Valve has introduced a new system that provides game developers with real-world performance data from Steam Deck users, aiming to enhance game compatibility on the handheld device. Since October 1, developers have been able to access frame rate statistics reported by players, offering insights into how their games are actually running.
This data is presented as a percentage of sessions, allowing developers to gauge whether their games are consistently hitting the Steam Deck's target frame rates of 60 or 90 fps, or if players are frequently lowering the cap. While the data relies on users opting in and accounts for the different refresh rates of the LCD (60Hz) and OLED (90Hz) models, Valve states that a majority of Steam Deck players have opted in, suggesting the aggregated data offers a reliable overview.
The primary benefit of this update lies in its ability to inform developers about the performance of their titles on a wide range of Steam Deck hardware. This could be particularly useful for games that already have specific Steam Deck optimizations. Developers can analyze this information to identify performance bottlenecks and adjust graphical settings accordingly, potentially leading to smoother gameplay experiences for users.
Valve has indicated that this frame rate data is intended as a "starting point for iteration as we learn what sorts of data and presentation are useful." This suggests a potential future where similar performance data could be made available for other devices, provided sufficient user opt-in.
Currently, this system applies only to games that have already achieved Steam Deck verification and cannot be used as part of the verification process itself. However, the availability of this performance data allows developers to more accurately diagnose and address issues for verified titles. By observing mass reports of poor performance, developers can now delve into the numbers to understand the average player's experience and see in real-time how updates might impact performance, both positively and negatively.