Valve Introduces Hardware Specs to Steam Reviews in New Beta Update A new beta update for the Steam client introduces a feature that could bring much-needed context to game performance reviews. Starting with the beta released on February 12, users will have the option to attach their hardware specifications when writing or updating a game review. This change addresses a common frustration among players who browse reviews. Negative critiques often cite poor performance, but without knowing the reviewer’s specific PC setup, it is difficult to assess the validity of these complaints. By allowing optional hardware disclosure, Valve aims to make performance feedback more actionable and transparent. Given that a game’s review score heavily impacts its visibility and sales on Steam, this added layer of detail could help counteract review manipulation and provide a more nuanced picture of a game’s actual performance across different systems. In a related data-collection initiative, Valve is also testing a feature for users to share anonymized framerate information. When enabled, this will allow Steam to gather gameplay performance data, disassociated from individual Steam accounts but linked to the type of hardware being used. This program is initially focused on devices running SteamOS, the Linux-based operating system powering the Steam Deck and compatible third-party handhelds. The aggregated data is intended to assist Valve’s ongoing efforts to enhance game compatibility through tools like its Proton compatibility layer. The latest beta also includes adjustments to the Steam Deck verification process. When Steam asks a user if they agree with a game’s Deck Verified status, they can now provide a specific reason for their disagreement, offering more detailed feedback to Valve. Alongside these new features, the update contains various bug fixes and stability improvements. These incremental changes represent Valve’s continued refinement of its platform, seeking to empower users with better information and gather more precise data to improve the experience for the entire Steam community.
