Steam may add hardware-based FPS estimates to game pages, new client strings suggest
Valve appears to be working on a framerate estimation tool for Steam. The strings visible in the image point to a new “Framerate Estimator” that would let users select a game and a PC configuration, then view estimated framerates based on data from other Steam users.
This may line up with what Valve already introduced in official Steam client updates. Valve added an opt-in setting for anonymized gameplay framerate data, saying it is stored without being linked to a Steam account, but is identified by the type of hardware in use. Valve also said this data is meant to help it learn about game compatibility, with beta testing focused on devices running SteamOS.
Framerate Estimator here to collect data on CPU, GPU and RAM
The screenshot shows that Steam will save hardware profiles, separate CPU, GPU, and system RAM fields, plus “matching training” entries for games and hardware. That points to a system built from collected performance data, not just a basic comparison against minimum and recommended specifications.
Source: Valve
Valve appears to be building more performance context around game pages and compatibility reports, starting from SteamOS where the hardware pool is smaller and easier to validate. Let’s keep in mind that Steam hardware, including Deck and the hopefully soon-to-be-released Steam Machine, are not exactly high-end hardware. Gamers may need this type of information more than ever.
Valve has not announced a release date for any public FPS estimator, and it has not confirmed where this tool would appear inside Steam. This may be a preparation for a beta release and initial testing, rather than something that will soon show up in a public client. Earlier this year, Steam started to collect PC specs and may optionally show this data when users post reviews.
Source: Gabe Follower
