Steam Desktop Update Is Now Live with Some Major Changes to the Game Distribution Platform

Almost 2 months ago, Steam announced that its desktop client was receiving a major update. The features of this update have been in beta testing since then. Today, it has been announced that the major update to the Steam Desktop Client is out of beta and live for the general public. Learn more about what Steam will be bringing to the table through the new update below.

Players should know that Steam has provided a warning to them at the very start of the announcement, stating that, “the most impactful changes in this update aren’t immediately visible.” This is because the big chunk of the work was focused on how code is shared across the Steam Desktop Client. The new changes will also help with “quicker implementation and iteration of new features”, for example, Steam Deck will also be receiving features such as Notes in Overlay at the same time as the Desktop Client.

Steam Desktop Client New Features

UI Changes

The first thing players will notice is considerable changes to the UI such as updated header and footer, settings, and the screenshot manager. There have also been a number of usability improvements too, such as updated dialogs, menus, fonts and colors.

Better Notifications

Notifications have received changes as well. The green bells will now only light up if something new pops up for the players. Tray view will be limited to new notifications and players can also check out a new “view all” page with a historical view. Notifications also have their own settings now, so players can customize how and when they want these to appear for them.

In-Game Overlay Changes

Steam’s In-Game Overlay has gone through a major redesign with a new UI, new utility and customisation options, and a new toolbar for friends chat, achievements progress, guides, discussions, a browser, and more. Players can also customise which overlay windows they want to see in-game.

Notes and Pin to Game

Steam has added a new notes feature that allows players to note down specific things from a game while playing it. The new Pin to Game features allows the player’s notes or their in-game overlay windows stay on screen while playing the game for better usability.

Other New Features

Steam has also added a new Game Overview Panel, which will serve as the player’s “one-stop shop” to check out what’s happening with a game since they last played it. An updated controller configurator from Steam Deck has also been introduced, which will now be a “part of the overlay when a gamepad is connected.” Lastly, the new update will also help towards enabling “hardware acceleration for the Mac & Linux versions of Steam, bringing them up to par with Windows.” Mac and Linux users will now experience snappier animations, scrolling and more responsive UI.