It should also show icons for the OS as well. Since games can have dramatically different issues and performance depending on the OS sometimes. Having an icon showing a review is from a Linux machine compared to Windows for instance can help figure out if your system might be affected by reviews mentioning something that all seems to be from one type of OS.
Heck, I'd even take it a step further and have it include basic system specs for each review since Steam already gets that info.
I like the idea, but with Linux, that could be tricky. Unless it's an immutable distro, the end user could have modifications causing issues from some borked config, library, or package.
It probably wouldn't be especially useful info for end users, since ymmv, and Valve already knows what hardware and setups people are using via system scans.
ProtonDB is far more useful and already exists, because it includes system info and fixes people have tried that did/n't work.
I was referring more to just like Windows, Linux, MacOS icons. Not specific distros. As a Windows user for instance, Linux issues from any distro probably don't matter to me.
Could have yeah, but I already find looking at distros and specs to be super helpful on ProtonDB. Of course it isn’t going to be 100%, but if every person who has a problem with a game is using a certain GPU or distro it’s usually safe to assume that something about that is causing the issue
On the other hand, you have to keep your system specs up to date manually on protondb. I don't know how many people keep their kernel and video driver versions up to date. Steam could pull the latest system configuration when I submit a review.
Oh I super agree with you! The question was “does Steam know what your hardware is without consenting to a survey” and the answer is “yes absolutely Steam does!”
Also your last paragraph? I know software and I think you’re too lenient hahahaha
I don’t even use phone apps unless they have almost zero permissions.
Not all of them. Full scan of hardware is performed only when participating in a survey or requesting a hardware report. An example is Steam on my PC not detecting a SteamVR native headset (goggles icon doesn't appear) until I'll launch VR mode.
I can understand why they don’t put a Linux-specific icon, because there is such a variety of builds and hardware permutations that people could start complaining “it said it could run on Linux but it doesn’t run on my Linux.“
Steam already indicates which games will run on Linux, without any distro or configuration caveats. There's literally an entire section of the store for "SteamOS & Linux" games, and games that support multiple platforms have the system requirements listed for each of those supported platforms.
We're just talking about putting the icon for the platform they used on the review, to help you filter reviews that may be more or less relevant. Linux users complaining about Linux related issues aren't relevant to Windows users for instance, and vice versa. Same goes for the 15 or so MacOS gamers I guess too.
Heck, I’d even take it a step further and have it include basic system specs for each review since Steam already gets that info.
That would get complex for games that are played for lengthy periods of time and across different builds. Basic specs as of the review would be cool though.
Just have another option for multiple devices or types used beyond a certain threshold. Just like here they're using a majority of time spent playing on a Deck to show that icon.