Steam, the popular gaming platform, has rolled out a new update that allows users to mark games as private. This feature enables users to make certain games invisible to others, providing them with a greater degree of privacy. Additionally, the update brings enhancements to the shopping cart functionality, making it more convenient for users to purchase games and gifts. Let’s explore these new features in detail.
In the latest Steam client beta update, users now have the option to mark specific games as private. This means that the games will no longer be visible to other users, keeping them hidden from public view. The ability to mark games as private offers various advantages, such as maintaining privacy for games that may have controversial or sensitive content. For instance, games with questionable names or subject matter, purchased for research purposes or personal enjoyment, can now be kept discreetly tucked away.
Steam has always provided different levels of privacy options for user profiles and game libraries. However, this update takes privacy control a step further by allowing users to selectively hide certain games. According to the official announcement, marking a game as private ensures that it disappears from all areas where it could be viewed by anyone other than the user. This includes the game’s ownership status, in-game activity, playtime, and overall visibility. The added control enables users to keep most of their Steam library visible to friends, providing them with the opportunity to join in and play together. At the same time, it allows users to keep a few games exclusively for their own enjoyment.
Activating the private mode for a game is a straightforward process. Users can navigate to the game’s page and access the settings. From there, they need to click on “Manage…” and select the option to mark the game as private. By implementing this user-friendly method, Steam ensures that users can easily control the visibility of their games based on their preferences and circumstances.
In addition to the private game feature, the beta update also introduces several improvements to the shopping cart functionality on Steam. Users now have the ability to mark games as private even before making a purchase, allowing them to review and adjust their selections privately. Furthermore, the shopping cart is now synced across all devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. This synchronization eliminates the need to manually transfer games from one device to another.
Another notable addition is the “inline gifting” feature, which enables users to purchase gifts for multiple friends in a single order. This streamlines the process of buying and sending gifts, saving time and effort. With the upcoming Steam winter sale, this enhancement comes at an opportune moment, allowing users to easily purchase and share their favorite games with friends.
To access these new features, users can opt-in to the Steam client beta. By heading to the Steam settings, specifically the “Interface” section, users will find the option called “Client Beta Participation.” This option provides a dropdown menu where users can select the “Steam Beta Update.” By opting in, users gain early access to the latest updates and improvements, ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of new features before they are rolled out to the general user base.
Steam’s introduction of the private game feature provides users with increased control over their game visibility and privacy. By allowing games to be marked as private, users can maintain discretion for games with sensitive content or personal preference. The enhancements to the shopping cart functionality, including private game selection before purchase and inline gifting, further enhance the overall user experience. With these updates, Steam continues to prioritize user privacy and convenience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for its vast user base.
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