- Valve’s latest Steam Client references a ‘Framerate Estimator’
- This feature apparently gives you an expected frame rate based on how a game is running for other Steam users
- It could go live with the launch of the Steam Machine
Valve is constantly looking at new ways to provide a better experience for Steam players, whether they’re Windows users running the Steam client or those on SteamOS, and a new discovery suggests a nifty new feature is on the way.
Nothing official has been announced by Valve, but as TechSpot noted, a post on the ResetEra forum pointed to a reference to a ‘Framerate Estimator’ in the latest Steam Client update.
A string of text explains that you’ll be able to “select an app and a PC configuration to get a chart of estimated framerates, based on the framerates of other Steam users”.
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This comes a month after Valve started asking users to share frame rate data (anonymously) on the games they play (which was also highlighted on ResetEra). And that certainly makes it seem more likely that this rumored Framerate Estimator is a feature that’s in the pipeline — and it’s already got Reddit users excited about the idea.
Full steam ahead
It looks like Valve is going all out with its Steam Machine preparation as this will directly benefit the console-like PC. It will help users make an informed decision about a game’s likely performance level on their hardware before committing to a purchase.
The same goes for the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, and all other SteamOS-based handhelds (running alongside the Deck Verified check system Valve already has in place).
But, and probably more importantly, the addition of a performance estimator will significantly help owners of desktop PCs, regardless of whether SteamOS or Windows is installed.
There is of course a huge range of different PC configurations and Framerate Estimator will help any PC owner easily see how a game might run on their particular system.
Also, those considering purchasing a PC will be able to gauge the hardware components they need based on the games they want to play. Ultimately, it should make it easier to budget and buy the right PC for their needs, avoiding overspending (or underspending for that matter).
It is possible that this new feature will be brought to the release of Steam Machine – and we can only hope that the launch happens soon.
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