More Companies Move to Online PC Game Distribution

As Steam’s unparalleled success blazes across the charts, online game downloading is on the mind of all companies that are not already involved. As shown by the recent activity of Electronic Arts (EA) and Microsoft, more and more PC game distribution companies are jumping onto the bandwagon of online distribution.

To much rejoicing in the gaming community, Electronic Arts has recently joined the Steam network, and has submitted to the network’s more user-friendly DRM. SecuROM, EA’s previous DRM function, contains similar functions as malware and has been the cause of many class action lawsuits against the Electronic Arts Company.

The following EA games have recently been added to Steam:

• Mass Effect
• Dead Space
• Spore
• Spore Creepy and Cute Parts Pack
• Red Alert 3
• Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
• Need for Speed Undercover
• EA SPORTS FIFA Manager 2009
• Mirror’s Edge
• Dead Space
• Crysis

Instead of joining Steam, Microsoft is planning to distribute PC games through their Windows—LIVE Marketplace Application. Critics are doubtful that Microsoft’s PC Marketplace will make any waves in comparison to Steam’s growing hold in the gaming community.

The Microsoft Windows—LIVE Marketplace gaming application currently offers downloads of add-ons for games, videos, and demos. The Marketplace offers links to purchase games from other vendors that can deliver the boxed games, but no online downloading is yet available.