Valve has made a significant update to the Steam review system by showcasing reviews from users who primarily use the Steam Deck. Announced via the official Steam Deck Twitter account, the platform now displays a Steam Deck icon on reviews written by those using Valve’s handheld device. This recent update aims to provide more context for reviews, reflecting the growing diversification in how PC gamers engage with their games.
Steam Deck Reviews – A Sensible Addition
This update is particularly useful for both Steam Deck players and traditional desktop or laptop users. For instance, a negative review from a Steam Deck user regarding the performance of graphically intensive games may not necessarily apply to desktop users, who likely have more powerful hardware. Similarly, gameplay issues such as control difficulties might be more specific to the handheld device. These distinctions offer valuable insights, allowing players to interpret reviews more accurately based on their gaming setup.
Good morning! We’ve just shipped a new feature on Steam that shows when a customer review was written by someone who played primarily on Steam Deck. Keep an eye out for the Deck icon to see how these players reviewed the game, and let us know what you think! pic.twitter.com/RYVa9wVGYi
— Steam Deck (@OnDeck) August 22, 2024
Ongoing Improvements to the Review System
The Steam Deck-specific review marking is part of a broader initiative by Valve to refine the Steam review system. Another recent enhancement includes a ‘helpfulness’ system that prioritizes genuinely informative reviews over less useful ones. This helps surface reviews that provide detailed insights about games, improving the overall utility of the review system. While this addition doesn’t remove unhelpful reviews, it demotes them in ranking, thus giving more prominence to constructive feedback.
The Larger Context of Review System Refinements
These changes show Valve’s commitment to evolving the Steam review system to better serve its intended purpose. Although challenges like review-bombing and the binary nature of recommendations still persist, each update represents a step toward a more informative and user-friendly platform. With these enhancements, Valve aims to make the review system more reflective of players’ actual experiences, both on the Steam Deck and traditional PC setups.
