This audio was created by Google NotebookML and is Strictly Experimental. We make no promises that it'll stay. In the comments, share your thoughts and opinions about the audio quality, and we'll tell Google what you think

This audio was created by ElevenLabs and is Strictly Experimental. We make no promises that it'll stay. In the comments, share your thoughts and opinions about the audio quality, and we'll tell ElevenLabs what you think.

Steam has become a household name for PC gamers around the world, but it didn’t start that way. In the early 2000s, Valve, the company behind hit games like Half-Life, needed a better way to deliver patches and updates to their growing fanbase. That’s how Steam was born.

Steam’s Early Days

Launched in 2003, Steam had a rocky start. Gamers weren’t thrilled about mandatory updates, connectivity issues, and an online-only system. But Valve had a game-changing strategy—by making Steam mandatory for Half-Life 2 in 2004, they created a captive audience. This move set Steam on the path to becoming much more than a game patch tool.

Building the Game Library

Initially, Steam was just for Valve games, but in 2005, everything changed. They started adding games from third-party developers. Suddenly, Steam wasn’t just a way to update your favorite game; it became a full-blown game marketplace. By the late 2000s, the platform was packed with new features like achievements, community chats, and, of course, the famous Steam sales that gamers eagerly awaited every summer and winter.

Support for Indie Developers

A big part of Steam’s success has been its support for indie developers. Steam Greenlight, introduced in 2012, allowed gamers to vote on which indie games would be added to the platform. Then came Early Access in 2013, where developers could release unfinished games, get feedback, and even get funding from players.

Expanding Beyond PC

Steam didn’t stop at being a gaming marketplace. In 2012, Valve introduced Big Picture Mode, which made it easier to play Steam games on your TV with a controller. Then came Steam Machines—a mix of console and PC gaming—which showed Valve’s dedication to expanding gaming beyond the desk. Today, with virtual reality and the Steam Deck, a handheld console for PC games, Steam continues to innovate.

Where It Stands Today

Steam now hosts over 100,000 games, from AAA titles to indie gems. Competitors like Epic Games Store and GOG offer alternatives, but Steam’s user base remains incredibly loyal. Its combination of vast game choices, community features, and regular updates ensures it stays ahead in the gaming world.

Steam’s journey from a simple update tool to the leading digital platform for PC gaming has been nothing short of impressive. Do you think Steam will continue to dominate the PC gaming space, or will another platform take over?

Sources: ProjectReylo, GamesRadar, Engadget