Steam games may estimate FPS on store, predicting Steam Machine performance

Even if developers release recommended PC requirements, there is no substitute for real-world testing. Recently, Valve began asking owners of SteamOS devices if they would allow anonymous FPS tracking. Now, it may be preparing to show that information on store pages for Steam games to aid buyers.

Data mining the latest Steam client

Dex3108 on ResetEra forums noticed a curious update to the Steam client's code. One line states, “Select an App and a PC config to get a chart of estimated frame rates, based on the frame rates of other users.” It suggests that gamers will be able to enter their specs, including CPU, GPU, and memory capacity, to see how a game might run.

Valve earlier introduced a beta feature to track performance in the background during gameplay. The option aims “to learn about game compatibility and improve Steam.” It would take note of a system’s configuration, but without tying the data to a store account. However, the practice was limited to SteamOS hardware like the Steam Deck and upcoming Steam Machine.

Along the same lines, gamers can now attach their specs to Steam reviews. Users previously had to laboriously type out their specs whenever they noticed dips in frame rates.

Will the FPS charts be exclusive to SteamOS?

It’s uncertain whether Valve intends to display average FPS counts in the Windows or other clients. It’s vital information for the aging Steam Deck, since the Verified program only relies on basic metrics. The Steam Machine will offer more power, but some demanding titles could stress the mini PC.

With gaming PCs that use more diverse hardware, it becomes trickier to compare results. Another issue is that settings and mods in Steam games can influence performance. Some gamers may opt for DLSS or FSR upscaling, which can boost FPS even at the expense of image clarity.

There are obstacles to overcome, but most fans are welcoming of the changes. Ideally, the marketplace will soon better help shoppers find titles optimized for their hardware.