Steam’s user reviews are poised to become even more insightful, thanks to a new update in the Steam Client Beta released this Thursday. This update introduces a feature allowing users to attach their hardware specifications automatically when reviewing games. While users could always mention their specs in review texts, this automated option may encourage more gamers to provide this context, enhancing the overall utility of reviews.
The inclusion of hardware specs can be particularly enlightening when users post negative feedback or report performance issues. By examining the attached specs, other users and developers can discern whether the root of the problem lies with the game or the player’s hardware—especially if the hardware falls short of the game’s recommended requirements. The feature is user-friendly, appearing as a simple checkbox next to the review text box, giving users the freedom to opt out if they prefer not to disclose their hardware details.
The update doesn’t stop there. It also introduces a feature for sharing anonymized framerate data with Valve. According to the update notes, this data will be collected without linking it to individual Steam accounts, aimed at enhancing game compatibility and improving the Steam platform overall. Currently, this particular feature is primarily targeting devices that run on SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system, which powers the Steam Deck.
