Steam - UI Update - Beta

[BonezOz]

From one of my other forums that I frequent:

Valve Software have announced a new version of Steam which is currently in beta testing. Boasting improved functionality for Friends, a central news feed, and a stack of other things. Here's the full list of major new features:

* Complete overhaul of Steam client UI design to improve discoverability of features and to better expose all the information related to games in your library
* Complete overhaul of in-game overlay UI design to create a richer in-game experience exposing context sensitive information related to the game you are currently playing
* New game details view, presenting a detailed view of all the information for a single game in your library
* New grid view, presenting a graphical view of your game library
* New news page in the store/client/overlay which aggregates from Valve related news sites, official community groups, and third-party gaming news feeds
* New downloads view in the client, making it easier to track your progress downloading new games or game updates
* New Steam store design, including more integrated community features, improved recommendations, and improved video and screenshots viewing (and much more!)
​

Their update page includes more information and some visuals. If you have Steam installed you can just click this link, then select "2010 UI Update" under Beta Participation, and you can check out the beta right now.

 

[Assassin]

I tried it, don't really like it. It looks very messy and a lot of the things people have suggested (like a wishlist, clock, etc) they have ignored. It's nice they added achievements to some older games (HL2, HL2:EP1, Opposing Force, Peggle Nights..). Still, it needs a lot of work in my oppinion.

 

[BonezOz]

Well I like the look, but haven't had any issues as yet. Plus it is a beta, so I do understand it will have problems

 

[InsaneNutter]

Overall I quite like it, the old Steam UI does look a bit dated and hasn't changed much since 2003 I don't think.

My only complaint is I think its a bit in your face, I don't think you can have the compact games list open anymore which is something i really liked.

It's nice they added achievements to some older games (HL2, HL2:EP1, Opposing Force, Peggle Nights..)

I thought achievements had been added to HL2, i didn't remember it having them the last time i played it.

 

[MasterChief]

The first screenshot you posted looks very nice, I wat to install when im home.

I like how it appears to show the games your friends have recently purchased, good work Valve

 

[BonezOz]

I like how it appears to show the games your friends have recently purchased, good work Valve

I like that feature as well, talk about a great way to advertise other games.

One thing I noticed last night while looking around through the Beta was the Mod's section has either been removed or is so hidden it's not easy to find. Having kids I ain't gotta lot of money so mods to existing games are usually a great way for me to get more life out of the games I do own.