14 DAY TRIAL // Valve has just released a mobile version of its Steam digital distribution program, allowing users to check out the online store, purchase games and browse their library or screenshots, while interacting with their friends.
Valve’s Steam is the most popular digital distribution service on the PC and Mac platforms, delighting tens of millions of gamers from all around the world. Now, its users can keep in touch with the service on the go, as a Steam application is available for the iOS and Android mobile operating systems.
The app allows users to pretty much do everything they can with Steam on a computer, except play their actual games. This includes interacting with people on their friends list, looking at screenshots or examining their own game library, not to mention browsing the storefront and buying games.
"The Steam app comes from many direct requests from our customers," said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. "Seeing which of your friends are online and playing a game, sending quick messages, looking at screenshots for an upcoming game, or catching a sale - these are all features customers have requested. Mobile is changing way people interact, play games and consume media, and the Steam app is part of our commitment to meet customer demands and expand the service functionality of Steam to make it richer and more accessible for everyone."
The app isn’t final, however, as although you can download and install it on your phone, users need their accounts to be part of the current closed mobile beta stage.
"Those who wish to join the beta just need to download the Steam app (free of charge) and log in to their Steam account via the mobile app to express interest in the beta. Gamers will be added to the Closed Beta as the service ramps up," explains Valve.
Either way, it’s nice to see that Steam is now officially present on mobile operating systems. You can get the iOS version here while the Android version is available for download here.