| Official site | store.steampowered.com |
|---|---|
| Price tier | Free |
| Platforms | Desktop |
| License | Proprietary |
| Since | 2003 |
| Origin | United States |
| Status | Active |
| Category | Game launchers |
Steam is a Game launchers tool from United States, first released in 2003. The default PC game store and launcher. Status: Active.
Steam is Free. Confirm the current plan on the official site before you quote a number.
What holds up: Steam runs on Desktop. Steam has been around since 2003, so examples, habits, and file formats already exist.
What does not: Steam is proprietary. If the vendor shuts the account, you do not have a license to run the service yourself.
The closest listed alternative is EA app: EA's game launcher, formerly Origin.
Other tools compared in the same sitting: Epic Games Store (2018, Free): Epic's store and launcher, with free weekly games. GOG Galaxy (2008, Free): DRM-free store plus a multi-launcher.
Where to compare
8 alternatives to Steam. Open that page to compare them.
Catalogued 2026-11-09.