In August, Valve announced that it would soon begin selling non-game Windows software on its Steam (game) distribution service. This week, the company launched the first titles to be sold on Steam, which are mainly game related applications like benchmarks and art/asset editors.
To sweeten the deal, Valve is offering up the first wave of software titles for 10% off until next Tuesday. The launch titles include:
- ArtRage Studio Pro
- CameraBag 2
- GameMaker: Studio
- 3D-Coat
- 3DMark Vantage
- 3DMark 11
- Source Filmmaker
These applications are available for purchase now, and most will take advantage of Steam features like cloud saving and the Steam Workshop to share your creations with others. Further, I can see the benchmarking utilities appealing to reviewers as they can just let Steam take care of the product keys and it can just be rolled into the same Steam backup that the benchmark games are in! For most people though, I think if the price is right Steam might be a viable option. On the other hand, it will be facing stiff competition from services like the Windows Store in Windows 8. And not to mention the pesky issue that if you lose your Steam account or do not agree to the next EULA change you lose access to any programs you've purchased on Steam (oh joy).
You can find more information in Valve's press release.
What do you think of Valve selling non-game software on Steam? I'm willing to give it a chance but don't think I'll use it all that much unless its included in a seasonal Steam Sale.
“And not to mention the pesky
“And not to mention the pesky issue that if you lose your Steam account or do not agree to the next EULA change you lose access to any programs you’ve purchased on Steam.”
Pretty sure 3rd-party programs not using steamworks could have CD-KEYs listed. Steam does this for many 3rd-party games, and you can also register the key on publisher platform like Origin. Those programs shouldn’t be using steamworks (unless someone really wants achievements for these programs…), so I guess it’s not a big problem. You have to save the CDKEY if not using Steam anyway.
Hmm, are they able to do that
Hmm, are they able to do that and still integrate the Steam Cloud stuff (ie not use Steamworks DRM but tap into the Steam Cloud stuff?). I suppose the app developers could always email you a CD-Key as a backup when you purchase – I'd be okay with that :).
Don’t trust and rely on
Don’t trust and rely on Steam! Always have your own physical media and Product Keys for yourself.
Steam, you can go blow!
It`s not a matter of whether
It`s not a matter of whether or not you have a key, let`s face it key gens are every where. More a matter of retail or steam as far as steam is concerned yes/no? I only buy retail not because I don`t have a steam Account or I don`t have a payment method but for peice of mind, after all the mess look at my cd/dvd ha 🙂
Better Valve than Microsoft.
Better Valve than Microsoft.