New games in colorful packaging are unlikely to disappear entirely, but digital sales channels are becoming more and more important – especially for younger audiences. Games can be bought directly from Steam, and others, and once you've logged in to your account, you can play them immediately. Occasional bargains keep players happy, and other players are there to evaluate games.

The digital distribution channel has its downside. You have to have a stable Internet connection and often download loads of files. Reselling games isn't always possible, and if a server on the provider's platform goes down, you won't be able to purchase anything. Not least are the security risks: Every now and then payment information is hacked and ends up in the wrong hands. Most people are aware of this possibility but happily live with the risks, considering the increasing number of Steam users.

Under Pressure

Steam is probably the largest of the game distribution platforms, with more than 2,000 titles and 50 million accounts (the website still claims only 40 million). Among the vendors who sell games on Steam are Ubisoft, Epic Games, Electronic Arts, id Software, Rockstar Games, Activision, and, naturally, Valve itself. The distribution of its own games (Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Left 4 Dead, Portal) was the impetus for developing Steam. It was published in 2003 and became a prerequisite for getting some Valve games such as Half-Life 2.

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