Discord is launching its own games store, unified library to become more like Steam

News by Sherif Saed Contributor

Published on Aug. 9, 2018

Discord is expanding well beyond its voice chat app roots with a bevy of new features.

Discord is becoming even more like Steam by starting its own PC store. Simply called the Discord Store, the new service is available now in closed beta for 50,000 or so Canadian testers.

The Discord Store will function in a similar way to Steam, Origin, Uplay etc., in that it'll offer games for direct purchase from publishers big and small. Unlike traditional online stores, the library will be curated on the Discord Store, with each game receiving written recommendations from staff and the larger Discord community.

Discord wants to create a vibe similar to what you'd have in a small neighbourhood shop where recommendations matter. As part of the store, Discord is also launching a First on Discord section. These are games Discord "helped bring to life", which will remain exclusive to the Discord Store for 90 days.

Discord is also launching a new game subscription service that'll become part of Discord Nitro.

Nitro has existed for a while as an option for users who want to show support to the company. Nitro subscribers enjoy a few small perks like being able to have an animated avatar, bigger file upload caps and other nifty but largely unnecessary features.

Nitro's $5 per month and $50 per year prices aren't changing, but they will now include access to Discord's subscription service. The company didn't reveal too much about this service, only that it'll feature a selection of curated games.

A Discord spokesperson confirmed that the library will be updated regularly, but couldn't detail exactly how the service is going to work.

Then there's the Library page on Discord, which will show - if you allow it - all games installed on your PC, regardless of launcher. In other words, Discord will become the games hub on your PC. The Library even shows which launcher the games belong to (Steam, Origin, etc.) and the last time you played them.

See below for the list of titles that'll be available on the store at launch, and the ones part of the Nitro subscription service. All of the above features are still in beta, but expect Nitro subscribers to get them first before the official launch.

Discord Store launch line-up