Almost every game developer has its own gaming platform these days. From UPlay to Battlenet, EA games, and other major developers use online stores to distribute video games directly to their players. Game stores like these are available on all platforms, but none of that would even happen without Steam.
It was and still is the oldest gaming platform that started selling video games online, far before it was ever popular. Steam is now over 15 years old and is still the most significant online retailer on the market. Stick around and see what FunGameStore has to say about this revolutionary platform.
What Is Steam?
Steam is the pioneer among digital video game distribution platforms. It was first released in 2003 and was available only for PC gamers at first. As time went by, it became available for PlayStation and Xbox gamers all over the globe. As a gamer, you only have to log into your profile, and you’re ready to buy the games you want to play.
All of the games you buy are transferred to your Steam Library, where you can access them using any device. Unlike purchasing a hard copy that can get lost or damaged, your games will always be available in the library, and you can reinstall them as many times as you want after the first purchase.
However, Steam works great for game developers as well. It allows small game developers to make their products available to the right community. They can also use their store pages to inform players about new titles, updates, and changes for all game titles. It’s a service that provides a complete gaming experience, including meeting new friends and sharing products, videos, and experiences. FunGameStore offers a few cool Steam gift cards, and you can check them out if you want to surprise someone with a game title of their choice.
Where It All Began
Back in 2002, where all games were available only as physical copies, the company behind popular games like Half-Life and Counter-Strike, realized that it needs a more efficient way of distributing games. The developers worked hard to come up with Steam, a working platform that made multiplayer gaming much more convenient. The platform was finally released in 2003, and it created a massive stir on the market.
Even the developers didn’t know just how huge Steam will get overnight. The moment Valve released Half-Life 2, the number of Steam users exploded. The idea is to provide players with a secure platform that puts an end to piracy, and it was so effective, the initial surge of players crashed it right away. The traffic was too much for any server at the time, and the players who registered were not happy. The problem was fixed quickly, and the developers saw the vast potential it showed within the first few days.
By the time other popular games, including Call of Duty, became a part of the platform, Steam was ready to accommodate hundreds of thousands of players without crashing. Today, the platform has close to 50 million daily users, making it the world’s biggest such platform.
But, let’s go back to 2005, which was a turning point that made Steam what it is today. That’s the year when Steam expanded their offer with games outside of their development. Companies like Activision and Capcom were allowed to include their games on Steam. That turned out to be the right move, as gamers could get more games they wanted from a single store.
The Evolution
Once Steam established itself as the leading, and pretty much the only worldwide online video game distributor, most game developers wanted in. Steam introduced a bunch of new features, and by the end of 2006, it already had over 100 available games in their offer. FunGameStore Steam gift cards can help you buy your first titles today, or you can expand your library with new games at any time.
In 2007, Steam integrated Metacritic ratings, advanced filters, and a new design that made the entire experience much better. With features like the community forums and the whole Steam Community, the platform became the go-to place for hardcore gamers who wanted to connect and team up playing their favorite titles.
Then, in 2008, Steam added even more filters that allowed players to find games based on their genre, release date, and similar details. By this time, over 20 million players became regular users. Even more, features were introduced, including new Under $5 and $10 categories.
Video games became very affordable, which expanded the platform even more. By 2011, the Steam library grew to over 1,000 titles, and the growing user base needed improved security features. Steam introduced the two-step verification process to improve user safety, and they also released a complimentary mobile app and the Steam Workshop.
By the end of 2014, Steam was available for Mac and Linux users, and it got more features designed to make gaming even more convenient. The next big thing was the addition of VR gaming in 2016, followed by a video section feature, and many other features that are still used today. Today, Steam is the most prominent digital video game store, and every gamer in the world knows about it. You can get a gift card at FunGameStore and join this ever-growing community today.
The Bottom Line
Steam is genuinely a revolutionary service that changed the way we see online gaming. It took over ten years to perfect the platform, and today, it has come a long way since the day it was first released. Right now, Steam is the best possible gaming platform for gamers and video game developers alike.
Both ends have dozens of advanced features designed to help them get the most out of every title. So, don’t wait for another second if you’re still not a part of the best gaming platform ever created. FunGameStore offers a wide variety of online gift cards for your needs. Visit the FunGameStore and start your Steam journey with a few popular titles today.