Steam is a free online gaming distribution platform. It claims to be the ultimate destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. And it is indeed the most extensive computer gaming platform in the world as of the time of writing. While many games on the platform are available for purchase, there are also many free games waiting for the player. One of our favorites is King’s Quest.
Steam Desktop Client
With the client application, you can download, install, and register your games. Should you decide to purchase a game, this client can also be used for shopping. The application will show you all the games you have in your account (both free downloads and paid games). Updates for the games you installed can be automatically applied if you wish. In addition, the client connects you with the Steam Community. A chat function is available as well.
More Details
One important thing you need to know is that even with the desktop client installed on your computer you need internet access. However, this does not mean that you can’t play offline. It just means that when you activate the offline mode, you’ll need to be connected to the internet so that Steam can verify your account. Only after activating the offline mode can you disconnect your internet connection. Online multi-player games can, of course, not be played in offline mode.
Steam requires registration
To use Steam, you need to register an account. There are no costs involved to create an account. All the games you downloaded, no matter if those are free games or if you purchased them, are linked to that account. What might not be obvious is that if you cancel your account, all games, game licenses, community profile, gifts, inventory items, wallet funds, and other associated information will be deleted permanently and will not be recoverable. Think twice before deleting your account. Only if you are sure that you don’t want to play any of the games you got through Steam anymore you should delete it!
