Steam Update Adds New Privacy Feature

Steam Update Adds New Privacy Feature

Valve's recent beta build for its Steam client introduces a new privacy feature and shopping cart updates, just in time for the holidays. This article provides an overview of the new privacy feature, the process to use it, and the additional shopping cart options.

Introduction

With the holiday season fast approaching, Valve has rolled out a beta build for its Steam client, bringing forth a significant update that adds a new privacy feature and shopping cart improvements. This article delves into the details of these updates and how they will enhance the user experience on the platform.

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The update allows players to label certain games as private, providing them with more control over their libraries. Additionally, Steam users can now enjoy more streamlined shopping cart options, making it easier to purchase gifts for themselves and their friends. Let's explore these updates in more detail.

New Privacy Feature

The highlight of the recent beta build is the introduction of a new privacy feature that allows Steam users to mark specific games as private. This long-awaited update gives players the ability to exercise discretion over their game libraries, a feature that has been notably absent since Steam's inception as a game launcher.

The beta feature, while still subject to change, enables users to keep their game libraries away from prying eyes. This means that games marked as private will be hidden from other Steam users, including friends. Furthermore, achievements and playtime for private games will also be concealed from view.

To access this feature, Steam users need to opt into the beta client and download an 88 MB update. Once updated, they can easily mark games as private by selecting the game and clicking on the cogwheel icon. Notably, the mark of privacy can be freely revoked and applied to an unlimited number of games and applications available on Steam.

The addition of this privacy feature represents a significant step towards enhancing user privacy and control over their gaming experience on the platform. It addresses the long-standing need for such a feature and aligns with the evolving preferences of Steam users.

Shopping Cart Updates

In addition to the new privacy feature, the recent update also brings changes to the shopping cart, offering users more streamlined ways to purchase gifts for themselves and their friends. These updates come just in time for the holiday season, making it more convenient for users to participate in the festive gifting spirit.

The shopping cart updates include the ability to purchase gifts for multiple friends and oneself without the need for multiple transactions. This inline gifting feature simplifies the checkout process and allows for efficient gift messaging, enhancing the overall gifting experience on the platform.

Furthermore, the shopping cart now follows users across all devices where they are signed in to Steam, providing a seamless shopping experience. Notably, the cart allows users to mark games as private even before making a purchase, further enhancing the privacy options available to Steam users.

These updates to the shopping cart reflect Valve's commitment to improving the user experience on Steam, especially during peak seasons such as the Winter Sale and upcoming sales in 2024. It demonstrates the platform's responsiveness to user needs and its dedication to providing innovative solutions for its community.