Steam Initiates Storefront Refresh with Beta Release
Steam has initiated a refresh of its digital storefront, now accessible to beta testers within the PC desktop client. The update incorporates higher-resolution game art and a wider, more responsive design, optimized for high-resolution monitors, Steam Deck, and Big Picture mode.
The stated objective of this refresh is enhancing game discovery and presenting more content and information to users.
Storefront Design Updates
The redesign aims to create a more cohesive store experience, unifying various elements while enhancing user interaction.
Overall Design Refresh
The store home has been made more unified, with each section featuring distinct tools and information to facilitate game exploration. The design objective is to balance UI consistency with the unique characteristics of each section. The layout is wider and more responsive, specifically optimized for modern high-resolution displays including QHD, 4K, and ultrawide formats.
Featured & Recommended
This section now provides more detailed reasons for game recommendations and includes a user review summary. Hovering over game cover art initiates micro-trailer playback, and a sneak-peek of adjacent games in carousels is also displayed, enhancing visual discovery.
Discounts & Events
This section utilizes larger game artwork for promotions, making discounted titles and ongoing events more visually prominent.
Updated Discovery Queue
This feature allows for quicker browsing of curated titles without navigating away from the current page, streamlining the process of finding new games.
Better Hover States
Hovering over elements now displays a short description and other relevant information. The UI for these hover states has been updated for improved contrast and legibility.
Infinite Scroll
This feature has received a design refresh to align visually and functionally with other sections of the store, enabling continuous browsing of game listings for a smoother user experience.
New Dedicated Sections
Two new dedicated sections have been introduced to streamline content discovery, making it easier for users to find relevant games and expansions.
- Your Wishlist: This section highlights discounted games that are on a user's wishlist, ensuring users are promptly informed about price reductions on desired titles.
- DLC for Your Games: This section features discounted downloadable content available for games already owned by the user, simplifying the process of expanding existing game libraries.
Accessibility and Customization
Users have the option to disable micro-trailer hovers and animated marketing assets via Store Settings. This feature is intended for users with motion sensitivity or those who prefer a more static browsing experience, offering a personalized browsing environment.
Availability and Initial Feedback
The redesigned storefront is currently available for testing to users who opt into the Steam beta program within the PC desktop client. A wider public release is anticipated soon.
Initial feedback from beta testers has been varied. Some users have commended the redesign, specifically praising its appearance on widescreen monitors and OLED displays. Other testers have expressed concerns, noting that the new design resembles a mobile store interface, or that it appears overly busy, with some suggesting an option for a more compact view or stating a preference for the previous version.