PC Gaming Platforms: Top 5 Alternatives to Steam in 2024
Explore the Best Steam Alternatives for Diverse Gaming Experiences
Introduction to PC Gaming Platforms
The realm of PC gaming platforms is vast and dynamic, continuously evolving to meet the diverse needs of gamers worldwide. While Steam has long been the dominant force, numerous Steam alternatives have emerged, each offering unique features and benefits that cater to different gaming preferences. This section explores the significance of PC gaming platforms and highlights some of the most popular alternatives to Steam.
pc gaming platforms like steam
As the gaming industry expands, several PC gaming platforms have risen to challenge Steam’s dominance, offering unique selling points and addressing some of the limitations of Steam. Here are a few notable Steam alternatives:
- GOG.com
- Epic Games Store
- Origin
- Ubisoft Connect
- Microsoft Store
if you want to know more about PC gaming platforms read 5 Top Alternative PC Gaming Platforms to Watch in 2024 in MojoTop.
A quick look at GOG
GOG.com, originally known as Good Old Games, was launched in 2008 by CD Projekt Red, the renowned developers behind The Witcher series. The platform was created to provide DRM-free games, ensuring that users have complete ownership of their purchased titles. GOG.com has grown significantly since its inception, now boasting over 5,200 games in its library. The platform’s user-friendly approach, combined with its extensive selection of both classic and modern games, has made it a popular choice among gamers worldwide. GOG.com continues to evolve, integrating features like cloud saves and achievements through its optional GOG Galaxy client, and expanding its reach through partnerships like the one with Amazon Luna.
Benefits of GOG.com
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| DRM-Free Gaming | All games on GOG.com are free from digital rights management restrictions, allowing users to download, back up, and play their games offline without needing to verify ownership. |
| Curated Game Library | GOG.com offers a carefully selected collection of over 5,200 games, including both beloved classics and modern hits, ensuring high-quality titles for users. |
| Customer-Friendly Policies | GOG.com provides a generous 30-day refund policy and an optional client, GOG Galaxy, which offers features like cloud saves, achievements, and cross-play functionality. |
| Partnership with Amazon Luna | This partnership allows GOG.com users to stream their game library on various devices via Amazon Luna, maintaining the DRM-free nature of their games while offering more flexibility. |
| Competitive Pricing and Sales | GOG.com frequently offers significant discounts through seasonal sales, making high-quality games more accessible and providing attractive deals and bundles. |
The Rise of Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store was launched in December 2018 by Epic Games, the company behind the hugely popular Fortnite. It was developed to create a more developer-friendly platform by offering an 88/12 revenue split, compared to the 70/30 split of other platforms like Steam. Since its inception, the Epic Games Store has rapidly grown, now reaching over 270 million total PC customers with 75 million monthly active users as of December 2023. The store has become known for its exclusive titles, free game offerings, and significant discounts, making it a strong competitor in the digital distribution market.
Benefits of Epic Games Store
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Developer-Friendly Revenue Split | The Epic Games Store offers an 88/12 revenue split, allowing developers to retain more of their earnings compared to other platforms. |
| Exclusive Titles | The store features a number of exclusive games, attracting gamers looking for unique and high-quality titles not available elsewhere. |
| Free Games Program | Regularly offers free games, allowing users to expand their library at no cost. In 2023 alone, 586 million free games were claimed. |
| Epic Rewards | Provides a loyalty program where users earn 5% back on purchases, which can be redeemed on the store, with boosted rewards during sales. |
| Dynamic Bundles and Discounts | Offers dynamic bundles that allow users to save money even if they already own part of a bundle, along with frequent sales and promotions. |
| Support for Subscriptions | Enables developers and publishers to offer their subscription services through the store, enhancing the platform’s versatility. |
| Strong Social Features | Includes enhanced social features, such as improved friends lists and communication options, to foster a better community experience. |
Origin: Evolution and Impact on the Gaming Industry
Origin, launched by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2011, was developed as a digital distribution platform to compete with services like Steam. It allowed users to purchase and play EA games directly. Origin quickly became a popular platform, accumulating millions of users over its years of operation. However, in October 2022, EA began transitioning from Origin to the EA App for Windows, which promises a more streamlined and efficient gaming experience. Despite this transition, Origin continues to serve macOS users. The EA App now supports a growing number of installations and offers enhanced features to improve user experience.
Benefits of Origin (Now EA App)
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Developer-Friendly Revenue Split | Origin provides a competitive revenue split for developers, ensuring they retain more profits from their game sales. |
| Exclusive EA Titles | Origin offers exclusive access to EA’s extensive catalog, including popular franchises like Battlefield, FIFA, and The Sims. |
| Integration with Other Platforms | The platform allows users to connect their EA account with other services like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, facilitating cross-platform play and friend management. |
| Automatic Game Updates | The EA App provides automatic game downloads and background updates, ensuring games are always ready to play without manual intervention. |
| Cloud Saves | Players can store their game progress in the cloud, allowing them to continue where they left off, regardless of the device they are using. |
| Subscription Services | The platform supports EA Play and EA Play Pro, offering access to a vast library of games for a monthly subscription fee. |
| User-Friendly Interface | The new EA App features a streamlined design, making it easier for users to find and manage their games and content. |
Ubisoft Connect: Revolutionizing Cross-Platform Gaming
Ubisoft Connect, formerly known as Uplay, was first launched in 2009 alongside the release of “Assassin’s Creed II.” It was initially designed as a rewards program to earn points towards in-game content by completing achievements. Over the years, it expanded into a full-fledged digital distribution platform. In October 2020, Ubisoft rebranded Uplay and Ubisoft Club into Ubisoft Connect, integrating features like cross-platform play and save progression. Ubisoft Connect now serves millions of users worldwide across various platforms including PC, console, and mobile, providing a unified ecosystem for all Ubisoft games and services .
Benefits of Ubisoft Connect
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cross-Platform Play and Save Progression | Ubisoft Connect allows users to play and save their progress across multiple platforms, ensuring a seamless gaming experience no matter the device. |
| Unified Ecosystem | It provides a centralized platform for all Ubisoft games, friends, and rewards, accessible through desktop, mobile apps, and directly within games. |
| Rewards and Challenges | Players can earn Units through gameplay to redeem for in-game rewards or discounts on the Ubisoft Store. This incentivizes engagement and offers tangible benefits. |
| Social Connectivity | The platform supports cross-platform chat and friends lists, allowing players to connect and play with friends across different gaming systems. |
| Regular Updates and News | Ubisoft Connect keeps players informed with the latest news, updates, and challenges related to their favorite games, enhancing the overall gaming experience. |
Microsoft Store: Your Gateway to a Unified Digital Experience
The Microsoft Store, launched in 2012, serves as a digital distribution platform for applications, games, and multimedia content for Windows devices. Over the years, it has evolved to include a vast library of apps and games, becoming a central hub for Windows users. The store is integrated across various Microsoft services, including Xbox and Windows, allowing users to access and manage their purchases seamlessly. With millions of installations worldwide, the Microsoft Store provides a unified ecosystem for downloading, updating, and managing digital content.
Benefits of Microsoft Store
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Unified Ecosystem | Integrates with Xbox, Windows, and other Microsoft services, providing a seamless user experience across devices. |
| Vast Library of Apps and Games | Offers a wide range of applications, games, and multimedia content, ensuring users have access to diverse content. |
| Secure and Reliable | Ensures safe downloads and updates, protecting users from malware and other security threats. |
| Automatic Updates | Keeps applications and games up to date with automatic updates, enhancing user convenience and security. |
| Multiple Payment Options | Provides various payment methods, including subscription services, to cater to different user preferences. |
| Customer Support and Services | Offers excellent customer support, including setup assistance for new devices and help with troubleshooting issues. |
| Exclusive Deals and Discounts | Frequently features sales and exclusive discounts on games and applications, providing value for users. |
