This issue looks set to become the defining issue in PC gaming in 2012. Anyone who was planning to buy Battlefield 3 on Steam this year will tell you that buyers are already being affected by these escalating arguments. The competition between rival digital distributors is hotting up, and retailers look to be placing increasing pressure on publishers to keep their games off rival digital services.
Within the digital arena, EA have this year rebranded and relaunched their online store as Origin, and EA games have recently been disappearing from Steam amid DLC exclusivity conflicts and EA assertions that Steam has 'restrictive terms of service.' Publishers are creating a monster – we are telling suppliers to stop using Steam in their games.” Last year the head of an unnamed major retailer said this to MCV “If we have a digital service, then I don't want to start selling a rival in-store. This page consists of every username/password combination for all computers and security terminals in Deus Ex: Human Revolution. In the UK, games like Brink and Space Marine are being removed from Steam amid rumours of a conflict with retailers, Game. The battle for control of the PC market has already begun. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (PC reviewed, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 reviewed) Developer: Eidos Montreal Publisher: Square Enix To be released: AugMSRP: 59.99 (PS3, 360) / 49.99 (PC.