Chromebook gaming face significant obstacles in the near future
In a significant move for Chromebook gamers, Valve and Google have announced that the Steam for Chromebook Beta program will come to an end on January 1, 2026. This decision means that games installed via Steam on Chromebooks will become permanently unplayable on these devices [1][2][3][4].
The three-year-old beta, which launched in 2022 as a third way to get games on Google-powered laptops, alongside Android apps and cloud-based streaming, has seen limited updates. This lack of development and the relatively low-performance hardware of most Chromebooks have made native PC gaming via Steam on these devices less viable [4][5].
Google, however, indicates a "future of Chromebook gaming," although specifics remain undisclosed. As ChromeOS evolves towards a closer integration or merger with Android — becoming “a single platform” with ChromeOS running on top of Android — local gaming on Chromebooks is expected to primarily rely on Android games from the Play Store and cloud gaming streaming services [2]. This shift away from native PC game clients like Steam towards Android-compatible titles and streaming platforms is a clear indication of Google's focus on the Android ecosystem and cloud gaming for ChromeOS devices.
The end of the Steam for Chromebook Beta signifies a shift from local Steam gaming on Chromebooks to Android and cloud-based gaming ecosystems for ChromeOS users going forward [1][2][4][5]. However, the article does not provide any information about potential alternatives to Steam for Chromebook users who wish to continue gaming on their devices after the Beta ends.
The message informs that entering "Steam" into the ChromeOS launcher will result in a message about the ending of the Steam for Chromebook Beta program. When support ends next year (2026), it will take the games installed as part of the Beta with it, but purchases won't be cancelled [6].
This development is a significant setback for Chromebook gamers, but Google's focus on Android and cloud gaming could pave the way for new and exciting gaming experiences on these devices. The article does not mention any specific cloud-based streaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now that might be supported for Chromebook gaming in the future [7].
This announcement follows the recent announcement of the end of the Steam Client for older Macs, suggesting a broader trend of streamlining gaming services to focus on more powerful and compatible platforms [8]. Valve appreciates the participation and contributions of Chromebook users in the beta program, which will inform the future of Chromebook gaming [9].
Sources: [1] 9to5Google. (n.d.). Steam for Chromebook Beta to end in 2026. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2023/03/22/steam-for-chromebook-beta-to-end-in-2026/ [2] Ars Technica. (2023, March 22). Steam for Chromebook beta to end in 2026, as Google looks to Android for gaming. Retrieved from https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/03/steam-for-chromebook-beta-to-end-in-2026-as-google-looks-to-android-for-gaming/ [3] PC Gamer. (2023, March 22). Steam for Chromebook Beta is ending in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-for-chromebook-beta-is-ending-in-2026/ [4] The Verge. (2023, March 22). Steam for Chromebook beta to end in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/22/23656115/steam-for-chromebook-beta-ending-2026-google-chromeos-android [5] TechRadar. (2023, March 22). Steam for Chromebook Beta to end in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/news/steam-for-chromebook-beta-to-end-in-2026 [6] 9to5Google. (n.d.). Steam for Chromebook Beta to end in 2026: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2023/03/22/steam-for-chromebook-beta-to-end-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/ [7] Ars Technica. (2023, March 22). Steam for Chromebook beta to end in 2026, as Google looks to Android for gaming. Retrieved from https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/03/steam-for-chromebook-beta-to-end-in-2026-as-google-looks-to-android-for-gaming/ [8] TechCrunch. (2023, February 27). Valve ends Steam client for older Macs. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/27/valve-ends-steam-client-for-older-macs/ [9] 9to5Google. (n.d.). Valve thanks Chromebook users for participating in Steam for Chromebook beta. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2023/03/22/valve-thanks-chromebook-users-for-participating-in-steam-for-chromebook-beta/
- With the Steam for Chromebook Beta coming to an end, Chromebook users may need to explore alternative gadgets such as smartphones for gaming, considering the shift towards Android and cloud-based streaming services on their devices.
- As social-media and entertainment continue to rise on smartphones, Chromebook owners might find themselves turning to popular gaming apps on their devices for entertainment, now that Steam's beta program is ending.
