Actually I've been using it all the time ever since it came out in beta. Being able to set it to record certain games automatically so I can share something funny or report cheaters after the fact is amazing.
No need to fiddle with OBS to find some instant replay like thing, remember to start it and then edit them in another piece of software. it's all right there, built in to Steam, and so easy to use that I often trim and save clips during gameplay.
I really enjoyed Apex when it came out, it felt like it had a lot of potential and a universe ripe with content to explore.
Then at some point they decided that all we needed was more skins to spend money on.
And appallingly it seems they were right.
The workshop is an interesting topic and one if like to see a larger discussion around - theoretically people are free to upload their workshop content outside of Steam altogether, but arguably it's on developers to support importing non-workshop content.
Censorship is definitely something that needs sorting out. I hadn't heard of much censorship going on but I can definitely see it happening, giv n Japan's standards can differentiate massively from America's. Clear rules need to be laid, and I hope clear reasons are given when it occurs.
It got added when they moved from Greenlight to the current system IIRC.
Double checked and it's called the "Steam Direct fee", is $100 (+ potential taxes) and you get it back when the game makes $1,000 "Adjusted Gross Revenue".
I'm with you on all of this. I'm familiar with this (am a game dev) and you're 100% right that the biggest cost is game distribution. One thing though: it costs ~$100 to list a game on Steam, which is returned to you after it's made a thousand or two.
Honestly there's nothing much valve can do to appease people, but I believe the most likely thing they can do is release data on how much distribution costs and give companies the ability to disable the "extra stuff" to save even a few percent of their revenue.
That's on developers for not putting their games on other platforms, Valve do not prevent you from doing so. If they went crazy tomorrow, people can just jump ship.
I swear the only games that could never be on another store would be Valve's own. It's really not their fault that other platforms are so bad or niche.
Like realistically what should they do to not be seen as gatekeepers? Become worse to scare developers and customers onto other platforms?
I love playing "will the train be cancelled today?" every morning. Luckily covid's WFH revolution means I have a plan b, but for people who have to go in every day... I pity them.
Are they gatekeepers though? It's not like they own Windows or Linux and stop you from using any other store. Just having the biggest audience doesn't make them gatekeepers to the market.
I never see people talking about what valve should change other than lowering the 30% cut, but arbitrarily forcing that would set a bad precedent.
Instead of virtue signalling here's reasonable things Valve could do:
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure proton is free to use and you can install stores and games not from steam on a Steam Deck, so again I really don't know what they're gatekeeping.
Of all the reasons to hate these messaging apps, it's because messages last forever? I'd get it if you were concerned that private companies don't really delete your messages, but you know the average person using these apps actually does want their messages to last?
Deceive Inc. is such a good game. Charming characters and an art style that really immerses you in a fun way. They learnt a lesson really quickly that's taken so many other games years to get right - buff the weaker, less fun stuff rather than nerfing the fun, overused things.
It's just a shame that the multiplayer only market is so saturated at the moment with games trying to monopolise your attention. To even get people to try it is difficult due to the entry cost - which is a fair £17.
Cute mascot!
Whenever ECS is brought up, I just can't think of a game I'd make where the pros outweigh the cons. I've come to the conclusion that I just don't understand it yet, so I'd love it if someone who's as passionate as you clearly are, could impart some of the things that made you fall in love with it.
They have been for the longest time, and it's as ridiculous as it sounds.