this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2024
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This is why Steam is as popular as it is, they just release features that people like. Sure GOG doesn't have DRM and Epic Games gives a bigger share to developers but Steam gives players what they actually want.
Steams custom controller profiles alone used on Steam Deck are killers for me. Nothing else amounts.
Steaminput is a massive deal, it supports gyro, remapping, profiles, and extensive customization. XInput can't compare and the epic games store relies on developers for everything. That's the reason why I will always pick a Steam Controller over an Xbox controller.
Now if they would only release a Steam Controller 2...
I wish, the first one still stands as the best controller imo but it still has so much that can be improved (USB C, dual thumbsticks and trackpads, two back paddles, improved haptics, better gyro, better ergonomics, etc).
I want them to launch a Deck v2, Controller v2, and a new take on the Steam Machine simultaneously with a goal of knocking Xbox out of the market and replacing them as the third console. A new Steam Machine right now would play all of Xbox's exclusives on day one and some of Sony's.
I bet my right testicle that the very reason Sony and others have started bringing console ports to steam, is that steam has promised not to compete in the same space. Or something like that. Otherwise removing all those from steam is just something that’ll probably happen if they do enter the market again.
Then again, Steam Deck is a little bit in that direction. So perhaps not.
I think Sony wants out of the physical console market. They just don't know how to do it. The consoles are sold at a loss, but the games sales are massive returns on investments.
If they can double their sales by releasing on steam at the cost of 30% per sale, they still come out ahead, and can save all the R&D cost on developing a physical console, plus the loss from each individual console sale.
XInput is X11 API and SteamInput can be used through SDL or directly.
Xinput is the Xbox/Windows game input API
https://www.x.org/releases/current/doc/xorg-server/Xinput.html
I guessed about Xbox, but this is real too
GOG has DRM for many titles: see Galaxy. As I understand it, it isn't as pervasive as Steam, but is necessary if you want multiplayer on many titles or care about extras like achievements.
Cloud sync also requires the drm, but the advantage that gog and itch have over steam is that for most games you just get the executables and you're good to go.
Tbf to cloud sync, nothing is stopping you from using your own backup/restore service with your drm-free titles compared to the other features that Galaxy offers.
You can also use a third party launcher. I use Lutris on Linux. The GOG Integration is excellent.
Achievements or multiplayer matching not being implemented in the game itself isn't on GOG. They still allow you to download and launch any game you've bought, without even requiring galaxy.
Also lesser known is the fact that there are DRM-free games on steam. Download them once, you can play without having steam running or even installed. Using a client to download isn't inherently DRM either.
not just features for the average consumer, but also a plethora of tools for developers. But then you'll see some airhead make the same 30% cut that steam takes.