Steam has significantly transformed the gaming industry, but what is it, and how does it function? Let's delve into the details of this highly popular digital gaming service and what you need to know to get started.
What is Steam?
Steam is an online platform and application created by Valve, the company behind legendary games like Half-Life, Counter-Strike, and Left 4 Dead. This platform acts as a comprehensive digital storefront paired with community features, making it one of the top gaming hubs worldwide.
Accessible on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a beta version for ChromeOS, Steam lets users purchase, download, and manage their video games. Similar to a media library, you can view your game collection, launch titles, and access social features and forums. Creating a Steam account is free, and there's also a mobile app for iOS and Android, keeping you connected on the go.
For developers, Steam offers a crucial distribution platform. Many major developers and indie creators use Steam to release their games, provide updates, and engage with their player base.
A Brief History of Steam
Steam launched in 2003 as a tool for Valve to distribute automatic updates for its games. Initially optional, it became mandatory with the release of Half-Life 2 in 2004, despite early performance issues. By 2005, other developers began distributing their games through Steam, cementing its role in the digital distribution space.
Over the years, Steam expanded beyond Windows, releasing a macOS version in 2010 and a Linux version in 2013. In 2015, Valve introduced SteamOS, an operating system designed for gaming hardware. Although Steam Machines, the first hardware to use SteamOS, didn't gain widespread popularity, the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device launched in 2022, has been more successful.
How Does Steam Work?
Upon launching Steam, you'll see your Steam Library, displaying your games, achievements, and player statistics. To play a game, select it and click the Play button. Steam also supports mods and expansion packs. You can add games bought from other sources to your library, including non-Steam games, though these won't have full Steam functionality.
The Steam Store is where you can purchase games, add-ons, and expansions. Browse categories or search for specific titles, add them to your cart, and choose to buy for yourself or as a gift. Some games are free to play but may offer in-game purchases.
For Linux users, Steam provides a compatibility layer called Steam Play, which uses Proton technology (based on Wine) to run Windows games. This is officially supported for certain titles, and you can enable it for all games, though compatibility may vary.
To enjoy gaming on a larger display, you can enable Big Picture Mode, optimizing the Steam interface for TV screens.
Social Features
Steam's Community tab showcases its social features. Here, you'll find forums, mods, user-generated content, and a marketplace for buying and selling items. You can add friends, join groups, and follow other players or games.
Broadcasts allow you to live-stream your gaming sessions or watch others. The Community tab also includes reviews, guides, videos, and artwork created by other gamers. The Steam Community Overlay offers in-game access to Steam's features, including voice chat, screenshots, and trading.
How to Sign Up for Steam and Start Gaming
To use Steam, download the app and create an account. You can also sign up online. Follow these steps:
1. Visit steampowered.com and click Login.
2. Select Join Steam.
3. Enter your email address and country, complete the captcha, agree to terms and conditions, and click Continue.
4. Verify your email using the link sent to you.
5. Choose a Steam Account Name and password, then click Done.
You need to be 13 or older and have a high-speed internet connection to use Steam. To buy games, add funds to your Steam Wallet using various payment methods. Browse the Steam Store, add games to your cart, and complete your purchase.
To play a purchased game, wait for it to download, then click Play in your Library. If you have games bought elsewhere that support Steam, add them to your library via the Add a Game option.
With Steam, you can easily manage your games, connect with other players, and enjoy an immersive gaming experience.