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Reverted good faith edits by 86.5.226.63 (talk): Do not change date formats from approach used here (Valve is US company, use US-based dates). (TW)
Okay, but you could have left my other edits. Also, please note that Valve has recently become an International corporation, having established a company in the Netherlands for its EU partners.
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===Steam for Schools===
===Steam for Schools===
''Steam for Schools'' is a limited-functionality version of the ''Steam'' software that is available for free for educations and use within classrooms. It is part of an initiative by Valve to support educational uses of games for classroom instruction; its release was alongside free versions of ''[[Portal 2]]'' and a standalone Puzzle Maker application to allow educators and students to create and manipulate levels. It features additional authentication security that allows educations to share and distribute content via a similar Steam Workshop-type interface, but blocks such access from students.<Ref>{{Cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5919912/valve-gives-away-portal-2-for-free-to-teachers-with-steam-for-schools | title = Valve Gives Away Portal 2 for Free to Teachers with ‘Steam for Schools’ | first = Evan | last= Narcisse | date = 2012-06-20 | accessdate = 2012-06-20 | publisher = [[Kotaku]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/steam-for-schools-is-a-free-version-of-steam-for-students-fac/ | title = 'Steam for Schools' is a free version of Steam for students, facilitates Portal 2-based lessons | first = Ben | last = Gilbert | date = 2012-06-20 | accessdate = 2012-06-20 | publisher = [[Joystiq]] }}</ref>
''Steam for Schools'' is a limited-functionality version of the ''Steam'' software that is available for free for educational institutions and use within classrooms. It is part of an initiative by Valve to support educational uses of games for classroom instruction; its release was alongside free versions of ''[[Portal 2]]'' and a standalone Puzzle Maker application to allow educators and students to create and manipulate levels. It features additional authentication security that allows educators to share and distribute content via a similar Steam Workshop-type interface, but blocks such access from students.<Ref>{{Cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5919912/valve-gives-away-portal-2-for-free-to-teachers-with-steam-for-schools | title = Valve Gives Away Portal 2 for Free to Teachers with ‘Steam for Schools’ | first = Evan | last= Narcisse | date = 2012-06-20 | accessdate = 2012-06-20 | publisher = [[Kotaku]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/steam-for-schools-is-a-free-version-of-steam-for-students-fac/ | title = 'Steam for Schools' is a free version of Steam for students, facilitates Portal 2-based lessons | first = Ben | last = Gilbert | date = 2012-06-20 | accessdate = 2012-06-20 | publisher = [[Joystiq]] }}</ref>


==Supported platforms==
==Supported platforms==

Revision as of 23:01, 16 September 2012

"Steampowered" redirects here. For the steam engine, see Steam engine.
Steam
Developer(s)Valve Corporation
Initial releaseSeptember 12, 2003 (2003-09-12)[1]
Stable releaseSteamClient021, Package: 1726604483 (September 17, 2024; 48 days ago (2024-09-17)) [±]
Preview releaseAPI v020, Package: 1682723851 (October 31, 2024; 4 days ago (2024-10-31)) [±]
Written inC++
PlatformMicrosoft Windows
Mac OS X[2]
Linux (upcoming)[3]
PlayStation 3 (partially)[4]
iOS
Android
Available in25 languages
TypeContent delivery
Digital rights management
Social networking
LicenseSteam Subscriber Agreement (Proprietary software)
Websitestore.steampowered.com

Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute games and related media online, from small independent developers to larger software houses; Valve has also announced plans to expand the service to include non-gaming software in the near future. Steam provides the user with install and automatic management of software across multiple computers, community features such as friends lists and groups, cloud saving, and in-game voice and chat functionality. The software provides a freely available application programming interface, Steamworks, that developers can take advantage of to integrate many of Steam's functions within their software products, including copy protection, networking and matchmaking, in-game achievements and micro-transactions, and support for user-created content through Steam Workshop. Though initially developed for use on Microsoft Windows, the client has expanded to include a Mac OS X version and a pending port to Linux, and clients with limited functionality on the PlayStation 3 console and for both iOS and Android mobile devices. In addition to be a central hub for gaming software, Valve has created a version of Steam with altered functionality to be used in schools for educational software, including a modified version of Portal 2 for teaching science and critical thinking lessons.

As of August 2012, there are over 1500 games available through Steam,[5] and 54 million active user accounts.[6] The concurrent users peak was 5 million on January 2, 2012.[7] Although Valve never releases sales figures, Stardock, former owner of competing platform Impulse, estimated in 2009 that Steam had a 70% share of the digital distribution market for video games.[8]

Client functionality

Software delivery and maintenance

Steam's primary service is to allow its users to download games and other software that they have in their virtual software library to their local computers. Steam-integrated games are stored as single non-compressed archive files with the extension .gcf (an initialism for Game Cache File).[9] Steam allocates space on the user's hard disk for .gcf files before downloading in order to reduce fragmentation which may occur when downloading large files and performing disk access. Game Cache Files help to make games more portable, stop users from accidentally overwriting important files, allow for easy modification of resources, and allows for validation of content for errors.[10] For games that do not integrate, a 'No Cache File' system is provided. Here, a .ncf index file points to a directory of loose files somewhere else on the system.[11] Users can enable Steam to automatically patch software packages as they are updated by their publishers, or alternatively allow users to manually initiate this patching process. The client allows users to back up game data files to other media, and remove game content files to free space on their machines.

Steam provides minimal digital rights management (DRM) for software titles, by providing "Custom Executable Generation" for executable files that are unique for each user, but allow that user to install the software on multiple computing devices via Steam or through software backups without limitations.[12] As such, the user is required to have started Steam while connected to the Internet for authentication prior to playing a game, or have previously set up Steam in an "offline" mode while connected online, storing their credentials locally to play without an Internet connection.[13] Steam's DRM is available through Steamworks to software developers, but the service allows developers and publishers to include other forms of DRM and other authentication services on top of Steam; for example, some games on Steam require the use of "Games for Windows – Live", and various titles from publisher Ubisoft require the use of their "UPlay" gaming service.

In September 2008, Valve added support for Steam Cloud, a service that can automatically store game saves and related custom files on Valve's servers; users can then access this data from any other machine running the Steam client.[14][15] Games must use the appropriate features of Steamworks for this feature to work. Users are able to disable this feature as well on a per-game and per-account basis.[16] In May 2012, the service added the ability to manage their game libraries from remote clients, including other computers and mobile devices; users are able to instruct Steam to download and install games they own through this service if their currently running Steam client is active.[17]

To protect against hijacking of accounts, Valve added Steam Guard functionality to the Steam client in March 2011. Steam Guard takes advantage of the identity protection provided with Intel's second generation Core processors and compatible motherboard hardware to allow the user to lock their account to a specific computer. Once locked, activity by that account on other computers must first be approved of by the user on the locked computer. Support APIs for Steam Guard are available to third-party developers through Steamworks.[18] An alternative option available to users interested in using Steam Guard is two-factor, risk-based authentication, through the use of a one-time verification code sent to a verified email address associated with the Steam account. If Steam Guard is enabled on an account, the verification code is sent each time the account is used from a new machine.[19] Many of Steam Guard's features will work the same with the only real difference being the method of authentication.[20]

Storefront

Steam includes a digital storefront called the Steam Store, through which users can purchase computer games digitally. Once purchased, software is permanently attached to the user's Steam account (however "gifting" of games to other accounts is possible). Content is delivered using a proprietary file transfer protocol from an international network of servers.[21] Steam sells its products in US$, Euros, pounds sterling, and Roubles based on the user's location.[22] From December 2010, the client also supports the Webmoney payment system, popular in many European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries.[23] The Steam storefront validates a user's region, and certain titles may be restricted to specific regions due to release dates, game classification, or publisher agreements.

Certain games sold through retail channels can be redeemed as titles for user's library within Steam by entering a product code within the software.[24] For games that incorporate Steamworks, users can purchase redemption codes from other vendors, and redeem these in the Steam client to add the title to their library. Steam offers a framework for selling and distributing downloadable content (DLC) for games.[25]

See also: Steam Modifications

Players can add non-Steam games to their library, allowing the game to be easily accessed from the Steam client, and provides support, where possible, for the Steam Overlay features. The Steam interface allows for user-defined shortcuts to be added. In this way third-party mods, and games not purchased through the Steam Store, can use Steam features. Valve sponsors and distributes some mods for free,[26] and mods that use Steamworks can also use VAC, Friends, the server browser, and any Steam features supported by their parent game.

During mid-2011, Valve began to offer free-to-play games, such as Global Agenda, Spiral Knights and Champions Online; this was tied in with their move to make Team Fortress 2 a free-to-play title.[27] Valve included support via Steamworks for microtransactions through Steam's purchasing channels for in-game items in these titles, in a similar manner to the existing in-game store for Team Fortress 2. A subsequent addition later that year added the ability to trade both in-game items and "unopened" game gifts between users.[28] Introduced in December 2011, Steam Coupons provides single-use coupons that can be used to discount the cost of an item; Steam Coupons can be provided by developers and publishers to users, and users can trade these Coupons between friends in a similar fashion with gifts and in-game items.[29]

In September 2012, Steam will introduce non-gaming applications that will be sold over the service. Such creativity and productivity applications will be able to access the core functions of the Steamworks API, allowing them to use Steam's simplified installation and updating process, and incorporate features like cloud saving. Developers of non-gaming software will be able to submit their applications to the Steam Greenlight service to judge interest for later inclusion onto the Steam storefront.[30]

Steam Community and Matchmaking

The Steam client, as part of a social network service, allows users to identify friends and join groups through the Steam Community feature.[31] Users can use both text chat and Peer-to-Peer VoIP with other users, identify what their friends and other group members are playing, and, for Steamworks-based games that support it, join and invite friends in multiplayer games. Users can also participate in forums hosted by Valve regarding Steam games. In January 2010, Valve reported that 10 million of the 25 million active Steam accounts had signed up to Steam Community.[32] Each user has a unique page that shows what groups and friends they have, their game library including achievements earned, game wishlists, and other social features; users have the option to keep this information private if desired.[33] In conjunction with the 2012 Steam Summer Sale, user profiles were updated with Badges reflecting the user's participating in the Steam community and past events.[34] The Steam client has been made into an OpenID provider, allowing third-party websites to utilize a Steam user's identity without requiring the user to expose their Steam credentials.[35][36]

Steam, through Steamworks, provides a means of server browsing for multiplayer games that utilizes the Steam Community features, allowing users to create lobbies with friends or members of common groups. Steamworks also provides Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC), Valve's proprietary anti-cheat system, for game servers to automatically detect and report users who are using cheats in online multiplayer games.[37] In August 2012, Valve will start introducing new features into the Community area, such as dedicated hub pages for games that highlight the best user-created content, screenshots, top forum posts, and other details.[38]

Steam collects and reports anonymous metrics of its usage, stability, and performance.[39] With the exception of Valve's hardware survey,[40] most collection occurs without notifying the user or offering an opt-out. Some of these metrics are available publicly, such as what games are being played or statistics on player progress in certain games.[41] Valve has also used information from these statistics to justify implementing new features in Steam, such as the addition of a defragmentation option for game caches.[42] Valve announced on July 15, 2010 that in conjunction with collecting hardware information in Steam's opt-in hardware surveys, they would begin collecting a list of the user's installed software as well.[43]

Steam Overlay

For most games launched from Steam, Steam provides an overlay atop the game that can be accessed by a specific keypress. From the Overlay, the user can access their Steam Community lists and participate in chats, manage selected Steam settings, and access a built-in web browser without having to exit the game.[44] The Overlay also allows for players to take screenshots of the games in process, automatically storing these and allowing the player to review, delete, or share them during their play session or after completion.

Big Picture mode

Steam's "Big Picture" mode was announced in 2011, with public betas starting in September 2012. Big Picture mode is a 10-foot user interface, optimizing the display of Steam to work on high-definition televisions, allowing the user to control Steam via a gamepad or through keyboard and mouse. Newell has stated that Big Picture mode is a step towards a dedicated Steam entertainment hardware unit.[45]

Steamworks

Steamworks is a freely available application programming interface (API) that provides development and publishing tools to game developers, allowing them to take advantage of the Steam client's features.[46][47][47][48] Specifically, Steamworks provides the means for games to integrate with the Steam client, including networking and player authentication tools for both server and peer-to-peer multiplayer games, matchmaking services, support for Steam community friends and groups, Steam statistics and achievements, integrated voice communications, and Steam Cloud support; the API also provides for anti-cheating devices and digital copy management.[48] Steamworks can be combined with a standard Steam distribution agreement, the latter of which gives it advertising space in the Steam store but also provides Valve with a share of revenue.

Steam Workshop

The Steam Workshop provides a way for players of Valve and Steamworks-enabled games to find and obtain user-created content. Users can use in-game or separate tools to construct new levels, game modifications, or other content for games that support the Workshop and then publish them. End users can then subscribe to such content through the Steam client or web site, upon which it will automatically downloaded to the user's computer and integrated with the game. The Workshop was originally used for distribution of new items for Team Fortress 2,[49] the Workshop was revamped in early 2012 to extend support for any game, including mods for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.[50] A May 2012 patch for Portal 2 introduced the ability to share user-created levels enabled by a new map-making tool through the Steam Workshop.[51] Indie games, such as Dungeons of Dredmor, are also able to provide Steam Workshop support for user-generated content.[52] Dota 2 became Valve's third published title available for the Steam Workshop in June of 2012, with features including customizable accessories, skins and voice packs.[53]

Authentication

See also: List of games using Steam authentication

It is necessary to authenticate every Steamworks game online, whether purchased via Steam itself or installed via a retail disc, the first time it is played.[54] After the initial authentication, an offline mode allows games to be run without being connected to the internet.

Steam Greenlight

Steam Greenlight was announced in July 2012 as a way for Steam users to help promote which games should be added to the service. Developers will be able to submit information about their games, as well as early builds or beta versions, for consideration by users. Users can pledge support for these games, and Valve will help to make top-pledged games available on the Steam service.[55] Steam Greenlight went live on August 30, 2012.[56] In response to initial complaints during its first week that finding games to support was made difficult due to a flood of inappropriate or false submissions,[57] Valve added the requirement that developers put up a $100 fee to list a game on the service to cut down on non-legitimate submissions. The fee will then be given to the Child's Play charity.[58]

Steam for Schools

Steam for Schools is a limited-functionality version of the Steam software that is available for free for educational institutions and use within classrooms. It is part of an initiative by Valve to support educational uses of games for classroom instruction; its release was alongside free versions of Portal 2 and a standalone Puzzle Maker application to allow educators and students to create and manipulate levels. It features additional authentication security that allows educators to share and distribute content via a similar Steam Workshop-type interface, but blocks such access from students.[59][60]

Supported platforms

Microsoft Windows

Steam was originally released only for Microsoft Windows-enabled computers, but has since expanded to other platforms.

Mac OS X

On March 8, 2010, Valve announced that Steam was in development for Mac OS X.[61] The announcement was preceded by a change in the Steam beta client to support the cross-platform WebKit web browser rendering engine instead of the Trident engine from Internet Explorer.[62][63][64] Prior to this announcement, it teased the release through several images emailed to Mac community and gaming web sites featuring Valve game characters with Apple logos or featured in parodies of old Macintosh advertisements.[65][66] In one case, Valve developed a full video homage to the 1984 Apple Macintosh commercial to announce the availability of Half-Life 2 and its episodes to the service, with some concept images for the video previously used to tease the Mac Steam client.[67]

File:Steam mac 1984 homage.jpg
Prior to Steam's Mac OS X release, Valve released teaser ads that paid homage to famous Apple advertisements, such as the 1984 commercial.

Originally planned for release in April 2010, Steam for Mac OS X was launched worldwide on May 12, 2010, following a successful beta period.[68] In addition to the Steam client, several features were made available to developers to take advantage of a cross-platform Source engine and platform and network capabilities using Steamworks.[69] Through SteamPlay, the Mac OS X client allows players who have already purchased compatible products in the Windows version to re-download the Mac versions at no cost, allowing them to continue to play the game on the other platform; however some third party titles may require the user to purchase again to gain the cross-platform functionality.[70] The Steam Cloud is cross-platform compatible. Multiplayer games can also be cross-compatible, allowing Windows and Mac players to play with each other.[61]

Upon launch, over 50 games, most supporting the SteamPlay feature, were available for the client. As part of the launch, Valve offered both PC and Mac users to download Portal for free during the first two weeks of launch.[71][72] For some weeks after the Mac client launch, Valve expanded the catalog of offerings for the service on a weekly basis, with each week highlighting a new feature of the service.[73] Valve has released the native Mac OS X, OpenGL versions of Left 4 Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source, Portal, and Half-Life 2 and its episodes following Steam's release.[74] Portal 2, released in 2011, was the first Valve title simultaneously released on both the Windows and Mac versions of Steam.[75]

PlayStation 3

At E3 2010, Newell announced that Steamworks would arrive on the PlayStation 3 with Portal 2. It will provide automatic updates, community support, downloadable content and other unannounced features.[76] Portal 2's PlayStation 3 release saw Steamworks make its debut on consoles. Several features were offered including cross-platform play and instant messaging, Steam Cloud for saved games, and the ability for PS3 owners to download Portal 2 from Steam (Windows and Mac) at no extra cost.[4] Valve's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will also support Steamworks and cross-platform features on the PlayStation 3, including using keyboard and mouse controls as an alternative to the gamepad.[77] Valve said they "hope to expand upon this foundation with more Steam features and functionality in DLC and future content releases".

Mobile platforms

Valve released an official Steam client for iOS and Android devices in late January 2012, following a short beta period.[78] The application allows players to log into their accounts to browse the storefront, manage their games, and communicate with friends on the Steam community. Newell stated that the application was a strong request from Steam users, and sees it as a means "to make [Steam] richer and more accessible for everyone".[79]

Linux

Steam can be run on most Linux systems using the newest Wine compatibility layer, and most games operate correctly, although some run slowly and some require additional external libraries.[80][81][82]

The gaming industry for several years noted rumors and information pointing to a potential Linux Steam client, though Valve denied working on a Linux version of Steam.[83] On May 12, 2010, The Daily Telegraph claimed that Valve had confirmed that a Linux client was planned to be released "in the coming months", but gave no other details,[84] the claim was then repeated on other websites as hearsay evidence.[85] Following the announcement of Steam for Mac OS X, Linux benchmark and news website Phoronix found Linux-related references in a beta release of the Mac Steam client. This was followed later by the alleged discovery of files for an incomplete Linux client available for download on Valve's own web servers.[86][87] Phoronix's Michael Larabel reported in April 2012 that he had been invited to Valve to offer help in seeking OpenGL Linux developers and that they were working on a native Source engine for the platform.[88]

Valve announced in July 2012 that they would port Steam and the Source engine to Linux based on the Ubuntu distribution. The team developing the Linux client had been working for a year prior to the announcement to validate that such a port would be possible.[82] As of the official announcement, a near-feature complete Steam client for Linux had been developed and successfully run on Ubuntu.[82] Not only will Valve's Linux group focus on improving the Steam client but will assure that their selected first Source game, Left 4 Dead 2, will run at acceptable framerates and connectivity with the Windows and Mac OS X versions. From there, they will then work at porting other games and expanding to other Linux distributions.[89][90] On August 1st, the Valve Linux team announced that they had successfully ported Left 4 Dead 2 to Linux.[91] Following Valve's announcement, Devolver Digital announced that it will port Serious Sam 3: BFE with Steamworks support to the Ubuntu Linux platform.[92]

Other platforms

The Xbox 360 does not have support for Steamworks. Newell had indicated that they would like to bring the service to the console through the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which would have allowed them to provide the same feature set that they did for the PlayStation 3,[93] but later affirmed that cross-platform play would not be present in the final version of the game.[94]

Market share and impact

Many major publishers have large catalogs available on Steam, including Bethesda Softworks, Activision, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts, Square Enix, 2K Games, Namco, LucasArts, Sega and more.

Sales figures for Steam have not been released by Valve. However, Stardock, the previous owner of competing platform Impulse, estimated that, as of 2009, Steam had a 70% share of the digital distribution market for video games.[8] In early 2011, Forbes reported that Steam sales constituted 50 to 70% of the $4 billion market for downloaded PC games and that Steam offered game producers gross margins of 70% of purchase price, compared with 30% at retail.[95] In 2011, Steam served over 780 petabytes of information, double what it had delivered in 2010.[96]

Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale sold more than 140,000 units, which its localization distributor, Carpe Fulgur, attribute in part to Steam and its sales.[97] Magicka sold 30,000 copies on its day of release in January 2011,[98] and went on to sell 200,000 in 17 days.[99] Garry's Mod sold 312,541 in its first two years[100] and reached 1,000,000 after five years[101] with yearly sales growth of 33%.[102]

In November 2011, it was revealed by the developer of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings that Steam was responsible for 80% of the online sales of the game.[103]

Bethesda stated that by May 2012, over 13.6 million mods had been downloaded for Skyrim through the Steam Workshop feature of the Steam client, considering the service a success.[104]

History

Beginnings

Portal 2PS3Mac OS XHalf-Life 2

Prior to Steam, Valve had problems releasing updates for their online games, such as Counter-Strike, wherein a patch would result in the disconnection of the larger part of the online user base for several days. They decided to make a platform which would update games automatically, and implement better anti-piracy and anti-cheat measures. Valve originally approached several companies – including Microsoft, Yahoo!, and RealNetworks – to build a client with these features, but all turned them down.[105]

Steam's development began at an uncertain date prior to 2002. Working titles included "Grid" and "Gazelle".[106] It was revealed to the public on 22 March 2002 at the Game Developers Conference, and was presented purely as a distribution network.[107] To demonstrate the ease of integrating Steam to a game, Relic Entertainment had created a special version of Impossible Creatures.[108] The game was ultimately not released on Steam, however.

Valve partnered with a number of companies including AT&T, Acer and GameSpy Industries. The first mod on the system was Day of Defeat.[109][110]

The Steam client was first made available for download in 2002 during the beta period for Counter-Strike 1.6. At that time, its primary function was streamlining the patch process common in online computer games. Installation and use of Steam was mandatory for Counter-Strike 1.6 beta testers, but Steam remained an optional component. 80,000–300,000 gamers tested the system when it was in its beta period.[109][111] The system and web site choked under the strain of thousands of users simultaneously attempting to play the latest version of Counter-Strike.[112] In 2004, the World Opponent Network was shut down and replaced by Steam. The online features of games which required World Opponent Network ceased to work unless they were converted to Steam.

Around this time, Valve began negotiating contracts with several publishers and independent developers to release their products on Steam. Rag Doll Kung Fu and Darwinia are two examples, and Canadian publisher Strategy First announced in December 2005 that it would be partnering with Valve for digital distribution of current and future titles.[113] In 2002, Gabe Newell, the head of Valve, said he was offering mod teams a game engine license and distribution over Steam for $995.[109]

In late 2007, "Steam achievements" were introduced with the launch of The Orange Box, which are rewarded when players complete certain requirements in games. This system is similar to achievements on the Xbox 360 and trophies on the PlayStation 3.

Profitability

In 2005, the first third-party games began to appear on Steam. Valve also announced that Steam was starting to be profitable, if only due to some highly successful Valve games. Although digital distribution was still no match to retail in terms of sales volume, profit margins for Valve and developers were far bigger on Steam than at retail.[114]

In 2007, big developer-publishers such as id Software, Eidos Interactive and Capcom started to distribute their games on Steam. In May 2007, 13 million accounts had been created on Steam, and 150 games were for sale on the platform.[115] In October 2007, the release of The Orange Box, and the distribution of high-profile games such as BioShock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, helped increase Steam's popularity.[citation needed]

Steam Translation Server

In March 2010 Valve launched the Steam Translation Server, which is a service that allows Steam users to help in the translation of Steam and a selected library of Steam games. The service was undergoing a closed beta until October 2010. Since then, every Steam user has the ability to apply as a translator. Steam currently supports 25 languages: Bulgarian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese-Brasil, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai and Turkish.

November 2011 hack

On November 6, 2011, Steam temporarily closed the community forums, citing potential hacking threats to the service. Subsequently, on November 10, Valve reported that the hack included a compromise of one of their customer databases, potentially allowing the perpetrators to access customer information including encrypted password and credit card details. At that time, Valve was not aware if the intruders actually accessed this information or discovered the encryption method, but warned users to be alert for fraudulent activity.[116][117]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "Valve to Deliver Steam & Source on the Mac". Valve Corporation. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
  3. ^ http://blogs.valvesoftware.com/linux/steamd-penguins/
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  6. ^ "40 Million Active Gamers on Steam Mark". Gaming Bolt. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
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  8. ^ a b Graft, Kris (November 19, 2009). "Stardock Reveals Impulse, Steam Market Share Estimates". Gamasutra. Retrieved November 21, 2009.
  9. ^ "Game cache file (GCF)". Retrieved 20 January 2010.[dead link]
  10. ^ "Steam GCF File Format". Wunderboy.org. Retrieved 20 January 2010. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ "The Valve Developer Community  – NCF". Retrieved 20 January 2010.
  12. ^ Caolili, Eric (2011-09-08). "Steam Update 'Makes DRM Obsolete'". Wired. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  13. ^ Peckham, Matt (2011-09-08). "Steam PC Gaming Client Gets Surprise Facelift". PC World. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  14. ^ Breckon, Nick (May 29, 2008). "Valve Announces Steam Cloud; Online Network to Store Saved Games Indefinitely". Shacknews. Retrieved September 3, 2008.
  15. ^ Faylor, Chris (September 3, 2008). "Steam Cloud Launching With Left 4 Dead; Custom Settings To Be Automatically Backed Up, Applied". Shacknews. Retrieved September 3, 2008.
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  17. ^ Rose, Mike (2012-05-02). "Steam Beta client adds remote management functionality". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2012-05-02.
  18. ^ Caoili, Eric (2011-03-03). "Valve Unveils Steam Guard For Account Security". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2011-03-03.
  19. ^ "Steam Support - What is Steam Guard? How do I enable it and receive the email with the access code?". Valve. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
  20. ^ "Steam Guard Now Available to All". Valve. 2011-03-16. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  21. ^ "Content Server Stats". Valve Corporation. Retrieved November 15, 2008. (click "View individual server statistics")
  22. ^ "Steam News  – European Local Currency Available". Valve Corporation. 2008-12-17. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
  23. ^ News – WebMoney Now Available on Steam
  24. ^ "Steamworks – Retail Support". Valve. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  25. ^ "Steam offers gamers in-game downloadable content". Valve Corporation. 2009-03-16. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  26. ^ "Steam mod hosting announcement". Valve Corporation. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  27. ^ Brown, Mark (2011-06-15). "Valve Introduces Free-to-Play Games to Steam". Wired. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
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  29. ^ Curtis, Tom (2011-12-07). "Valve Ups Monetization Options With Steam Coupons". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2011-12-07.
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