For years, most PC games have run on computers using x86 processors, but Valve is now investing heavily in ARM-based systems. This is clear with their new Steam Deck, a VR headset powered by an ARM-based Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Valve engineer Jeremy Selan recently told PCGamer that Steam will also begin highlighting games that work with ARM architecture.
I’m really excited about ARM processors. The fact that the core design is open source is a huge deal – it basically means anyone can tweak and run pretty much anything on it, as long as it’s been built for that specific hardware. And that’s awesome because it opens the door to things like getting SteamOS running on ARM devices, even if it doesn’t come with it pre-installed.
Selan explained that because the software is open source, users can already download and use SteamOS. With the upcoming release of SteamOS for ARM devices, gaming will be possible on any ARM-based hardware. He added, ‘This is a significant first step, and we’re really thrilled about it.’
Many popular VR headsets, like those from Meta (including the Rift series), use ARM processors and run on Android-based operating systems like HorizonOS. Valve is also exploring ways to let users play compatible VR games directly from APK files – the standard format for Android apps.
According to Leinbaugh, this device can also run apps designed for ARM processors. Selan added that developers who’ve already created mobile VR apps will find those apps work seamlessly on this headset. Valve designer Lawrence Yang also mentioned that Steam will soon highlight software built using APKs that are compatible with ARM devices.
Valve is expanding support to include ARM-based hardware and APK software to encourage more game developers to offer their games on Steam. According to Selan, Valve will welcome developers who create games specifically for ARM devices, but will continue to support those who prefer to develop for the more traditional x86 architecture as well.
Selan explained that Steam aims to be open to all developers, and they want to support the development environments developers prefer. Whether that’s creating software for ARM APKs, x86 PCs, or other platforms, Steam will work to ensure compatibility.
Most gaming PCs use x86 processors, but Steam already works on ARM-based computers like Apple Macs with Apple Silicon chips. Currently, though, Windows PCs that use ARM processors can’t run Steam directly.
You can find more information about the Steam Frame, Valve’s new ARM-based VR headset, in our announcement coverage. We also have a story explaining why Valve doesn’t consider the Steam Frame a direct replacement for the Index.
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2025-11-13 18:41