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Valve’s latest Steam client beta introduces an option for reviewers to include their PC hardware details and anonymised framerate readings along with user reviews. While that data might have some value to developers, the beta’s reported focus on SteamOS-equipped machines strongly suggests Valve is gathering real-world performance telemetry from Deck users as part of broader hardware planning.

  • New review option: reviewers can opt to attach machine specs and anonymised FPS samples to their Steam reviews in the beta client.
  • Not primarily for reviewers: attaching specs risks revealing personal hardware and the crowd-sourced nature of reviews makes individual submissions unreliable for rigorous testing.
  • Developers vs QA: studios could benefit from more data, but organised, repeatable QA testing still offers more trustworthy performance metrics than ad-hoc review posts.
  • SteamOS emphasis: the beta reportedly targets devices running SteamOS, which points to Valve collecting Deck-focused performance snapshots—potentially to inform future Steam Machine initiatives.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-reviews-letting-you-attach-your-pc-specs-is-another-steam-machine-prep-play-and-you-cant-convince-me-otherwise