If you're one of the few people who uses their Chromebook to play Steam, then sadly 2026 will not be the year for you. After being introduced in 2022, Steam is reportedly being axed from Google Chromebooks before exiting their beta phase on January 1st 2026 the following message:
The Steam for Chromebook Beta program will conclude on January 1st, 2026. After this date, games installed as part of the Beta will no longer be available to play on your device. We appreciate your participation in and contribution to learnings from the beta program, which will inform the future of Chromebook gaming.
This seems to have been first reported by 9to5Google. There is currently no official word from either Google or Valve on the matter, but several other news syndicates seem to have taken this as the truth. While some may be disappointed to see Steam unsupported on Chromebook, it makes sense why this happened. Chromebooks are not designed like gaming computers, and are very limited in what they can actually run because of this.
After Google Stadia got discontinue on January 18th 2023, Steam on Chromebook joins the ever-growing list of failed Google gaming experimented. Still, it was a novel experiment and I'm sure there's a sizable audience that will mourn the loss of Steam on their Chromebook. It certainly won't be the last attempt Google makes either.
What do you think of losing Steam on your Chromebook? Let us know in the comments below.
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