When Crytek’s FPS had unexpectedly gone missing from Steam, it wasn’t that much of a leap to assume the EA-published game’s disappearance had something to do with EA’s new digital games delivery service, Origin. Not so, says the publisher; apparently, Crysis 2 just ran afoul of some unfortunate politics.
Steam’s Business Terms and Their Impact
“Steam has imposed a set of business terms for developers hoping to sell content on that service – many of which are not imposed by other online game services. Unfortunately, Crytek has an agreement with another download service which violates the new rules from Steam and resulted in its expulsion of Crysis 2 from Steam,” read an EA statement. “Crysis 2 continues to be available on several other download services including Origin.com.” Oh, good, just keeping track of purchases across GOG, Steam, Impulse, Direct2Drive, and Games For Windows was entirely too straightforward.
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges developers face when navigating the digital distribution landscape. Steam, being one of the largest and most influential platforms, has the leverage to impose stringent terms and conditions. These terms can sometimes conflict with agreements developers have with other platforms, leading to situations like the removal of Crysis 2.
The Broader Implications for Gamers and Developers
For gamers, this means that the convenience of having all their games in one place can be disrupted by such conflicts. The fragmentation of game libraries across multiple platforms can be frustrating, especially when each platform has its own set of rules, user interfaces, and community features. This fragmentation can also lead to confusion over where to find the best deals, where to get updates, and how to access customer support.
For developers, the stakes are even higher. Being removed from a major platform like Steam can significantly impact sales and visibility. Steam’s vast user base and community features provide a level of exposure that is hard to match. Losing access to this platform can mean losing a significant portion of potential revenue. Developers must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each platform’s terms and conditions, and sometimes, they must make difficult decisions about where to distribute their games.
Moreover, the rise of multiple digital distribution platforms has led to increased competition, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, competition can drive innovation and better services for consumers. On the other hand, it can lead to exclusivity deals and platform wars, which can be detrimental to the overall gaming ecosystem.
In the case of Crysis 2, its removal from Steam may have been a strategic move by EA to promote its own platform, Origin. By making popular titles exclusive to Origin, EA can attract more users to its service. However, this strategy can backfire if gamers feel forced to use multiple platforms against their will.
The removal of Crysis 2 from Steam serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of digital game distribution. As the industry continues to evolve, both gamers and developers will need to navigate these challenges and adapt to the changing landscape. While competition among platforms can lead to better services and innovations, it can also create fragmentation and conflicts that ultimately impact the gaming experience.
Source IGN
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