When Microsoft announced that it would be renewing its PC gaming push, a lot of people were afraid. The last time Microsoft tried to push its vision of PC gaming, we got Games for Windows LIVE, Microsoft’s alternate storefront for PC games that, well, sucked, and also negatively impacted multiple games in such a way, the repercussions are being felt to this day.
So it was to many people’s surprise that Microsoft apparently had embraced Valve and Steam in its PC gaming plans entirely- so much so, that the gaming part of their Windows 10 demonstration focused entirely on showcasing Steam, and how it interacted with Windows 10’s built in gaming features. The reason? In spite of Microsoft’s gaming push, they do not view Valve and Steam as a competitor any more, according to Phil Spencer.
“I think right now I see it as upside opportunity for both of us. I think there’s enough both innovation and modernization in gamers – I have a Steam account, I don’t think I’m deleting it tomorrow. Ori, one of our games we’re shipping this month, we’re shipping on Steam. Five years from now you’ll be able to buy Steam games and be able to buy games on the Windows store. The conversations we have on a regular basis with Valve – I consider them a critical ISV… er, that’s independent software developer – on Windows, and very open to the feedback that they’re always active to give. Are they a competitor? I see it as upside opportunity now.”
It is the best possible attitude they could have towards Steam- cooperation between Microsoft and Valve can only mean good things for PC gamers in the long run, after all.