Steam Lets You Add PC Specs to Game Reviews

Steam is adding a new option to game reviews. You can now choose to share your computer's parts, like the graphics card and processor. This helps people understand if a game works well on their own computer.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Technology |

Recent updates to the Steam platform are poised to introduce a new feature allowing users to append their personal computer hardware specifications directly to their game reviews. This measure aims to provide context for performance-related feedback, enabling other users to better gauge whether a shared experience or reported issues stem from game optimization or the reviewer's system. The integration of this data is optional, granting users control over what information is shared.

Steam Will Soon Encourage Players to Share PC Specs on Their Reviews - 1

Background and Implementation

Valve, the company behind Steam, is testing a new facade for user reviews. This initiative includes:

Steam Will Soon Encourage Players to Share PC Specs on Their Reviews - 2

  • Optional Specification Addition: Players will have the choice to add their PC hardware details when writing or updating a review for a game.

  • Anonymized Framerate Data: In addition to static hardware specs, Steam will offer the option to collect and submit anonymized framerate data. This data, stripped of personal identifiers and linked to the hardware used, will help Valve understand game compatibility and performance across various systems.

  • Deck Verified Feedback: For users providing feedback on Steam Deck Verified ratings, the system will now prompt for reasons if a user disagrees with a rating, seeking to elucidate performance discrepancies.

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This development follows discussions within the Steam community regarding the utility of PC specifications in reviews, with suggestions dating back to at least 2020 on Steam's community forums.

Steam Will Soon Encourage Players to Share PC Specs on Their Reviews - 3

Evidence and Observations

Multiple sources confirm Valve's implementation of this feature:

Steam Will Soon Encourage Players to Share PC Specs on Their Reviews - 4

  • PC Gamer: Reports that Steam is adding a feature to allow hardware specs in reviews, helping users understand if they will share a reviewer's experience or if the reviewer might have misunderstood minimum system requirements.

  • GamesRadar: Notes that this trials a new option in Steam reviews, letting users include hardware specs to determine if performance issues are specific to the user's setup.

  • PCGuide: States that Valve has added a PC specs feature to Steam reviews, making it easier to assess performance, and also highlights the collection of anonymized framerate data.

  • Steam Community Discussions: Posts on Steam's discussion boards reveal prior user discourse and suggestions for incorporating system specs into reviews and profiles, indicating a long-standing user interest. One discussion explicitly asks "Do not send specs for investigation," underscoring the sensitive nature of personal data and user privacy.

Implications for Game Reviews

The introduction of PC specifications into Steam reviews presents several key implications:

Performance Troubleshooting and Comparison

  • Users encountering performance issues with a game can scrutinize reviews from individuals with similar or superior hardware.

  • This can help differentiate between issues inherent to the game's code and those caused by insufficient user hardware or suboptimal configurations.

  • It provides a more concrete basis for comparing performance claims, moving beyond general statements about a game running well or poorly.

Community Insights and Developer Feedback

  • Aggregate hardware data can offer developers a clearer picture of the typical systems their games are being played on, aiding in optimization efforts.

  • The anonymized framerate data is explicitly intended to help Valve learn about game compatibility and improve the Steam platform itself.

  • This feature could lead to more informed purchasing decisions by consumers who can better predict how a game will perform on their own systems.

User Privacy and Data Handling

While the feature is designed to be helpful, it also raises questions about user privacy and data management:

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  • Voluntary Participation: Users are not compelled to share their specifications, maintaining a degree of user control.

  • Anonymized Data: The framerate data collected by Steam is explicitly stated to be anonymized and not linked to individual user accounts.

  • Potential for Judgment: Some commentary suggests the feature could facilitate "silent judgment" of other users' hardware, a point that warrants observation as the feature rolls out.

Conclusion

The integration of PC specifications into Steam reviews represents a significant enhancement to the user feedback system. By providing a tangible link between a reviewer's hardware and their assessment of a game's performance, Valve aims to create a more informed and nuanced environment for game evaluation. This feature offers a potential benefit for both players seeking to troubleshoot or predict performance and developers aiming to understand their audience's hardware landscape. The success and reception of this new functionality will likely hinge on user adoption and the efficacy of the anonymized data collection in providing actionable insights without compromising privacy.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add my PC specs to my Steam reviews?
Yes, Steam is adding an option for players to add their computer hardware details to their game reviews. It is your choice if you want to share this information.
Q: Why is Steam adding this feature?
This feature helps other players see how a game runs on different types of computers. It makes it easier to know if a game has problems or if your computer is too old for it.
Q: Will my personal information be shared?
The hardware details you share are linked to your review. Steam also collects some anonymous speed data from computers to help improve games, but this is not linked to your personal account.