Steam Monopoly: Why Developers Are Debating Its Dominance in Gaming
Steam Monopoly: Why Developers Are Debating Its Dominance in Gaming
November 5, 2025
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Overview
Here's the thing: the world of PC gaming is buzzing with a hot topic—Steam and its alleged monopoly. A recent study by Rokky revealed that around 72% of developers feel like Steam has a stranglehold on the market [1][21]. This isn't just some random opinion; it's backed by solid data from industry insiders who point out that many studios rely heavily on Steam for their revenue. In fact, over 75% of income for a majority of developers comes from this platform [21]. You might be wondering what led to this feeling of dependency. Well, it turns out that while developers appreciate the visibility and sales potential Steam offers, they also feel trapped [2]. It's like being in a relationship where one party has all the power, and that can be a bit uncomfortable.
Interestingly enough, the debate doesn't stop there. On the flip side, many developers are beginning to explore alternatives like the Epic Games Store and Xbox PC Games [21]. They’re looking for ways to diversify their income streams and reduce that reliance on Steam. This has sparked discussions about what a truly competitive landscape looks like. Are we headed towards a healthier ecosystem where multiple platforms can thrive? Or are we just going to see a few giants dominate the space? That’s a question many in the industry are asking.
Ultimately, the bottom line is that while Steam has been a game-changer, its dominance raises important questions about fairness and sustainability in the gaming world. It's a conversation worth having, especially as we see more developers voicing their concerns about being too dependent on a single platform [1][2].