With all this talk about Origin and Steam and competition I thought I 'd take some time to point out a few digital retailers for PC that some might not be aware of. Unless I specifically state it, assume that the service does not require a client download.
Of course if you have something I missed, feel free to let me know and I will add it.
Of course I have to start with-
STEAM:
http://store.steampowered.com/
Requires client.
Everyone knows and loves Steam. Between the regular sales, daily deals, community features and overall large install base it is currently the leader and innovator in digital distribution. Nuff said.
GamersGate:
http://www.gamersgate.com/
Wider in scope than other digital distributors, GamersGate has a larger focus on indie, niche, and casual games, along with the latest AAA games. In addition you gain Blue Coins for your activity on the site, including buying games, writing reviews, participating in the Game Tutor program and rating games. In addition you can earn achievements, level up, and raise a minion in order to receive special deals. Sales regularly feature on the site as well.
Good Old Games:
http://www.gog.com/en/frontpage/
Run by CD Projekt, GOG specializes in older, classic, PC titles. Classic adventures such as Beneath a Steel Sky (which is free with an account), Cannon Fodder, Ultima, and Wing Commander. The titles are updated for compatibility on modern systems, and often come with digital bonus content, such as the manual, soundtrack, avatars, or artbooks. All games also happen to be DRM-free. These guys just get it.
Desura:
http://www.desura.com/
Requires client.
Part of the ModDb community, Desura focuses on indie games and mods. All mods are free of course and there a good amount of features to help indie developers get some more exposure.
Amazon Digital Deals:
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Downloads/b?ie=UTF8&node=979455011
A digital store for a variety of digital downloads, Amazon also sells a variety of casual and core games, as well as redemption codes for Xbox Live and PSN.
Direct2Drive:
http://www.direct2drive.com/
One of the larger competitors to Steam, previously part of IGN, now part of Gamefly. Sign up for an account, buy, download.
Impulse:
http://www.impulsedriven.com/download
Requires client.
Now currently owned by Gamestop, it touts similar features to Steam, such as chat and community features.
Of course if you have something I missed, feel free to let me know and I will add it.
Of course I have to start with-
STEAM:
http://store.steampowered.com/
Requires client.
Everyone knows and loves Steam. Between the regular sales, daily deals, community features and overall large install base it is currently the leader and innovator in digital distribution. Nuff said.
GamersGate:
http://www.gamersgate.com/
Wider in scope than other digital distributors, GamersGate has a larger focus on indie, niche, and casual games, along with the latest AAA games. In addition you gain Blue Coins for your activity on the site, including buying games, writing reviews, participating in the Game Tutor program and rating games. In addition you can earn achievements, level up, and raise a minion in order to receive special deals. Sales regularly feature on the site as well.
Good Old Games:
http://www.gog.com/en/frontpage/
Run by CD Projekt, GOG specializes in older, classic, PC titles. Classic adventures such as Beneath a Steel Sky (which is free with an account), Cannon Fodder, Ultima, and Wing Commander. The titles are updated for compatibility on modern systems, and often come with digital bonus content, such as the manual, soundtrack, avatars, or artbooks. All games also happen to be DRM-free. These guys just get it.
Desura:
http://www.desura.com/
Requires client.
Part of the ModDb community, Desura focuses on indie games and mods. All mods are free of course and there a good amount of features to help indie developers get some more exposure.
Amazon Digital Deals:
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Downloads/b?ie=UTF8&node=979455011
A digital store for a variety of digital downloads, Amazon also sells a variety of casual and core games, as well as redemption codes for Xbox Live and PSN.
Direct2Drive:
http://www.direct2drive.com/
One of the larger competitors to Steam, previously part of IGN, now part of Gamefly. Sign up for an account, buy, download.
Impulse:
http://www.impulsedriven.com/download
Requires client.
Now currently owned by Gamestop, it touts similar features to Steam, such as chat and community features.
