Steam's Triumph: How It Became the Heartbeat of PC Gaming

When we talk about PC gaming, it’s impossible not to shine the spotlight on the colossal that is Steam. For two decades, this platform has been the cornerstone of the PC gaming industry, and it’s fascinating to see how it continues to hold its ground even with the emergence of formidable competitors like Epic and Ubisoft.

But what is it about Steam that has game developers singing its praises? Let’s dive into the insights from the creators behind some of the most influential games in the industry, such as Warframe, Baldur’s Gate 3, Slay the Spire, and EVE Online, to understand the secret sauce of Steam’s enduring success.

Eyrún Jónsdóttir, the VP of publishing at CCP Games, emphasizes Steam’s vital role in the distribution of EVE Online. Despite having its own launcher, EVE Online’s free-to-play model on Steam has been a significant factor in its success. This sentiment is echoed by Michael Douse, the publishing director at Larian Studios, who lauds Steam as a ‘democratic platform.’ According to Douse, if you’ve crafted a game of exceptional quality, Steam gives you a fair shot at visibility. This is a stark contrast to the grueling process of campaigning for a game to be noticed by other store teams, which can take up to a year or more.

“STEAM LOGO 2020” by erwang2 is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

Douse also highlights Steam’s role as a stabilizing force in an industry that’s often in ‘panic mode.’ Amidst the chaos, Steam stands as a bastion, providing a reliable and consistent platform for PC gaming. Casey Yano, co-creator of Slay the Spire, credits Steam for enabling small indie teams to make a sustainable living from their games. Yano’s journey from making a Flash game that earned him a mere $20 to finding financial success on Steam is a testament to the opportunities the platform has created for developers.

“Steam Logo” by theglobalpanorama is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Rebecca Ford, the creative director of Warframe, attributes her continued employment to Steam. The platform’s transformative effect since Warframe’s open beta launch in March 2013 is undeniable. Ford also praises Steam as a key component of the PC gaming ecosystem, fostering friendships and relationships that are difficult to replicate on other platforms. She envisions a bright future for PC gaming, with Steam and Discord at the forefront of building a global community.

The concern about the sheer volume of games on Steam was addressed by Douse, who pointed out the pre-Steam era, where developers were constrained by the limited shelf space of retail chains. Steam has democratized the process, giving every developer a chance to showcase their work. This philosophy of inclusivity is what sets Steam apart and continues to endear it to the developer community.

As we delve deeper into the world of Steam, it’s clear that its impact on PC gaming is multifaceted. From providing a platform for indie developers to thrive to fostering a sense of community among gamers, Steam has become more than just a marketplace—it’s a lifeline for many in the industry. In the next section, we will explore the democratic nature of Steam and how it has played a pivotal role in the success stories of developers.

Steam’s democratic nature isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a reality that has been acknowledged by developers from across the gaming industry. This platform has been praised for its ability to level the playing field, offering both indie developers and big studios the same opportunity to succeed. The essence of this democracy lies in the platform’s design, which emphasizes quality and effort over connections and budget size.

Michael Douse, the publishing director at Larian Studios, encapsulates this sentiment by stating that if your game is ‘really, really good,’ it stands a good chance of being noticed on Steam. This meritocratic approach contrasts sharply with the experiences developers have with other platforms, where visibility often hinges on lengthy and uncertain campaigning to store teams. Steam’s model is straightforward: make a great game, and the platform will help you find your audience.

The democratic nature of Steam is further highlighted by the stories of developers like Casey Yano, co-creator of Slay the Spire. Yano’s journey from earning a paltry $20 from a Flash game to achieving financial success on Steam is a powerful narrative that underscores the platform’s role in empowering creators. It’s a testament to Steam’s commitment to giving more people a chance to make it in the industry, a chance that Yano believes is limited more by societal issues than by Valve’s policies.

Rebecca Ford, the creative director of Warframe, also credits Steam with the game’s continued success and her ability to maintain her role in the industry. Since its open beta launch on Steam in March 2013, Warframe has undergone a transformative journey, and Ford sees Steam as an integral part of the PC gaming ecosystem. She highlights the platform’s unique ability to foster deep connections and friendships, something she believes is unmatched by other platforms that require a financial buy-in and are controlled by other companies.

The concern about the volume of games on Steam and the potential visibility issues that could arise is addressed by Douse. He points out that before Steam’s rise, developers were at the mercy of retail chains’ limited shelf space, which was a far more significant barrier to making and selling games. Steam has changed the game by giving every developer a chance to showcase their work, regardless of their size or marketing budget. This philosophy of inclusivity is what makes Steam a beloved platform among developers.

As we reflect on the democratic nature of Steam, it’s clear that the platform has played a pivotal role in the success stories of countless developers. By offering a fair and accessible marketplace, Steam has enabled a diverse range of games to find their audience and thrive. It’s a place where quality and creativity are rewarded, and where the barriers to entry that once stifled innovation have been torn down.

Steam’s democratic ethos is more than just a selling point; it’s the cornerstone of its transformative impact on PC gaming. It’s a platform that champions the underdog, celebrates excellence, and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming world. As we look to the future, Steam’s role in shaping the industry is undeniable, and its commitment to providing a democratic space for developers is sure to leave a lasting legacy on the landscape of PC gaming.