Comparing Online Game Platforms: Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store

Published April 21, 2023

A Guide to Choosing the Right Platform for Your Gaming Needs

Comparing Online Game Platforms: Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store

The digital distribution of games has become the norm in recent years, with online platforms offering a wide variety of titles and features. In this article, we'll compare three popular online game platforms - Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store - to help you find the best fit for your gaming needs.

Steam

Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the most popular online gaming platform. It boasts a vast library of games, frequent sales, and a large community of gamers.

Pros:

Massive game library
Frequent discounts and sales
Active community
Workshop for mods and custom content

Cons:

DRM (Digital Rights Management) on most games
Customer support can be slow

GOG

GOG (formerly known as Good Old Games) is a platform created by CD Projekt, focusing on DRM-free games and classic titles.

Pros:

DRM-free games
Curated selection of classic and indie games
GOG Galaxy client offers optional online features
Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Cons:

Smaller game library compared to Steam
Sales and discounts are less frequent

Epic Games Store

Epic Games Store is a newer platform developed by the creators of Fortnite, offering a smaller but carefully curated selection of games.

Pros:

Exclusive titles not available on other platforms
Free games offered regularly
Higher revenue share for developers

Cons:

Smaller game library
Limited social features
No support for mods or custom content

TL;DR

Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store each have their pros and cons. Steam offers the largest game library and frequent sales, GOG focuses on DRM-free and classic games, and Epic Games Store provides exclusive titles and free games. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and gaming needs.