JogoBox Attempts to be an Indie Steam

If you're reading this then you're probably already aware of some indie Steam-like gaming hubs on the web. Sites like Desura and programs like Tiggit have attempted to be the "indie Steam" before but they're never quite perfect. JogoBox isn't perfect either but they seem to be making quite the attempt.

So, what exactly is JogoBox and what does it have to offer? Like Steam, it is a program which will be your portal into a library of games. One difference that you'll probably immediately notice is that each game is free (for now). You won't find any current triple A titles here, but you will find a lot of indie, flash, and even some retro titles on the service. Some of the more famous oldies currently available are Beneath a Steel Sky and Civilization. Just like on Steam, the program will automatically download and install games for you. For retro games in particular, it will even start up a game in DOSBox or ScummVM to make running them simple.

In an interview with IndieGames, JogoBox said that they contacted developers to see if they could put their titles on the service. Hopefully this means that all the retro games currently available will continue to be, but there will probably be at least a few removals from the library. Regardless, every game is free so it's not like anything is being taken away from gamers in the process.

The only question remaining about the service is what they hope to get in return. Everything is free, there are currently no ads, and there's not even a registration requirement. Not only that, but despite the mostly professional presentation, there's still a few things that are worth raising an eyebrow over. For example, there's a whole category devoted to "girl" games which suggests that maybe you'd like to "marry Justin Bieber." Aside from a few oddities though the service appears to work. Now it's time to see if JogoBox manages to drum up enough audience to keep it relevant.


Do you think services like JogoBox can flourish alongside behemoths such as Steam?