Steam is experimenting with a revamped store interface for smoother browsing and item identification
In an effort to improve user experience, Steam, the popular digital distribution platform for video games, has unveiled significant improvements to its redesigned storefront. The latest updates aim to simplify navigation, enhance discoverability, and personalise the user experience.
Centralised Navigation Bar
The most noticeable change is the centralised top navigation bar, replacing the old left-hand sidebar. This redesign consolidates core options like Browse, Recommendations, Categories, and Search in a cleaner, more accessible layout.
Streamlined Game Discovery
The Browse menu now offers quick access to top sellers, new releases, and discounted games, streamlining game discovery. Users can easily find the latest and most popular titles without having to navigate through multiple menus.
Personalised Recommendations
The Recommendations section provides personalised game suggestions based on a user’s library, playtime, and community trends, improving relevance. This means that users are more likely to discover games that align with their interests and gaming habits.
Revamped Categories
The revamped Categories menu highlights the user’s most-played genres and suggests tags for discovering similar games. This feature makes it easier for users to find new games within their preferred genres.
Upgraded Search Bar
The upgraded search bar now shows popular searches, recently viewed games, and trending genres. An easily accessible Advanced Search button is also available for those who want more control over their searches.
Screen Space Management
The top menu dynamically hides when scrolling down and reappears when scrolling up, improving screen space management while browsing. This design choice allows users to have more space to focus on the content they are viewing.
Additional Integration
Additional integration includes easier in-client purchasing options (e.g., Steam Deck or Docking Station) and filters for VR, controller support, or co-op play in search results.
These changes are aimed at providing easier access to frequently visited store areas and enhancing functionality without overwhelming users. The updates are currently available in the Steam Client Beta for desktop, with Valve seeking user feedback before full release.
The redesign of the Steam storefront does not reinvent the wheel, but it follows trends in improving discoverability and navigation seen in competitors. Both PlayStation and Xbox marketplaces have experimented with machine learning-driven discovery in recent years. Meanwhile, Epic Games Store has leaned heavily into curated sections and a cleaner interface to highlight new and exclusive titles.
GOG's storefront has also been reworked to focus on simplicity, emphasising genre filters and personalised suggestions. Testers report that the interface of the redesigned Steam storefront feels cleaner, faster, and more aligned with modern gaming preferences.
Steam's redesign builds on past algorithmic discovery tools introduced in 2014 and 2016. No official rollout date for the redesigned Steam storefront has been announced. However, these updates are a step towards addressing long-standing usability issues by bringing the most useful features into a polished and organized interface.
Technology and gadgets have been integrated into the redesigned Steam storefront, as evidenced by the upgraded search bar and the centralised top navigation bar. The new navigation bar, consolidating core options, is a gadget that streamlines user navigation and enhances accessibility. Additionally, the revamped Categories menu, which suggests tags for discovering similar games, is a technological feature designed to facilitate finding new games within preferred genres.
