Valve has released a comprehensive interface update for the desktop store pages of Steam, the platform most used by PC gamers. This new design, launched after months of beta, makes the experience of discovering games smoother and more visually rich.

The Steam store is evolving

The most significant change is the increase in the width of store pages from 940 pixels to 1200 pixels. Valve stated that this expansion is a response to user complaints about the narrow interface.

This gives game pages a more spacious appearance, and trailers, screenshots, and promotional images can now be displayed in higher resolutions and larger areas. The new layout also makes it easier to navigate between pages.

One of the most notable aspects of the update is the media experience. Users can now watch game trailers in three different viewing modes, such as full-screen or cinematic mode, on a new media page.

In addition to these media improvements, the Steamworks tools available for developers have also been updated. Developers can now use richer text formatting in game descriptions and easily add large background images and narrated videos.

Valve has also aligned other sections of the platform, such as search results, package pages, tag centers, and recommendation lists, with the new design. Steam Charts and the News Center have also been overhauled accordingly.

The company emphasizes that it tested different window sizes when setting a width of 1200 pixels and that most users don’t use Steam full-screen. In addition to the desktop client, the new store layout works seamlessly on Steam Deck, tablets, and mobile devices. Valve stated that it will also adapt the homepage and other sections to this new design in future updates.