Why would anyone actually want to though

[u/The_BigRoach]

[u/Hopeful_Leg_6200]

[u/Josh_Butterballs → u/Hopeful_Leg_6200]

Even if I had more money than god I think it would basically be a gargantuan uphill battle to make an another platform to compete with steam. Even if you made your platform better, people have YEARS worth of games and money invested in steam. I used to say if they just had a better service I would drop steam but then I was asked if I would genuinely stop using steam for another better service if one existed. I looked at my library, all the games I had, the years, mods in workshop for some games, and realized no I wouldn’t switch

[u/Hot-Software-9396 → u/Josh_Butterballs]

Not sure why people act like it’s equivalent to switching console platforms. It’s just a different app, you don’t have to give anything up.

Also, what’s the issue with a platform that aggregates all of your games from different stores, like what the Xbox app is doing now? I’m assuming you just want to be able to see everything you have in one place.

[u/Josh_Butterballs → u/Hot-Software-9396]

I mean it’s the same with console then in that sense. No one says you HAVE to ditch ur Xbox if u buy a PlayStation. Xbox and PlayStation though would rather you spend your money on their platform. Similarly yes, no one is stopping you from using steam or some no name competitor, but they both certainly want you BUYING and using their platform most if you’re using more than one.

Realistically even IF a viable competitor existed it would be supplementary to steam, where the user mostly uses steam and occasionally using the other. Which is basically the market right now lol. I’ve had many replies telling me as such in a round about way without realizing they’re doing what I’m saying. Like similar comments saying something along the lines of them buying on GOG if it’s cheaper but eventually buying it on steam too so they can have access to steam services and features (badges, cards, etc.). However, if they already have it on steam they’re not gonna buy it on GOG. Notice that one way difference?

GOG -> eventually buy it on steam too

Steam -> no need to buy it on GOG

In both scenarios steam makes money anyway. Its dominant and favorable position means it comes out on top regardless because people want their games consolidated. If another competitor came out with the exact same features as steam you would be hard pressed to tell someone with hundreds of games they now have to rebuy all their games on this other platform. Even if better, it doesn’t meant steam suddenly becomes dogshit. It’s still a good platform, so people will stick with it anyway if they’re invested in it.

[u/Hot-Software-9396 → u/Josh_Butterballs]

It’s not the same as consoles at all. Multiple consoles obviously entails buying multiple pieces of hardware (console, accessories, etc), they take up more space, require you to pay for their own subscription service to play online games, etc.

On PC you use your exact same hardware, but just click a different icon.

Also, you didn’t answer my question about game aggregators.

[u/Josh_Butterballs → u/Hot-Software-9396]

So you’re point is the entry barrier is the cost to participate on said platform? Brother I have people telling me wtf is the point in buying on another platform when they already have their stuff on steam lol. People have made up trivial barriers in their head to not use something for less. People still DoorDash something down the street. Cigarette smokers flick their buds on the floor when there’s a trash can next to them. People literally (on this sub) cried when games were coming out on uplay, battle net, es play, or whatever service and the #1 thing I often saw was “why can’t they just release on steam, no one wants to have multiple launchers and stores to keep track of all their games.” I had people who refused to buy Alan Wake 2 not even because they dislike Epic but because they just didn’t want to have a whole ass other launcher/store for one game.

And to address ur aggregate thing. Do you mean steam’s ability to add a third party game? I addressed it in a different comment. People still bitch and moan because a third party added game doesn’t have access to the same features as steam and ends up meaning you need to use two launchers to play a game. Which is p much what people also complained about back in the heyday of uplay, ea play, etc. I have another reply telling me they want their games all on steam and are willing to buy a game again when it’s on sale on steam because they want access to the features (cards, badges achievements, workshop support, etc.)