For over 15 years, we PC gamers have enjoyed Steam‘s best-in-class digital distribution platform. Yet while many of us play across multiple devices these days, Steam‘s mobile offering has sorely lagged behind – until this game-changing update.
Valve has completely overhauled the Steam mobile apps to now grant full access to the Steam we know and love. From the complete functionality of our libraries to all our beloved community features, it‘s now in the palm of our hands.
This has massive implications for how we connect through Steam on the go. Let‘s dive into the key improvements this overhaul brings to mobile.
Steam‘s Belated Embrace of Mobile Access
First, how did we get here? Steam began life as a means of smoother game updates back in 2002 before morphing into a juggernaut marketplace. Yet while the service took over desktop platforms, mobile developments didn‘t hit until 2010 and barely allowed more than chatting and modicums of store browsing.
Why the delay? Steam1958 required significant processing power not found in mobile devices. And with gaming dominated by PCs, there wasn‘t enough incentive for Valve to invest heavily on mobile.
Fast forward to today where gaming makes up 47% of app store revenue and over 60% of developers support mobile platforms. With gaming habits shifting, Steam no longer could afford leaving mobile behind.
This update rights that wrong in spectacular fashion. Let‘s see how!
New Security Protocols Provide Peace of Mind
Gamers have come to expect strong security measures to keep accounts safe. Steam now delivers updated protocols that also increase convenient access.
Two-Factor Protection Powered Up
In earlier Steam mobile apps, identity confirmation required emails with one-time codes. The hassle of checking inboxes often hindered getting into our accounts smoothly.
Now, Steam implements full two-factor authentication through the mobile apps themselves. We can easily approve login attempts from desktop or other devices simply via mobile notifications. No more scrambled searching for extra verification codes!
Even better, we can enable two-factor authentication through third party apps supporting time-based one-time passwords. Options like Authy or Google Authenticator neatly provide codes right within their own interface for super simple sign-ins.
Between streamlined email-less verifications and beefed up two-factor strength, our accounts remain secure without sacrifices to convenience.
{{Infographic comparing login confirmation features across Xbox Live, PSN and Steam}}
Instant Access Via QR Codes
On top that added security, the latest Steam app allows getting into our accounts faster than ever by taking mobile cameras into consideration.
Upon opening the Steam mobile app, a QR code appears unique to our account. By scanning the code through our phone‘s camera, we validate our identity and instantly gain access without messing with touchscreen keyboard typing.
The convenience factor can‘t be understated here. Quickly flipping open the app and pointing our phone camera saves us serious time, especially for frequent Steam users.
Long-Missing Features Finally Arrive on Mobile
With security upgrades smoothed out, what functionality can we actually enjoy through mobile now? Virtually everything Steam offers desktop users gets matched with this update!
Our Entire Games Collection On the Go
Past Steam mobile apps only displayed a sliver of our full game libraries, leaving many titles out in the cold.
No longer! Updated Steam mobile displays our complete game catalog on the Games tab just as the desktop client does. We can freely browse, search, sort and filter our collection by factors like recently played ormetascore. Handy for rediscovering forgotten games we want to reinstall or showcasing our proudest achievements to friends.
Even better, the new Activity Feed grants notifications when developers we follow announce updates, DLC drops or discounts. This keeps us plugged into the scene no matter where we roam away from the gaming PC!
{{Callout box with stat saying over 50% of gamers follow 5+ development studios}}
Downloads and Updates Wherever We Are
Tired of leaving the gaming rig running overnight to handle hefty downloads? Rejoice!
The new Steam mobile handles all our download queue management. Shop for that hot new release away from home, purchase it through mobile, and schedule it to automatically download the second we step through the door.
Seamlessly pick up where we left off by remotely initiating updates and add-on content downloads for existing library titles too. Pause active downloads to preserve bandwidth for Netflix then resume downloads right from mobile whenever we please.
This granular remote management saves huge time and energy. No more leaving systems powering unused overnight or idling for housemates to inevitably mess with!
Robust Social Tools to Stay Connected
From groups to chats, trading to screenshots, Steam boasts a thriving social side. Yet past mobile apps blocked participating through comments, forums or messages.
This disconnected us from conversation threads and communities we cared about anytime we stepped away from desktop. With play time continuing to rise on phones, that couldn‘t continue.
The mobile update opens doors to Steam social previously slammed shut. We freely engage groups we follow and chat with gaming buddies end-to-end from mobile now. Post and react to screenshots or clips saved from desktop sessions. Confidently trade items through notifications confirming transactions initiated on other devices.
This social access empowers us to stay up to date with the games and people we love through Steam no matter where our gaming takes place.
Remote Account Management Unlocks Freedom
Previously, pivotal account management actions like updating payment options or viewing order history could only occur on desktop clients. Shaky connections, borrowed devices or simple forgetfulness about tasks we wanted to handle often led to headaches.
With the update though, core account tools now work seamlessly through our phones. Top up that Steam Wallet when a flash sale strikes before hot titles sell out! Add a new credit card that Family Sharing group members can use for purchases!
Handle Steam Guard or login verification changes without trudging back to the gaming rig just to update settings and preferences quickly. Download reciepts while on the go to easily track expenses.
This remote control over key account details now allows seamless Steam site navigation no matter which device we power up.
{{Callout box asking "What feature are you most excited to use through mobile Steam?"}}
How the Competition Stacks Up
While Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo offer slices of mobile functionality too, Steam‘s rollout stands ahead. Only Stadia comes close with its cloud gaming focus – yet sorely lacks Steam‘s social and store breadth.
Let‘s compare stackups with Steam‘s chief console competitors.
{{Table comparing community, store and library features across Xbox, PlayStation Network, Nintendo, Stadia and Steam}}
Only Steam delivers messaging forums, item trading, full game catalogs, robust stores for every platform, downloads and cross-device management. And that‘s before considering Steam partners with console controllers for native-feeling control schemes.
For PC crossplay desires, Steam clearly outpaces rival hardware platforms post-update.
Growing Pains and Future Proofing
While a watershed moment for Steam mobile access, growing pains still linger. Early crashes and stability issues caused headaches, especially on aging Android devices.
Yet these seem transitory hiccups rather than systemic mobile limitations for Steam. Recent updates addressed crash triggers and expanded device support greatly. Plus, leveraging cloud saves and stats means we can mitigate crashes through seamlessly resuming play later.
And with mobile gaming profits soaring while PC revenues stabilize, Valve has every incentive to perfect Steam‘s mobile implementation. Expect an even richer experience as more functionality and device support gets layered in over future updates.
This mobile overhaul future-proofs Steam for long-term platform dominance.
{{Closing callout box asking "How will you be using Steam mobile features?"}}
Steam‘s mobile update delivers in spades. Do you plan to use remote downloads before traveling? Handle account management on lunch breaks gone long? Let know your plans given this long-awaited mobile access!