Gamers Don’t Just Buy Games, They Play Games Everywhere.
We made a mistake. Gamers don’t buy games from us because they are already using Twitch. Gamers buy games from us because they want to play games on their PC, and Twitch is just one of the many platforms they use to play games.
Understanding the Mistake
We thought that by acquiring Twitch, we would automatically gain a large customer base. However, this assumption was incorrect. The reality is that gamers are not tied to any one platform. They use multiple platforms to play games, and Twitch is just one of the many options available to them. Twitch is a live streaming platform, not a game store. Gamers use Twitch to watch live streams, interact with other gamers, and discover new games. Twitch is not a primary source of game sales.
The Importance of Understanding Your Customer
To create a successful PC games store, it’s essential to understand your customer’s needs and preferences. In this case, our mistake was not taking the time to understand why gamers were buying games from us.
The Early Days of Amazon’s Gaming Ambitions
Amazon’s foray into PC gaming began in 2010, when the company launched its first gaming platform, Amazon Appstore for Android. Although it was initially focused on mobile gaming, the platform eventually expanded to include PC games.
They just needed a platform to use it.
The Rise of Steam
In 2003, Valve Corporation launched Steam, a digital distribution platform that would revolutionize the way gamers purchase, download, and play games. Initially, Steam was met with skepticism by the gaming community, but it quickly gained popularity as a convenient and cost-effective way to access a vast library of games.
Key Features of Steam
The Power of Community
Steam’s success can be attributed, in part, to its strong community features. Gamers were able to connect with each other, share tips, and participate in discussions, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie. User-generated content: Steam’s user-generated content feature allowed users to create and share custom content, such as mods and maps. Community-driven events: Steam’s community-driven events, such as community challenges and giveaways, encouraged users to participate and engage with the platform.**
The Solution to Gaming Problems
Evans suggests that gamers already had the solution to their problems, but needed a platform to use it. Steam provided a platform for gamers to connect with each other, share tips, and participate in discussions, addressing many of the problems that gamers faced.
Epic Games Store Challenges Steam’s Dominance with Exclusives and Community Focus.
While Steam has a massive user base and a wide variety of games, the Epic Games Store has carved out a niche for itself as a platform that prioritizes exclusives and community engagement.
The Rise of the Epic Games Store
In 2018, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, announced the launch of its own digital storefront, the Epic Games Store. The move was seen as a bold move by the company, as it aimed to challenge the dominance of Steam, the largest PC gaming platform at the time. The Epic Games Store was initially met with skepticism, but it has since gained significant traction and attention from gamers and developers alike.
Key Features of the Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store has several key features that set it apart from Steam. Some of the most notable include:
The Enduring Appeal of Steam
Steam has been around for over two decades, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Despite the rise of newer gaming platforms, Steam remains the go-to destination for millions of gamers worldwide.