Steam

Steam is an Internet-based digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation offering digital rights management (DRM), multiplayer, and social networking. Steam provides the user with installation and automatic updating of games on multiple computers, and community features such as friends lists and groups, cloud saving, and in-game voice and chat functionality. The software provides a freely available application programming interface (API) called Steamworks, which developers can use to integrate many of Steam's functions into their products, including networking and matchmaking, in-game achievements, micro-transactions, and support for user-created content through Steam Workshop.

Though initially developed for use on Microsoft Windows, versions for OS X and Linux operating systems were later released. Chatting and shopping applications for iOS and Android mobile devices have also been written. The Steam website also replicates much of the storefront and social network features of the stand-alone application.

Template:As of, over 6,400 games are available through Steam, including over 2,300 for OS X and 1,500 for Linux.<Ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The service has over 125 million activeTemplate:Efn users.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam has had as many as 10 million concurrent users Template:As of.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Steam platform is considered to be the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming; in November 2009, Stardock estimated it at 70%<ref name="Graft">Template:Cite web</ref> and then later, in October 2013, it was estimated by Screen Digest that 75% of games bought online are downloaded through Steam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The success of the Steam platform has led to the development of a line of Steam Machine micro-consoles and personal computers meeting minimum specifications, and SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system built around the Steam client.

History

Initial release

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Before implementing Steam, Valve had problems updating its online games, such as Counter-Strike; providing patches would result in most of the online user base disconnecting for several days. Valve decided to create a platform that would update games automatically and implement stronger anti-piracy and anti-cheat measures. Valve approached several companies, including Microsoft, Yahoo!, and RealNetworks to build a client with these features, but were refused.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Steam's development began before 2002.Template:Citation needed Working titles for the product included "Grid" and "Gazelle".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was first revealed to the public on March 22, 2002, at the Game Developers Conference, where it was presented purely as a distribution network.<ref name="steam-announced">Template:Cite web</ref> To demonstrate the ease of integrating Steam with a game, Relic Entertainment created a special version of Impossible Creatures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, the game was never released on Steam. Valve partnered with several companies, including AT&T, Acer, and GameSpy Industries. The first mod released on the system was Day of Defeat.<ref name="salon2002">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Steam client was first made available for public beta testing in January 2003 during the beta period for Counter-Strike 1.6, for which it was mandatory to install and use. At the time, Steam's primary function was streamlining the patch process common in online computer games. Steam was an optional component for all other games. 80,000–300,000 gamers tested the system when it was in its beta period.<ref name="salon2002" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The system and website choked under the strain of thousands of users simultaneously attempting to play the latest version of Counter-Strike.<ref name="bbr1">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2004, the World Opponent Network was shut down and replaced by Steam. The online features of games which required World Opponent Network ceased to work unless they were converted to Steam.<ref name="WorldOpponentNetwork">Template:Cite web</ref>

Around that time, Valve began negotiating contracts with several publishers and independent developers to release their products, including Rag Doll Kung Fu and Darwinia, on Steam. Canadian publisher Strategy First announced in December 2005 that it would partner with Valve for digital distribution of current and future titles.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> In 2002, the head of Valve Gabe Newell said he was offering mod teams a game engine license and distribution over Steam for Template:US$.<ref name="salon2002" /> Valve's Half-Life 2 was the first game to require installation of the Steam client to play, even for retail copies. This decision was met with concerns about software ownership, software requirements, and issues with overloaded servers demonstrated previously by the Counter-Strike rollout.<ref name="wired steam machine">Template:Cite web</ref> During this time users faced multiple issues attempting to play the game.<ref>https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4019095.stm</ref><ref>https://www.gamespot.com/articles/half-life-2-now-preloading-via-steam/1100-6105848/</ref><ref>https://kotaku.com/steam-is-10-today-remember-when-it-sucked-1297594444</ref>

Profitability

In 2005, third-party games began to appear on Steam,<ref>*****o</ref> and Valve announced that Steam had become profitable because of some highly successful Valve games. Although digital distribution could not yet match retail volume, profit margins for Valve and developers were far larger on Steam.<ref name="hr-2005">Template:Cite web</ref> Large developer-publishers, including id Software,<ref>*****o</ref> Eidos Interactive,<ref>*****o</ref> and Capcom,<ref>*****o</ref> began distributing their games on Steam in 2007. By May that year, 13 million accounts had been created on the service, and 150 games were for sale on the platform.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>*****o</ref>

Client functionality

Software delivery and maintenance

Steam's primary service is to allow its users to download games and other software that they have in their virtual software libraries to their local computers as game cache files (GCFs).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam provides digital rights management (DRM) for software titles by providing "custom executable generation" for executable files that are unique for each user; this allows the user to install the software on multiple computing devices via Steam or through software backups without limitations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The user is required to be running Steam while connected to the Internet for authentication prior to playing a game or have previously set up Steam in an "offline" mode while connected to the Internet, storing their credentials locally to allow play without an Internet connection.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam's DRM is available to software developers through Steamworks; the service allows developers and publishers to include other forms of DRM and other authentication services than Steam; for example, some games on Steam require the use of Games for Windows – Live and some titles from publisher Ubisoft require the use of their UPlay gaming service.<ref name="uplay required">Template:Cite web</ref>

In September 2008, Valve added support for Steam Cloud, a service that can automatically store saved game and related custom files on Valve's servers; users can access this data from any machine running the Steam client.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Games must use the appropriate features of Steamworks for Steam Cloud to work. Users can disable this feature on a per-game and per-account basis.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In May 2012, the service added the ability for users to manage their game libraries from remote clients, including computers and mobile devices; users can instruct Steam to download and install games they own through this service if their Steam client is currently active and running.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Some games sold through retail channels can be redeemed as titles for users' libraries within Steam by entering a product code within the software.<ref name="steamworks-retail">Template:Cite web</ref> For games that incorporate Steamworks, users can buy redemption codes from other vendors and redeem these in the Steam client to add the title to their libraries. Steam also offers a framework for selling and distributing downloadable content (DLC) for games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>*****o</ref>

In September 2013, Steam introduced the ability to share most games with family members and close friends by authorizing machines to access one's library. Authorized players can install the game locally and play it separately from the owning account. Users can access their saved games and achievements providing the main owner is not playing. When the main player initiates a game while a shared account is using it, the shared account user is allowed a few minutes to either save their progress and close the game or purchase the game for his or her own account.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Within Family View, introduced in January 2014, parents can adjust settings for their *****ren's tied accounts, limiting the functionality and accessibility to the Steam client and purchased titled.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In accordance with its Acceptable Use Policy, Valve retains the right to block and unblock customers' access to their games and Steam services when Valve's Anti-Cheat (VAC) software determines that the user is cheating in multiplayer games, selling accounts to others or trading games to exploit regional price differences.<ref name="ownsteamgames">Template:Cite web</ref> Blocking such users initially removed access to his or her other games, leading to some users with high-value accounts losing access because of minor infractions of the AUP.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve later changed its policy to be similar to that of Electronic Arts' Origin platform, in which blocked users can still access their games but are heavily restricted, limited to playing in offline mode and unable to participate in Steam Community features.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Customers also lose access to their games and Steam account if they refuse to accept changes to Steam's end user license agreements; this occurred in August 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In April 2015, Valve added Game Bans to its service, allowing developers to set bans on players for their games but enacted and enforced at the Steam level, allowing developers to police their own gaming communities in customizable manner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Storefront features

The Steam client includes a digital storefront called the Steam Store through which users can purchase computer games. Once the game is bought, a software license is permanently attached to the user's Steam account, allowing him or her to download the software on any compatible device. Game licenses can be given to other accounts under certain conditions. Content is delivered from an international network of servers using a proprietary file transfer protocol.<ref name="contentserver-stats">Template:Cite web (click "View individual server statistics")</ref> Steam sells its products in US and Canadian dollars, euros, pounds sterling, Brazilian reais, and Russian rubles depending on the user's location.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From December 2010, the client supports the Webmoney payment system, which is popular in many European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries.<ref name='NewsTemplate:Spaced ndashWebMoney Now Available on Steam'>Template:Cite web</ref> The Steam storefront validates the user's region; the purchase of titles may be restricted to specific regions because of release dates, game classification, or agreements with publishers. The client also offers the Steam Translation Server, which assists Steam users assistance with the translation of Steam and a selected library of Steam games in twenty-five languages.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam also allows users to purchase downloadable content for games, and for some specific game titles such as Team Fortress 2, the ability to purchase in-game inventory items. In February 2015, Steam began to open similar options for in-game item purchases for third-party games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During mid-2011, Valve began to offer free-to-play games, such as Global Agenda, Spiral Knights and Champions Online; this offer was linked to the company's move to make Team Fortress 2 a free-to-play title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve included support via Steamworks for microtransactions for in-game items in these titles through Steam's purchasing channels, in a similar manner to the in-game store for Team Fortress 2. Later that year, Valve added the ability to trade in-game items and "unopened" game gifts between users.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam Coupons, which was introduced in December 2011, provides single-use coupons that provide a discount to the cost of items. Steam Coupons can be provided to users by developers and publishers; users can trade these coupons between friends in a similar fashion to gifts and in-game items.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam Market, a feature introduced in beta in December 2012 that would allow users to sell virtual items to others via Steam Wallet funds, further extended the idea. Valve levies a transaction fee of 15% on such sales and game publishers that use Steam Market pay a transaction fee. For example, Team Fortress 2Template:Mdashthe first game supported at the beta phaseTemplate:Mdashincurred both fees. Full support for other games was expected to be available in early 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In April 2013, Valve added subscription-based game support to Steam; the first game to use this service was Darkfall Unholy Wars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In October 2012, Steam introduced non-gaming applications, which will be sold through the service.<ref name = "NonGaming">Template:Cite web</ref> Creativity and productivity applications can access the core functions of the Steamworks API, allowing them to use Steam's simplified installation and updating process, and incorporate features including cloud saving and Steam Workshop. Developers of non-gaming software may submit their applications to the Steam Greenlight service to judge interest for later inclusion on the Steam storefront.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Steam store allows game soundtracks to be purchased to be played via Steam Music or integrated with the user's other media players.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve has also added the ability for publishers to sell digital movies via the service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> With the onset of Steam Machines as announced in March 2015, the Steam storefront also includes the ability to purchase Steam Machine-related hardware via the Steam store.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In conjunction with developers and publishers, Valve frequently provides discounted sales on games on a daily and weekly basis, sometimes oriented around a publisher or genre theme, and may allow games to be played for free during the days of these sales. The site had offered a large selection of games at discount during its annual Summer and Holiday sales, including gamification of these sales to incentive users to purchase more games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Prior to June 2015, Valve has had a no-refunds policy but in some circumstances it has offered refunds if third-party content fails to work or improperly reports on certain features. For example, the Steam version of From Dust was originally stated to have a single, post-installation online DRM check with its publisher Ubisoft, but the released version of the game required a DRM check with Ubisoft's servers each time it was used. At the request of Ubisoft, Valve offered refunds to customers who bought the game while Ubisoft worked to release a patch that would remove the DRM check altogether.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On The War ZTemplate:'s release, players found that the game was still in an alpha-build state and lacked many of the features advertised on its Steam store page. Though the developers Hammerpoint Interactive altered the description after launch to reflect the current state of the game software, Valve removed the title from sale and offered refunds to those who had bought it.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve also removed Earth: Year 2066 from the Early Access program and offered refunds after discovering that the game's developers had reused assets from other games and used developer tools to erase negative complaints about the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In June 2015, Valve created a formal process to allow purchasers to request full refunds on games they had purchased on Steam for any reason, with refunds guaranteed within the first two weeks and if the player had not spent more than two hours in the game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Valve will remove games if they no longer meet Valve's business terms for developers. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was removed from Steam because of a claim from the Recording Industry Association of America over an expired license for one of the songs on the soundtrack.<ref name="cinemablend gtavc">Template:Cite web</ref> Near the launch of Electronic Arts' (EA) own digital storefront Origin, Valve removed Crysis 2 and Dragon Age 2 from Steam because the terms of service prevented games from having their own in-game storefront for downloadable content.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the case of Crysis 2, a "Maximum Edition" that contained all the available downloadable content for the game and removed the in-game storefront was re-added to Steam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Games that are removed can still be downloaded and played by those that have already purchased these titles.<ref name="cinemablend gtavc" />

Security

The popularity of Steam has led to the service's being attacked by hackers in the past. A notable attempt occurred on November 6, 2011, when Valve temporarily closed the community forums, citing potential hacking threats to the service. On November 10, Valve reported that the hack had compromised one of its customer databases, potentially allowing the perpetrators to access customer informationTemplate:Mdashincluding encrypted password and credit card details. At that time, Valve was not aware whether the intruders actually accessed this information or discovered the encryption method, but nevertheless warned users to be alert for fraudulent activity.<ref name="arssteamhack">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="registerhack">Template:Cite web</ref>

Valve added Steam Guard functionality to the Steam client in March 2011 to protect against the hijacking of accounts via phishing schemes, one of the largest support issues Valve had at the time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam Guard was advertised to take advantage of the identity protection provided by Intel's second-generation Core processors and compatible motherboard hardware, which allows users to lock their account to a specific computer. Once locked, activity by that account on other computers must first be approved by the user on the locked computer. Support APIs for Steam Guard are available to third-party developers through Steamworks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> An alternative option available to users who want to use Steam Guard is two-factor, risk-based authentication that uses a one-time verification code sent to a verified email address associated with the Steam account; this was later expanded to include two-factor authentication through the Steam mobile application.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> If Steam Guard is enabled, the verification code is sent each time the account is used from an unknown machine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is necessary to authenticate every Steamworks game online the first time it is played, whether purchased via Steam itself or installed via a retail disc.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the initial authentication, an offline mode allows games to be run without being connected to the Internet. In April 2015, Valve implemented a rule that made any new account have to spend money ($5 USD or more) before the account became unrestricted.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Some restrictions include: unable to send friend invites, unable to vote on greenlight and workshop submissions and the inability to use the browser chat and mobile chat.<ref name="MalwareBytes Restrictions">Template:Cite web</ref> Currently, Steam prevents users who have disabled Steam Guard from participating in forums by blocking the ability to post comments.

ReVuln, a commercial vulnerability research firm, published a paper in October 2012 that said the Steam browser protocol was posing a security risk by enabling malicious exploits through a simple user click on a maliciously crafted steam:// URL in a browser.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The report was taken up by various online publications.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="SecurityLoophole">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="h-online.com">Template:Cite web</ref> This was the second serious vulnerability of gaming-related software following a recent problem with Ubisoft's copy protection system "Uplay";<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the German IT platform "Heise online" recommended strict separation of gaming and sensitive data, for example using a PC dedicated to gaming, gaming from a second Windows installation, or using a computer account with limited rights dedicated to gaming.<ref name="h-online.com" />

In July 2015, a bug in the software allowed anyone to reset the password to any account by using the "forgot password" function of the client. High profile professional gamers and streamers lost access to their accounts.<ref>https://www.computerworld.com/article/2953016/cybercrime-hacking/valve-patches-huge-password-reset-hole-that-allowed-anyone-to-hijack-steam-accounts.html</ref><ref>https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2015/07/27/steams-account-stealing-password-reset-exploit-fixed/</ref>

User interface

Since November 2013, Steam allows for users to review their purchased titles and organize them into categories set by the user and add to favorite lists for quick access.<ref>*****o</ref> Players can add non-Steam games to their libraries, allowing the game to be easily accessed from the Steam client and providing support where possible for Steam Overlay features. The Steam interface allows for user-defined shortcuts to be added. In this way, third-party modifications and games not purchased through the Steam Store can use Steam features. Valve sponsors and distributes some modifications free-of-charge;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and modifications that use Steamworks can also use VAC, Friends, the server browser, and any Steam features supported by their parent game. For most games launched from Steam, the client provides an in-game overlay that can be accessed by a keystroke. From the overlay, the user can access his or her Steam Community lists and participate in chat, manage selected Steam settings, and access a built-in web browser without having to exit the game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since the beginning of February 2011 as a beta version, the overlay also allows players to take screenshots of the games in process;<ref>*****o</ref> it automatically stores these and allows the player to review, delete, or share them during or after his or her game session. As a full version in 24 February 2011, this feature was reimplemented so that users could share screenshots on websites of Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit straight from a user's screenshot manager.<ref>*****o</ref>

File:Steam Big Picture preview.png

When hooking up one's computer to a television, Steam's "Big Picture" mode "turns" the computer into a console, allowing for the user to experience console simulation.

Steam's "Big Picture" mode was announced in 2011;<ref>*****o</ref> public betas started in September 2012 and were integrated into the software in December 2012.<ref name="pcmag">Template:Cite web</ref> Big Picture mode is a 10-foot user interface, which optimizes the Steam display to work on high-definition televisions, allowing the user to control Steam with a gamepad or with a keyboard and mouse. Newell has stated that Big Picture mode is a step towards a dedicated Steam entertainment hardware unit.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2014, Valve introduced beta support for SteamVR, a virtual reality (VR) Big Picture interface that worked within the Oculus Rift headset;<ref>*****o</ref> the VR support was expanded in March 2015 to support the HTC Vive, a VR unit developed jointly with Valve.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In-Home Streaming was introduced in May 2014; this allows users to stream games installed on one computer to anotherTemplate:Mdashregardless of platformTemplate:Mdashon the same home network.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Steam client, as part of a social network service, allows users to identify friends and join groups using the Steam Community feature.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Users can use text chat and peer-to-peer VoIP with other users, identify which games their friends and other group members are playing, and join and invite friends to Steamworks-based multiplayer games that support this feature. Users can participate in forums hosted by Valve to discuss Steam games. Each user has a unique page that shows his or her groups and friends, game library including earned achievements, game wishlists, and other social features; users can choose to keep this information private.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2010, Valve reported that 10 million of the 25 million active Steam accounts had signed up to Steam Community.<ref name="steamgrowth_2009">Template:Cite web</ref> In conjunction with the 2012 Steam Summer Sale, user profiles were updated with Badges reflecting the user's participation in the Steam community and past events.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam Trading Cards were introduced in beta in May 2013 and were fully supported by June 2013. By playing specific games, players would earn virtual trading cards, which they could trade with friends and use towards gaining rewards on the service such as game discounts, downloadable content, or in-game items, and customize their user profile page.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Steam client has become an OpenID provider, allowing third-party websites to use a Steam user's identity without requiring the user to expose his or her Steam credentials.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Through Steamworks, Steam provides a means of server browsing for multiplayer games that use the Steam Community features, allowing users to create lobbies with friends or members of common groups. Steamworks also provides Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC), Valve's proprietary anti-cheat system; game servers automatically detect and report users who are using cheats in online, multiplayer games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2012, Valve added new featuresTemplate:Mdashincluding dedicated hub pages for games that highlight the best user-created content, top forum posts, and screenshotsTemplate:Mdashto the Community area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In December 2012, a feature called Game Guides, where users can upload text and images detailing games and game strategies in the same manner as GameFAQs was added.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Starting in beta in December 2014 and publically released in January 2015, the Steam client allows players to broadcast video streams to the public or Steam friends while playing video games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In September 2014, Steam Music, a built-in music player, was added to the Steam client, allowing users to play through music stored on their computer or to stream from a locally networked computer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Anchor Developer features

Valve offers Steamworks, an application programming interface (API) that provides development and publishing tools to take advantage of Steam client's features, free-of-charge to game and software developers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steamworks provides networking and player authentication tools for both server and peer-to-peer multiplayer games, matchmaking services, support for Steam community friends and groups, Steam statistics and achievements, integrated voice communications, and Steam Cloud support, allowing games to integrate with the Steam client. The API also provides anti-cheating devices and digital copy management.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Developers of software available on Steam are able to track sales of their titles through the Steam store. In February 2014, Valve announced that it will allow developers to set up their own sales for their titles independent of any sales that Valve may set for titles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Steam Greenlight, announced in July 2012 and released the following month,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is a way for Steam users to help choose which games are added to the service. Developers are able to submit information about their games, as well as early builds or beta versions, for consideration by users. Users can pledge support for these games, and Valve will help to make top-pledged games available on the Steam service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In response to complaints during its first week that finding games to support was made difficult by a flood of inappropriate or false submissions,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve required developers to pay Template:USD to list a game on the service to reduce illegitimate submissions. The fee will be donated to the charity *****'s Play.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A later modification allowed developers to put conceptual ideas on the Greenlight service to garner interest in potential projects free-of-charge; votes from such projects are only visible to the developer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve also allowed non-gaming software to be voted onto the service through Greenlight.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The first game to be released via Steam Greenlight was M*****ixel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The initial process offered by Steam Greenlight was panned because while developers favored the concept, the rate of games that are eventually approved by Valve is very small.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve has acknowledged that this is a problem and believes it can improve upon it; Valve's Tom Bui said, "we aren't where we want to be yet".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2013, Newell stated that Valve recognized that its role in Greenlight has been perceived as a bottleneck, something it plans to eliminate in the future through an open marketplace infrastructure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the eve of Greenlight's first anniversary, Valve simultaneously approved 100 titles through the Greenlight process to demonstrate this change of direction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve stated in January 2014 that it plans to phase out the Greenlight process in favor of providing developers with easier means to put their games onto the Steam service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The September 2014 "Discovery Update" added tools that would allow existing Steam users to be curators for game recommendations, and sorting functions that presented more popular titles and recommended titles specific to the user, as to allow more games to be introduced on Steam without the need of Steam Greenlight, while providing some means to highlight user-recommended games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Steam's Early Access program was launched in March 2013. This program allows developers to release functional but yet-incomplete products such as beta versions to the service to allow users to buy the titles and help provide testing and feedback towards the final production. Early access also helps to provide funding to the developers to help complete their titles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Steam Workshop

The Steam Workshop allows players of Valve and Steamworks-enabled games to source user-created content. Users can use in-game or discrete tools to construct and publish new levels, game modifications, or other content for games that support the Workshop. Users can then subscribe to such content through the Steam client or the website and automatically download it to their computers and integrate it with the game. The Workshop was originally used for distribution of new items for Team Fortress 2;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> it was redesigned to extend support for any game, including modifications for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, in early 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A May 2012 patch for Portal 2, enabled by a new map-making tool through the Steam Workshop, introduced the ability to share user-created levels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Independently-developed games, including Dungeons of Dredmor, are able to provide Steam Workshop support for user-generated content.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dota 2 became Valve's third published title available for the Steam Workshop in June 2012; its features include customizable accessories, skins, and voice packs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Valve has provided some user-developed Workshop content as paid-for features in Valve-developed games, including Team Fortress 2 and DOTA 2; as of January 2015, over $57 million has been paid to content creators using the Workshop.<ref name="worshop 3rd party"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve began allowing developers to use these advanced features in January 2015; the developer and content generator will share the profits of the sale of these items; the feature went live in April 2015, starting with various mods for Skyrim.<ref name="worshop 3rd party">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This feature was pulled a few days afterward following negative user feedback and reports of pricing and copyright misuse.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other functions

Steam for Schools is a function-limited version of the Steam client that is available free-of-charge to educational institutions for use in classrooms. It is part of Valve's initiative to support gamification of learning for classroom instruction; it was released alongside free versions of Portal 2 and a standalone program called Puzzle Maker that allows teachers and students to create and manipulate levels. It features additional authentication security that allows teachers to share and distribute content through a Steam Workshop-type interface but blocks access from students.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Supported platforms

Steam was released in 2003<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> exclusively for the Microsoft Windows operating system,<ref name="steam mac"/> but has since been expanded to other platforms.

OS X

On March 8, 2010, Valve announced that Steam was developing a client for OS X.<ref name="steam mac">Template:Cite web</ref> The announcement was preceded by a change in the Steam beta client to support the cross-platform WebKit web browser rendering engine instead of the Trident engine of Internet Explorer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Before this announcement, Valve teased the release by e-mailing several images to Mac community and gaming websites; the images featured characters from Valve games with Apple logos and parodies of vintage Macintosh advertisements.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve developed a full video homage to Apple's 1984 Macintosh commercial to announce the availability of Half-Life 2 and its episodes on the service; some concept images for the video had previously been used to tease the Mac Steam client.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Steam for OS X was originally planned for release in April 2010; it was launched worldwide on May 12, 2010, following a successful beta period. In addition to the Steam client, several features were made available to developers, allowing them to take advantage of the cross-platform Source engine, and platform and network capabilities using Steamworks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Through SteamPlay, the OS X client allows players who have purchased compatible products in the Windows version to download the Mac versions at no cost, allowing them to continue playing the game on the other platform. Some third-party titles may require the user to re-purchase them to gain access to the cross-platform functionality.<ref name="shacknews mac release">Template:Cite web</ref> The Steam Cloud is cross-platform compatible. Multiplayer games can also be cross-compatible, allowing Windows and Mac players to play with each other.<ref name="steam mac" />

Linux

Valve announced in July 2012 that it was developing a Steam client for Linux and modifying the Source engine to work natively on Linux, based on the Ubuntu distribution.<ref name="linux announcement" /> This announcement followed months of speculation, primarily from the website Phoronix that had discovered evidence of Linux developing in recent builds of Steam and other Valve software.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Newell stated that getting Steam and games to work on Linux is a key strategy for Valve; Newell called the closed nature of Microsoft Windows 8, "a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space", and that Linux would maintain "the openness of the platform".<ref name="cvg newell linux">Template:Cite web</ref> Valve is extending support to any developers that want to bring their games to Linux, by "making it as easy as possible for anybody who's engaged with usTemplate:Mdashputting their games on Steam and getting those running on Linux", according to Newell.<ref name="cvg newell linux" />

The team developing the Linux client had been working for a year before the announcement to validate that such a port would be possible.<ref name="gamasutra linux">Template:Cite web</ref> As of the official announcement, a near-feature-complete Steam client for Linux had been developed and successfully run on Ubuntu.<ref name="gamasutra linux" /> Internal beta testing of the Linux client started in October 2012; external beta testing occurred in early November the same year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Open beta clients for Linux were made available in late December 2012,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the client was officially released in mid-February 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve's Linux group will focus on improving the Steam client and will assure that its selected first Source game, Left 4 Dead 2, will run at an acceptable frame rate and degree of connectivity with the Windows and OS X versions. From there, it will work on porting other games to Ubuntu and expanding to other Linux distributions.<ref name="linux announcement">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In early August 2012, Valve said it had successfully completed the Left 4 Dead 2 port.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following Valve's announcement, Devolver Digital announced that it will port Serious Sam 3: BFE with Steamworks support to the Ubuntu Linux distribution.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Linux games will also be eligible for SteamPlay availability; The Cave was announced as one of the first titles to take advantage of this.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Versions of Steam working under Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux were released by October 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On June 5, 2014, the number of Linux-compatible games on Steam reached 500<ref name="500LinuxGames">Template:Cite web</ref> while on March 11, 2015 the number of native games available via Steam for Linux / SteamOS had surpassed 1000.<ref name=phoronix1k>Template:Cite web</ref>

Consoles

At E3 2010, Newell announced that Steamworks would arrive on the PlayStation 3 with Portal 2. It would provide automatic updates, community support, downloadable content and other unannounced features.<ref name="Gamespot E3 Portal 2">Template:Cite web</ref> Steamworks made its debut on consoles with Portal 2Template:'s PlayStation 3 release. Several featuresTemplate:Mdashincluding cross-platform play and instant messaging, Steam Cloud for saved games, and the ability for PS3 owners to download Portal 2 from Steam (Windows and Mac) at no extra costTemplate:Mdashwere offered.<ref name="eurogamer11-ps3" /> Valve's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive also supports Steamworks and cross-platform features on the PlayStation 3, including using keyboard and mouse controls as an alternative to the gamepad.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve said it "hope[s] to expand upon this foundation with more Steam features and functionality in DLC and future content releases".<ref name="pcgamer">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Xbox 360 does not have support for Steamworks. Newell said that they would have liked to bring the service to the console through the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which would have allowed Valve to provide the same feature set that it did for the PlayStation 3,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but later said that cross-platform play would not be present in the final version of the game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Valve attributes the inability to use Steamworks on the Xbox 360 to limitations in the Xbox Live regulations of the ability to deliver patches and new content. Valve's Erik Johnson stated that Microsoft requires that new content must be certified and validated before distribution, which would limit the usefulness of Steamworks' delivery approach.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mobile platforms

Valve released an official Steam client for iOS and Android devices in late January 2012, following a short beta period.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The application allows players to log into their accounts to browse the storefront, manage their games, and communicate with friends in the Steam community. Newell stated that the application was a strong request from Steam users and sees it as a means "to make [Steam] richer and more accessible for everyone".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Steam Machine

Template:Main Prior to 2013, industry analysts believed that Valve was developing hardware and tuning features of Steam with apparent use on its own hardware. These computers were pre-emptively dubbed as "Steam Boxes" by the gaming community and expected to be a dedicated machine focused upon Steam functionality and maintaining the core functionality of a traditional video game console.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the week beginning on September 23, 2013, Valve unveiled a console operating system called SteamOS built atop the Linux operating system, a console input device called the Steam Controller, and the final concept of the Steam Machine hardware, which were tentatively scheduled to be released in 2014 but now will be released in late 2015.<ref name = "SteamOS"/> Unlike other consoles, the Steam Machine has no set hardware; its technology is implemented at the discretion of the manufacturer and is fully customizable in the same lieu as a personal computer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Steam client enables users to purchase this hardware directly.

Market share and impact

File:Garrys-Mod-sales-graph.png

Graph showing the sales of Garry's Mod, a digitally released game on the Steam service. The largest spikes are caused by Steam sales and promotions.<ref name="pcgamer.com">Template:Cite web</ref> As of April 2014, it has sold 4.8 million copies through the service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Valve does not release any sales figures for its Steam service; it only provides the data to companies with games on Steam,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which they cannot release without permission because of a non-disclosure agreement with Valve.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Stardock, the previous owner of competing platform Impulse, estimated that as of 2009, Steam had a 70% share of the digital distribution market for video games.<ref name="Graft" /> In early 2011, Forbes reported that Steam sales constituted 50–70% of the Template:USD market for downloaded PC games and that Steam offered game producers gross margins of 70% of purchase price, compared with 30% at retail.<ref name="forbes-gnprofile">Template:Cite web</ref> Steam's success has led to some criticism because of its support of DRM and for being an effective monopoly.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Free Software Foundation founder Richard Stallman commented on the issue following the announcement that Steam would come to Linux; he said that while he supposes that its release can boost GNU/Linux adoption leaving users better off than with Microsoft Windows, he stressed that he sees nothing wrong with commercial software but that the problem is that Steam is unethical for not being free software and that its inclusion in GNU/Linux distributions teaches the users that the point is not freedom and thus works against the software freedom that is his goal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In November 2011, the developer of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings revealed that Steam was responsible for 200,000 (80%) of the 250,000 online sales of the game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Steam was responsible for 58.6% of gross revenue for Defender's Quest during its first three months of release across six digital distribution platformsTemplate:Mdashcomprising four major digital game distributors and two methods of purchasing and downloading the game directly from the developer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Because Steam is nearly required to play most games for personal computers, its customer service has been highly criticized by its users, with users citing poor response times or lack of response in regards to issues such as being locked out of one's library or having a non-working game redemption key. In March 2015, Valve had been given a failing "F" grade from the Better Business Bureau due to a large number of complaints in Valve's handling of Steam, leading Valve's Erik Johnson to state that "we don't feel like our customer service support is where it needs to be right now".<ref name="bbb">Template:Cite web</ref> Johnson stated the company plans to better integrate customer support features into the Steam client and be more responsive to such issues.<ref name="bbb"/>

See also

• List of games using Steam authentication
• List of Steam Early Access games
• Steam Spy

External links

• Template:Official website
• Steamworks – Steamworks information
• The Steam Community – web access to Steam's social network
• Valve Developer Community/Steam – Steam category on the official VDC wiki