Valve has expanded its compatibility checking system on Steam, now allowing users to view how well games perform not just on the Steam Deck, but also on the Steam Machine and SteamOS, directly from a game's store page. This update, coming shortly after the Steam Machine's June release, aims to provide clarity on gameplay experience across Valve's ecosystem. By clicking 'learn more' next to the Steam Deck compatibility rating, users can access a detailed breakdown of a game's performance across these platforms.
But the rollout reveals that not all games have received a Steam Machine compatibility rating. Notably, Black Myth: Wukong, scheduled for 2024, is listed as "unknown" with a message indicating Valve is "still learning" about its compatibility. This uncertainty could stem from the game's high GPU and/or CPU intensity, potentially failing to meet minimum FPS thresholds on the Steam Machine. Despite this, Black Myth: Wukong is confirmed to run "successfully on SteamOS", suggesting players can enjoy it on more powerful, non-Valve hardware running SteamOS, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Compatibility Variations and Implications
The variability in compatibility ratings is evident across several high-profile games. Titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2, Elden Ring Nightreign, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Resident Evil Requiem also face unknown statuses for Steam Machine. On the other hand, games initially marked as 'Playable' on the Steam Deck, such as 007: First Light, are now 'Verified' on the more powerful Steam Machine. This upgrade in status highlights the Steam Machine's capability to enhance the gaming experience for certain titles.
Personal experiences with less demanding titles, like Shanty Town (enjoying 'Verified' status across Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and SteamOS) and Magical Princess (rated 'Playable' with some input and display issues), demonstrate the practical use of these compatibility checks. But the current lack of store result filtering by Steam Machine or SteamOS compatibility is a notable omission, though this feature is anticipated to arrive soon, potentially alongside the introduction of the "Great on Frame" category for the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset.
Challenges with SteamOS Adoption
While SteamOS offers a pathway for playing compatible games on more solid hardware, its adoption comes with challenges. Notably, SteamOS, being Linux-based, often conflicts with kernel-level anti-cheat systems found in competitive games. This compatibility issue may deter some players from fully embracing SteamOS, despite its benefits. Also, setting up SteamOS on a home machine can introduce its own set of drawbacks, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before making the switch.
The gradual expansion of Steam's compatibility checking system reflects Valve's push for transparency and user convenience. As the ecosystem evolves, with potential upcoming releases like the Steam Frame, the importance of clear compatibility indicators will only grow. For now, users must manually check each game's page for Steam Machine and SteamOS compatibility, awaiting the promised filtering feature to streamline their search for fully compatible titles.
Looking Forward
The introduction of Steam Machine compatibility checks on store pages is a step towards a more integrated and user-friendly Steam ecosystem. But the mixed compatibility statuses of recent and upcoming titles underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring seamless gameplay across different hardware and software configurations. As Valve continues to "learn" and refine its compatibility assessments, the community awaits the next updates, including the anticipated filtering feature and the potential compatibility category for the Steam Frame, which will further shape the gaming experience on Steam.
