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 Steam's games library with default skin.
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| http://store.steampowered.com/ | |
| Category | Digital Distribution System |
| Platform | PC |
| Developer(s) | Valve Corporation |
| Publisher(s) | Valve Corporation |
| Distribution | Digital Download |
| Source Model | Closed Source |
| License | Steam Subscriber Agreement, Proprietary Software |
| Status | Stable |
| Date of first Stable release | September 12, 2003 |
| Programming Language(s) | C++ |
Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multi-player and communications support platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute games and related media online (including bonus content, such as playthrough guides and soundtracks), from companies as diverse as small independent developers, to large software publishers. Steam also has community-orientated features, automated game updates and patching, in-game voice and chat functionality, and Game Modification support through Steamworks.
As of August 2013, there are over 2,100 individual games and game bundles available through Steam. As of August 2013, Steam regularly has in excess of three million concurrent users, peaking at around five million. Steam competes with other digital distribution systems, such as Origin, which is under the ownership of Electronic Arts.
Steam has also begun to branch out into distributing non-video game software, such as software aimed at making games.
External Links
Learn more about the Steam Subscriber Agreement