Amazon to offer alternative to Steam?

[IronMonkey]

Originally Posted by http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080219-amazon-hopes-to-chill-steam-with-game-downloads.html

Amazon is continuing its venture into digital distribution in a big way. Between rekindling the ebook and a DRM-free MP3 store, it's clear that the 800lb. gorilla of Web retailing is looking to cut down on its stock of cardboard boxes. Now, as we mentioned in our Opposable Thumbs journal yesterday, an inconspicuous job posting reveals that Amazon is planning to spearhead the software industry's move towards digital distribution.
Amazon's job opening, "Software Development Engineer - Video Game and Software Downloads," can't be read in many other ways than the obvious.

As I understand it, Steam offers more than just a download service.

Would people be interested in a pure download service?

[Thrash123]

Absolutely, assuming the offering was done properly. I want to be able to backup/redownload the installer if necessary without having to shell out more money for another copy.

[Big-Al]

i like how amazon gives you the box with nice stuff you can hold etc. but if they want to do both... sure, why not?

[JaFO]

Assuming it would be done properly ... maybe.
Reality says it won't happen and it'll be yet another DRM-contaminated attempt at controlling your pc and wallet and it most certainly won't be any cheaper.

However I still prefer the old-fashioned regardless as pretty boxes are nice to have solid evidence.

Although I'm sure it won't happen outside of the USA just like the mp3-store is US-only.
Then again ... when you're competing against legal free downloads of mp3's it does make people wonder why they should pay for stuff.