Upon first glance, the latest update to the Steam client beta left me puzzled. It introduced a new feature allowing Steam reviewers to attach their hardware specs and anonymised framerate data. Who was this update really for? Reviewers risking exposing their outdated hardware or developers sifting through performance data buried in toxic reviews?
But then I stumbled upon the phrase, “This feature is currently in Beta with a focus on devices running SteamOS,” and it hit me. This update is a clever scheme by Valve to gather performance data on countless untested games for the upcoming Steam Deck and Steam Machine.
Valve, you can’t fool me. The smoking gun lies in the patch note stating, “When submitting feedback on whether you agree with a Deck Verified rating, if you disagree we’ll now ask for the reason.” The Steam Deck Verified program sounds eerily similar to the long-forgotten Steam Machine Verified program. You may be collecting mountains of data, but I see through your game.
This isn’t the first hint of Valve’s preparation for the delayed Linux gamesbox in 2026. Just weeks ago, a slew of Steam Input and Big Picture Mode fixes were discreetly pushed out, hinting at robust controller support for the Steam Machine. Analyzing game performance and accommodating third-party peripherals alongside the official Steam Controller? The audacity!
While there are other potential uses for this feature, such as aiding smaller developers in troubleshooting tech issues or helping players with similar hardware gauge game performance, I’ve chosen to focus on the intriguing Steam Machine narrative.
