Steam (content delivery)

The Steam system running under Windows XP.

Steam is a content delivery system created by Valve Corporation. Its primary use is digital distribution of game software, although it has other features such as game server browsers, friend lists, automatic updates for supported games, and digital rights management. Popular personal computer games such as Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike are distributed and managed through Steam.

History

Development on Steam began on an uncertain date prior to 2002. Its codenames before 'Steam' were 'Grid' and 'Gazelle'. Steam replaces WON, Valve's original authentication system for older games such as the original Half-Life.

Features

The Steam content system provides users with not only a frontend graphical user interface to configure options for existing installed software titles, but to purchase other software available through the system by use of secure e-commerce transactions.

Additionally, updates and demos for existing and future products are also available through Steam.