Steam
Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, primarily used for purchasing, downloading, and playing video games on PC, Mac, and Linux. It provides features like automatic updates, cloud saves, community forums, and multiplayer matchmaking, serving as a central hub for gamers and developers. The platform also includes tools for game development, such as Steamworks for integrating achievements and multiplayer services.
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. 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. Use cases include launching commercial games, managing early access programs, and leveraging Steam's social features for player retention.