Lines of code found in the latest Steam client beta are adding credence to a long-running rumour that Valve is working on its own cloud gaming service.

Data miner Pavel Djundik has found several references to a cloud gaming operation in the beta client’s code, along with additional code that refers to timed trials.

“The timed trials and cloud gaming are related to each other, there’s ‘GetCloudGameTimeRemaining’ method,” Djundik suggests over Twitter. “We knew about NVIDIA before, but this beta adds more methods for Steam to interact with the NVIDIA cloud.

“For example, CloudGamingNVIDIAUpdateGameList”.

Latest Steam client beta adds more support for Steam cloud gaming operations and timed trials. pic.twitter.com/EpdwXYVnCd

— Pavel Djundik (@thexpaw) May 25, 2020

This is the first we’ve heard about an apparent Steam Cloud Gaming service since last year, when Steam’s developer-only portal received a code update with references to the service. Valve has yet to offer any confirmation.

It wouldn’t be completely out of left field for Steam to introduce its own cloud gaming effort. With both Google and Microsoft cracking entering into the field with their respective Stadia and xCloud platforms, it would seem like the next logical step for Valve.

Steam already has numerous cloud-based offerings, including Steam Link, Steam Link Anywhere, and Steam Remote Play, but is yet to introduce a way that doesn’t require using your PC as a server to stream games.

Valve didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but we’ll update if we hear back.

Posted: May 27, 2020 5:07 pm
Related Forum: PC Gaming Forum

Source: https://www.vg247.com/2020/05/25/steam-cloud-gaming-valve/