Steam, the largest digital distribution platform in the PC market, has once again been labeled a monopoly by a recent study conducted by Atomik Research for Rokky.
The research, which surveyed 306 professionals in the video game industry between May 18 and May 22, 2025, reveals that 72% of developers believe that Steam exerts monopolistic control over the sector.
In addition, more than 75% of the annual income of these respondents comes from Valve’s platform.
Despite everything, Steam remains the favorite of PC gamers
In response to this situation, nearly half of the respondents (48%) have started distributing titles through alternatives such as Epic Games Store and Xbox for PC, while 10% have done so on GOG and 8% on Itch.io.
The study also evaluates the importance of independent digital stores, such as Humble Bundle and Fanatical, which are gaining ground in the market. This indicates a conscious effort to diversify distribution and reduce dependence on Steam.
However, the research also highlights concerns among developers about the lack of control over their products and the risks posed by “gray markets”, where game keys are resold without any regulation.
Despite these challenges, an optimistic 80% of respondents believe that using multiple platforms could increase their income by at least 10% in the next five years.
Vadim Andreev, co-founder and CEO of Rokky, emphasized that the current complexity in PC game distribution presents both opportunities and challenges. “The old rules are still relevant, but understanding the new nuances of the landscape is more crucial than ever,” concluded Andreev, highlighting the evolution of a constantly changing ecosystem.