What Is Steam?

\This article was translated by AI.*

Kotori
KotoriDoctor—
Kotori
KotoriThere's a game I want, and it's available on both Switch and Steam. I can't decide which to buy.
Kotori
KotoriWhat is Steam, anyway?
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaSteam is a game distribution platform. I buy pretty much all my PC games there.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaOne of its big features is the huge discount sales. Not just 30% off — 50%, even 90% off isn't unusual.
Kotori
Kotori90%? So, like, a game that costs $10 would be $1?
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaIt happens! Though 90% discounts are usually for really old games, like when the developer puts the original on deep sale before launching a sequel.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaSome publishers have a policy against sales, so it depends on the game.
Kotori
KotoriHmm, which one should I buy...
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaBoth have their merits.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaWith a good PC, even demanding games run smoothly. And mods are a big plus, too.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaThat said, the Switch has its own appeal. Playing games while lying around is the best.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaI actually buy some of my favorite games on both platforms.
Kotori
KotoriHuh.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaYour games are tied to your account, so even if you switch PCs, you keep all your games. No need to rebuy anything.
Kotori
KotoriIf Steam goes away, do the games disappear too?
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaWell, that's just the nature of platforms. But Steam has been around for over 20 years — it's well established.
Dr. Scala
Dr. ScalaMost games are downloaded locally anyway, so if you keep them offline, you'd still have them. You could even just double-click the executable and play without going through Steam.