PC Game Pass is something that Valve is reportedly "more than happy" to have on Steam, according to Valve CEO Gabe Newell.
BELLEVUE, UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 26: Portrait of American video game developer Gabe Newell, photographed at Valve Corporations offices in Bellevue, Washington, on February 26, 2020.
In a report by Windows Central, Newell's statements were revealed after being asked whether Valve wants to make its own game subscription service like Microsoft's PC/Xbox Game Pass. The co-founder and CEO claimed that while his company doesn't have any plans to make their own, they're "open" to having Game Pass integrated with Steam.
Here are Newell's words on the matter:
"I don't think it's something that we think we need to do ourselves, building a subscription service at this time. But for their customers it's clearly a popular option, and we'd be more than happy to work with them to get that on Steam."
But while the Valve CEO might make a lot of PC gamers excited like never before, don't hold your breath. There are certain things that could make integrating PC Game Pass into Steam a little tricky.
Why Steam And PC Game Pass Might Not Work
According to The Verge, one of these problems includes Valve's considerable 30 percent cut of any software sales on Steam. While they did bring this down to 20 percent for all sales past $50 million, it could still throw a wrench into talks between them and Microsoft, who would understandably want their own cut of the pie.
Another potential problem is with Microsoft themselves. They don't seem too keen to bring Game Pass anywhere near Steam, as their service remains exclusive to Windows 10, Windows 11, and the Microsoft Store platforms. As such, you can't get a PC Game Pass on your newly bought Steam Deck since it runs the Linux-based SteamOS.
A Steam Deck handheld gaming console, taken on August 26, 2021.
For now, it seems like you'll have to make a choice between Steam and Game Pass if you want access to as many games as you can play. It's not a bad choice either way, as you'll get deals during Steam's famed big sales (i.e. Summer Sale) or Game Pass' own seasonal deals.
Read also: Respawn Entertainment Halts ALGS Amid Ukraine Crisis
PC Game Pass Vs. Steam: Which One Is Worth It?
With a question like this, the answer almost always comes down to preferences. If you know well enough how both platforms work, it'll be far easier for you to make a choice.
Microsoft introduced PC Game Pass late last year as the definitive PC version of Xbox Game Pass, which is already an amazing service in its own right. But despite how much it is promoted, Digital Trends says that the service's biggest Achilles Heel is the native Windows Xbox app.
As of late, the Xbox app on Windows 10 and 11 is infamous for being buggy and lacking in features-two main reasons why Steam remains the preeminent digital game storefront for PC users. If both platforms are to be integrated, both Microsoft and Valve will have to work these problems out together, but it will be a really tough road to take.
Related: Some Steam Decks Signed By Gabe Newell Are Being Delivered By The Man Himself
Story posted on GameNGuide
Written by RJ Pierce
