this post was submitted on 04 May 2025
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Comments like these is why I keep coming back!
Strong analysis. Really a microcosm of the fuckening we are being served.
Note how Valve is not a publically owned company.
They are privately owned, and are thus free from the 'next quarter profit' incentive structure.
... Which has enabled them to experiment, and actually drive forward gaming in general.
They basically invented achievements in games.
They also basicslly invented MTX.
They also basically have the best engine in gaming.
They also realized that turning steam, which was once just their game launcher/updater... into a gigantic digital marketplace for all games... was a very good idea.
They also basically invented handheld pc gaming consoles.
They also invented proton and are now rapidly approaching the ability to make the average person go... wait, why do I even use windows at all on my personal home PC?
... And they also pretty much make the best VR headset for AAA VR games, even if it turns out that VR is basically just too expensive generally.
The point here is: look at the incentive structure both within and surrounding an entity, and you csn determine how that entity is likely to act.
... Ironically... this is literally called 'game theory' and has many applications to economics, polisci, sociology, etc.
Yes, and even with Valve doing some great things for gaming, it's important to note that we all will benefit from Valve having meaningful competition from Epic and GOG. If gamers spread their money around, service providers will do more to earn it.
Agreed!
Also worth pointing out:
Epic Games is American, and also privately owned, like Valve.
GOG is a subsidiary of CD Projekt, which became a publically traded company in 2009... but it is based in Poland, the EU, which has much more regulations in place that help to temper the pure insanity lust for maximum profits now! that American public companies have.