Steam
Steam is Valve’s PC gaming platform, launched in 2003, offering a vast game store, community features and support for the Steam Deck handheld.
About Steam
Updated November 8, 2026Steam is Valve’s digital distribution platform for PC games, launched in 2003. It started as a way to deliver updates for Valve’s own games such as Counter-Strike, opened to third-party publishers in 2005 and has since grown into the world’s largest PC gaming platform, with a catalog of tens of thousands of games from major publishers and independent developers.
Beyond the store, Steam offers community hubs, user reviews, the Steam Workshop for mods, cloud saves, Remote Play and family sharing features. Its seasonal sales and events such as Steam Next Fest, where players can try demos of upcoming games, have become important dates on the gaming calendar.
Valve has also expanded Steam into hardware. The Steam Deck handheld launched in 2022 and runs SteamOS, which uses Proton to play many Windows games on Linux. In November 2025, Valve revealed three new devices, the Steam Machine, Steam Controller and Steam Frame, bringing Steam to the living room and VR.
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Frequently asked questions
Who owns Steam?
Steam is owned and operated by Valve, the American game developer based in Bellevue, Washington, known for Half-Life, Counter-Strike and Dota 2.
Is Steam free?
Yes. The Steam client is free to download and use; you only pay for the games and content you buy. Many free-to-play games are also available.
Which platforms does Steam run on?
Steam is available on Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as on the Steam Deck. Mobile apps let you browse the store, chat with friends and manage your account.
Can I get a refund on Steam?
Yes. Under Steam’s refund policy, you can request a refund for most games within 14 days of purchase if you’ve played for less than two hours.
What is Steam Next Fest?
Steam Next Fest is a recurring event where players can try free demos of upcoming games, watch developer livestreams and wishlist titles before release.
What is the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is Valve’s handheld gaming PC, released in 2022. It runs SteamOS and can play a large part of the Steam library on the go.