Steam
Steam is a digital distribution service and storefront developed by Valve, offering a platform for purchasing, updating, and playing video games, as well as social networking and game streaming features.
Positive signals
Steam's monthly hardware and software survey provides transparency about user demographics and technology trends, supporting industry-wide research and accessibility initiatives.
Steam's platform includes robust parental controls and content filtering tools, which have been cited by digital safety advocates as a positive step for protecting minors and vulnerable users from inappropriate content.
Steam, operated by Valve Corporation, enables independent developers to distribute games globally, supporting a diverse ecosystem of small studios and creators, which has been recognized as fostering innovation and economic opportunity in the gaming industry.
Concerns
There have been ongoing concerns about the sale of unlicensed or copyright-infringing games on Steam, with several high-profile takedowns and legal actions reported between 2022 and 2024.
MEDIUM
Source →Steam has faced criticism for the prevalence of hate speech, harassment, and extremist content on its platform, with watchdog groups and researchers highlighting the company's limited moderation and slow response to user-reported abuse.
HIGH
Source →Valve, the parent company of Steam, has been the subject of multiple antitrust investigations in the European Union and UK over alleged anti-competitive practices related to geo-blocking and price-fixing, resulting in regulatory scrutiny and fines.
CRITICAL
Source →Steam has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding its algorithms for game discovery and promotion, with independent developers and advocacy groups arguing this can disadvantage smaller studios and limit diversity in the marketplace.
MEDIUM
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