I think you're right; publishers are finally starting to realize that Steam is just as much a danger to them as it is (well, was) to brick and mortar retailers.

I think you're right; publishers are finally starting to realize that Steam is just as much a danger to them as it is (well, was) to brick and mortar retailers. And you're also right in how unbelievably horrible they are in trying to fight this battle. I haven't tried EA's latest venture, Origin, but damn have the others been bad. I can't see what requires them all be so clunky. Even Steam could stand to have a lighter approach, I often feel. Insofar as worrying about dominance, I think that's a legit worry. One asshole move Valve doesn't like, or your typing cousin just guys wild on your pc while you're not looking, and all of your games are gone. It really sucks to think I may have paid Steam hundreds of dollars to "borrow" games.