In a recent interview with FRVR, Adrian Chmielarz, co-founder of the Polish game development studio The Astronauts, shared insights into the enduring dominance of Steam as the preferred PC storefront, even amidst the rise of formidable competitors like the Epic Games Store (EGS). Chmielarz, known for his work on the highly anticipated title Witchfire, attributes part of his game’s success to its initial status as a timed exclusive on EGS. However, he did not hesitate to voice his critiques regarding the platform’s community engagement features.
Community Engagement: A Key Differentiator
Chmielarz draws a stark contrast between Steam and EGS, particularly highlighting the emotional connection that Steam fosters with its users. He remarked, “People are not, basically, using EGS as their home; it’s not home to them.” This sentiment underscores a critical aspect of user experience in digital storefronts. He pointed out that EGS lacks essential community features such as written reviews and forums, which are integral to fostering a sense of belonging among gamers.
In his view, the absence of these interactive elements means that EGS is primarily a transactional platform, where the primary function is to make purchases. Chmielarz believes that this limitation will always place it at a disadvantage compared to Steam, which offers a more holistic and engaging shopping experience. “There’s nothing to do there but to buy,” he noted, emphasizing that a platform that encourages emotional investment and community interaction will ultimately prevail.
Chmielarz’s observations reflect a broader trend in the gaming industry, where community features can significantly influence a platform’s success. His comments resonate particularly well in light of recent events, such as the developers behind the indie horror game Horses making headlines for their vocal response to being banned from Steam, contrasting with a more subdued reaction to similar issues on EGS.
As the landscape of digital game distribution continues to evolve, the importance of community engagement remains a pivotal factor in determining which platforms thrive and which struggle to gain traction. Chmielarz’s insights serve as a reminder that, in the world of gaming, connection often trumps mere convenience.
Steam will always dominate over the Epic Games Store because people don’t want to “cheat on [their] home library with some other shop,” says Witchfire lead
In a recent interview with FRVR, Adrian Chmielarz, co-founder of the Polish game development studio The Astronauts, shared insights into the enduring dominance of Steam as the preferred PC storefront, even amidst the rise of formidable competitors like the Epic Games Store (EGS). Chmielarz, known for his work on the highly anticipated title Witchfire, attributes part of his game’s success to its initial status as a timed exclusive on EGS. However, he did not hesitate to voice his critiques regarding the platform’s community engagement features.
Community Engagement: A Key Differentiator
Chmielarz draws a stark contrast between Steam and EGS, particularly highlighting the emotional connection that Steam fosters with its users. He remarked, “People are not, basically, using EGS as their home; it’s not home to them.” This sentiment underscores a critical aspect of user experience in digital storefronts. He pointed out that EGS lacks essential community features such as written reviews and forums, which are integral to fostering a sense of belonging among gamers.
In his view, the absence of these interactive elements means that EGS is primarily a transactional platform, where the primary function is to make purchases. Chmielarz believes that this limitation will always place it at a disadvantage compared to Steam, which offers a more holistic and engaging shopping experience. “There’s nothing to do there but to buy,” he noted, emphasizing that a platform that encourages emotional investment and community interaction will ultimately prevail.
Chmielarz’s observations reflect a broader trend in the gaming industry, where community features can significantly influence a platform’s success. His comments resonate particularly well in light of recent events, such as the developers behind the indie horror game Horses making headlines for their vocal response to being banned from Steam, contrasting with a more subdued reaction to similar issues on EGS.
As the landscape of digital game distribution continues to evolve, the importance of community engagement remains a pivotal factor in determining which platforms thrive and which struggle to gain traction. Chmielarz’s insights serve as a reminder that, in the world of gaming, connection often trumps mere convenience.