PC gaming glossary: Steam and Epic terms explained

Understand common PC gaming terms with Steam and Epic context, practical examples, and links to deeper guides.

Anti-cheat on PC games

How client-side and kernel anti-cheat verify integrity, affect matchmaking, mods, Linux and Steam Deck, privacy, and what store DRM does not cover.
Denuvo Anti-Tamper

What Denuvo-style anti-tamper does on PC, how it differs from anti-cheat and store DRM, offline heartbeats, performance debates, and mod risks.
DLC and season passes (PC stores)

How downloadable content attaches to base games on Steam and Epic, family sharing, coupons, bundles, achievements, and refund edge cases.
Early Access games

Buying games still in development on Steam and Epic: roadmap risk, saves, multiplayer, refunds, and how EA labels differ from demos.
Epic wallet balance and coupons

Epic store credit versus card captures, how coupons stack with Mega Sale pricing, tax lines, refunds, and cross-store budgeting with Steam.
Proton (Steam Play)

Valve's Proton compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux and Steam Deck: versions, ProtonDB, EAC, BattlEye, and troubleshooting.
Steam Deck

Valve's handheld PC for Steam: models, storage, battery, docked play, verified tiers, OS updates, and Proton expectations.
Steam Family Sharing

How Steam Family Sharing (and newer family tools) gate libraries, simultaneous play, DLC, region locks, and offline access.
Steam Trading Cards

How Steam card drops, foil rates, booster eligibility, market tax, and badge crafting interact with playtime and store events.
Steam Workshop

Valve's UGC pipeline inside Steam: subscribe vs manual installs, updates, load order, multiplayer restrictions, and how Workshop differs from raw mod folders.