without Steam there might have been 20 different platforms, but another possibility would have been Microsoft just fully taking over the space and treating the PC like a very expensive Xbox. Even with Steam’s success this has always been a possibility. I think Steam’s massive investment in game compatibility for Linux (ie: Steam Deck) has been an amazing counterbalance to stave off the potential of MS monopoly on the PC gaming space and I am so thankful for their continued support of PC gaming culture and tech.