The video game industry is changing every year. Platforms for distributing games in digital format have become the main channels for developers and players. Technology is evolving, and interest in it is growing. Gamers are interested in gambling platforms such as live casino online, and competition between Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Plus is intensifying. Let’s take a look at how these platforms differ from each other.
Each of these platforms offers something new and interesting to the player: new models, subscriptions, or bonuses.
Steam: one of the best platforms
Steam is a well-known platform for video games. It is very popular among gamers. It appeared 20 years ago. Now it is a large complex that is convenient to use.
Advantages of the gaming platform:
- A large assortment in the catalog—more than 50,000 projects, including AAA and indie.
- Support for modifications via Steam Workshop.
- Integration with VR.
- Regular sales and achievement system.
- Cloud storage for saves.
However, it is important to know that some Steam games may be more expensive than on other platforms. And, unfortunately, not all projects are optimized for PCs. However, this program is highly valued for its community: forums, various discussions, feedback, and interest groups have made it lively and exciting. Developers also get flexible publishing, analytics, and marketing tools to attract more users. Therefore, this service is attractive not only to users but also to the global industry.
Epic Games Store: a competitor with ambitions
Epic Games Store (EGS) is a new platform for video games. It quickly gained popularity among users. It is a very convenient platform with sufficient functionality. It allows you to download various games, not only paid ones.
Pros:
- Players download Epic Games free games every week.
- Exclusive releases that are not available on other platforms.
- The platform offers favorable conditions for developers.
- Integration with Unreal Engine.
- Support for cross-platform gaming.
The site also has some drawbacks: a smaller library than the previous platform, as well as limited social features. Nevertheless, thanks to its intuitive interface and free games, the platform attracts users. Developers appreciate it for the ability to easily publish their projects and earn money.
Xbox Game Pass: Next-generation subscription
Xbox Game Pass is a functional, relatively new platform for downloading games. It is also referred to as the Netflix of gaming. Gamers get access to games for a fixed fee. This also includes new releases from Xbox Game Studios.
The main advantages of the platform:
- Over 400 games, which are regularly updated.
- Access to some free games.
- Cloud streaming via xCloud.
- Cross-platform gaming on Xbox, PC, and mobile devices.
- Day One releases of new projects.
There are also some disadvantages: you need a stable, uninterrupted Internet connection to use this platform. Some major games may not be available in the library.
The platform is very convenient for players who like to try new projects without having to make a purchase. Using this platform, you can enjoy interesting games while saving your budget.
PlayStation Plus: for Sony fans
Who hasn’t heard of PlayStation? Surely, everyone has. We remember it from childhood. After all, many people associate it with football and racing. Who didn’t want to feel like a real footballer when playing on a console as a child? And get on the page of SNC magazine, for example, and other equally popular sites.
The modern PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that was originally designed for online gaming. Now it is a full-fledged service with a large library and capabilities. Millions of gamers use this platform every day. The subscription is divided into three levels:
- Essential – the basic option for those who only need online access and free monthly PC games.
- Extra is an extended plan with a library of hundreds of games.
- Premium offers the maximum features: cloud streaming, a retro catalog, and early access to select projects.
The main advantage is Sony exclusives, which are rarely found on other platforms. Yes, new hits don’t always make it into the subscription on release day, but they usually end up in the catalog after a few months. And if you like story-driven projects and cinematic games, PlayStation is where they shine the most.
Take a look at the table to make it easier to compare platforms.
| Platform name | Access | Number of games in the catalog | Rates | Pros | Cons |
| Steam | Subscription or cloud | Over 50,000 | Purchase of individual games | Large library, simple interface, community, promotions | Some prices are high, ports are not always well optimized |
| Epic Games Store | Purchase | Over 1,000 | Purchase of individual games | Free games, low commission | Fewer community features, fewer games in the catalog |
| Xbox Game Pass | Subscription | Up to 400 | Monthly subscription | Day One releases, cloud streaming, EA Play | Few games in the catalog. Streaming requires an internet connection |
| PlayStation Plus | Subscription | Over 600 | Three subscription options | Sony exclusives, flexible pricing, classics | New Sony releases, rarely Day One in subscription |
Where is it more profitable to play:
- If you have a powerful computer and follow trends, choose Steam.
- Those who prefer to save money and don’t want to spend it choose the Epic Games Store.
- If you don’t want to buy games manually and like to try new things, choose Xbox Game Pass.
- Well, if you are a fan of good old Sony, then PlayStation Plus is for you.
In fact, it’s not difficult to make a choice, especially since each platform has its own characteristics.
A little about casinos and live casino online
Online casinos are very popular among users. Live casino online is developing rapidly: now you can play with live dealers, watch the game via stream, and feel the atmosphere of a real gambling establishment without leaving your home.
Why is this important? Many gamers are looking for variety. And while Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Plus are primarily about video games, online casinos are about gambling.
Who likes it:
- those who combine online gaming with gambling;
- players who enjoy socializing;
- users who are interested in a new type of leisure activity.
But remember to take a sensible approach: online casinos are primarily gambling. Keep track of the time and money you spend on the game.
Life hacks and tips: how to save money on games
Gaming is not only fun, but also expensive. However, experienced gamers know how to save money and are familiar with some tricks. We are ready to share some of them:
- Get free games. This platform gives out free games a couple of times a week. Sometimes they are small indies, and sometimes they are real hits. Just add them to your library, and they are yours forever. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass also have monthly giveaways that are easy to miss. Set reminders in your calendar, and you’ll never regret forgetting to pick up a free title.
- Use your subscriptions wisely. If you have Game Pass, don’t try to play everything at once. Play the games that may disappear from the catalog in the near future. Some games will soon disappear from the catalog.
- Don’t forget about sales. The Steam platform has sales four times a year. To avoid overspending, add the games you’re interested in to your wish list in advance. That way, you’ll receive a notification about the discount. Tip: during sales, only buy what you’re ready to play in the coming months. A huge backlog becomes a burden rather than a joy.
- The cloud is your friend. Cloud gaming (xCloud on Xbox and cloud streaming on PlayStation Plus) is a lifesaver if you have a weak computer or don’t have time to sit at your console. You can play on the go, at work, or just lying on the couch with your tablet.
- Share your subscription. Some services allow you to share your subscription with a friend or family members. For example, Game Pass Ultimate can be used on multiple devices. This is a great way to cut your costs in half.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes we get stuck in our usual genres. Subscriptions are great because they allow you to discover games you would never have bought at full price. Try a strategy game or an indie project — it might turn out to be your new favorite game.
These life hacks will help you have fun and save money!
What to choose in 2025: subscription or lifetime purchase?
Many gamers still can’t decide: subscription or classic game purchase? Steam and Epic Games Store are betting on “games forever.” Pay once, and the games remain in your library. This is very profitable, especially if you like to play old games.
Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus offer games for a specific price. However, as soon as you stop paying, access is closed.
In 2025, many gamers will combine both approaches. For example, they will buy their favorite games on Steam or EGS so that they are always at hand, or they will simultaneously subscribe to Game Pass or PS Plus to try new games without spending thousands on each release. In simple terms: subscriptions are for experimentation; purchases are for collection.
The future of gaming: where is the market headed?
Every year, services are becoming more and more like movie and TV streaming services. Subscriptions are becoming the primary way to consume games, and exclusives are becoming a tool for competition between industry giants.
Things to expect in the coming years:
- More cloud. Games will run directly in your browser or on smart TVs without a console or powerful PC.
- Increased competition. Steam is still the leader, but Epic, Xbox, and PlayStation are aggressively expanding their audience.
- The convergence of gaming and entertainment. Live casino online, VR, and even metaverses will gradually be integrated into familiar platforms.
For gamers, this means one thing: there will be more options and the choices will be more interesting.
