Of course, but since the Steam model works so well one wonders why everybody else is stumbling along instead of "just" copying it. Steam is pretty much the only platform where I don't care that I'm constantly bombarded with "targeted ads" for instance, I'm actually most of the time interested in what the Steam recommendation algorithm has in store for me.
> Of course, but since the Steam model works so well one wonders why everybody else is stumbling along instead of "just" copying it.
Origin, Blizzard, uPlay et al failed to challenge Steam largely because they lack both features and catalog; it's not clear they even intended to take on Steam, because of the lack of content from other publishers.
EGS is worth special attention because it both has content from other publishers and has dumped considerable cash into the goal of unseating Steam. I think it comes down to features: the EGS store has generally been a sub-par experience, and they purposefully refused to implement features like Community Scores, Forums, and other metasocial features that make Steam what it is.
They underestimate the value of player reviews, community scoring, forums, guides, workshop and so on. Even if most of users of most games don't avail themselves of those features, they're important features for retaining the most die-hard of users; who in turn form the core of the social draw to use Steam.
The problem with EGS isn’t really the lack of features (though it does lack many), it’s that the interface is poorly designed as well as being sluggish and miserable to use.
I wouldn't even call it "bombarded". I only get ads when i click on "store", as in I signal "I'm interested in spending money, what do you have?" - that's actually a reasonable time to get ads.
Epic Games Store comes to mind, along with dozens of other smaller/defunct enterprises. There's a rumor that Gamestop is going to make one that's crypto-enabled somehow. The problems remain; ask anyone who's been banned by Valve how they feel about their Steam library being rendered completely inaccessible.
