Steam, as a platform, has had its fair share of changes over the years. Some were loved by many, while others were hated and forced back into the salon, but there are still plenty of features that players have wanted for quite some time that have yet to make it into the client.
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There are some basic additions that can improve certain aspects of the browsing experience, system upgrades that target how players use the program, and some cool ideas that help players decide which game to play next. While Steam has always been the gold standard for PC gaming platforms, there is always room to improve and grow in a variety of ways.
Custom sorting
Sifting through the crowd
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More extensive options like custom game name changes
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Current collections are a bit out of date
As players accumulate more and more games over time, it can be difficult to sort through them in more tailored ways than the current system allows. Right now, players can sort by basic metrics like playtime, Metacritic score, and release date, along with some extras like genres that still feel a little too general.
Many members of the community have been asking for custom name changes for a while now, and while there may be a custom sort name tucked away in the settings, it doesn't change the actual display, making it only marginally useful for games with weird names within the same series. Any kind of extra sorting could go a long way, especially for those who have extensive libraries full of 100s, if not thousands, of games.
Randomizer
Helping you clear that backlog
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Random selection of games within the client
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Selection based on settings, labels, etc.
One of the longest-running requested features is for a built-in randomizer that players can use to select a game from their library without having to manually scroll through or use an external website. This would help a lot of people struggling to decide what game to play next, as well as shine a light on some games that would otherwise be overlooked in their backlog.
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In a perfect world, players would be able to choose which games entered the pool, using pre-existing sorting features, and then, with the click of a button, be presented with a game from a list of FPS, RPG, or a random one from the entire list. Users have been asking for the feature for years, so hopefully Valve will finally add it sometime in the future.
Third party plugins
Bring deck to PC
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Steam Deck plugins for the main client
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Customization and other system adjustments for comfort and performance
Steam Deck opened the door for so many third-party plugins to come in and elevate the mobile gaming experience in a big way. Some make sense specifically for the deck, like the Proton compatibility rating, but it would be great to see the same features ported over to Steam as first-party add-ons.
Custom launch animations, more layout options in some windows, and maybe even some extras like having more in-game control over how certain games run and feel. With the Steam Machine on the horizon, only time will tell if that device manages to bring some of these features to a more static device, and if so, perhaps the same add-on could come to all PCs as well.
Automatic detection of non-Steam apps
Bringing in the other platforms
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Launch non-steam games without adding manually
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Ample space for all games without opening other apps
For gamers who have used other platforms like the Xbox PC app, they will know that it is possible for other programs to see libraries and launch games, without ever having to add them manually. Steam allows players to create custom programs that can be games, media apps, or even Google Chrome within the client, but it still requires input from the player rather than being automatic.
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For some specific apps, it makes sense to add them one by one, but for games, there shouldn't be any reason why Steam shouldn't be able to detect any other titles that players may have on other platforms. This wouldn't remove the other services, but would give players a more cohesive way to engage with all of their games as opposed to switching between them over and over again.
More review options
There is more to life than yes and no
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Many requests for a neutral recommendation
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Wider points are needed for more divisive play
For more than a decade, the Steam review system has remained in an outdated state despite calls for change from the community. Players can choose to leave either a positive or negative review, and the total percentage of each is then factored into the overall score for the game.
Many users have suggested the addition of a neutral score, reserved for games with issues or more mediocre overall scores, but right now it can feel pretty annoying to have to leave a black and white score for the less obvious issues. A button might be a good addition, or even a wider range that could ensure games are scored as accurately as possible by the widest range of players.
Seamless library
Switching tabs can be annoying
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Access to the library or other windows in the store
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See clearly which games are owned when you browse
Anyone who has used the Steam client for quite some time knows how awkward it can sometimes be to switch between tabs when browsing the store or someone's profile. There is an option to open different windows, but it can feel quite messy and isn't as seamless as it could be.
One suggestion was to make it so that players can pin certain pieces of information, like their library list, while looking at the store and game pages at the same time. This could extend to other areas such as profiles, allowing users to navigate between friends at once in a more user-friendly way than the current methods.
Better mod integration in the workshop
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Improve the workshop to accommodate more large-scale mods
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Bridging the gap between third-party websites
The video game modding community is huge, spanning millions of different creations across a range of titles. But right now, a large portion of these mods are on third-party websites, forcing players to look elsewhere and follow tutorials that can often be tricky for those unfamiliar with mod engines or system files.
Steam already has the Community Workshop in place, which hosts new items, skins, maps and more that players can download with the push of a button. Adding more extensive modding support can make the community feel more welcoming and accessible to the masses, and while there may be issues with some games, the vast majority could benefit from a bit better and easier mod support.
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