PC Gamers Are Gradually Abandoning Third-Party Launchers in Favor of Steam
For years, PC gamers have endured the frustration of juggling multiple game launchers. From Epic Games Store to Ubisoft Connect, Origin to Battle.net, the proliferation of platforms has cluttered desktops and fragmented gaming libraries. However, a growing trend suggests that this era of launcher overload may be drawing to a close.
A Shift Away from Third-Party Launchers
Increasingly, publishers are recognizing the drawbacks of their proprietary launchers and opting to distribute their games on the more widely adopted Steam platform. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including player convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a desire to tap into Steam’s vast user base.
One of the most notable examples of this trend is Electronic Arts (EA). The publisher has historically been a staunch advocate for its Origin launcher, but recent developments indicate a change of heart. The upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be available exclusively on Steam, marking a significant departure from EA’s previous strategy. This decision follows the removal of Origin requirements for It Takes Two, a move that was met with positive feedback from the gaming community.
2K Games is another publisher that has embraced a more Steam-centric approach. The company has confirmed that Civilization 6 will no longer require its launcher, and the highly anticipated Civilization 7 will launch directly on Steam. This decision aligns with the growing sentiment among players who prefer a unified gaming experience.
The Benefits of a Steam-Centric Ecosystem
The move towards Steam as the primary platform offers several advantages for both publishers and players. For gamers, it simplifies game management, reduces storage space requirements, and eliminates the need to juggle multiple login credentials. Steam’s robust features, such as cloud saves, achievements, and social interactions, also contribute to its appeal.
From a publisher’s perspective, distributing games on Steam can lead to increased sales and broader audience reach. The platform’s massive user base and established payment infrastructure provide a lucrative opportunity to monetize games. Additionally, Steam’s data analytics and marketing tools can help publishers better understand their audience and optimize their game offerings.
A Call for Industry-Wide Change
While the shift towards Steam is gaining momentum, some publishers, such as Rockstar Games and Ubisoft, continue to prioritize their own launchers. However, the growing number of titles available exclusively on Steam is exerting pressure on these holdouts. As more players express their preference for a unified gaming experience, it is likely that other publishers will eventually follow suit.
The gaming industry stands at a crossroads. The choice is clear: either embrace the convenience and efficiency of a centralized platform like Steam, or risk alienating players and losing market share. As more publishers recognize the benefits of a Steam-centric approach, the future of PC gaming may look very different.
