Valve surprises with new design and new features of the Steam client. Was the update worth it? Read about all the new features here.

Those who have already started Steam today have been surprised by Valve. The beta phase for the Steam client overhaul is now over and has been officially released with a new update. The new Steam client not only impresses with a new, more modern design, but also with new features – especially in-game!

Hello! We’ve just shipped a big update to the Steam Desktop client. New features include a completely redesigned in-game overlay, new notes functionality, pinnable in-game windows, improvements to notifications and more.

Learn more about the update here: https://t.co/6OWnUQOBqs pic.twitter.com/A9OI8WMaqb

– Steam (@Steam) June 14, 2023

Design Makeover

Of course, the first thing that immediately catches our eye is the new and more modern design of the Steam desktop client. At the same time, there is also an improved usability. It’s best to click through the client yourself to get to know the new design and get used to it. It shouldn’t be too difficult, though.

In-game overlay with notes and customised game overview

The new in-game overlay, which you can open in-game by pressing Shift+Tab, now has a new user interface and a new utility, among other customisation options. With the help of a toolbar, you can freely select from a variety of functions such as chats, guides or the brand new Notes function what you want to be displayed as an overlay during the game. You can pin these functions in-game as you wish. You can also adjust the transparency so that they don’t bother you. This way you can better track your progress and goals.

The new Notes feature allows you to write down important info as you play and attach it to the game like Post-Its. This way, no thought can escape your mind while solving the puzzle and you also have the option of inserting pictures. And don’t worry: whenever you save your game, the notes are also saved and even automatically synchronised with your other logged-in devices. In addition, there is also a new, comprehensive game overview in the overlay with all updates since your last game session (e.g. news about the game, which friends are also playing the same game, your personal game progress, etc.).

Revised notification system

Goodbye to spam! You will only be informed about really important updates and notifications. Only new notifications will be displayed. However, you will still receive older notifications by simply selecting “Show all” in the notification window.

Updated Controller Experience

The gaming experience with the controller has also been improved. In Steam Deck, the controller configurator is now part of your overlay once your gamepad is plugged in and connected. By the way, the virtual menus can now also be used in-game on the desktop.

New Framework and Hardware Acceleration for Mac and Linux

Not necessarily visible, but all the more noticeable are the improvements in code sharing between the various systems (Steam client, Big Picture mode and Steam Deck), which lets Steam unify overall:

This will allow us to develop and implement new features faster in the future.

With hardware acceleration now enabled for Max and Linux, you can reach the Windows standard, making the user interface and usability faster and more responsive.

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