In a major coup for Steam, the forthcoming STALKER expansion, Clear Sky will be available for digital download worldwide exclusively on Steam.

“It’s great to see a forward-thinking game maker like GCS Game World launching simultaneously in digital and traditional retail channels,” said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. “By launching S.T.A.L.K.E.R.:Clear Sky on Steam on the same day that it’s available in stores worldwide, GCS Game World ensures that gamers can get their hands on this highly-anticipated game in the way that’s most convenient for them.”

For such a game to be made available on Steam as an exclusive digital download is a big step for Valve and shows the faith that game companies have in Steam as a way of publishing their games. This is also significant as GSC haven’t mentioned retail distribution methods since departing from the THQ stronghold. This really shows that Steam is rapidly becoming the go-to place for many developers wanting to get their game to market. I would not be surprised to soon see some big name games only available on Steam.

(originally posted on my blog)