Google Announces Steam Alpha for Chrome OS
Google has finally made a move, formally confirming the forthcoming arrival of Steam for Chrome OS, the operating system that regulates Chromebooks and, in the near future, any other compatible device, as long as the user decides to install it on their own.
Regarding the information that concerns us, the road has not been easy: more than two years ago, Google began to investigate the possibility of promoting a Steam for Chrome OS, given the importance of games on any modern platform and understanding Steam as the de facto standard for PC game distribution.
Since then, the steps have been pretty cautious, despite the fact that everything was initially ventured as if it were only around the corner. The reality, however, has slowed things down, and the next release of Steam for Chrome OS will be in alpha form and only for certain Chromebook models.
The announcement was made during the Google for Games Developer Summit 2022, a conference in which the Internet giant used the opportunity to break down what already exists, but also what is expected to be in the medium term, always speaking of Steam for Chrome OS, as the plans for gaming in Google's ecosystems go far beyond Steam for Chrome OS.
Thus, Steam for Chrome OS launches in the early development phase, complete with exclusive availability for latest-generation Chromebook machines and minimal specifications for the concept to make sense. It's important to note that, until Chrome OS Flex is released, Chromebooks are the only devices that run Chrome OS, and they're typically low-end to mid-range.
According to 9to5Google, the specifications are as follows: "At a minimum, your Chromebook must have an Intel Core i5 or i7 (11th generation) processor and a minimum of 7 GB of RAM."
Except for the mid-to-high-end and high-end Chromebooks, this effectively excludes practically all Chromebooks." And they don't appear to be mistaken. These are, of course, output specifications. They will most likely loosen as development progresses.
After all, Steam for Chrome OS should be very similar to Steam for Linux, which has been operating for years and has a large catalog of games available to even the most basic settings suitable with Chrome OS's requirements. Similarly, we must not overlook Stadia, the Google game streaming platform that, by definition, has a special position in Chromebooks.
And, while we're at it, we shouldn't overlook other developments, not just around Steam for Chrome OS, which is undeniably a significant leap, but games on Chrome OS, first with Game Mode-type advancements and, more recently, with the arrival of gaming keyboards for Chromebooks, both of which are indicative of the situation.
