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72% of devs believe Steam has a monopoly on PC games, according to study
(www.gamesindustry.biz)
Steam is a video game digital distribution service by Valve.
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Legally speaking, yes.
Ethically speaking, I have not seen sufficient evidence to call Valve a monopoly yet. Obviously everyone can call Valve a monopoly, or not, I don't really care either way. Actual evidence would have to come in the form of documents proofing Valve manipulates prices, hinders competition or anything similar.
Unfortunately most documents in the Wolfire vs Valve case are not publicly available. The point Wolfire makes in their statement about not being able to sell their keys cheaper than on Steam, has some merit but I will leave it to the judge to decide on that one. It's not enough for me personally to call that anti-competitive.
I did make up my mind, but there was no evidence until the ruling.
Fair point, many do. They could mention it though.
Because I am the consumer in this case and I don't see any wrongdoing by Valve in this case. There are other store fronts on PC, Valve doesn't force any prices, they don't force exclusivity, they don't buy competition up and they don't prevent the competing stores from functioning in any way.
People simply flock to Steam because it's the best service and until Valve engages in (proven) anti-competitive behaviour, there is no reason to change anything about that.
Is the 30% cut they demand too much? Yes. Are they engaging in unethical gambling? Yes. Are they a monopoly? Not in my opinion.