Google and Valve to End 'Steam for Chromebooks' Experiment in January 2026

Google and Valve are set to conclude the support for the ChromeOS version of Steam on January 1, 2026. The beta version, which has been available for Chromebooks, will no longer be supported. Users can still install Steam, but with an end-of-support notification.

The notification states, "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."

Steam for Chromebooks began its journey in early 2022 as an alpha version on select high-spec devices with Intel chips, later expanding to a beta version by the end of that year, broadening support to include AMD processors as well.

This initiative was part of Google's efforts to promote "gaming Chromebooks," leading to the production of devices with enhanced hardware features and the integration of optimized services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Despite supporting the Proton game compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux-based SteamOS, Steam for Chromebooks faced limitations on game compatibility. This was due, in part, to the older and less powerful chips found in many Chromebooks.

While Google tested Chromebooks equipped with Nvidia GeForce GPUs, these developments were quietly abandoned, possibly indicating a refocus or alignment with broader strategic goals, such as merging Android and ChromeOS.

As of now, the gaming landscape on Chromebooks seems to remain heavily inclined toward cloud-based options, with Steam's discontinuation marking a significant shift.