[mystified5016]

> Valve is still at the Microsoft's mercy to tolerate Proton's existence.

No, they aren't. Valve is way, way too big a bear for Microsoft to poke. If they banned Steam, the backlash would be severe.

It would also result in even more users switching to Linux to keep access to the games they've already paid for, and which work under Linux due to proton.

Microsoft is at Valve's mercy. Valve doesn't need Microsoft, but Microsoft very badly needs Steam around to keep gamers on windows.

[pjmlp]

XBox is one of the biggest publishers, where would all those Windows gamers go?

To a platform emulating Windows? (no need to correct me on how WINE works)

If at all they would be migrating to Nintendo and Sony consoles, if not having second thoughts about XBox consoles and cloud/GeForce Now.

Additionally, most of what Valve stands for will be gone the day Gabe is no longer at the company, enjoy while it lasts.