Valve now selling non-game software on Steam platform

[Deleted_171835]

Following discussion a little over a month ago Valve, operator of the popular game distribution platform otherwise known as Steam, has started to offer non game software for sale. Presently six items should be available to purchase, the list stands at GameMaker: Studio, ArtRage Studio Pro, CameraBag 2, 3DMark Vantage, 3D-Coat and 3DMark 11. Presently most of those pieces of software are tied to games in some manner or they are tied to Valve's more recent efforts in video creation, but even more general software may well be available in the very near future.

Steam itself has been seen an in interesting target for software distribution and with it being the dominant digital sales platform for games it has a considerable install base to leverage. The "Steamworks" features are also an attractive feature for general software developers with remote/"cloud" storage of files and programs and automated updates being among the features worth noting. It was also noted that users GameMaker: Studio could in turn use Steam to distribute their works.

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Steam link to the software

 

[raulpica]

I can't wait to buy Microsoft Office from Steam!

raulpica is now playing:
Microsoft Office 2010

 

[shakirmoledina]

valve and microsoft... lol it's like north and south pole especially with windows 8
Guess they are thinking ahead and making extra choices against competitors.

 

[Fear Zoa]

I wonder if Fraps and Dxtory will end up on there, it wouldn't surprise me if they did. I also wonder if non-game software will take part in Steams epic sales, that would be awesome.

 

[rehevkor]

They can apparently have achievements too, which GameMakertakes advantage of.

http://kotaku.com/5948366/steam-gives-you-achievements-for-creating-bugs-in-gamemaker

 

[Clarky]

always wanted to buy Windows 98 again

 

[FAST6191]

They can apparently have achievements too, which GameMakertakes advantage of.

http://kotaku.com/5948366/steam-gives-you-achievements-for-creating-bugs-in-gamemaker

That combined with office programs could work

*achievement unlocked*
Didn't just press space to centre the text/title.

*achievement unlocked*
Used a page break/new page instead of just pressing enter enough times.

*achievement unlocked*
It might have taken dark magic but managed to place an image without space and enter.

*achievement unlocked*
Used styles instead of going manual.

*achievement unlocked*
Didn't use comic sans in a document/used three or less fonts.

*achievement unlocked*
Didn't use a spreadsheet when a dedicated program or database would have been far better.

*achievement unlocked*
Less than thirty words of text on each slide in a slideshow and an average less than 15 words per slide.

 

[Gahars]

Steam is slowly but surely expanding into other markets, preparing to clutch them in its iron grip.

I am perfectly okay with this.

 

[DSGamer64]

I'd love to see music editing software on there soon like Abelton, Pro Tools and Fruity Loops. Honestly if Steam can get that kind of software for less then what it retails for online and in music stores, I would be happy as a clam. Many of those programs are expensive and even getting a slight discount means a lot for those of us who record music.

 

[Thanatos Telos]

Steam is slowly but surely expanding into other markets, preparing to clutch them in its iron grip.

I am perfectly okay with this.

Where's our pun?

 

[Gahars]

Steam is slowly but surely expanding into other markets, preparing to clutch them in its iron grip.

I am perfectly okay with this.

Where's our pun?

I'm more than just a collection of puns and zingers, you know.

Jeez, don't get so steamed up over this.

 

[jamesaa]

Wonder if my 3D Mark Vantage key from a couple of years ago will work in steam now.

May have to go find it.

EDIT: Nope -_-

 

[chyyran]

Maybe they might start selling movies and music (especially VGM OSTs) as well, it's a great platform to do so.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Who knows, maybe Valve with start looking into the...steamy market as well.

God that was terrible.

 

[MelodieOctavia]

This is pretty neat. This combined with Greenlight, we may see a large spur in indie titles very soon.

 

[Xenirina]

Looks good. Might come in handy.
But it looks like it'll all be game creating software and such. Probably for people to make more games and then host it on Steam.

 

[Rydian]

Looks good. Might come in handy.
But it looks like it'll all be game creating software and such. Probably for people to make more games and then host it on Steam.

Hunh, that makes sense. I guess the more titles steam gets the more income (as unused/inert titles only have upkeep fees, which would be minimal compared to the income of other titles).

 

[ProtoKun7]

This is pretty neat. This combined with Greenlight, we may see a large spur in indie titles very soon.

Why, you planning to make a game with a giant cowboy in it?

 

[Law]

Gamemaker? Expect a large amount of really really really shitty indie titles to appear on Greenlight.

 

[ProtoKun7]

@[member='Law']: That's assuming the makers would be willing to put $100 into it.