Apple not completely closing door to bringing Steam Link to its platform

Apple recently banned the new Steam Link app because of “business conflicts” and it has just recently explained what these reasons seem to be. And it doesn’t look like they’ve completely closed the door on bringing the app back on its platform. Apple is said to be working with Steam to fix the issues it has with the app and hopefully an updated version of the app shows up on the platform soon. Steam Link lets users stream PC games to mobile devices. Android already has the app up on its platform.

Apple fans were apparently not happy with the development that they reached out Apple’s marketing guy Phil Schiller about this. In an email sent to multiple users, Schiller explained that he wanted Valve’s games and services to be on its platform but “the review team found that Valve’s Steam iOS app, as currently submitted violates a number of guidelines around user-generated content, in-app purchases, content codes, etc. We’ve discussed these issues with Valve and will continue to work with them to help bring the Steam experience to iOS and AppleTV in a way that complies with the store’s guidelines.” As BGR points out, it sounds like one of the main concerns is that it allows Valve to sell user content without shelling out for the App Store tax, which is a big source of income for the company.

You can soon play Steam games on Android and iOS with Valve's Steam Link app

Video game distribution platform Steam is looking to give you access to your purchased games on your mobile devices with an app it’s releasing on the week of May 21. Valve Steam Link will give you access to your games on both Android and iOS—and it’s not limited to phones but includes tablets and Android/Apple TV, too. The app will be free for download.

There are a few things to take note of, though. You will only be able to play if your device is connected to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network or hard-wired through Ethernet to make sure it’s connected to your PC/Mac. In terms of controller support, Valve said it’ll support the Steam Controller and MFI controllers and “more across both platforms” but it hasn’t released specifics beyond these.

Source: Android Central

Steam will not accept bitcoins as a payment method for now

For those who make use of the cryptocurrency to buy games off of Steam, you don’t have that option available for you now. Steam just announced it’ll no longer accept bitcoin as a payment method. Valve made the announcement in a blog post saying the decision is a result of the cryptocurrency’s “high fees and volatility.” In the post, it talks about how bitcoin transactions have gone up to almost US$20 per transaction in the past week, which is huge compared to what Valve says was the $0.20 value it had when they initially enabled bitcoin.

The fees are being shouldered by the gamers who make the purchases, which means costs of the games could be higher if the bitcoin value dips. And if value does go up while the user completes a purchase, for example, Steam will have to refund the difference and then the user will have to pay the transaction fee again. As Valve says in the post, “This year, we’ve seen increasing number[s] of customers get into this state,” making it a pretty impractical way to pay for games. Steam says it might reconsider this decision in the future, if the currency becomes more stable.

Source: The Verge

Tri-Coastal Games introduce ‘Dystoria,’ a retro-inspired 3D shooter

Love the retro-looking games? A new sci-fi arcade shooter is now available on Steam. Tri-Coastal Games launched Dystoria on the service. Dystoria is a 360-degree axis shifting space shooter. You will need to navigate a precise route to capture or destroy your enemies. At the same time, you will be collecting orbs. The game features moving platforms, switches for doors, deadly moving lasers, destructible blocks with hidden areas of valuable pickups, and many more. It has an ‘80s game feel to it that those growing up in that age would appreciate. If you want to try it out, the game retails for US$14.99 but is currently on sale for US$10.04 (approx. CA$13).