Google recently let slip that certain Chromebooks will soon be getting their own version of Steam, allowing access to a huge gaming library for the small laptop-like devices. For the last ten years, Chromebooks have become the go-to portable device for students or anyone who needs a low-power computer to check emails or browse a few websites. The machines have occupied homes and classrooms around the world. Many countries have provided a Chromebook for their students, helping millions acquire easier access to the internet and countless learning tools. But like most devices, people want to play video games on the low-powered device.
Portable gaming was once a novelty that seemed exclusive to Nintendo's Game Boy devices. But over the years, certain companies have managed to create small devices for handheld entertainment. Gaming laptops still remain incredibly expensive and sometimes offer far more power than some consumers require. Valve recently released its own portable gaming device, the Steam Deck, which gives players access to thousands of games available through its Steam platform. Only a few people have been lucky enough to get their hands on that new device. Still, Google has recently announced that Chromebook owners will soon have a way to access Steam's vast library.
During Google's Games Developer Summit keynote, it was let slip that a Steam alpha will be available on some Chromebook devices very soon. Reported by RockPaperShotgun, the slip-up from Google's very own Product Director for Games, Greg Hartell, incorrectly stated that the Steam Alpha was currently available for Chromebook users to check out. People quickly checked to verify the news, to only be disappointed to see Steam is not yet available to download. The company has since walked back that statement and announced the feature would be coming soon in an update through Google's Support page. It is currently unknown which Chromebooks will be powerful enough to be Steam compatible until Google or Steam officially announce the Alpha's system requirements.
Once Steam is available to download on certain Chromebooks, chances are they will not be powerful enough to play many newer games like Elden Ring or Lost Ark. Many newer titles require large amounts of computing power and fast graphic cards to run smoothly, which are both things that Chromebooks are not currently built with. This hasn't stopped some from playing games like Roblox on their Chromebook. The devices will still handle a certain amount of games for people to enjoy, but hopefully, not while they are in the middle of taking a class.
Gaming on the go has become a much easier task to accomplish as technology has evolved. Many gamers grew up with an unlit, uncolored Nintendo GameBoy as their only way to play video games away from a television set or a boxy computer monitor. Google and Valve working together to give Chromebook owners access to Steam's massive library of titles will provide people access to games who had no other way to play them.
Sources: RockPaperShotgun, Google Support
