Valve has announced some exciting upgrades to Steam that will enhance the experience of finding and playing game demos. These changes are part of the “Great Steam Demo Update” and are a result of feedback from both developers and players. The new features aim to make demos more user-friendly and interactive, similar to standalone games on the platform.
One major change is the introduction of separate store pages for demos. This allows developers to showcase demo-specific content such as trailers, screenshots, and features. Players can now easily install demos, leave reviews, and visit the main game’s store page all from the demo page. Additionally, users who have a game on their wishlist or follow a specific developer will receive notifications when a demo is available.
Steam has also adjusted its algorithms to include demo listings in the same sections as free games, increasing their visibility on the platform. This means that demos will now appear more frequently in the charts and category pages, alongside free games. The update also allows users to add demos to their library without immediately installing them, making it easier to manage demos for games they are interested in.
Furthermore, users can now uninstall demos with just a right-click, and the demos will be removed from their library. The update may also bring back older demos to user accounts, as Steam attempts to clean up demos that are no longer relevant. In a humorous touch, Steam clarified in the FAQs section that the demo icon is based on a Compact Disc, not a dinner plate, sparking nostalgia for the days of floppy disk save icons.
Overall, these new features and upgrades to Steam’s demo functionality are designed to improve user experience and make it easier for players to discover and enjoy game demos. With increased visibility, separate store pages, and enhanced notification systems, Steam users can look forward to a more engaging and seamless demo experience on the platform.