Google to discontinue Steam compatibility on Chromebooks by 2026
Google has announced its plans to merge Chrome OS and Android into a single, unified platform, marking a significant shift in the gaming landscape for Chromebooks.
The announcement comes after the tech giant unveiled the first Gaming Chromebooks in late 2022, signalling a future for Chromebook gaming. Google aims to create a 'ChromeOS experience on top of Android', which is expected to improve gaming on Chromebooks by leveraging Android’s extensive game library and ecosystem directly.
The merger is a response to the challenges faced by the Steam for Chromebooks, which struggled due to limited hardware power in most Chromebooks. The official Steam Beta had a small compatible game list, with only around 99 titles, and native GPU-accelerated gaming was hindered by scrapped GPU plans and lack of powerful hardware.
As a result, Google is focusing on cloud-based gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and enhanced Android game support on the merged platform. This move is expected to allow more seamless Android game access on future Chromebooks with potentially more powerful mobile chips that feature integrated GPUs rivaling discrete graphics cards.
The Steam for Chromebook Beta, which initially launched in March 2022 and entered Beta in November 2022, will cease to function in early 2026. Games installed as part of the Beta will no longer be playable on Chromebook devices after January 1st, 2026.
While the improved Chromebook performance may not be enough for Google's purposes, Android apps are available for local games on Chromebooks through the Play Store. Streaming services are also available for Chromebook gaming, offering an alternative for users who want to continue gaming on their devices.
In summary, the merging of Chrome OS and Android is underway, with the goal of delivering better integrated Android gaming experiences on Chromebooks rather than relying on the discontinued Steam Linux beta. This shift towards cloud gaming and Android native apps will be the primary avenues for gaming on Chromebooks going forward.
- Google's decision to merge Chrome OS and Android aims to boost the gaming potential of Chromebooks by leveraging Android's extensive game library and ecosystem directly, moving away from the struggles experienced by Steam for Chromebooks.
- With the merger, Google is focusing on cloud-based gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and enhanced Android game support on the unified platform, providing a primary avenue for gaming on Chromebooks going forward.
