Why isn’t Minecraft on Steam?
Minecraft, the popular sandbox video game, has been available on various platforms such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. However, it’s surprising that Minecraft is not available on Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC games. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Minecraft’s absence from Steam and answer some frequently asked questions.
Why isn’t Minecraft on Steam?
Minecraft’s developer, Mojang (acquired by Microsoft in 2014), has a long-standing partnership with Microsoft Store, the digital distribution platform for Windows and Xbox. Microsoft has exclusive rights to distribute Minecraft on PC. This means that Minecraft is only available for purchase and download from the Microsoft Store, and not from Steam or other digital distribution platforms.
But why didn’t Mojang/Microsoft choose to release Minecraft on Steam?
There are a few reasons for this:
- Licensing agreements: Mojang and Microsoft have a licensing agreement with Microsoft, which restricts them from distributing Minecraft on other platforms, including Steam.
- Exclusive distribution: Microsoft wants to maintain exclusive control over the distribution of Minecraft on PC, which is why they’ve chosen to keep it within their own ecosystem.
- Revenue sharing: Steam takes a significant cut of the revenue generated from game sales. By distributing Minecraft through their own platform, Microsoft can retain more of the revenue generated from game sales.
What about other Minecraft games on Steam?
While the original Minecraft is not available on Steam, some spin-off games and expansions, such as Minecraft: Story Mode and Minecraft: Dungeons, are available on the platform. However, these games are not developed by Mojang or Microsoft, but by other studios, such as Telltale Games and Mojang (respectively).
But what about the community? Won’t Steam users be left out?
Microsoft has taken steps to ensure that Steam users can still play with friends who own the game on Microsoft Store. The game allows for cross-platform play, which means that players on different platforms can play together. This includes players on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
What about the impact on sales? Won’t Steam users be less likely to buy the game?
According to Microsoft, the exclusivity deal has not affected sales. In fact, the game has continued to sell well on Microsoft Store, and the exclusivity deal has allowed Microsoft to maintain control over the game’s distribution and revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I play Minecraft on Steam?
A: No, the original Minecraft game is not available on Steam.
Q: Why isn’t Minecraft on Steam?
A: Microsoft has exclusive rights to distribute Minecraft on PC, and they want to maintain control over the game’s distribution and revenue.
Q: Can I play with friends on Steam who own the game on Microsoft Store?
A: Yes, Minecraft allows for cross-platform play, which means that players on different platforms can play together.
Q: Will Minecraft ever be available on Steam?
A: It’s unlikely, given the exclusive licensing agreement between Mojang and Microsoft.
Q: Are there any other Minecraft games on Steam?
A: Yes, some spin-off games and expansions, such as Minecraft: Story Mode and Minecraft: Dungeons, are available on Steam.
Q: Will Steam users be left out of updates and new content?
A: No, Microsoft has committed to releasing updates and new content for the game on all platforms, including Steam.
Q: How does the exclusivity deal affect Microsoft’s revenue?
A: By retaining control over the game’s distribution and revenue, Microsoft can maintain a larger share of the revenue generated from game sales.
Q: Are there any plans to release Minecraft on other platforms?
A: While there are no official plans to release Minecraft on other platforms, Microsoft has released the game on other platforms, such as Xbox and Nintendo Switch, in the past.
Conclusion
Minecraft’s absence from Steam is due to a combination of licensing agreements, exclusive distribution, and revenue sharing. While it may seem surprising that Minecraft is not available on Steam, Microsoft’s exclusivity deal has allowed them to maintain control over the game’s distribution and revenue. For Steam users, the game is still available through other means, such as cross-platform play with friends who own the game on Microsoft Store.