Why doesn t Blizzard use Steam?

Why Doesn’t Blizzard Use Steam?

Blizzard Entertainment, the popular video game developer and publisher, has chosen not to use Steam as its digital distribution platform for its games. Instead, the company has its own digital storefront, Battle.net, where players can purchase and play its games. But why is that the case?

The Early Days

Blizzard has a long history of self-publishing its games, dating back to the late 1990s when it first released StarCraft: Brood War. At that time, Steam was still a relatively new platform, and Blizzard likely saw no need to shift its focus from its own distribution model to a third-party platform. As a result, Battle.net became the go-to destination for Blizzard fans to purchase and play its games.

Battle.net’s Advantages

So, what does Battle.net offer that makes it more attractive to Blizzard than Steam? Here are a few key advantages:

• Control: By having its own digital storefront, Blizzard has complete control over its games and distribution. This allows the company to manage its own online store, handle customer support, and make updates without relying on a third party.
• Security: Battle.net is a proprietary platform developed by Blizzard, which means it has access to proprietary security measures to protect players’ data and prevent hacking.
• Customization: Blizzard can customize Battle.net to fit its specific needs, including offering exclusive features, content, and customer support.
• Player Data: With Battle.net, Blizzard retains ownership and control over player data, which is critical for managing its online community and customer relationships.

Steam vs. Battle.net

But what about Steam? Is it not an attractive option for Blizzard? Here’s a comparison between the two platforms:

As you can see, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. However, when it comes to control, security, customization, and player data, Battle.net seems to offer more flexibility and benefits to Blizzard.

Why Now?

So, why has Blizzard chosen to partner with Microsoft and Xbox rather than embracing Steam? In recent years, the video game landscape has changed dramatically, with the rise of cross-platform play and cloud gaming. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has provided an opportunity for the companies to collaborate on new platforms and services. By leveraging Microsoft’s technology and expertise, Blizzard can expand its reach and offerings while still maintaining control over its content and customer data.

Conclusion

Blizzard’s decision not to use Steam is a result of a combination of historical, technological, and business factors. By maintaining control over its digital storefront and customer data, Blizzard has been able to build a loyal community and offer unique features that set it apart from other game developers. While Steam may be a popular platform, it’s clear that Blizzard sees value in retaining control over its content and customer relationships. Only time will tell if Blizzard’s decision will pay off in the long run, but for now, Battle.net remains an integral part of the company’s business strategy.