Valve's Steam platform expanding beyond games to include productivity apps
Valve’s Steam download platform is preparing to expand beyond games, with productivity software from different publishers landing on their store from 5 September.
Productivity software on Steam will benefit from the same update functionality as games, with apps tied to an account rather than an individual machine. Software can be launched from the desktop portal, with work saved to the Steam Cloud, with both free and paid-for software set to land.
Both PC and Mac software will feature, with developers encouraged to submit their apps through Steam Greenlight, a service that sees the community decide which titles get distribution.
“The 40 million gamers frequenting Steam are interested in more than playing games,” said Valve’s Mark Richardson.
“They have told us they would like to have more of their software on Steam, so this expansion is in response to those customer requests.”
Does all play and no work make Valve a dull boy? We’re not sure how we feel about our go-to PC playground getting a little more serious, but any digital market place that could drive down prices can’t be a bad thing we suppose.
