Steam Expands Game Compatibility to All SteamOS Devices

Steam has announced a significant evolution in its game compatibility program, extending its renowned Steam Deck Verified process to encompass all devices running on SteamOS.

This new initiative, detailed in a recent community blog post, introduces a dedicated SteamOS Compatibility rating system, marking a crucial step forward for the broader SteamOS gaming ecosystem and the burgeoning market of portable PC gaming devices.

 

Understanding the SteamOS Compatibility System

At its core, the new SteamOS Compatibility system is built upon a refined subset of the rigorous testing results derived from the existing Steam Deck Compatibility assessments. Its primary function is to serve as a clear indicator, allowing users to quickly ascertain whether a particular game and its associated middleware (such as third-party launchers or digital rights management software) are fully functional and compatible with any device powered by SteamOS. This aims to provide a consistent and reliable user experience across diverse hardware.

 

What the Ratings Cover (and Don’t Cover)

The compatibility system rigorously evaluates several key aspects to determine a game’s readiness for SteamOS. These include essential factors like the overall functionality of the game itself, the seamless operation of any integrated launchers, and, critically, robust support for anti-cheat measures, which are vital for a smooth experience in many online multiplayer titles.

 

It is important to note, however, that these ratings do not encompass performance metrics, such as expected frame rates or optimal graphics settings, nor do they account for specific input configurations, as these elements can naturally vary significantly across different SteamOS devices.

 

Games that successfully pass all compatibility checks for SteamOS and its associated middleware will be proudly labeled “SteamOS Compatible.” Conversely, titles found to be incompatible with the operating system will be clearly marked as “SteamOS Unsupported,” providing transparency to consumers before they make a purchase.

 

Seamless Integration for Developers

For game developers, the implementation of this new compatibility system is designed to be streamlined. If a title has already undergone the Steam Deck compatibility review process and received a rating, developers will not need to undertake any additional steps to obtain a SteamOS compatibility rating.

 

The system will automatically leverage the existing data from the Steam Deck assessment to generate the corresponding SteamOS rating. For titles not yet tested, a single, comprehensive review process will be conducted, simultaneously generating both the Steam Deck and SteamOS compatibility ratings, thus simplifying the certification workflow.

 

Expanding the SteamOS Ecosystem Beyond Steam Deck

At present, the Valve-developed Steam Deck stands as the primary and most widely recognized device running SteamOS. However, the company has officially confirmed that the Lenovo Legion Go S is the only other officially supported device currently powered by SteamOS.

 

Despite the limited number of devices at launch, Steam anticipates a significant expansion of this ecosystem in the future, with more hardware manufacturers potentially adopting SteamOS for their handheld gaming PCs and other compact computing solutions. This strategic move aims to foster a more diverse and competitive hardware landscape for Linux-based gaming.

 

How Players Will Access Compatibility Information

When this new feature rolls out in the coming weeks, players will have clear and immediate access to SteamOS compatibility information. For developers and partners, these results will be visible within their dedicated partner dashboard, appearing alongside the existing Steam Deck compatibility data.

 

More importantly for consumers, owners of non-Steam Deck devices running SteamOS will see these compatibility ratings prominently displayed directly on game pages within the Steam Store and within the Steam Client interface itself. This ensures that users can make informed purchasing decisions based on verified compatibility. At the system’s launch, an impressive initial library of over 18,000 titles will already be designated as “SteamOS Compatible.”

 

The Strategic Vision Behind Universal Compatibility

The introduction of a universal SteamOS compatibility system reflects a broader strategic vision by Valve. By standardizing compatibility across all SteamOS hardware, Steam aims to build greater confidence among consumers, reassuring them that their game purchases will function as expected regardless of the specific device they use.

 

This initiative fosters a more cohesive and reliable gaming experience, potentially encouraging wider adoption of the SteamOS platform by both hardware manufacturers seeking a robust operating system and gamers looking for a consistent, Linux-based, and often portable, gaming environment. It’s a move that solidifies Steam’s commitment to accessibility and performance in the evolving PC gaming landscape.

 

A Step Forward for Handheld PC Gaming

By extending its robust game verification process beyond the Steam Deck, Valve is not only enhancing the user experience for its flagship handheld but also laying a crucial foundation for a more standardized and accessible ecosystem for all SteamOS-powered gaming devices.

 

This strategic move underscores Steam’s dedication to delivering a consistent and dependable gaming experience across its expanding hardware landscape, signaling a promising future for handheld and portable PC gaming enthusiasts worldwide.