It’s not at all easy to reverse the market share of a business which benefits from a dominant market position in a market were such effects are strong, even when they turn complete shit (example: Twitter), which Valve hasn’t.
PS: A “20 years made no difference” example: Microsoft and Windows, with which a literally free product - Linux - competes.
if you count a user base of 4-5% a competition then every other launcher is a competition to steam, which i completely disagree with. 4-5% isnt even barely a competition, its a couple of people deviating from the norm.
and to the network effeft:
…depends on the number of users of compatible products
what exactly has to be compatible here? the game will run no matter where i buy it, the only difference is how enjoyable the launcher is
I suggest you read about the Network Effect in markets.
It’s not at all easy to reverse the market share of a business which benefits from a dominant market position in a market were such effects are strong, even when they turn complete shit (example: Twitter), which Valve hasn’t.
PS: A “20 years made no difference” example: Microsoft and Windows, with which a literally free product - Linux - competes.
if you count a user base of 4-5% a competition then every other launcher is a competition to steam, which i completely disagree with. 4-5% isnt even barely a competition, its a couple of people deviating from the norm.
and to the network effeft:
what exactly has to be compatible here? the game will run no matter where i buy it, the only difference is how enjoyable the launcher is