Valve has added a new feature to the beta version of the Steam client that will allow users to attach their PC hardware specifications when writing or updating a game review.
The goal is to make it easier for players to compare performance feedback with others who have similar systems and to better understand whether technical issues come from the game itself or from specific hardware setups. Until now, users who wanted to share their system details had to manually write them in the review text. With this change, there will be a dedicated section for hardware specs, similar to labels such as “product received for free.”
Valve has not explained how it will verify the listed specifications, but it may rely on systems similar to the Steam Hardware Survey.
New Beta Features Focus on Performance Transparency
The beta update also introduces the option to share anonymous frame rate data. According to Valve, this information will help improve game compatibility across the platform. In this early stage, the feature mainly focuses on devices that run SteamOS.
The collected data will not be linked to the user’s personal account. Instead, it will only be connected to the hardware at the time of collection, and only if the player chooses to enable the option. Since these tools are currently in beta, users must join the Steam Beta Update program through the settings menu, under interface and client beta participation. After restarting the application, the new features will begin rolling out gradually.
Adding technical specifications directly to reviews could significantly improve the quality and usefulness of user feedback. This is especially important for games where performance can vary greatly depending on the hardware used.
In related news, a new report from the marketing firm Gamesight has revealed that positive reviews on Steam can be more effective than traditional marketing campaigns when it comes to driving game sales.
