Also provides:

• a giant platform

• a payment system

• distribution network

• servers

• sales data

• fraud prevention

• networking

• automated build processes

Also the drm is completely optional. So if a game has it, it’s because the devs wanted it have it.

Edit: these are only a few. Take a look at the official steamworks page

Their contributions to Proton and the Linux gaming in general cannot be understated.

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I don’t agree with anon entirely but I do appreciate his alternative take.

I mean, all of that on one side, on the other - steam sales, humble bundles and legal key resellers. I’m pro-steam.

I personally prefer like/dislike over a star rating system. Maybe, MAYBE having a middle “meh” rating would be helpful but at the end of the day you either recommend something or you don’t. If you ask a friend “should I play this?” and they say “idk man” that’s basically a recommendation to not play it.