[freehunter]

Steam is a Windows 8 program. It's not a WinRT program. Steam works perfectly in Windows 8.

The point I was making is that Steam doesn't work on Microsoft ARM tablets powered by Windows RT, but that shouldn't be a big surprise considering no desktop software works on ARM computers without being recompiled for that platform. It's no different than OSX vs iOS.

[Dylan16807]

You're ignoring WinRT on x86. This is where people are upset about Microsoft's sudden monopolizing. I don't consider it a true 'Windows 8' app if it's tucked away in the legacy desktop.

[freehunter]

You're technically correct, but you're really just splitting hairs. If it runs on Windows 8, it's a Windows 8 program. Windows 8 was designed to run both desktop and Metro applications. We're not talking XP Mode from Windows 7 here.

[Dylan16807]

The desktop is even more segregated from metro than XP mode was (since you had the seamless option for XP mode). As far as I can tell the point of Windows 8 is Metro and everything related, so I don't feel like it's splitting hairs to focus on it. If you want to get in on that new Windows 8 touchable tiled wonderful candy unavoidable primary interface you have to play by microsoft's app store rules.

Edit: haha I wonder if this article is true about microsoft abandoning 'metro' in favor of 'windows 8-style ui' Seems relevant.

[scott_w]

The point is that WinRT will be the default setting on many machines, adding an extra step (switch to legacy) before a user can install Steam. For your average user, this may prove a step too far, which will create a real business threat to Steam.