Valve has implemented a rating system on Steam Deck to measure how games run on the handheld device. This system categorizes games as “Playable” or “Verified”, providing users with some guidance. However, even with these categorizations, there are still instances where games do not work on the Steam Deck.
One valuable addition that Valve has made is the incorporation of player reviews from Steam Deck users. These reviews now feature a small Deck icon, indicating that the player primarily played the game on the handheld device. By hovering over the icon, users can see the exact amount of time spent playing the game on the Steam Deck.
Steam users can further enhance their browsing experience by filtering reviews based on playtime. By clicking on the ‘Playtime’ dropdown and selecting “Played mostly on Steam Deck”, users can access reviews specifically from players who used the Steam Deck for the majority of their playtime.
This seemingly minor change has proven to be incredibly useful for gamers, especially those who rely on the Steam Deck for their gaming needs. As someone who plays a lot of games on Steam, having this information upfront can make a significant impact on the overall gaming experience. It eliminates the guesswork of whether a game will work well on the Steam Deck or if it is better suited for traditional desktop gaming.
Valve has also taken steps to prioritize helpful reviews on Steam. They have recently decided to de-prioritize user reviews that are excessively short or contain ASCII art. While these reviews may have entertainment value, they do not provide meaningful insights for potential buyers. Users can always turn to professional reviews like those on Steam Deck Academy for more in-depth analysis and recommendations.
The addition of player reviews from Steam Deck users and the option to filter reviews based on playtime have significantly improved the user experience on Steam. These changes empower gamers to make more informed decisions about their game purchases and ensure that they are selecting titles that are compatible and enjoyable on the Steam Deck platform. Moving forward, leveraging player feedback and community insights will continue to be crucial in enhancing the Steam Deck gaming experience.
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