Key Takeaways
1. A new tool allows Steam users to create visual collages of their game libraries based on playtime, highlighting favorites prominently.
2. Initial privacy concerns arose when the tool required users to link their Steam accounts or enter usernames, leading to discussions about transparency.
3. An open-source alternative called playtime-panorama was created, allowing users to generate collages using publicly available Steam API data without privacy issues.
4. The open-source version allows users to inspect and run the tool on their own systems, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
5. Positive feedback has increased for the open-source tool, with many users sharing their collages online after their privacy worries were alleviated.
A new tool has piqued the interest of the Steam community by turning users’ Steam libraries into custom collages. In these collages, the size of each game’s image reflects the amount of time spent playing it. This allows gamers to quickly identify which titles have consumed their hours, with favorites appearing prominently while lesser-played games are shown in smaller sizes.
The Tool’s Introduction
The initial version of this tool was announced on Reddit on October 23. Users were able to create visual posters based on their gaming time statistics. The creator designed it as a downloadable app for making these collages. Many users appreciated the stylish way to visualize their gaming habits, but soon concerns about privacy and sharing Steam account data arose—especially around entering usernames or linking accounts to third-party, closed-source tools. It’s easy to see why users were wary of tools that needed access to their Steam information without clear transparency. Discussions about an open-source and privacy-conscientious alternative emerged, particularly because Steam’s API could securely provide the necessary data.
The Open-Source Solution
In response to these concerns, another user on r/Steam created an open-source web app named playtime-panorama. This version can also be found on GitHub and allows anyone to create their own profile collage using publicly available Steam API data. By making the source code accessible, the developer tackled significant privacy issues—users can inspect, audit, or even run the tool on their own systems. The web version adjusts each game’s tile size based on playtime, utilizing dynamic CSS grids. Games with high playtime fill the collage, and a non-linear scaling approach prevents outliers from overshadowing the overall design, while smaller games still receive some recognition.
Positive Feedback and Sharing
With this open-source option, the feedback has been much more favorable. As of now, the tool is receiving a lot of positive attention on Reddit, with users feeling more comfortable engaging after their privacy worries were addressed. It’s logical, as those with valuable Steam inventories prefer to stay safe. Several members of r/Steam have begun posting their collages online—check out the thread here, and you can find the online collage generator linked here. Just make sure your Steam profile is set to public to use it.















