Steam is the recommended and recommended computer software I chose, and the reason I chose it is simple: it is my personal favorite and most commonly used software. Steam is a gaming application developed by Valve Corporation, launched on September 12, 2003, initially used for automatic game updates. More than 34,000 games have been listed on Steam, with more than 95 million monthly active users. (WKI.2022) It is widely welcomed by users worldwide by providing a large number of digital distribution platforms for downloadable games. The main features include automatic game updates, a large amount of game inventory and copyrights, meeting friends with the same gaming interests through the Steam community's social network, and supporting user generated content through Steam Workshop. Steam supports game players to develop new game maps, modes, and more, which gives all games infinite potential for playability and diversity. Steam's multiplayer gaming services promote global gaming connectivity, allowing players to trade or socialize with global players through the Steam platform. Steam wallet can be one of the earliest digital currencies purchased. Steam Play expands game compatibility between different operating systems, allowing players from different systems to play together. The introduction of VR support and features such as Steam Link further enhances its appeal, bringing a different experience to new VR game users. Steam's user-friendly interface, regular updates, and innovative products make it the cornerstone of modern gaming.

The Steam game platform mainly has ten technical advantages, such as:

 

1. Digital distribution: Steam provides a convenient digital distribution method. Players can purchase and download games directly from the platform, avoiding the need for traditional physical media and improving the convenience of game acquisition. (James,2023)

 

2. Automatic update: Steam automatically updates the game for players to ensure that players can enjoy the latest version of the game content, avoiding the traditional technical difficulties of manually downloading and installing updates.

 

3. Game library management (James,2023): Steam provides a centralized game library management system, players can easily browse, classify and search for the games they own or the games they want to buy, and support cloud save synchronization. 

 

4. Convenient Community Features (PRAMESH 2022): The Steam community enables players to interact with game friends, build groups, share achievements, and participate in discussions or suggest improvements to the game. Steam chat and voice chat functions enhance the social environment of game software.

 

5. Creative Workshop: Steam Creative Workshop allows players to create and share game modifications and custom content, such as maps, MOD, etc., which enriches the game experience and playability, and brings unlimited development possibilities to each game.

 

6. Multiplayer game service: Steam provides multiplayer game service and matching function, enabling players to connect with other players around the world and enjoy the fun of multiplayer games.

 

7. Sales and Discounts: Steam is known for its seasonal sales events such as Summer Sale and Winter Sale, which offer heavily discounted games, allowing players to buy games at a more affordable price.

 

  8. Steam Wallet: Players can deposit funds into the Steam Wallet as a digital currency for purchasing games, downloadable content (DLC) and other items.

 

9. Steam Play: Steam Play (formerly Steam Play on Linux) allows players to run compatible Windows games on different operating systems, expanding the availability of games under different operating systems.

 

10. Virtual Reality Support: With the introduction of virtual reality headsets, Steam extends support for virtual reality games and experiences, delivered through the SteamVR platform.

 

Although the Steam game platform has many technical advantages, there are also some technical disadvantages and challenges to the real world, such as:

 

Reliance on Internet Connection: Steam games require a stable Internet connection to download, update, and play the game. Lack of internet connection may affect the game playability and experience.

 

Digital Rights Management (DRM): Steam games are often subject to digital rights management measures, which may result in certain restrictions, such as having to authenticate online or restricting game copying.

 

Privacy and Data Security (PRAMESH 2022): When using the Steam platform, personal data may be collected and processed.

 

Game dependencies: Games on the Steam platform may depend on the Steam client, which means some games may not work without the Steam client. This can be regarded as monopolizing most of the game market in disguise.

 

Connection Issues: From time to time Steam servers may face issues causing downloads, updates, and gaming experience to be disrupted. In my personal experience, I encountered a delay in the delayed update of the Steam platform, which prevented me from playing normally.

 

Reliance on third-party developers: Games on Steam are made by a variety of developers, and quality and optimization may vary from developer to developer, causing some games to experience performance issues or instability.

 

The future of Steam is undoubtedly vast and infinitely possible, as after 20 years of development, Steam has become one of the world's largest game users (Joe, 2022). Steam has occupied or even monopolized some of the gaming market, which has led to its position being advanced and irreplaceable. In 2022, Steam's annual profit accumulated to $8.88 billion dollars (J. Clement,2022). making it the most successful game in the world in the 21st century.

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1．  Steam.(2023,Aug 07) In Wikipedia. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam

2．  James.C(2023,Aug 10). The Sarcmento Bee. What is Steam Gaming? https://www.sacbee.com/reviews/steam-gaming/#:~:text=Steam%20gaming%20is%20more%20than,on%20the%20games%20you%20want. 

3．  Pramesh.K(2022,JULY 31). Tech Quintal. Advantages and Disadvantages of Steam. https://www.techquintal.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-steam/ 

4．  Joe.K(2022,Mar 26). Make use of muo. 8 Fun Steam Features You Didn't Know Existed. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-steam/ 

5．  Clement .J(2022, Oct 18).Statisia, Steam gaming platform - Statistics & Facts https://www.statista.com/topics/4282/steam/#topicOverview