Highlights

  • New feature on Steam will let users record gameplay effortlessly, signaling continued innovation on the platform.
  • Steam's reputation as a reliable service with user-friendly tools continues to grow, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Exciting updates rumored for Steam include clip recording and a revamped Discovery Queue system, keeping users engaged.

A notable programmer and dataminer claimed Steam was working on a new feature that would allow users to record clips of their gameplay. Since its launch back in 2003, Steam has 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, with Steam even setting a new record by 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.

Related
Steam Deck - How To Pause And Resume Multiple Games

With the right plugin the Steam Deck can pause and resume multiple games like an Xbox; here's how to install the plugin.

If a recent leak is to be believed, Steam is also updating its service. According to a Twitter post from 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 an overhaul 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 to pass on their Steam library after their death, leading to questions on the nature of ownership under an increasingly digital medium.

SteamCompanyTagPageHeader
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.

Brand
Valve
Original Release Date
September 12, 2003
Hardware Versions
Steam