Steam Machine Verified Requirements Less Strict Than Steam Deck

#Valve continues to sprinkle dust off its plans for the Steam Machine, Valve's concept for a purpose-built gaming PC running SteamOS. In a recent conversation with Game Developer magazine, insights emerged suggesting that the "Verified" compatibility requirements for this upcoming machine might actually be less stringent than those for its popular handheld sibling, the Steam Deck. This shift could have significant implications for game developers and PC enthusiasts alike.

For those unfamiliar, the Steam Deck is a remarkable piece of hardware. It's a handheld console running SteamOS, meticulously designed to provide a seamless gaming experience on the go. A key part of its appeal is the rigorous testing Valve performs, categorizing game compatibility into four distinct states: "Verified," "Okay," "Not Supported," and "Unknown." Reaching "Verified" status isn't just a technical achievement; it acts as a powerful marketing tool for developers. Games bearing the "Verified" badge on the Steam Store are highlighted as being perfectly compatible with the Deck's unique form factor and controls, offering assurance to potential buyers. Many developers view this certification as a valuable endorsement, a stamp of approval that can significantly impact sales, particularly given the Deck's strong start.

Now, Valve is aiming to bring the SteamOS experience to a different kind of device: a dedicated gaming PC. The Steam Machine isn't meant to replace existing gaming PCs but rather offers a standardized, optimized platform, likely aimed at users who prefer a console-like setup but demand the vast library of PC gaming. Interestingly, the specifications, including options for 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSDs, suggest a focus on providing a capable, yet perhaps more accessible, entry point compared to the custom-built nature of many high-performance gaming rigs.

So, why the apparent difference in certification standards? Lawrence Yang, involved in Valve's hardware design efforts, shed some light during the interview. He indicated that the bar for achieving "Verified" compatibility on the Steam Machine is likely lower than on the Steam Deck. While official details remain scarce, this information aligns with Valve's apparent strategy. The Steam Hardware and Software survey, used partly for assessing compatibility, reportedly indicates that the Steam Machine's performance already exceeds that of over 70% of Steam users' current systems. This suggests Valve might be prioritizing broad compatibility and user-friendliness for its stationary PC platform.

One interpretation is that Steam Deck "Verified" status involves a more comprehensive evaluation, potentially focusing heavily on ensuring optimal performance and user comfort across its smaller, power-constrained form factor, especially considering its controllers and display output. Factors like precise text rendering, consistent frame rates, and controller responsiveness are critical for a handheld device. The Steam Machine, being a traditional PC, might have a more relaxed interpretation of these same factors, particularly regarding performance consistency or specific controller mappings.

This doesn't mean the Steam Machine certification is an easy path. Valve still needs to ensure games run acceptably well and are usable on its target platform. However, the implication is that a game achieving "Verified" status on the Deck might not necessarily require the same level of fine-tuning to be compatible and certified on the Steam Machine. In other words, if a game works well and reliably on the Steam Deck, Valve's internal testing might suggest it's more likely to meet the basic requirements for the Steam Machine, even if it hasn't undergone the full Deck-specific evaluation.

For game developers, this could be a significant consideration. The pursuit of Steam Deck "Verified" status has become a notable goal, often requiring specific adaptations for the platform's unique environment. If developing for the Steam Machine demands less effort to reach a similar "Verified" state, it could streamline the process for some developers, potentially making it easier for them to reach a wider audience through this specific Steam Machine lineage. Furthermore, having a machine with potentially broader certification could mean that more PC games become readily available and identifiable on the Steam platform, catering to users who prefer the Steam Machine's approach.

The exact criteria for Steam Machine certification are still under wraps, so developers and hardware enthusiasts will likely be watching closely for further details. It signals a potential divergence in focus between Valve's handheld and its upcoming homegrown PC counterpart, prioritizing accessibility and broad compatibility for the stationary platform.