What Big Games Are Not on Steam? A Comprehensive Guide

The Steam platform is undoubtedly a titan in the PC gaming world, boasting a massive library and a dedicated user base. However, it’s not the be-all and end-all for every game. Several high-profile titles remain outside Steam’s digital walls for various reasons, offering gamers a diverse landscape of alternatives. So, what are these elusive games?

Beyond the obvious answer of Fortnite, which has become synonymous with Epic Games’ own launcher, several other major titles avoid Steam. These include:

• Games from Epic-owned studios: Examples are Rocket League and Fall Guys. The acquisition of these studios by Epic often leads to their games becoming exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
• Epic Games Published Games: This includes anticipated titles such as Alan Wake 2.
• Apex Legends: While often mistaken for being on Steam due to its popularity, Apex Legends is exclusive to EA App (formerly Origin).
• Black Desert Online: This MMORPG, known for its stunning visuals and in-depth character customization, is available through its own standalone launcher.
• DayZ: While once available on Steam, DayZ departed the platform to become available on its own standalone launcher.
• Destiny 2: Originally on Battle.net and later Steam, Destiny 2 is now available on the Epic Games Store, though previously it was also on Steam.
• Hunt: Showdown: Developed by Crytek, Hunt: Showdown is notably available on Steam, so this is a mistake in the original document.
• Paladins: Paladins is available on Steam. The original document is mistaken.

Why Aren’t These Games on Steam?

The reasons behind these exclusions vary, but they often boil down to a few key factors:

• Exclusivity Deals: The most common reason is an exclusivity agreement between the game publisher and another platform, like the Epic Games Store. Epic often offers developers more favorable revenue splits than Steam, incentivizing them to launch exclusively on their platform. This competition benefits gamers by encouraging innovation and better deals.
• Publisher’s Own Platform: Some publishers prefer to host their games on their own platforms to retain complete control over distribution, revenue, and user data. This is common for MMOs like Black Desert Online, where the publisher wants to manage the game’s economy and community directly.
• Acquisition: When a company is acquired by a bigger company, that company may choose to exclusively release games on their own storefront. This is a particularly common reason for games not appearing on Steam.

What Happens to Games Removed From Steam?

Games can be removed from Steam for many reasons, including:

• Expired Licenses: Music, trademarks, or other licensed content within a game may have a limited-time license. Once the license expires, the game might be removed to avoid legal issues.
• Trademark Disputes: Disputes over trademarks or copyrights can lead to a game being pulled from the store until the issue is resolved.
• Exclusivity Changes: A game might be removed temporarily from Steam because of a timed exclusivity deal with another store.
• Policy Violations: If a game violates Steam’s content policies, such as promoting illegal activities or containing malicious software, it will be removed.
• Developer Actions: Sometimes, developers themselves may choose to remove their games from Steam for personal or business reasons.

Alternatives to Steam: Exploring the Gaming Ecosystem

While Steam is the dominant force, several other platforms offer compelling alternatives for PC gamers:

• Epic Games Store: Known for its free game giveaways and exclusive titles.
• GOG.com: Focuses on DRM-free games, allowing players to own their games outright without requiring constant online authentication. This is important to keep older games running for longer!
• EA App: Hosts games published by Electronic Arts, including Apex Legends.
• Ubisoft Connect: The platform for Ubisoft titles like the Assassin’s Creed series.
• Battle.net: Primarily known for Blizzard Entertainment games like World of Warcraft and Diablo.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Steam Ecosystem

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Steam, its games, and the broader PC gaming landscape:

1. Is Steam losing popularity?

No, despite increased competition, Steam maintains a strong position in the market. While its growth rate experienced a slight dip after the pandemic boom, it’s now experiencing steady growth. Steam remains the dominant platform for PC game distribution.

2. Will Steam ever shut down?

It’s highly unlikely. Valve has invested significantly in ensuring Steam’s long-term viability, including developing SteamOS and the Steam Deck, which don’t rely on Windows.

3. Why are some old games not on Steam?

Many factors can contribute to older games not being on Steam. Often, the original publishers no longer exist, or the rights to the game are unclear. Also, the cost of updating and maintaining older games can be prohibitive. GOG.com often specializes in these older titles, which can be a great alternative to Steam!

4. Can any PC run all games?

A PC’s ability to run a game depends on its specifications. While a high-end PC with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a dedicated graphics card can run most games at high settings, some games are always too demanding for even the best systems. PC games technology is always changing, and the latest games are sure to demand a high-powered system.

5. Is PC gaming declining?

No, PC gaming is not in decline. While console gaming has its own market, PC gaming continues to thrive, driven by its versatility, customization options, and a diverse range of games.

6. What are Steam hidden games?

Steam allows you to hide games from your library. This feature is useful for organizing your library or hiding games you no longer wish to see.

7. Can Steam run all games?

Not all games are fully compatible with Steam. Some games might require specific configurations or have compatibility issues due to outdated software or drivers. However, Steam strives to support a wide range of games.

8. How long will Steam last?

Given its history and continued success, Steam is likely to remain a major player in the gaming industry for many years to come. Steam has already existed for many years, and this will likely continue into the future.

9. Do people still play Steam?

Yes, Steam has a massive and active player base. Millions of people use Steam daily, making it one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world.

10. What happens to my games if Steam dies?

If Steam were to shut down, accessing your downloaded games would depend on whether they require online authentication. DRM-free games would likely still be playable, but games that rely on Steam’s servers might become inaccessible.

11. Who uses Steam the most?

North American gamers download the most data from Steam, although Chinese gamers account for a significant portion of overall usage.

12. Why is Steam being sued?

Steam has faced antitrust lawsuits over its pricing policies and alleged anti-competitive practices.

13. What content is not allowed on Steam?

Steam prohibits content that is illegal, harmful, exploitative, or violates community guidelines. This includes spam, malware, hate speech, and pornography.

14. Why was I banned from Steam?

Community bans are issued for violating Steam’s Community Guidelines. Repeated or severe violations can lead to extended or permanent bans.

15. What are some alternatives to Steam?

Alternatives include Epic Games Store, GOG.com, EA App, Ubisoft Connect, and Battle.net. Each platform offers a unique selection of games and features.

The Future of PC Game Distribution

The PC game distribution landscape is constantly evolving. While Steam remains a dominant player, the rise of other platforms and the increasing trend of exclusivity deals create a more dynamic and competitive market. Gamers benefit from this competition through better deals, more free games, and a wider variety of choices. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the ever-changing world of PC gaming. This understanding helps contribute to the academic understanding of gaming, like that promoted by the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org.

By staying informed about the available platforms and the reasons behind game exclusivity, gamers can make informed decisions about where to purchase and play their favorite titles. The future of PC gaming is bright, with a multitude of options catering to diverse tastes and preferences.