoyed on Steam. With 2025 marking its 20th anniversary, this game is worth revisiting to appreciate its longevity and horror elements.

Anyone Can Publish A Game

Indies Rule

On Steam, there’s an overwhelming abundance of independent games, posing somewhat of a challenge. This issue isn’t unique to Steam, as it also persists on console platforms due to the prevalence of low-quality games. One method Steam uses to tackle this is through their Wishlist feature, which is available on other digital platforms as well. However, it appears to be more effective on Steam, hence why developers often encourage users to add games to their Wishlist instead of purchasing pre-orders.

Almost anyone can acquire a game on Steam, provided they fulfill the necessary conditions, which appears to be less complicated compared to working with a company like Nintendo. In 2023, the popular game Pizza Tower, one of the year’s biggest successes, initially launched on Steam and later expanded to Switch in 2024. This strategy is often employed by independent developers: they first test their games on Steam, then consider launching them on a console or two afterward. While there are advantages and disadvantages to having easy access to publishing on Steam, overall, it generally benefits the gaming industry positively.

Getting Mobile Games On PC

It’s The Perfect Bridge

Although it’s likely that most adults own a smartphone, not every gaming enthusiast prefers mobile platforms, even when a game appears enticing. Lately, there’s been an increase in free-to-play mobile games becoming available on Steam too. A recent instance is Persona 5: The Phantom X, which happens to be another spinoff of Persona 5 that has garnered popularity despite its gacha-based gameplay mechanics.

Another way to put it: Similar titles such as “Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis” are like compilations of the entire “Final Fantasy 7” series, presented across several installments. These games, optimized for mobile platforms and playable on Steam, offer an appealing option for those who aren’t fond of mobile gaming due to its performance or user interface.

Steam Deck Potential

A Handy Portable That Just Works

Fans of Steam find mobile gaming appealing through their Steam Deck device. The Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017 and significantly impacted the gaming industry, as it introduced a large-scale hybrid model that merged the console and portable markets. Subsequently, Valve entered the competition when they announced the Steam Deck in 2021, with its official release happening in 2022.

Due to Valve’s bold move in creating a device similar to the Nintendo Switch, other companies felt encouraged to launch their own portable PC devices. Even free-to-play mobile games such as Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis run smoothly on the Steam Deck. While not all games are compatible with the Steam Deck, it is still an impressive platform that has been rapidly developing since its official release in 2003, growing alongside Steam as a platform.

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2025-08-11 21:22