Is Gears of War on Steam?
The answer is no, Gears of War is not available on Steam. The Gears of War franchise has a long history of being exclusive to the Xbox and Windows platforms, and its latest titles are still only available through Microsoft’s own digital stores, such as the Microsoft Store and the Windows 10 Store.
Why Is Gears of War Not on Steam?
There are a few reasons why Gears of War is not available on Steam:
- Exclusive Distribution Deal: Microsoft has a long-term agreement with Epic Games to distribute its titles, including the Gears of War franchise, exclusively through its own channels. This deal has been in place for over a decade and is still in effect.
- Platform Competition: Microsoft has historically been a fierce competitor to Valve, the company behind Steam. By keeping Gears of War exclusive to its own platforms, Microsoft is able to maintain control over the way the game is distributed and marketed, while also limiting the competition from other platforms.
- Monetization Models: Microsoft has a different monetization model compared to Steam. The company uses its own subscription-based service, Xbox Live, to generate revenue from its games, while Steam generates revenue primarily through digital game sales.
What Else Is Missing from Steam?
- Halo: Microsoft’s popular first-person shooter series, Halo, is also not available on Steam. Like Gears of War, the series is exclusive to the Xbox and Windows platforms.
- Forza: Another popular racing game series from Microsoft, Forza, is not available on Steam.
- Age of Empires: This real-time strategy series is also exclusive to the Windows 10 Store.
Table: Microsoft Exclusives on Steam
| Series/Title | Platform | Availability on Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Gears of War | Xbox and Windows | No |
| Halo | Xbox and Windows | No |
| Forza | Xbox and Windows | No |
| Age of Empires | Windows 10 | No |
What Can You Play on Steam Instead?
If you’re looking for similar games to Gears of War, you can try the following:
- Tomb Raider (Square Enix’s action-adventure series)
- RAGE (id Software’s post-apocalyptic first-person shooter)
- Far Cry (Ubisoft’s first-person shooter series)
8 FAQs and Answers
- Is Gears of War still a popular franchise?
Yes, Gears of War is still a popular franchise. The series has a dedicated fan base and its latest titles have received critical acclaim.
- Can I play Gears of War on Mac?
No, Gears of War is not available on Mac.
- Can I use Steam to play Gears of War?
No, Gears of War is not compatible with Steam.
- How many games are in the Gears of War franchise?
6, Gears of War has six main games: Gears of War (2006), Gears of War 2 (2008), Gears of War 3 (2011), Gears of War: Judgment (2013), Gears of War 4 (2016), and Gears 5 (2019).
- Can I play Gears of War with friends who are on Steam?
No, since Gears of War is not available on Steam, you cannot play the game with friends who are on Steam.
- Is Gears of War available on PlayStation?
No, Gears of War is exclusive to the Xbox and Windows platforms and is not available on PlayStation.
- Can I play Gears of War on Linux?
No, Gears of War is not compatible with Linux.
- Can I get a refund if I purchase Gears of War outside of Steam?
Yes, you can get a refund if you purchase Gears of War outside of Steam. Microsoft’s refund policy allows customers to return games within a certain timeframe (typically 14 days) if they’re not satisfied with the game.
In conclusion, Gears of War is not available on Steam, and it’s unlikely that it will become available on the platform in the near future due to its exclusive distribution deal with Microsoft. While Steam has a vast library of games to offer, fans of the Gears of War franchise will have to find alternative ways to play the series.