Steam has been the leader in digital game distribution on PC for over a decade. What was once despised by players when the storefront launched back in 2003, has worked hard to become a massive juggernaut that fans do not want to leave behind.
However, over the years, Steam has made multiple different changes to their storefront and client, some for better, some for worse. With even the most recent overhaul to the storefront getting less than stellar reviews.
Although Steam is the leader, there are still many things that can improve. Here are four ways the Steam client and storefront can improve in 2020:
Classic Mode
Let’s face it, although Steam’s recent update made the client more eye-popping and attractive, it isn’t for everyone. Many fans that grew up with the basic UI and storefront for over 10 years have become accustomed to that style and wish they could have it back.
Although Valve’s intentions were good with the latest update, their focus on pushing community and news to the forefront has left some users frustrated with the confusing placement of key areas such as DLC management and reviews.
The other glaring issue is that the library is now filled with any game you have ever played. Remember that game you played for five minutes and instantly deleted back in 2013?
Yeah, neither do we, but this version of Steam does. It remembers it so well in fact that it has decided to add it as a permanent game in your library, leaving your collection a cluttered mess.
Steam needs to allow users to enable a Classic Mode, giving them the old version of Steam if they wish. Not only will it help improve performance, but it will help those that find the new UI too cumbersome and cluttered.
Bring Back Flash Sales
Steam is notorious for its holiday sales that include massive discounts on games. However, before 2015, Steam offered even lower discounted prices on games through their infamous Flash Sales.
These were sales that had users vote on which game they would like to see drop in price, and the game or genre that got the most votes would appear on sale the next day for a limited amount of time. This caused a call to action and put an urgency on purchasing games.
Ever since Steam dropped the feature in 2015, the sales have become noticeably less exciting and fans are clamoring for Flash Sales to make their return. Although it has been rumored to come back multiple times over the years, we still have yet to see them actually make a return.
Bringing back Flash Sales will help improve the Steam Store and its Holiday Sales in 2020 by drumming up excitement and getting people to purchase more titles (even if they do just end up sitting in your backlog).
Improving Discoverability
Being able to find a new game to play via Steam used to be far easier than it is now. Due to the overcrowded space that is the Steam store, it has become harder and harder for up and coming games to get recognition on the platform.
What was once Steam’s strength has quickly turned into a weakness by giving shoddy mobile ports and other questionable games a bigger platform. Because there are so many games being put up to purchase on a daily basis, games that may deserve more recognition get lost in a crowded sea of games.
Steam needs to focus on highlighting games that aren’t just rushed mobile ports and aggregate titles that deserve more attention. Without the ability to allow for more discovery, Steam users will rarely find the hidden gems that once shined brightest under previous versions of the platform.
Steam Broadcasting
Did you know that Steam has its own live streaming service? If you didn’t, we don’t blame you.
The broadcasting feature in Steam was first implemented back in 2015, allowing you to let friends watch your game as you play. This has recently started to expand with Steam’s new website, Steam.TV, where Valve streams big-time tournaments for CS:GO and DOTA 2. However, in terms of making it a go-to section of the Steam client, there is still a lot of work to be done on Valve’s part.
This ability to stream straight from the client is largely unused by most people and Steam is responsible for the fact that it doesn’t get enough attention.
Currently, there is nothing within Steam that attracts more viewers to the streams taking place despite the client making it extremely easy for users to stream games with no need for external software or capture cards.
What could be a competitor to Steam and Mixer remains on the sidelines due to its lack of awareness amongst its users. If Steam wanted to make their streams more accessible, there needs to be something within the client itself that directs users to the platform so that they can watch games prior to purchase directly within the Steam client. Making this a bigger priority would be a great way for Steam to improve in 2020.
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