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Microsoft Store vs Steam

Developers should learn to use and publish on Microsoft Store when building Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), or traditional desktop applications for Windows, as it offers a trusted distribution channel with built-in security, monetization options, and access to millions of users meets developers should learn steam to distribute and monetize pc games, as it is the dominant marketplace with over 120 million active users, offering extensive reach and built-in features like drm and analytics. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Microsoft Store

Developers should learn to use and publish on Microsoft Store when building Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), or traditional desktop applications for Windows, as it offers a trusted distribution channel with built-in security, monetization options, and access to millions of users

Microsoft Store

Nice Pick

Developers should learn to use and publish on Microsoft Store when building Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), or traditional desktop applications for Windows, as it offers a trusted distribution channel with built-in security, monetization options, and access to millions of users

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful for apps targeting consumer or business audiences on Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, and Xbox consoles, and simplifies deployment compared to manual installations
  • +Related to: universal-windows-platform, progressive-web-apps

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Steam

Developers should learn Steam to distribute and monetize PC games, as it is the dominant marketplace with over 120 million active users, offering extensive reach and built-in features like DRM and analytics

Pros

  • +It is essential for indie and AAA studios targeting the PC gaming market, enabling easy updates, community engagement through forums and workshops, and integration with Steamworks for multiplayer and achievements
  • +Related to: game-development, steamworks-api

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Microsoft Store if: You want it is particularly useful for apps targeting consumer or business audiences on windows devices, including pcs, tablets, and xbox consoles, and simplifies deployment compared to manual installations and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Steam if: You prioritize it is essential for indie and aaa studios targeting the pc gaming market, enabling easy updates, community engagement through forums and workshops, and integration with steamworks for multiplayer and achievements over what Microsoft Store offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Store wins

Developers should learn to use and publish on Microsoft Store when building Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), or traditional desktop applications for Windows, as it offers a trusted distribution channel with built-in security, monetization options, and access to millions of users

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev