This is your reminder to use better alternatives like:
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Trust but verify. All verification has passed for the last 20 years or so
I really wish GOG was a stronger supporter of Linux. I would move my business over to GOG where possible if so. Right now I heavily value the work that Valve has put into not only making Linux gaming a reality, but the Linux desktop in general as a side-effect.
I literally could not figure out how to get my GOG copy of Fallout 3 running on my Steam Deck, nor could I find anyone else online discussing what would make it work. I’m sure if I’d wanted to put in the work that I could have gotten it running. I was feeling lazy though, so I bought a copy on Steam. It works without any configuration.
Valve has taken a Linux PC and given it a handheld console form. I couldn’t be happier with it.
In terms of revenue per employee, Valve is extremely well set to weather almost any storm. Beyond Microsoft or Google. Nintendo’s probably also stable, given they own the most valuable IP created.
Gabe Newell is probably trustworthy - as much as a man of his wealth can be anyway. The problem I think Valve could face one day is a rogue board of directors taking the company public after he dies.
Steam does suffer from the ‘purchase a revocable license’ issue, which is always concerning, but the larger issue might be their stance on license revocation on death. For now, passing your login information to next of kin is the workaround, but I wonder if there will come a day where they send emails saying an account has been terminated and licenses voided as the date of birth on record exceeds the average lifespan of a citizen in your nation.
I’ll never know the answer to that, but if capitalism has taught me anything, it’s to distrust corporations making decisions. Maybe Valve could become an employee cooperative of some variety. That would alleviate my concerns.
