Steam
Overview
Steam is the world’s most popular digital gaming platform, developed by Valve Corporation. With over 50,000 games spanning every genre imaginable, Steam has become the de facto hub for PC gaming on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Steam client provides a unified storefront, library management, social networking, automatic updates, cloud saves, and community features such as user reviews, screenshots, and Workshop mod support.
On Linux, Steam is available as a native client and supports thousands of Linux-native titles. Through Steam Play — powered by the open-source Proton compatibility layer — Linux users also gain access to a vast library of Windows games that run seamlessly on the Steam Deck and desktop Linux distributions alike. Steam’s commitment to Linux gaming, exemplified by the Steam Deck running SteamOS (an Arch Linux-based OS), has been a major driving force in the growth of Linux gaming.
Key Features
- Massive Game Library: Access over 50,000 games with thousands of Linux-native and Proton-compatible titles.
- Steam Play & Proton: Run Windows games on Linux with built-in compatibility layer that improves with every release.
- Steam Workshop: Community-driven mod and content marketplace integrated directly into supported games.
- Cloud Saves & Remote Play: Sync game progress across devices and stream games from your PC to other devices.
- Steam Deck Optimisation: Custom-tuned for Valve’s handheld gaming PC, with suspend/resume and performance profiles.
- Community Ecosystem: User reviews, forums, screenshots, guides, achievements, trading cards, and friend lists.
- Big Picture Mode: Console-style interface optimised for TV and controller use.
- Automatic Updates: Games update seamlessly in the background, with bandwidth scheduling options.
Use Cases
- Installing and managing a library of thousands of PC games on Linux.
- Playing Windows-only games on Linux via Steam Play’s Proton integration.
- Creating and sharing mods through Steam Workshop integration.
- Streaming gameplay directly from your PC to mobile devices or other computers.
- Using Big Picture Mode to turn a Linux PC into a living room console.
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, SteamOS (Steam Deck)
Licence
Proprietary (free client, paid games)