Valve founder views Steam as a massive multiplayer online game

Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek has highlighted Valve founder Gabe Newell’s vision for Steam, describing the platform not merely as a digital storefront but as a massive multiplayer online (MMO) game.

Faliszek explains that Steam’s design focuses on player agency and self-expression through features such as account leveling, trading cards, and profile decorations. These elements allow users to interact with the ecosystem and express their identity, creating a sense of presence similar to playing an MMO. While acknowledging that Steam’s community moderation requires improvement, Faliszek argues these community-driven features are central to the platform's success.

In contrast, Faliszek suggests the Epic Games Store lacks a clear developmental direction or “North Star.” He notes that while Epic provides tools for creativity, they often require more effort than the passive, rewarding experiences found on Steam, such as the immediate satisfaction of trading digital items.