Every operating system needs a good catalog of applications to win users. And if you also want or intend to be attractive to the vast majority, you also need games. So Google is working to support Steam on Chrome OS. An interesting movie, but surely you already ask yourself certain questions related to the video game theme.
Google wants Steam to work on Chrome OS
The news from Google working on the Steam support for Chrome OS comes through Android Police. During the last CES fair, they were able to chat with Kan Liu, product manager for Chrome OS, and confirmed what they were doing. Unfortunately he did not give many details about how the development was going or approximate dates when it could be ready, although that does not prevent there from being questions.
Why Steam for Chrome OS?
Steam is one of the most important digital gaming platforms and having access to its entire catalog is something that is always attractive. So, in addition, it would be a good point to convince all those users that in addition to working they also want to play and right now they are betting on Windows computers. Therefore, if they give you the same options there are more possibilities that you can opt for a Chromebook.
What about Stadia?
Stadia is an important bet for Google and for the future of the video game industry as well. You already know that this service offers access to games via streaming, so you don’t need powerful hardware to enjoy triple-A titles. The only requirement is to have a good internet connection.
Google is going to continue betting on Stadia, but having Steam would not be so much to rival but rather a way to add more value to the operating system as we said before.
When will Steam come to Chrome OS?
There is no answer to this question. Kan Liu himself did not elaborate, but we suppose it shouldn’t cost much. Chrome OS is based on Linux and through unofficial methods you can already install the Steam client for Linux. The problem is that the support and performance is not good. So as soon as Google solves all those problems and ensures good performance, we will have news for sure.
What minimum requirements will Chromebooks need?
Without official information, nothing can be said, but presumably the minimum requirements will be close to those requested for Windows computers. This is a problem for Chromebooks, which have never had very capable hardware from the start.
It is true that in the latest models released they have improved, especially in CPU, but they still fall short on GPU issues. It seems here that AMD’s new proposals could help you give that necessary boost in graphics performance, but you will have to stay tuned.
Finally, they will also have to expand the local storage of the equipment. And the big problem with all this is that one of the great attractions of Chromebooks is then lost: the price. So, put to pay between 1,000 euros or more on a laptop, why limit yourself to one that integrates Chrome OS and not Windows?
In short, whatever it is, the important thing is that receiving the Steam client in Chrome OS with official support is good news for all those who, in addition to working, also want to play.