The software provides a freely available application programming interface (API) called Steamworks, which developers can use to integrate many of Steam's functions into their products, including matchmaking, in-game achievements, microtransactions, and support for user-created content through Steam Workshop. It also provides the user with installation and automatic updating of games, and community features such as friends lists and groups, cloud saving, and in-game voice and chat functionality. Steam offers digital rights management (DRM), matchmaking servers, video streaming, and social networking services. Steam has also expanded into an online web-based and mobile digital storefront.
It was launched as a standalone software client in September 2003 as a way for Valve to provide automatic updates for their games, and expanded to include games from third-party publishers.
Steam is a video game digital distribution service by Valve.
