Dystopia? Brother, you need to understand that games were locked down to windows for the longest time. If you don't remember the shit show that was windows 8 and Microsoft shutting down games for windows live, then you don't understand how bleak the outlook was for PC gaming at that time. Valve has nearly single handily moved compatibility to other operating systems for nearly all games all the while keeping everyone's library available for nearly a quarter century. When Valve does shady shit, we'll call them out for it, but I'm not about to stop supporting them when they're making using a real alternative for a better OS a reality.
Not to mention the sales making PC gaming much more affordable than console gaming.
I wouldn't care if Sony dropped digital if there was another source to get games other than the official Sony PlayStation store, but since there is no alternative, it is bullshit. The loss of physical isn't the real fight here though, it's open competition. Why else do you think Google and Apple are fighting tooth and nail to keep other stores off their mobile phone platforms?
How will they learn about alternative stores? Like this.
The whole reason why SteamOS exists is because Microsoft introduced the Windows store with 8. It looked like at the time Microsoft was going to push that all software for the windows platform was going to have to go through their store.
Things like Proton, Fex, and SteamOS?
I really don't think you understand why people like Valve. I've explained it above, go back a reread my comments on gamers getting a real choice on running an operating system of their choosing.
Again, reread my comment where I call it bullshit. It wouldn't be a problem if there was another store from which to buy from.
Well, no. GoG isn't going to actively promote piracy. It isn't going to stop them from telling you exactly what I told you to do though. Whatever you do with your copy is totally up to you.