Steam (service)

Video gameupdated 2025-11-20 17:38
Steam (service)

Steam is a digital distribution platform and online storefront developed by Valve Corporation, primarily used for purchasing and playing video games. Launched in 2003, it has grown to become one of the largest PC gaming services globally, offering automatic game updates, social networking, cloud storage, and community features alongside its extensive game library.

The platform is notable for its central role in the digital distribution of PC games, serving millions of users worldwide. Its infrastructure supports critical services like online multiplayer, digital purchases, and cloud saves, making its operational status vital for both gamers and developers who rely on it for access and connectivity.

Recently, Steam has been in the news due to a series of service outages affecting users globally. Multiple headlines from November 2025 reported widespread server connection and login issues, particularly in regions like the United States and Canada. These disruptions, which at times lasted for nearly an hour, prevented users from accessing games, social features, and the store, highlighting the platform's essential role in the gaming ecosystem. Service was typically restored following identification and resolution of the underlying technical problems.

Brief generated by an LLM (DeepSeek) from Wikipedia and recent news headlines.

Latest related news