In the ever-evolving landscape of digital gaming, the allure of Steam remains a powerful force, drawing back publishers who once sought independence through their own storefronts. Despite the initial optimism surrounding self-hosted platforms, many have found that the reality of consumer behavior often leads them back to Valve’s expansive marketplace. Yet, amidst this trend, a handful of notable titles continue to resist the gravitational pull of Steam, prompting speculation about their future availability on the platform.
World of Warcraft
Original release date: November 2004
Chance of releasing on Steam: 30%
World of Warcraft, a titan in the MMORPG realm, presents a complex case. The intricate web of its subscription model and backend systems, tightly woven with Blizzard’s Battle.net, poses significant challenges for a potential Steam integration. While newer titles like Diablo 4 and Modern Warfare 2 may have been designed with cross-platform flexibility in mind, WoW’s two-decade legacy complicates matters. The effort required to transition such a robust system to Steam could span years, and Blizzard is understandably reluctant to share a portion of its subscription revenue with Valve.
Ultima
Original release date: 1981
Chance of releasing on Steam: 60%
The Ultima series, a cornerstone of the RPG genre, has yet to make its mark on Steam, which feels like an oversight in the gaming community. While the technical hurdles of reviving these classic titles for modern systems are non-trivial, much of the groundwork has already been laid, with several Ultima games available on the EA app and GOG. EA’s recent shift towards reintroducing classic titles on Steam gives hope that the beloved Ultima franchise may soon find its way to a broader audience.
Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero
Original release dates: September 2020, April 2023, July 2024
Chance of releasing on Steam: 40%
MiHoYo’s trio of gacha games presents a unique conundrum. With a self-contained ecosystem and a dedicated social media platform, the need for Steam may not be pressing. However, their presence on other storefronts, including the Epic Games Store, raises questions about the potential for a Steam debut. The decision likely hinges on MiHoYo’s revenue strategy and whether the allure of Steam’s vast user base outweighs the platform’s higher revenue cut.
Fortnite
Original release date: July 2017
Chance of releasing on Steam: 2%
Epic Games’ flagship title, Fortnite, is unlikely to make its way to Steam as long as CEO Tim Sweeney remains at the helm. The ongoing legal battles to retain full control over its revenue streams suggest that Epic has no incentive to share profits with Valve. As long as Fortnite continues to thrive independently, it will likely remain exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, Valorant, 2XKO
Original release dates: October 2009, June 2019, June 2020, TBD
Chance of releasing on Steam: 15%
Riot Games’ portfolio, including League of Legends and Valorant, appears to be firmly rooted in its own ecosystem. With lucrative microtransactions and a competitive edge, the company is unlikely to part with a significant portion of its revenue by distributing through Steam. While Riot has shown some willingness to explore other platforms, the prospect of enriching direct competitors like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 may keep its titles firmly within its own domain.
Minecraft
Original release date: November 2011
Chance of releasing on Steam: 50%
Minecraft’s presence on Steam would not be entirely unexpected, given that its spin-offs have already made the leap. The Bedrock Edition enjoys widespread availability across various platforms, yet the integration of both Java and Bedrock editions into Steam presents challenges. While many players may already own the game through other means, the convenience of a Steam release could still attract a new audience.
Star Citizen
Original release date: First playable module in August 2013
Chance of releasing on Steam: 15%
Star Citizen, with its ambitious crowdfunding campaign and ongoing development saga, operates within its own ecosystem, complete with proprietary launchers and a pledge store. The game’s unique monetization strategy, coupled with its uncertain timeline for completion, makes a Steam release seem unlikely. The potential complications of refund claims and customer dissatisfaction further dissuade any inclination toward integration with Valve’s platform.
