Just as the new DLC Legacy update is released for Dragon Age 2 by EA, the game has unceremoniously been removed from the Steam games network by Valve, for breaking Steam’s Terms of Service. Rather than being made available via Steam’s own client, EA saw fit to release the new DLC via an in-game store, which has prompted Valve to remove the game from its network.
EA’s Perspective on the Situation
EA explains the situation but Valve is remaining quiet about the removal of the Dragon Age 2 game. EA has expressed its frustration with Steam’s restrictive terms of service, which they believe limit how developers can interact with customers to sell downloadable content. This is a significant issue for EA, as they offer their games and content on all major download services including GameStop, Amazon, Direct2Drive, and Steam. However, Steam’s unique terms have led to the removal of some of EA’s games from the platform.
“At EA, we offer our games and content to all major download services including GameStop, Amazon, Direct2Drive and Steam,” EA stated.
“Unfortunately, Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to sell downloadable content. No other download service has adopted this practice. Consequently, some of our games have been removed by Steam.
“We hope to work out an agreement to keep our games on Steam.”
Impact on Gamers and the Industry
The removal of Dragon Age 2 from Steam has sparked a significant discussion among gamers and industry experts alike. For many players, Steam is the go-to platform for purchasing and managing their game libraries. The sudden disappearance of a popular title like Dragon Age 2 can be both confusing and frustrating for users who prefer to keep all their games in one place.
Moreover, this incident highlights the broader issue of digital distribution rights and the power dynamics between game developers and distribution platforms. Steam, being one of the largest digital distribution platforms, holds considerable influence over how games are sold and managed. This situation with EA could set a precedent for how other developers approach their relationships with Steam and similar platforms.
For example, other developers might start to reconsider their strategies for releasing DLC and other content. If Steam’s terms are seen as too restrictive, we might see a shift towards more in-game stores or alternative distribution methods. This could lead to a more fragmented market, where players need to navigate multiple platforms to access all the content they want.
Has Dragon Age 2’s disappearance from Steam affected you in any way? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Source: IGN
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