Steam has been around since 2003, laying the groundwork for modern digital storefronts. Despite early backlash from PC players, it gradually became the go-to platform by putting users first and offering far more than just a place to buy games.
Over time, Steam evolved into an all-in-one ecosystem, combining a storefront, social features, a mod hub, and a central launcher for digital libraries. That broader focus helped it cement its position at the centre of PC gaming.