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If you have been playing games for quite some time, you may be familiar with Steam. However, we bet that you aren’t aware of a lot of things about Steam as it is more than just a store. Even if you are completely new to the world of online gaming, learning about Steam can make your gaming experience better.
Here, we have covered everything that is worth knowing about Steam.
Steam is one of the most popular feature-packed platforms
It’s safe to say that steam is a wonderland for gamers as well as game developers. The platform is equipped with plenty of utility and entertainment features that cater to both types of users. On any given day or moment, Steam is always a happening place for gamers as well as game developers.
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Whether you are a hard-core gamer, or a nerdy game developer, or both, check out the list of treats Steam has in store for you:
A one-stop-shop for unlimited games of various genres
If you do not want to go through the hassle of browsing through different websites/platforms to explore different types of online games under various categories, Steam has got you covered with its vast range of game selections.
You can explore online games under a wide range of major gaming genres and sub-genres. What is interesting to know is that there is a vast selection of games under each genre. Whether you want to play a popular and mainstream online game or want to get your hands on a highly-niche game, the sky is the limit.
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A close-knit community of game lovers
Being a part of a gaming community is beneficial in every way. You not only get help for the issues that you’re facing with any game, but you also get to stay updated on the latest gaming trends, news, and gaming trivia.
What’s best about Steam’s gaming community is that you can explore different forums and hubs of almost all games, even the niche ones. You also have the option of directly searching for people that you know are active on the Steam gaming forum.
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Browsing through Steam’s community posts and archives is very easy as you can use the categories, such as screenshots, artwork, broadcasts, etc to filter and precisely search for the results you want.
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The option to broadcast your game
Steam is not just limited to playing games as you can use the platform’s broadcasting feature to stream your game as well. Whether you want to stream to foster good relationships with your gamer friends or want to build a community, there are endless options.
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Apart from broadcasting your game, you can also watch your friends’ streams and give them live pointers.
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Steam hardware compatibility/support
Steam broadens its platform’s functionalities to offer compatibility and support for different hardware, including the proprietary Steam Controller and HTC Vive VR headset. By using Steam-supported hardware, you can smoothly transition from desktop PC gaming to TV and VR gaming.
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One of the best rewards programs
Steam has a fantastic reward program as well. By purchasing games from the platform and playing them, you get points that you can collect and redeem. With the point you’ve collected over time, you can purchase profile avatars, chat items, badges, and backgrounds.
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Steam Trading Card is another reward system that the platform offers. You can earn Steam Trading Cards by playing different games and use them to trade community items. You can also use Steam Trading Cards to turn them into profile badges and sell them in the Steam Community Market for money.
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Easy accessibility with mobile platform support
It’s simple and easy to access Steam’s functionalities and features with the platform’s dedicated mobile apps. The main Steam app is designed to include features and tools for gamers as well as game developers.
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The new Steam Chat app makes it easier for gamers to take their community chats with friends and groups to their phone. Although lightweight in design, the app packs all the features and functionalities of full-stack chat apps.
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A whole new gaming experience with modifications and customizations
As compared to several gaming stores and platforms, Steam gives you the flexibility to access and play games that include player-modded content, such as weapons and accessories. The player-modded content definitely brings a unique gaming experience to the player as well as other gamers.
What’s more interesting to know is that you can make the in-game modifications as well. The Steam Workshop platform allows all gamers to make in-game modifications and monitize them after getting players to subscribe to the modded content.
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Hassle-free game publishing and distribution
If you are a game developer, you can leverage the Steamworks platform to launch and distribute your games the hassle-free way. Using the native tools of the platform, it becomes easy for you to reach the right players and community groups to share and promote your games.
Image credit: Steamworks
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Get the best benefits out of Steam with these tips and hacks
Steam has to offer a lot more than you may be aware of. Use these tips and hacks to make the most out of the gaming platform.
1. Keep your games organized
If you are open to playing different types of games, you may build a large collection of games over time. And when you have too many games, it can, at times, become time-taking for you to find the game that you want to play. Or some interesting games may end up getting buried in the pile of collection and you may totally forget about them.
But you don’t necessarily have to go through such hassles as you can use Steam’s Collections feature. Organize your games by genre type or developer, the choice is yours.
2. Get early access to new game and product launches
When you join steam, you get early access to game launches by default. However, if you want access to games, in-game features/functionalities, and Steam products that aren’t yet released to the public, you can sign up for the beta program called Steam Beta.
To enable Steam Beta, go to the ‘Steam’ section on the top-right corner of the desktop program.
Under ‘Settings’ go to the ‘Account’ tab. At the bottom, choose the ‘Change’ option under the ‘Beta participation’ category. Select the available beta program.
3. Include games outside of Steam to your Steam library
It’s always a good option to organize all your games under a single library of a particular gaming platform. This saves you from the hassle of switching between multiple gaming platforms in order to access and play the games you want.
Many gamers aren’t aware of the fact that it’s possible to include games outside of the Steam platform to the Steam library. In other words, if you have purchased a game or couple of games from another game platform or online store, you can add them to your Steam library.
You can do this by simply clicking on the ‘Add a Game’ option located at the bottom-right corner of the Steam program dashboard.
4. Add protection to your Steam account
Your Steam account not only includes your prized possessions, your favorite games, but also your payment information and personal details. Therefore, it is important to safeguard your Steam account in every way possible.
Fortunately, Steam has got you covered on the security front as well. With Steam Guard, you can add a high level of security to your Steam account. To enable Steam Guard, go to settings under the ‘Steam’ section.
Go to ‘Account’ and click on the ‘Manage Steam Guard Account Security’ option.
Choose the authentication option that’s most convenient to you.
How to install Steam?
Installing Steam on your PC is easy. Follow the simple steps below:
Step 1 – Visit the Steam website and click on the ‘Install’ button.
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Step 2 – After the setup installs the program, you’ll need to create a new Steam account if it’s your first time using the platform.
Step 3 – Once you created your account and verified it through your email, you need to login using your new credentials. And then you’re ready to use Steam and explore it.
