Google Announces End of Steam Beta for Chromebooks
Google has announced that its Steam beta program for Chromebooks will conclude on January 1, 2026. After this date, any games installed through the beta will no longer be playable on your device. This marks a significant change for users who have been exploring PC gaming on their ChromeOS devices.
The tech giant confirmed the impending end of the beta program with a warning message that now appears when users attempt to install the Steam client via the ChromeOS search. Google expressed gratitude to participants for their involvement and contributions, stating that the collected data will be used to help shape the future of gaming on Chromebooks.
A Look Back at the Steam on Chromebook Initiative
The Steam beta for Chromebooks first launched in its alpha phase in spring 2022, before transitioning to a beta version in November of the same year. This initiative was part of Google's broader strategy to enhance gaming on its Chromebook platform, alongside efforts to integrate Android applications and cloud streaming services.
The beta program aimed to bring a native PC gaming experience to Chromebooks, leveraging Linux versions of games. It featured relatively modest system requirements, with a minimum of an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8 gigabytes of RAM. Recommended specifications called for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, paired with 16 gigabytes of RAM. During its operation, the program supported a curated list of 99 compatible game titles.
What This Means for Chromebook Gaming Moving Forward
While the discontinuation of the Steam beta might seem like a step back for local PC gaming on Chromebooks, Google has hinted that it is not abandoning gaming entirely. The company's future plans include migrating the core technical base of ChromeOS to an Android foundation. This strategic shift is intended to ensure continued access to projects available through Google Play and various cloud streaming services.
For players, this means that while direct Steam support will cease, Google's focus for Chromebook gaming will likely pivot towards Android-native titles and cloud gaming platforms, which do not rely on local installations of PC games. Users should prepare for this change and explore alternative gaming options available on their devices post-2025.
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