Like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local-loop_unbundling Valve gets split into Valve backend (most rudimentary but common stuff so that owned games across storefronts in that backend carry over) and Valve store/developer/publisher. Other stores get access to backend, regulator stays at Valve backend to check if they don’t give preferential treatment to Valve store. Same rules for everyone. Then stores can decide how they utilise that infra, what features they provide and consumers make a decision on cost and benefits of those stores. You can make some transfer fee if needed because downloads are a variable cost.

Oh so like how I can buy my steam keys on fanatical but still download and play them via the steam backend while using a different frontend like LaunchBox? And Steam could take a 30% fee on transactions while using their service? Something like that?

No. GOG, EGS, Humble and anyone else who wants to join in and offer a store that connects to Valve backend. That store calls backend to check who owns what, pays them for downloads (base/updates/dlc) and that’s it. It would make Steam monopoly crumble in an instant, prices go down because stores compete on things that matter to consumers.

I started to use user tags to make communication more efficient, I can adjust communication to members of the Valve tribe. Me tag you in computer. Me know you Valve simp. Me pretend me Valve tribe. You know.

Wait but you can link Humble to steam and it checks what games you already own. GOG wants you to just have the local game files and an installer so they don't need this and don't need Valve's backend. Why pay valve for each download when you can host it yourself and not worry about the fee? Itch seems to agree with that. And then wouldn't everyone still be using Valve as a backend and they would have a monopoly on the infrastructure of all game downloads then? And could charge high rates to download?

So now you decided to be condescending because you view yourself as a superior human and deface yourself to what you think others are like? Wow. That's awful.

Humble still has to charge you entire Valve’s cut this way. 30% is way more than the real infra cost. Valve backend is effectively a public utility in this scenario. This thing has been proven to work and bring prices down fast. Actual free market.

Me no waste time on people wasting me time. Valve good. Gib upvote.

It wouldn't be a public utility they would be a company that needs to make a profit still and would find a way to do so with fees on downloads. And humble does not pay the 30% if you buy in their storefront currently. So your complaint is that prices are high and getting rid of Steam would alter that?

You think I'm wasting your time? Boy howdy do I have a mind blower for you. You are wasting your own time. I can't do anything to it. And you are being pretty good at wasting that and yourself already. Wasting time by not even bothering looking at yourself and your actions is gonna delay you a lot.

Let’s move this convo to YouTube comments section, you’ll be more comfortable.

Monopolies that were broken down this way were private companies. You’re making an argument against something that’s proven to work. You don’t really support it well (or at all). How do you know Humble gets any discount?

You are acting like a bully because you are upset about something and have decided to take it out on the largest target you could find and anyone that doesn't agree with you, or your method of acting like a bully.

People talk about the "features" epic is missing but honestly the vast majority of those features are kinda pointless? I don't like epic's store because the layout is annoying and it likes to send me ads in the bottom right corner. It's not that complicated.

Consider me not in your head to understand your perspective and try to get it across clearly to me. No sarcasm or condescending tone. I do not see how these are comparable and don't think of steam as a utility that owns the singular option for infrastructure as it's a digital service that others can and will spin up to avoid using Steams backend. They literally don't have to. And sure I am welcome to information if it is accurate and you have it.

You have a whole Wikipedia article that describes this into detail. I’m making an effort, you’re making none. Looks like sealioning to me.

I am asking you to explain your point. You can not rely on making others do your work for you. That is you obstructing your point through others. Make your point and make it clearly since you seem insistent on doing so.

I mean there's still no user review system lol. That is storefront 101 and they still don't have it. Congratulations for not using the other systems they have I guess? Many of steams users engage at least a little with a lot of what steam offers. Hell steam has integrated VR support, steam link for remote play, and fantastic 2FA account protection. Epic is way behind

Sealion.

Right. Ok then. You have wasted enough of your time. I hope you figure out how to make your life less miserable through actions rather than complaints.