Expect “fewer constraints” for Steam Machine Verification – Here’s why

Valve confirms that its Steam Machine will have a less strict Verified program

Steam Deck Verification is a badge of honour for any PC game. Not only does it mean the game runs well on Linux, but it also means it has strong controller support and runs well on low-end hardware. Steam Deck Verified games tend to be well-optimised. After all, if it runs well on the Steam Deck, it should run well on more powerful desktop gaming PCs.

For the Steam Machine, Valve’s Lawrence Yang has confirmed that its Steam Machine Verified badge will have “fewer constraints” than Steam Deck verification. That said, all Steam Deck Verified games will be Verified on Valve’s Steam Machine. This makes a lot of sense, as any game that runs on Valve’s SteamOS-powered handheld should run well on Valve’s stronger SteamOS-powered desktop hardware.

One easy rule of thumb is that if your title is Verified on Steam Deck, it will be Verified on Steam Machine.

– Valve’s Lawrence Yang – via Game Developer

(What a game needs to become Steam Deck Verified)

So far, Valve has been unclear about what “fewer constraints” means for game developers. Steam Machine Verification will need system support. That means that games will need to be playable on SteamOS using Proton. Alternatively, a game needs a native Linux version. That said, most other parts of Valve’s Steam Deck Verification need not apply to Valve’s Steam Machine. After all, Valve’s “Display” checkbox is irrelevant for Steam Machine users, who will likely use larger, higher-resolution displays. Why mandate 800p or 720p support and legible text support at those resolutions when no desktop users use such displays?

What remains to be seen is if full controller support will be required for Steam Machine Verification. While strong controller/Steam Controller support is desirable, will Valve be open to verifying keyboard/mouse-only games on its more desktop-like gaming hardware?

You can join the discussion on Valve’s Steam Machine Verified requirements on the OC3D Forums.