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“Why I Deleted My Steam Account After 20 Years”: Modder who spent “over a decade” fixing broken games with the “Swiss Army Knife of PC gaming” drops Valve, saying it has “fragmented PC gaming irreparably”
In a recent turn of events within the PC gaming and modding community, Kaldaien, renowned for his Special K utility mod, has ignited a fervent discussion with a lengthy post on GitHub. Titled “Why I Deleted My Steam Account After 20 Years,” this nearly 1,500-word commentary presents a critical perspective on Valve’s Steam platform, which has served as a cornerstone for PC gaming for over two decades.
The Modding Landscape
Kaldaien reflects on his extensive journey in modding, having dedicated more than a decade to enhancing the performance of various PC game ports that often fall short of expectations. His Special K mod has become a lifeline for players seeking to rectify performance issues and missing features in titles ranging from Nier: Automata to Elden Ring.
While the ongoing debate surrounding the efficacy of Steam versus other platforms like the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store continues to unfold, Kaldaien’s assertions have stirred mixed reactions. He argues that these alternative services do not impose “bloated features unrelated to DRM” and purportedly offer “far greater value to consumers.” However, this claim raises eyebrows among some industry observers, who question the validity of such comparisons.
GOG and the Pursuit of User Control
In his post, Kaldaien also expresses admiration for GOG, a platform that champions version preservation and user control. This endorsement resonates with many who share concerns about digital ownership and the implications of DRM. Yet, some critics argue that certain points in his argument appear tenuous, suggesting that they may not hold up under scrutiny.
As the conversation evolves, it is clear that Valve and Steam are not without their faults. However, the complexities of the gaming ecosystem reveal that no single platform is without its challenges. A Steam expert noted that Valve has successfully navigated issues that have plagued other services, likening their strategy to that of Netflix, which has grappled with user engagement and retention. The expert quipped, “You get access to a bunch of drunken sailors who spend money irresponsibly,” highlighting the unique dynamics of the gaming consumer base.
As this dialogue continues, it serves as a reminder of the passionate and often polarized opinions that define the PC gaming landscape, where modders and gamers alike seek to carve out their ideal experiences amidst a myriad of platforms and services.