Valve announced today that they will add “the first set” of non-gaming related software titles to Steam, their popular PC/Mac digital distribution service, starting on September 5th.
The company didn’t reveal any of the specific software titles that would be up for download next month, but did mention that they would “range from creativity to productivity”. Additionally, Valve said that many of the “launch titles” would use popular Steam features like; automatic updating, saving to the Steam Cloud, and easy installation.
Valve’s Mark Richardson commented on the planned expansion, saying, “The 40 million gamers frequenting Steam are interested in more than playing games. They have told us they would like to have more of their software on Steam, so this expansion is in response to those customer requests.”
As soon as Valve announces the expanded software lineup we will let you know, but gamers interested in using Steam for all their non-gaming needs would do well to remember that they are not buying software, just a license to use it. Just like their games, this software will not belong to the user and Valve can take it, along with their Steam Cloud data, away whenever they feel like it.
That’s not to say that Valve would do such a thing, just that they retain the right to do such a thing.
Full press release below:
STEAM EXPANDS BEYOND GAMES
Launch Set of “Software” Titles Coming Sept 5
Aug 8, 2012 — Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Portal, and Team Fortress) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced the first set of Software titles are heading to Steam, marking a major expansion to the platform most commonly known as a leading destination for PC and Mac games.
The Software titles coming to Steam range from creativity to productivity. Many of the launch titles will take advantage of popular Steamworks features, such as easy installation, automatic updating, and the ability to save your work to your personal Steam Cloud space so your files may travel with you.
More Software titles will be added in an ongoing fashion following the September 5th launch, and developers will be welcome to submit Software titles via Steam Greenlight.
“The 40 million gamers frequenting Steam are interested in more than playing games,” said Mark Richardson at Valve. “They have told us they would like to have more of their software on Steam, so this expansion is in response to those customer requests.”
For more information, please visit www.steampowered.com.
