Steam

Steam – The Largest Game Distribution Software in the World

Steam – Digital Game Distribution Software

Valve Corporation offers, digital rights management (DRM), video streaming, social media networking and multiplayer games. The platform is the largest platform for the distribution of PC games with an estimated three-quarter share of the total PC game market. Users can download the software to play, connect and create new games.

History & Development

To address problems that the company was having in updating their existing games, Valve started with titles Grid and Gazelle and was initially nothing but a distribution network. The first beta test attempt was in 2003 using the game Counter-Strike.

While very few games required the installation of Steam to play them up until that point, in October 2005, Rag Doll Kung Fu became the first of a series of 3rd party games available for purchase and download. By May 2017, the software was so successful that there were 13 million accounts, with over 150 games to choose from on the platform.

Features & Function

• Users with the Steam software installed can download games and other software to their virtual libraries. There are thousands of games and exclusive deals for Steam users. All purchased games update automatically.
• Custom Executable Generation (CEG) encrypts each copy of a game file for each user. This allows multiple installations on all the user’s devices, including backup copies of any software
• There is an Acceptable Use Policy called Valve’s Anti-Cheat (VAC) software, where user accounts can be blocked by Valve, if they are discovered cheating on multiplayer games, or otherwise exercising exploitative gaming practices.
• Game Bans is a service that permits game developers to institute a ban on players who cheat at their games. Game developers have the ability to customize the regulation of their game communities.
• Steam users can trade items with other members, plus create new content using theSteam Workshop. There is an interactive relationship between Valve and Steam members so they can actively help shape the future of their favorite games.
• The game can be used on a PC, Mac, Linux, most mobile devices and even a television.
• Account holders purchase games through the Store. As soon as the transaction is finalized, a software license is associated with the account that allows them to download the software on any of their devices. Games purchased in the Store can also be gifted to other members.
• Members can join a community interactive venue to join game groups, form game clans, use in-game chat features with any of the more than 100 million users.
• Users can review all purchased titles and organize them in customizable categories, or add them to favorites lists for immediate access.
• Steam Schools is a limited version that is available for educational use by schools.
• Steam App is available for all Android mobile devices, allowing users to play, interact and chat with other Steam members from anywhere in the world.

Popular Steam Games

• Civilization VI
• StormBlood – Final Fantasy XIV
• Reus
• Dead Cells
• The Witcher III-Wild Hunt
• Cities Skylines
• Oxygen Not Included
• Shadow Tactics
• Steal Division Normandy 44
• Hacknet
• Friday the 13th – The Game
• Hello Neighbor
• Prey
• Grand Theft Auto (Series)
• Dead Age
• Total Accurate Battle Simulator
• Thumper
• Day of Infamy
• Overcooked
• Gauntlet – Slayer Edition
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six/Siege
• ARK: Survival Evolved

Plus thousands of more game titles and software downloads

Summary

Steam is a software application developed by the Valve Corporation, which is the largest distribution outlet for PC and mobile video gaming in the world. There are thousands of available titles and countless other useful features allowing game players to enhance their gaming experience. Cheaters are not tolerated, and communication is encouraged in the Steam world of gaming.

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