If you're a fan of finding free games and demos on Steam, you'll be excited about the latest update from Valve. Steam has always had a wide range of free-to-play games and demos, but finding them could sometimes be a bit tricky. Valve has now made it much easier by adding a new section called "Trending Free," which is designed to help users discover free content more easily. Here’s how you can take advantage of this new feature.
What Is the “Trending Free” Section?
The "Trending Free" tab is a brand-new addition to Steam’s store page. You’ll find it positioned alongside other popular tabs like new releases, top sellers, upcoming games, and discounts. The goal of this section is to showcase popular free content, including demos and free-to-play games, making them more visible and easier to access.
Previously, if you wanted to find demos or free-to-play games, you had to dig through Steam’s category list or search for them directly. These sections were somewhat hidden, making it easy to overlook great free content. The new "Trending Free" section changes that by placing these options front and center.
Why Did Valve Make This Change?
Valve has noticed a growing trend among game developers who are releasing free games, often labeled as "Prologues," to promote larger, commercial releases. These prologues are essentially extended demos but are listed as separate games on Steam. While this tactic gives developers more visibility, it can sometimes confuse users who may mistake these prologues for full games.
To address this, Valve introduced the "Trending Free" tab. This new section gives demos their own distinct pages, separate from the main game, which helps to eliminate confusion. It also allows users to explore free content more efficiently, ensuring they understand what they are downloading.
How to Use the “Trending Free” Tab
Navigating the new "Trending Free" tab is simple:
Open Steam: Start by launching the Steam application on your computer.
Go to the Store Page: Once Steam is open, head to the main store page.
Locate the “Trending Free” Tab: Scroll down midway through the page, and you’ll see the "Trending Free" tab among other tabs like new releases and top sellers.
Browse the Free Content: Click on the "Trending Free" tab to browse a selection of free demos, free-to-play games, and other no-cost software.
The section currently features popular items like the demo for Worshippers of Cthulhu and the free benchmarking tool for Black Myth: Wukong. As new content becomes available, this section will be updated, so it’s a good idea to check back regularly.
Managing Free Content on Steam
One of the great features of this new update is the ability to manage your free content more effectively. You can now add demos to your Steam library without installing them right away. This makes it easier to collect and organize demos that you’re interested in without cluttering your hard drive.
Additionally, Valve has introduced some new rules for store page descriptions. Developers can no longer link to external websites or other Steam games within these pages. This change is aimed at preventing confusion and keeping users focused on the content available within the Steam ecosystem. Moreover, the use of images that imitate the Steam user interface is now banned, ensuring that all game pages maintain a consistent look and feel.
What Does This Mean for You?
For Steam users, this update means a more streamlined experience when looking for free games and demos. The "Trending Free" tab consolidates all free content in one place, making it easier than ever to find new games to try without spending a dime. Plus, the ability to manage your demos more effectively ensures that your library remains organized.
For developers, these changes mean that demos and prologues will have their own dedicated pages, with automatic links to the full games. This ensures that users have a clear understanding of what they are downloading, reducing the chances of confusion.
Conclusion
Valve’s new "Trending Free" section is a welcome update to Steam’s store page, making it easier for users to discover and manage free content. Whether you’re looking to try out a new game or simply want to explore what’s available, the "Trending Free" tab is the place to go. Check it out the next time you’re on Steam and see what new games you can discover!