Is Genshin Impact Available on Steam? All You Need to Know
Genshin Impact has established itself as one of Hoyoverse's most successful titles, attracting millions of players across multiple platforms. As PC gaming continues to grow in popularity, many players wonder about the game's availability on various digital storefronts, particularly Steam.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Genshin Impact's PC platform options and directly address whether you can find and play the game through Steam's marketplace. We'll examine the current distribution methods and provide clear information about how PC players can access this popular open-world action RPG.
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Where to Download Genshin Impact on PC
Hoyoverse offers multiple options for players to experience Genshin Impact on PC. The game is available through the official launcher and the Epic Games Store. Despite its widespread popularity, Genshin Impact is not available on Steam.
The official launcher can be accessed directly from the Genshin Impact website. This dedicated platform ensures players receive immediate updates and optimal performance tailored specifically for the game.
The Epic Games Store serves as the only third-party storefront where Genshin Impact is officially distributed. Players who already use Epic's platform for other games may find this option more convenient for consolidating their game library.
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Why Genshin Impact isn't Available on Steam
No official statement explains Genshin Impact's absence from Steam, but several factors likely influence this business decision. Steam's 30% commission on all in-game purchases creates a significant financial barrier. For free-to-play games like Genshin Impact that generate revenue primarily through microtransactions and its gacha system, this commission substantially cuts into profits.
HoYoverse's choice to release on Epic Games Store instead points to strategic advantages. Epic offers developers more favorable revenue-sharing terms, taking only 12% compared to Steam's 30%. This arrangement preserves more revenue for HoYoverse, especially important given Genshin Impact's billion-dollar earnings.
While HoYoverse's earlier title, Honkai Impact 3rd, does appear on Steam, it represents a different calculation. Honkai Impact arrived on Steam well after its initial release and targets a somewhat different audience. Genshin Impact's massive scale and higher revenue potential make Steam's commission structure far more consequential.
The decision ultimately balances financial considerations against player accessibility. By maintaining their own launcher and partnering with Epic, HoYoverse maximizes profits while still providing PC players multiple ways to access the game.
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How to Play Genshin Impact on Steam (Alternative)
While Genshin Impact isn't officially available on Steam, you can still launch it through Steam's interface by adding it as a Non-Steam Game. The process is simple:
Launch Steam
In the bottom left corner, click on "Add a Non-Steam Game."
Search for Genshin Impact through the list or browse your folders and find it
Click on "Add Selected Programs."
Once added, Genshin Impact will appear in your Steam library alongside your other games. This method allows you to launch the game directly from Steam and access the Steam overlay while playing.
You can also customize the game's appearance in your library by adding custom artwork. Right-click on the game in your library, select "Set Custom Background," and add a background and logo to make it look like an official Steam release from HoYoverse.
This workaround lets you consolidate your gaming library and take advantage of Steam features like the overlay, screenshot functionality, and playtime tracking while still playing Genshin Impact.
Final Words
Genshin Impact remains unavailable on Steam, with HoYoverse choosing to distribute through their official launcher and Epic Games Store instead. This decision likely stems from financial considerations around revenue sharing. While Steam's 30% commission presents a significant cost for a free-to-play game reliant on microtransactions, players can still add Genshin Impact to their Steam library as a non-Steam game for convenience.
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