If you’re a PC gamer, you’re probably familiar with Steam. It’s a popular digital distribution platform where you can buy and download games. However, one of the most popular games in the world, Minecraft, is not available on Steam.
Why can’t you get Minecraft on Steam?
There are a few reasons:
Creative freedom: Notch, the creator of Minecraft, has said that he doesn’t want to put Minecraft on Steam because it would limit the game’s creative freedom. Steam takes a 30% cut of all game sales, and it also has some restrictions on what developers can do with their games. Notch doesn’t want to be beholden to Steam, and he wants to be able to make Minecraft the game he wants it to be.
Microsoft ownership: Microsoft acquired Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, in 2014. Microsoft has its own digital distribution platform, the Microsoft Store, and it likely wants to keep Minecraft exclusive to its own platform. This is a common practice among game publishers, as it allows them to keep more of the profits from game sales.
Community: Minecraft has a large and active community, and many players are happy to purchase the game from the official Minecraft website. This means that there is no real demand for Minecraft to be available on Steam.
Steam library
Despite the fact that Minecraft is not available on Steam, you can still add it to your Steam library. This will allow you to launch Minecraft from Steam and chat with your Steam friends while you’re playing. In order to add Minecraft to Steam, follow these steps:
- Open Steam and click on Add a Game.
- Select Add a Non-Steam Game.
- Find the Minecraft launcher on your computer and click on Add Selected Programs.
- Minecraft will now be added to your Steam library.
Conclusion
So, while you can’t buy Minecraft on Steam, you can still add it to your Steam library. This will allow you to launch Minecraft from Steam and chat with your Steam friends while you’re playing.
FAQ
Why can’t I get Minecraft on Steam?
There are a few reasons why you can’t get Minecraft on Steam. First, Notch, the creator of Minecraft, has said that he doesn’t want to put Minecraft on Steam because it would limit the game’s creative freedom. Second, Microsoft acquired Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, in 2014, and Microsoft has its own digital distribution platform, the Microsoft Store, and it likely wants to keep Minecraft exclusive to its own platform. Finally, there is no real demand for Minecraft to be available on Steam, as the game has a large and active community and many players are happy to purchase the game from the official Minecraft website.
Where can I purchase Minecraft?
You can purchase Minecraft from a variety of places, including:
The official Minecraft website
The Microsoft Store
The Mojang website
Various other online retailers
Is Minecraft available on other platforms?
Yes, Minecraft is available on a variety of other platforms, including:
- Consoles, such as the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
- Mobile devices, such as iOS and Android
- VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive
What are some other games that are similar to Minecraft?
If you’re looking for a similar game to Minecraft that is available on Steam, you might want to check out:
- Terraria
- Stardew Valley
- Roblox
- Raft