Steam’s new in-game overlay offers some useful upgrades – and I’m particularly happy about one that exposes a controversial AI trick

Valve is enhancing Steam’s in-game frame rate counter, transforming it into a comprehensive overlay that offers a wealth of information about game performance. This upgrade will not only display frames per second (FPS) but also provide insights into the status of your CPU and GPU, including utilization levels, clock speeds, and temperatures. Notably, it will reveal whether frame generation technologies, such as Nvidia’s DLSS, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS, are in use.

As reported by Notebookcheck.net, the new beta version of the Steam app introduces this full overlay performance monitor, although it is currently available only to beta testers. Users will be able to see detailed GPU performance metrics alongside the FPS counter, offering a clearer picture of how their hardware is performing during gameplay.

Initially, this feature will be exclusive to Windows PCs, with plans to extend similar capabilities to other platforms like SteamOS in future updates. However, certain functionalities may be limited to specific hardware configurations, ensuring that users receive the most relevant data based on their systems.

Analysis: Frame blame game

For those concerned about an overload of information, the overlay can be customized to display only the essential FPS counter, maintaining a clean and uncluttered gaming experience. Users will have the flexibility to adjust the overlay’s transparency and positioning on the screen, ensuring that it complements their gameplay rather than detracts from it.

The timing of this update is particularly noteworthy, given recent controversies surrounding frame generation in games. A case in point is ARK: Survival Ascended, which has been criticized for enabling AMD’s FSR frame generation by default without informing players. This stealth activation can lead to confusion, as players may experience unexpected changes in frame rates without any clear indication of what is happening behind the scenes.

With the new Steam overlay, players can quickly identify if frame generation is active while playing ARK, allowing them to make informed decisions about their gaming experience. Additionally, the overlay will highlight instances of micro-stutter, where frame rates may dip temporarily, contributing to a less smooth gameplay experience. While frame generation can enhance performance, it is not without its potential drawbacks, particularly in specific scenarios.

This development underscores the complexity of modern graphics technologies and the importance of understanding frame rates. Valve’s initiative to integrate such detailed performance metrics directly into Steam simplifies the process for gamers, eliminating the need for third-party tools like Rivatuner. With this new functionality, players can gain deeper insights into their gaming performance, empowering them to optimize their experiences as they see fit.

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Steam's new in-game overlay offers some useful upgrades - and I'm particularly happy about one that exposes a controversial AI trick