Summary
A notable programmer and dataminer claimedSteamwas working on a new feature that would allow users to record clips of their gameplay. Since its launch back in 2003,Steamhas forged a positive reputation among the gaming community for providing a reliable service along with a host of user-friendly tools. Now, the digital distribution service is reportedly working on another innovation for its platform, which will allow its users to share footage of their experiences without the tedious work of finding and installing additional third-party software.
It would be difficult to overstate just how much of an influence Steam plays in the context of the modern video game industry. While the digital distributor does face some competition with other online stores like the Epic Games Store, PlayStation Network, and Xbox’s Microsoft store, none have reached quite the same level of public support or prestige, withSteam even setting a new recordby reporting over 34 million concurrent players back in March 2024. Countless users have used the platform to search, buy, and connect to other players through video games, cementing Steam as the predominant distributor for PC titles.
If a recent leak is to be believed,Steam is also updating its service. According toa Twitter postfrom SteamDB creator Pavel Djundik, developers for the digital storefront are hard at work on a new clip recording feature, which will allow users to seamlessly create short videos they can share through the platform’s community page. Djundik did not disclose when the feature might launch but did also claim that it will support background recording and will even integrate timeline markers for some of its games.
New Features Are Coming to Steam
While fans were excited about the alleged upcoming tool, this was notably not even the only new feature rumored to be in development for Steam. Most recently, a patent filed by the distributor contained plans for anoverhaul to Steam’s Discovery Queue system, wherein users could regularly earn rewards through its use. The prizes themselves will reportedly change depending on the genre, with unique bonus items for genres such as action or survival.
Many players will likely agree that Steam provides an integral service for their users. However, the increasing digitization of the video game industry carries some pitfalls that have yet to be resolved. In a recent case, users wondered if it would be possible topass on their Steam libraryafter their death, leading to questions on the nature of ownership under an increasingly digital medium.
Steam
Steam is a digital video game storefront and program developed by Valve that allows gamers to purchase, play, and mod their titles all through one convenient program.
