I think the original question could be about the protocol. Why not use Matrix as the protocol for the project? No one is doing the work to bring a Matrix-based Discord alternative because they’re a) on Discord b) creatin IRC face-lifts like Element c) refusing to quit IRC d) making projects with bespoke protocols like this one. It’s incredibly frustrating.

Thanks, I’ll check it out!

These plugins just never work quite as well as a browser made specifically for it, namely Qutebrowser. Trouble with Qutebrowser is that’s it’s Python and parsing a lot of links slows it down. Still the best browser out there for this use case though, as far as I know.

What you’re saying is “inevitable” hasn’t happened for the entire 20+ years of Steam. I’m going to guess Valve is going to continue being a private company and doing whatever the fuck they want, without investor pressure towards enshittification.

Steam’s monopoly is actually what’s holding PC gaming together. Other types of digital distribution services are so fucked up by exclusivity deals that any “competition” is always going to mean “megacorporation uses existing wealth to deny competition”.

Epic is trying really hard to bring the exclusivity nightmare over to PC gaming as well, but so far Valve still holds.

Qtox should work? It’s not a very good chat software and a bit cumbersome, but it allows direct file transfers.

Sad to see 'cause it feels like we need Pirate Parties more than ever.

The same old, tired and stupid control layout and no trackpads. How do you even begin to make a PC handheld and not offer any mouse cursor controls? All the Steam Competitors do is up the specs to stupid numbers and appeal to familiarity. It’s both disappointing and something should’ve expected.

The map system is so good for this. If you manage to get the bewildering learning curve, it’s so nice to come home from work and spin a few maps to relax and pick up loot. PoE is so overwhelmingly easily my choice as well.