In the world of PC gaming, Steam’s In-Home Streaming feature is a popular way to play your favorite titles on different devices within your home network. However, a common question among users is whether this functionality extends beyond Steam’s own library to include games added as non-Steam titles. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of Steam’s streaming technology can help you optimize your gaming setup and potentially expand your game library management. This article explores whether you can stream games that are not officially part of Steam, the methods involved, and the current support status.
Can Steam’s In-Home Streaming Play Non-Steam Games?
Initially, Steam’s in-home streaming was designed primarily for titles purchased through or added to the Steam platform. However, users quickly discovered that Steam could also stream non-Steam games, including those added via the “Add a Non-Steam Game” feature. This method allows you to add executable files of any game or application to your Steam library, enabling you to launch and stream them using Steam’s streaming feature.
For example, if you have an installation of Star Wars: The Old Republic on your gaming rig, you can add it as a non-Steam game. Once added, you can initiate streaming from your client device, such as a laptop or another PC within your network, and play the game remotely. This process effectively bypasses the need for the game to be officially supported by Steam, offering flexibility for games purchased from other stores or through direct downloads.
How to Add Non-Steam Games to Steam
Adding non-Steam titles to your library is straightforward. Open Steam on your host machine, go to the bottom left corner, and select “Add a Game” > “Add a Non-Steam Game…”. If the game or program isn’t listed, use the “Browse…” option to locate its executable file manually. Once added, the game appears in your library, and you can launch it directly from Steam, which will handle the streaming process.
Limitations and Considerations
While this method usually works, it’s important to note that streaming non-Steam games is not officially supported by Steam. This means you might encounter issues such as reduced performance, compatibility problems, or certain features not functioning properly. Despite these limitations, many users have successfully streamed non-Steam titles, including popular games and even general applications like word processors or media players. For instance, you can also stream other programs and even the entire desktop by leaving the game running and switching to desktop mode, which is a handy trick for multitasking or recording.
Official Support and Recent Changes
Steam’s support for streaming non-Steam games has evolved over time. As of October 2018, Steam’s support articles indicated that adding non-Steam shortcuts was possible and could work, though it was not officially supported. The feature was considered somewhat experimental, and users reported mixed results depending on their system configuration.
However, recent updates have changed the landscape. Some reports suggest that Steam no longer fully supports streaming non-Steam games, especially those added as shortcuts, due to policy changes or technical adjustments. Despite this, many users have confirmed that the workaround of adding games manually still functions in certain setups, and the feature remains accessible for some.
Changes in Support and Functionality
Steam’s changelog from March 21, 2018, mentions fixing bugs related to non-Steam game streaming and controller support, indicating that the feature was still being refined. Conversely, some recent user reports claim that Steam has limited or disabled this ability, emphasizing the importance of checking current documentation or community forums for the latest status.
Practical Tips for Streaming Non-Steam Titles
If you want to maximize your chances of success, ensure that your Steam client is updated, and the non-Steam game is added correctly. Be prepared for potential issues such as lag or compatibility hiccups. For more advanced setups, some users configure custom launch options or use third-party tools to improve performance.
Additional Resources and Tips
For those interested in game development or customizing their gaming experience, understanding how to manage permissions and add collaborators can be useful. For example, if you’re developing a game on Roblox, you might want to learn how to assign development rights by exploring permissions management. Similarly, exploring game genre trends and research can help you innovate and create engaging content, which can be inspired by strategies discussed in researching new genres for game development.
Furthermore, transforming your game ideas into popular hits involves understanding market trends and effective development practices. Resources like transforming concepts into chart-topping mobile games provide valuable insights. If you’re venturing into mobile gaming, consider studying the specifics of mobile app development to ensure your project reaches its full potential.
Conclusion
In summary, Steam’s in-home streaming can, under certain conditions, be used to stream non-Steam games added as shortcuts. Although this functionality is not officially supported, many users have found it effective for gaming from different devices within their network. Keep in mind that recent updates may have altered support, so verifying the current status via official Steam resources or community feedback is recommended. For those interested in expanding their gaming or development skills, exploring related topics through authoritative guides can further enhance your experience and expertise.