Valve released during Game Developers Conference (GDC), held at San Francisco, the updated guidelines for developers to ensure the approval of their games on the company’s next devices. The Steam Machine, a mini PC for living rooms, and the Steam Frame, a virtual reality headset with standalone mode, will receive verification seals according to specific performance criteria. Jogos already verified on Steam Deck gain automatic compatibility with Steam Machine, but different technical requirements apply to each platform.
Desempenho required for Steam Machine
The Steam Machine requires a minimum native performance of 30 FPS at 1080p resolution to obtain the Verified seal. Esse requirement represents a considerable improvement over Steam Deck, as the new device’s hardware offers approximately six times more power. Títulos that already have Verified or Playable certification on the handheld undergo automatic verification for the Steam Machine, following the same input standards and control support.
The Steam Machine does not require specific adjustments to display resolution or interface readability, unlike the Steam Deck. Como the device connects to larger monitors or televisions, the visual experience does not require optimizations for small screens, simplifying the certification process for developers.
Requisitos of Steam Frame in standalone mode
The Steam Frame operates in two distinct modes. Quando games are streamed from a PC to the headset, there is no dedicated scanning as the execution occurs natively on the host computer. In standalone mode, which uses the device’s ARM chip, the criteria vary depending on the type of content.
- Jogos virtual reality devices need to reach 90 FPS for full compatibility.
- Conteúdos 2D in standalone mode requires 30 FPS at 1280 x 720 resolution.
- Todos titles tested must offer full gameplay with Steam Frame-specific controls.
Valve set these goals to ensure high-quality, immersive headset experiences. Desenvolvedoras needs to test their games in both modes to achieve full certification, ensuring that the content works properly both on broadcast and in local play.
Orientações General Valve for Developers
The company emphasized the importance of expanding the audience by optimizing games for lower-performance hardware. Essa strategy allows more users to access titles without compromising visual or gameplay quality. Suporte offline from the first run was highlighted as a priority, ensuring playability even without an internet connection.
Desenvolvedoras must consider the constant growth of players using controllers. Valve encourages robust support for these peripherals to improve accessibility and market reach. Preparação for future evolutions of the SteamOS platform was also recommended, ensuring longevity and compatibility with the company’s subsequent releases.
Cronograma and future prospects
Ambos devices remain slated for release in 2026 despite recent challenges with memory and storage supplies. Valve reaffirmed its commitment to the schedule during the conference. The Steam Machine appears as a natural extension of the Steam Deck ecosystem, with more robust hardware aimed at fixed use in homes, while the Steam Frame stands out for its standalone support in virtual reality with more rigorous performance targets for immersive experiences.
The guidelines presented at GDC reinforce Valve’s hardware and software integration strategy. The company continues with plans to expand the Steam family, consolidating its position in the gaming and interactive entertainment device market.