Valve launches Steam Chat app for Smartphones

1 min readUpdated May 24, 2019Jun 13, 201911:04 PM

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After bringing Steam Link app to gamers and the option play all games from their Steam library on mobile phones, Valve releases another app that’s meant to modernized Steam chat experience. The new Steam Chat mobile app is now available for free on both Android and iOS platforms via Google Play Store and App Store.

Among the many features it offers, it’s worth mentioning the customizable notifications, which will prevent users from missing a message or game invite. These notifications can be customized per friend, group chat, and chat channel.

Obviously, you’ll be able to see who’s in game or online before you start chatting with your Steam friends. Furthermore, Valve promises a rich experience thanks to higher fidelity links, videos, tweets, GIFs, Giphy, Steam emoticons, and more.

The Steam Chat mobile app will also allow users to add new friends on Steam with a link. You’ll just need to generate an invite link to send via text or email. Last but not least, the app features support for group chats.

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What this means

Valve's Steam Chat app, providing free mobile access to its robust messaging features, represents a strategic defensive play. While not a direct retail product like H&M's steam pump pilot or AEON's store expansion, it solidifies the digital retail ecosystem around its game platform. This move pressures competitors relying on third-party communication tools, as it streamlines the user experience for millions of gamers. The integrated rich media and customisable notifications improve retention, reducing reliance on external apps. The primary risk lies in user adoption; if gamers prefer existing generalist chat apps, the investment yields limited returns. Watch for Steam Chat's reported download figures and user engagement metrics in the next quarter.

Aiko Tanaka · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What platforms is the new Steam Chat app available on?

The new Steam Chat mobile app is available for free on both Android and iOS platforms. Users can download it from the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices.

What are some of the key features offered by the Steam Chat app?

Key features include customizable notifications for friends and groups, the ability to see who is online or in-game, and support for high-fidelity links, videos, and GIFs. It also allows adding friends via invite links.

How can users add new friends using the Steam Chat mobile app?

Users can add new friends by generating an invite link within the app. This link can then be sent to others via text message or email, simplifying the process of expanding their Steam network.

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