Steam gets a makeover: Valve redesigns the interface
Since July 25, beta users have been able to explore the new version of the Store menu. The official announcement on the Steam newsfeed has received an overwhelming response, with more than 8,600 users giving it positive ratings.
The core of the redesign is a unified navigation menu. The previously separate sidebar and blue header have been merged into a central menu bar, which now appears on many more pages and remains visible while scrolling. The goal is to create a more streamlined experience that helps users reach their destination more quickly.
Enhanced search function with trending references
Another highlight of the beta is the revamped search function. It now displays trending terms and recent queries, while allowing more precise searches by category, publisher or tag. The enhanced filter options also help deliver more relevant results.
New tabs: "Browse" and "Categories"
The Browse tab provides new access to popular, newly released and discounted games. Anyone specifically searching for affordable or current titles will find what they’re looking for more quickly here. There is also a personalized Categories tab that automatically adapts to the user’s gaming habits and highlights preferred genres and tags.
Central hub for recommendations
Recommendations based on your gaming behavior and past purchases are now gathered in one central location. Valve aims to make discovering new content easier and more intuitive for players.
Beta phase open for everyone
The new features are currently exclusive to the Steam client beta. Interested users can join by enabling the beta in the Steam settings. Valve is actively encouraging participation and feedback to help fine-tune the experience. However, it remains unclear when the updated interface will officially launch or if the current design will remain unchanged.
Source(s)
