Tag: Steam Deck Verified

  • Steam Deck Verified Program Expands to Third-Party Handhelds

    Steam Deck Verified Program Expands to Third-Party Handhelds

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Steam Deck Verified program now includes two categories for SteamOS compatibility: games that work well and games that are not supported.

    2. This update applies to all hardware running SteamOS, not just the Steam Deck, with over 18,000 games marked as compatible.

    3. Compatibility verification will be automated, using data from the Deck Verified program, eliminating the need for manual retesting.

    4. The update improves support for third-party gaming handhelds like the Legion Go S, but does not address fundamental issues with the Deck Verified program.

    5. Valve is making efforts to enhance the Deck Verified program, suggesting potential future revisions to the verification process.

    The Steam Deck Verified program has received an update that, while not fixing the main problems with the program, does bring SteamOS compatibility. This update is primarily aimed at third-party gaming handhelds that operate on Valve’s OS, like the Legion Go S.

    New Categories for Compatibility

    According to Valve’s announcement on the Steam developer blog, there are now two distinct categories for SteamOS compatibility. One category includes games that work well with the OS, while the other consists of games that are not supported. In comparison, the Deck Verified program originally had four categories: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown.

    Expansion Beyond Steam Deck

    Valve clarifies that this addition to the Deck Verified program applies not just to the handhelds that come with Valve’s OS, but to “any hardware running SteamOS that isn’t a Steam Deck.” The company further emphasizes in the developer blog that it anticipates marking over 18,000 games as compatible right from the start.

    Automated Updates and Future Compatibility

    Importantly, Valve has pointed out that these updates will be automated, eliminating the need to manually retest each game. Instead, the compatibility verification will rely on data from the Deck Verified program to assess SteamOS support for the games. Future games will have their Deck Verified and SteamOS compatibility badges processed at the same time.

    This is definitely a step forward for handheld devices that can utilize SteamOS (like the Legion Go S, priced at $599.99 on Best Buy). However, Valve still hasn’t tackled the fundamental issues surrounding the Deck Verified program. Given the outdated hardware in Valve’s gaming handheld, just having a Verified badge for new AAA games doesn’t guarantee that gamers will have a satisfactory experience.

    Despite this, the update indicates that Valve is making efforts to enhance the Deck Verified program, and it’s likely that significant revisions to the verification process could be forthcoming.

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    Steam Deck Verified Program Expands to Third-Party Handhelds
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  • Top Retro Action Game with Steam Deck Support Going Paid Soon

    Top Retro Action Game with Steam Deck Support Going Paid Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release and Popularity: Furi Demake – The Chain was released on Steam in November 2023, quickly gaining over 300 reviews and a “Very Positive” rating.

    2. Transition to Paid Model: The game will become a paid title on June 23, 2025, after its initial free offering.

    3. Gameplay and Features: It offers fast-paced 2D side-scrolling gameplay based on a boss battle from the action game Furi, with encounters lasting 10 to 30 minutes and a ranking system for replayability.

    4. Visuals and Soundtrack: The game features bright neon pixel art and a retro soundtrack by ODD, aiming to replicate the feel of 90s action games.

    5. Mixed Player Feedback: Some players have criticized the controls and the small dimensions of the arenas, leading to mixed reviews.

    Furi Demake – The Chain was released on Steam in November 2023, quickly attracting a substantial player following. This free game has received over 300 reviews from players, boasting a “Very Positive” rating. It also holds the Steam Deck Verified compatibility badge. However, this free offering won’t stay at $0 for much longer. According to the latest update from the developer, it is set to become a paid title on June 23, 2025.

    Developer’s Announcement

    In their announcement, the developer mentioned that free games can only participate in a limited selection of Steam events and festivals. This limitation is expected to be removed once the game transitions to a paid model. The developer aims to broaden the game’s audience with this shift.

    Game Features and Style

    Furi Demake – The Chain, a retro-style game, was created by solo developer Sylph. It serves as the developer’s take on the first boss battle from the renowned action game, Furi. In this demake, the creator converts the original’s thrilling 3D boss encounter into a fast-paced, 2D side-scrolling experience.

    The game’s description reveals that each confrontation can range from 10 to 30 minutes. Nonetheless, it offers replayability through a ranking system, allowing players to increase the difficulty for a more challenging encounter.

    Visuals and Soundtrack

    In terms of visuals, this free game on Steam showcases bright neon colors, and the pixel art has a strong contrast. The developer aims to replicate the gameplay feel reminiscent of action games from the 90s. Additionally, a retro soundtrack by ODD enhances the 8-bit atmosphere.

    Mixed Reviews

    Not every review of Furi Demake – The Chain is favorable. Some players have pointed out that the controls can feel somewhat clunky, while others have criticized the arena’s small dimensions. You can find out more about this currently free game on Steam through the attached video below.

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  • New Free Steam Game Gets 18,000 Positive Reviews in Under a Month

    New Free Steam Game Gets 18,000 Positive Reviews in Under a Month

    Key Takeaways

    1. ENA: Dream BBQ was released on March 27, 2025, and has received over 18,000 user reviews, with 98% being positive.
    2. The game is an indie adventure title and is the first in a planned series, currently available for free on Steam.
    3. A “Supporter Edition Upgrade” is available for $9.99, offering exclusive in-game items and supporting the developers.
    4. The game’s popularity is influenced by its publisher, Joel G, who has a large YouTube following and significant views on related content.
    5. Players can expect to explore new worlds, interact with characters, and solve unusual problems, with the game being “Verified” for Steam Deck compatibility.

    Steam continuously adds new free games, and while many of these offerings can be quite average, some truly stand out as fun to play. ENA: Dream BBQ appears to be one of those titles, according to player feedback.

    Game Release and Reception

    Released on March 27, 2025, this game has already amassed over 18 thousand user reviews in less than a month. Remarkably, 98% of these reviews are positive, indicating that nearly 18 thousand players who experienced ENA: Dream BBQ found it enjoyable.

    Game Details and Upgrades

    ENA: Dream BBQ is categorized as an indie adventure game and is the first in a series that is planned to follow. This could explain why it is currently available for free on Steam. Future installments in this series may not be offered as free-to-play options.

    There is, however, a “Supporter Edition Upgrade” priced at $9.99. This upgrade allows players to support the developers while also unlocking exclusive in-game items. Beyond the game’s quality, another factor contributing to its popularity is its publisher.

    Developer’s Influence

    Joel G, the game’s publisher, boasts over 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube, and a video featuring ENA, the game’s protagonist, has reached around 4 million views. Returning to the game itself, the developer has provided a clear picture of what players can anticipate.

    According to the game’s description, players will investigate new worlds filled with hidden secrets and “oddities,” interact with various characters, and utilize “strange” tools to tackle “unusual problems.” An additional highlight is its Steam Deck “Verified” compatibility, ensuring that it should perform smoothly on most suitably equipped PCs (like the ROG NUC 760 with Nvidia RTX 4060, currently priced at $1,296.99 on Amazon). For more information on this free title, check out the video linked below.

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