Steam Is Offering New Controls For How Your Games Update

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt and a connection to the internet that is stronger than the Titanforged armor, I must say that these recent updates from Steam have been a breath of fresh air. The ability to customize my download settings according to my gaming habits is something I’ve longed for, ever since I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of downloading and installing updates for games I hadn’t touched in months.

Regardless if they are solo games or multiplayer ones, game updates are increasingly frequent and sizeable. To help users handle these patches effectively, Steam has introduced new management methods for future updates.

On Valve’s Steam blog, they explain that choosing the default setting of “allowing Steam to decide when to update” means the client will download patches for games you’ve recently played, but it will delay updates for games you haven’t used for a while by several days. Nevertheless, some users might find this level of customization insufficient.

Steam Is Offering New Controls For How Your Games Update

In essence, you have the flexibility to alter the default setting. You could opt for the game to wait until launch to install updates, or choose to download updates as soon as they become available. The Steam blog suggests this decision might vary depending on individual circumstances, particularly for those with monthly data caps.

In addition, Steam offers the ability to set individual game exceptions. To illustrate, if you’re frequently playing Path of Exile 2, Steam enables you to download any updates for the action-RPG instantly, ensuring it’s always ready whenever you want to play. Conversely, you may occasionally return to Stardew Valley. For a more relaxed gaming experience, users on Steam can opt to receive updates only after launching the game within the client.

According to Valve, you can find these latest features within the ‘Downloads’ section of Steam. Last month, Steam implemented significant alterations to their season pass and DLC regulations. Valve has imposed new directives on developers and publishers, such as demanding clear descriptions for each DLC and allowing only one change in DLC release dates before intervening with refunds.

In simpler terms, you can count on the Steam Deck not getting an annual update. Instead, Valve will only launch a new version, the Steam Deck 2, when there’s a significant technological advancement or “generational leap”.

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2024-12-12 19:10