Is the New Steam Store Design Cool or 'Hot Garbage'?
After a few months in beta, an update to the Steam store has rolled out for all users. The changes include new sections like a personalized release calendar, tweaks to existing features such as the "popular upcoming" list, and higher-resolution game art, among other updates. While some users are clearly not thrilled, others are embracing the fresh look. The question on many gamers' minds is: Is this new design cool or hot garbage?
A Mixed Reaction to the New Design
In my experience, the default reaction to any software or website redesign is often frustration. And with the new Steam store update, that sentiment has certainly been echoed by some users. Comments on the update post include multiple instances of the phrase "hot garbage," with one person even calling the new design "revolting" and stating they no longer want to use Steam at all. That’s a strong reaction, to say the least.
On the flip side, many users have welcomed the changes. I, for one, think the new design is fine. It's interesting how I rarely feel the same level of frustration when Steam updates its store or client. I'm often annoyed with Photoshop for not functioning as it did back in 2005, and I'd happily strangle any AI buttons that get in my way. But somehow, Steam has always managed to stay on the right side of my design tolerance.
A Design That's Good Enough
My colleagues don't all share my sentiment. Wes Fenlon wrote in 2024 about experiencing an existential crisis after Valve moved the "open screenshot" button. That's a minor change, but it clearly affected his experience.
I’m sure I could come up with a long list of things that annoy me about Steam’s design, new or old. But when I think about the other software I use daily, some of it is so bad that Steam seems like a breath of fresh air in comparison. It’s not perfect, but it's functional, and that’s what matters most for a platform like Steam.
What Do You Think?
How do you feel about the new Steam store refresh? Share your thoughts in the poll and comments below.
The PC Gaming Show returns on Sunday, June 7 at 12 pm PDT. Visit the show's Steam page to wishlist your most anticipated games and get more information on how to tune in for the big reveals.
