Microsoft seems to be leaning towards supporting Steam than competing against it with Windows 10 – at least for the moment.
In a new interview, Xbox’s PC gaming director Kevin Unangst was forthcoming about the company’s misfire with Games For Windows Live. While they knew they wanted to have multiplayer and all these other elements in PC gaming, their approach then was not well thought out, as they thought merely transplanting these over would be enough.
Here and now, Unangst is clear that they intend to work with Steam rather than compete with them. Windows 10 launch aside, they are happy that Valve managed to build a simple store for PC gamers. Unangst promises their immediate goal is to ensure that Steam works well on Windows 10.
Of course, Microsoft already has several games published on Valve’s platform themselves. Eventually, they want to see developers approach them to publish on Windows 10’s App Store, on top of Steam, but this is not their priority at the moment.
Microsoft’s position may have put Valve in an awkward position, which is why they have kept mum on this sudden change of heart from their competitor. Of course, Valve’s plans to launch Steam Machines will push through later this year. Now that consumers know Microsoft plans to continue to support Steam, however, they may opt to stick with Windows than follow Valve’s huge gamble with their own platform. Any move on Valve’s part to offer any SteamOS or SteamMachine exclusive feature or bonus may backfire, as gamers see them as the aggressor forcing them to switch now.
Are you still satisfied with Steam on Windows? Or are you looking to jumping to Steam Machines? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
