Steam Beta Tests Wider Store Pages and Video Descriptions

Steam Store Pages Are Getting Wider

Valve has begun testing significant changes within the Steam client, with a primary focus on updating the visual layout of product pages. The width of these pages has been increased from 940 to 1,200 pixels. According to Valve, this move is part of their ongoing efforts to modernize the platform's design and improve the user experience, especially for those with larger monitors.

It's not just individual game pages that are expanding; the entire Steam store menu has also been widened. Valve developers believe this change will enhance several aspects of the browsing and purchasing process, such as allowing for larger, more impactful screenshots and trailers. For users with smaller browser windows or monitors, the interface will continue to scale down proportionally, ensuring a consistent experience. The main content column now measures 780 pixels wide.

For most game developers, these changes won't require immediate action to ensure their store pages look good in the updated format. However, if their text descriptions currently feature images sized for the old page width, Valve recommends replacing them with larger versions to take full advantage of the new layout.

New Video Support and Text Tools for Developers

Another notable change in the beta is the addition of video file support within product descriptions. Developers could previously embed images and GIF animations, but they have long requested broader format support. Now, they can embed MP4 or WEBM files, offering higher quality and color depth. While Valve's servers will re-encode uploaded materials, there are a few limitations: animated content must not exceed 12 seconds in length and must be under 100 megabytes in size.

Furthermore, developers can now use a dedicated tool to set text alignment for each line within their product descriptions, providing more control over presentation.

Beta Testing Timeline and How to Participate

Valve anticipates a relatively short beta period for these updates. The company stated, "If all goes smoothly, this testing will last only a few weeks, and then the new format will begin to be used as the main one. We want to give interested developers the opportunity to upload new graphic files, and give ourselves time to solve those encoding problems that we did not encounter during internal testing."

If you're interested in checking out the new features, you can opt into the Steam client beta. Here’s how:

On PC:

• In the Steam client, click on "Steam" in the top-left corner, then select "Settings."
• Open the "Interface" tab and click the drop-down menu under "Client Beta Participation."
• Choose the "Steam Beta Update" option.
• You will be prompted to restart Steam. Click "Restart Now."

On Steam Deck:

• Press the "Steam" button.
• Select "Settings" > "System."
• Go to the "Beta Participation" section.
• In the "System Update" drop-down menu, select "Beta."
• Reboot your device.

In Big Picture Mode:

• Select "Settings" > "System."
• Go to the "Beta Participation" section.
• In the "Steam Client Update" drop-down menu, select "Steam Beta Update."
• Restart Steam.

These updates are part of Valve's ongoing modernization efforts for the Steam store. The company previously improved its trailer player and is now optimizing page structures for modern screen sizes and resolutions. Work is also underway to enhance store loading times on mobile and portable devices. Players can expect further updates to other areas of the platform in the coming weeks and months, all aimed at making Steam a more modern and user-friendly experience.