Steam’s dominance in the PC gaming landscape is a topic of considerable discussion, with a striking 72% of developers perceiving it as having a functional monopoly. As Michael Douse, Larian’s publishing director, succinctly noted, “It’s almost as if it isn’t providing a shit service.” Competing platforms such as the Epic Games Store, Xbox App, Ubisoft Connect, and the EA App have yet to match Steam’s overall user experience. However, the lack of genuine competition can lead to a sense of complacency, and many hope to see Steam evolve further, especially as it ventures into the living room with its latest iteration of the Steam Machine.
While Steam has set a high bar, there are aspects of user experience that could benefit from inspiration drawn from other platforms. For instance, book tracking apps like Goodreads and Storygraph offer a feature that allows users to monitor their current reading progress. A similar feature on Steam could enhance the gaming experience. Imagine a dedicated “currently playing” section in the library, showcasing achievement percentages and hours played, transforming the library into a personalized command center rather than just a vast database.
Achievement categories for streamlined 100%
Rory Norris, a guides writer, shares his perspective on achievements within Steam. While he enjoys the thrill of completing every game activity, he finds the achievement system somewhat cumbersome. Currently, achievements for base games and downloadable content (DLC) are grouped together, complicating the quest for 100% completion. For example, to achieve this in The Witcher 3, players must complete challenges from both the base game and its expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. In contrast, PlayStation effectively separates achievements for base games and expansions, making the completionist’s journey a bit smoother.
A better way to scoop up unowned DLC
Jake Tucker, Editorial Director of the PC Gaming Show, highlights the frustrations of navigating Steam’s store page for DLC. Often, players are confronted with a barrage of cosmetic items and must sift through bundles to determine what they already own. A streamlined approach to acquiring significant DLC would allow gamers to spend less time shopping and more time immersed in gameplay.
Better mod support
Joshua Wolens, a news writer, reflects on the initial excitement surrounding Steam Workshop, which promised to simplify modding for games. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations. While the Workshop has made strides, it still lacks the comprehensive features offered by dedicated mod organizers. Wolens envisions a future where the Workshop is enhanced, particularly for older games, allowing for seamless installation of fan patches and updates.
More wishlist controls
Rory Norris returns to discuss the Steam wishlist, which has evolved into a cluttered repository rather than a functional shopping list. With hundreds of games added over the years, the wishlist could benefit from improved organization. The ability to create separate collections or multiple wishlists would allow users to categorize games they intend to purchase versus those they merely find intriguing.
SteamOS for every PC
Wes Fenlon, Senior Editor, emphasizes the need for SteamOS to be available for all PCs, not just the Steam Deck. As the operating system has matured, it now supports a broader range of games, yet the hardware and driver support remain limited. Fenlon advocates for a full release of SteamOS, complete with driver support for various hardware configurations, making it a more accessible alternative for gamers looking to transition away from Windows.
Gabe yacht tracker
Tyler Wilde, US Editor-in-Chief, humorously suggests that if PC gaming is to have a wealthy figure akin to a deep-sea baron, regular updates on their underwater discoveries would be a welcome addition. This playful notion underscores the community’s desire for transparency and engagement from industry leaders.
