Google Shutting Down Steam Support for ChromeOS
Google has announced it will end support for Steam Beta on Chromebooks by the end of 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, Chromebook users will no longer be able to launch Steam, install new games, or play previously installed Steam games, as all Steam titles will be removed from devices. This shutdown marks the conclusion of Google's experimental gaming initiative launched in 2022 to bring PC gaming to ChromeOS users via Steam.
End of an Era for Steam on Chromebooks
The Steam for Chromebook Beta was designed to offer high-quality PC gaming on ChromeOS devices with limited hardware requirements, supporting approximately 99 compatible titles optimized for Intel and AMD processors. Despite its initial promise, Steam on ChromeOS never reached a stable release and served only a niche audience due to the hardware limitations of most Chromebooks. Google’s focus is now shifting towards integrating ChromeOS with Android, promoting gaming through Android apps and cloud streaming platforms like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming as alternative options for Chromebook gamers.
Implications for Chromebook Gamers and Future Directions
Chromebooks, popular especially among students and casual users for their light, web-focused design, had limited access to advanced PC games until the Steam Beta opened the door for better gaming experiences. With the Steam shutdown, users will need to rely on the Google Play Store’s Android games or cloud gaming services to continue enjoying gaming on Chromebooks. Google thanked users for their participation and insights gained during the beta, indicating these learnings will influence the future of Chromebook gaming. This closure reflects Google's broader strategy to unify ChromeOS and Android into a single platform and streamline their gaming efforts accordingly.
The final day of Steam support will be December 31, 2025, urging users to finish their gaming activities and prepare for alternative gaming solutions in the Chromebook ecosystem.