Stage 2: Hard to leave · Gaming

Your network, data, purchases, and habits make leaving costly or awkward, even as the bargain shifts.

Xbox (Microsoft)
2 Hard to leave

Console ecosystem with Game Pass value—great until subscriptions, store rules, and account lock-in define what “ownership” means.

Gaming Platform Since 2001
Steam
2 Hard to leave

Dominant PC games client; strong library lock-in and social graph, still delivering real value to buyers.

Gaming Platform Since 2003