4 Steam Alternatives: Digital Gaming Clients You'll Love

The Continued Relevance of Steam and the Rise of Alternatives

The launch of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has arguably cemented Valve’s Steam as a dominant force in the gaming landscape.

This updated first-person shooter not only enhances Valve’s brand reputation but also reinforces Steam’s position as the foremost desktop gaming client globally.

Beyond Steam: Exploring Your Options

Despite the widespread acclaim and loyalty surrounding Steam and its figurehead, Gabe Newell, it’s crucial to acknowledge the existence of viable alternatives.

While Steam’s summer sales are undeniably attractive, remaining open to other platforms is beneficial.

Although Steam boasts an unparalleled community, several other clients offer the ability to purchase, download, and manage digital game libraries.

Four Popular Steam Alternatives

Let's examine four prominent Steam alternatives, some of which may already be familiar to you.

• Epic Games Store: Known for offering exclusive titles and frequent free game giveaways.
• GOG.com: Focuses on DRM-free gaming, providing greater ownership and flexibility.
• EA App (formerly Origin): The primary platform for Electronic Arts' games and services.
• Microsoft Store: Integrated with Windows and Xbox, offering a wide selection of PC games.

Each of these platforms presents a unique approach to game distribution and community features.

Considering these alternatives can broaden your gaming experience and potentially offer better deals or more favorable terms.

Desura

Desura functions as a client designed for both Windows and Linux operating systems, with a macOS version planned for future release.

While Steam primarily features large-scale, commercially successful games, Desura focuses on establishing connections between gamers, developers, and mod creators. The game library on Desura generally consists of titles with smaller followings, but it provides a valuable platform for developers such as Frozenbyte and S2 Games to connect with players.

Desura adopts a distinct approach to DRM compared to many of its competitors.

The platform actively promotes a DRM-free environment for developers, although publishers and developers retain the option to distribute titles incorporating DRM technologies. Desura effectively informs users when a game or publisher utilizes DRM.

A strong sense of community is central to the Desura experience.

Among the alternatives to Steam, Desura’s community closely resembles Steam’s in terms of its welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.

Desura’s catalog includes a variety of games.

Titles available on Desura encompass games like First Strike, Crysis, Battlefield 3, Mount & Blade, Quake 4, and numerous others. The platform also offers a selection of free games.

Here's a visual representation of the platform:

Another view of the Desura interface:

Origin: A Gaming Platform Overview

Despite recent criticisms leveled against Electronic Arts concerning issues like Digital Rights Management (DRM) and data handling, it’s undeniable that Origin functions as a significant gaming store and distribution platform.

Origin directly challenges Steam’s dominance in the digital distribution landscape, even while undergoing continuous development.

Key Features

Features such as profile management, integrated friend lists with chat functionality, and the ability to directly join games elevate Origin’s standing within the gaming community.

Currently boasting a user base exceeding 10 million, its impact on the market is substantial.

Game Library

The Origin store offers a wide selection of popular game titles.

• Battlefield 3 is available for purchase and download.
• Mass Effect 3 is a flagship title within the platform.
• Darksiders II can be found in Origin’s catalog.
• The entire SimCity series is offered to players.
• Crysis 3 is readily accessible.
• Dead Space 3 is among the platform’s featured games.

Origin carries a substantial number of major game releases, solidifying its position as a key player in the digital gaming market.

GameStop App

Initially known as Impulse and created by Stardock, the GameStop App now operates under the GameStop brand. This acquisition has significantly enhanced the capabilities of the online storefront.

The platform has experienced substantial growth since being integrated into GameStop’s wider ecosystem.