Will Steam Cloud Gaming rival Google Stadia?

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Steam Cloud Gaming's Potential to Rival Google Stadia Remains Unclear

Recent code updates to Valve Corporation's PC gaming network, Steam, suggest the company may be preparing to enter the cloud gaming market. Changes to the sign-up process for game development partners now explicitly mention "Cloud Gaming," indicating that these partners will need to agree to terms outlined in a Steam Cloud Gaming Addendum. However, Valve Corporation has not made any public announcements regarding its cloud gaming ambitions, leaving its competitive stance against established and upcoming services like Google Stadia, Microsoft's Project xCloud, and Sony's PlayStation Now uncertain.
Evidence of Steam's Cloud Gaming Preparations

The primary indication of Valve's potential move into cloud gaming comes from modifications within Steam's internal systems. Independent site tracker SteamDB observed that the partner sign-up process now includes explicit references to "Cloud Gaming." This suggests that developers seeking to partner with Steam will be required to sign an additional agreement, specifically addressing cloud gaming services. These updates were archived on the SteamDB Github repository, providing a documented trace of the changes.
Valve's Existing Streaming Capabilities

Valve Corporation already offers users the ability to stream games within their home network. This functionality allows for gameplay to be broadcasted from one device to another, whether between computers or from a computer to a mobile device. Furthermore, an experimental feature for streaming games outside of the home network was introduced in June 2019, contingent on adequate connection speeds. These existing capabilities could form a foundational element for a broader cloud gaming offering.
Competitive Landscape of Cloud Gaming

Should Steam officially enter the cloud gaming space, it would be entering a market with significant existing and developing players. Google's Stadia service is slated for launch on November 19, representing a major push into the sector. Microsoft is also actively developing its Project xCloud service, while Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to offer its PlayStation Now streaming service. These established players indicate a growing trend and increasing competition within the cloud gaming industry.
Market Context for Steam

The Steam platform, launched in 2003, currently hosts a vast library of over 30,000 computer games. Despite its long-standing presence and extensive catalogue, Steam has recently faced increased competition. The Epic Games Store, in particular, has emerged as a significant rival, leveraging exclusivity deals with publishers and developers to attract users. Valve's potential entry into cloud gaming could be seen as a strategic response to evolving market dynamics and competitive pressures.

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Will Steam Cloud Gaming rival Google Stadia?

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