These are popular online game download stores and launchers where you can buy, download, and manage PC games. This page focuses on the platforms themselves (not individual games).
Why it's popular: The largest PC game storefront, with huge sales, community features, reviews, and automatic updates.
Why use it: Great for building a large library, discovering games, and using social/community tools.
Website: https://store.steampowered.com/
Why it's popular: Known for DRM-free games and classic titles, plus modern games that often come with extras.
Why use it: Best if you prefer DRM-free downloads you can keep and back up.
Website: https://www.gog.com/
Why it's popular: Frequent giveaways, exclusive releases, and competitive discounts.
Why use it: Good if you want free weekly titles and occasional deep sales.
Website: https://store.epicgames.com/
Why it's popular: A major hub for indie games, prototypes, game jams, and experimental projects.
Why use it: Great for discovering unique indie games and supporting smaller creators directly.
Website: https://itch.io/
Why it's popular: Built into Windows and connects with the Xbox ecosystem for PC game installs and management.
Why use it: Useful for Windows-based purchases and Xbox-related PC gaming features.
Website: https://www.microsoft.com/store/games/windows
Why it's popular: The official launcher/store for Blizzard titles and related services.
Why use it: Required for Blizzard games and easy for managing installs/updates for that library.
Website: https://www.blizzard.com/apps/battle.net/desktop
Why it's popular: EA’s official PC platform for buying, downloading, and launching EA titles.
Why use it: Needed for many EA games and account-based features.
Website: https://www.ea.com/ea-app
Why it's popular: Ubisoft’s official launcher and store for Ubisoft PC games, updates, and account services.
Why use it: Needed for many Ubisoft titles and easy to manage that library.
Website: https://ubisoftconnect.com/
Why it's popular: Bundles, deals, and store discounts, sometimes supporting charities.
Why use it: Great for value bundles and discount keys (often for Steam).
Website: https://www.humblebundle.com/store