I wasn’t immediately sure who the latest Steam client beta update, which allows Steam review writers to optionally attach their hardware specs and anonymised framerate data, was for. The reviewers? Not unless they want to inadvertently reveal that the reason they aren’t getting 360fps in Space Marine 2 is because they’re trying to run it on a 3DFX Voodoo Banshee. Developers? Performance data could be useful but if I ran a QA department, I’d want that coming from observable tests, not from the bottom of a slur-filled missive from ViperSniper69 (0.2hrs on record).

Then I read the words “This feature is currently in Beta with a focus on devices running SteamOS,” and realised: this is for Valve themselves. A devious ploy to record how thousands of hitherto unbenchmarked games run on the Steam Deck and, eventually, the new Steam Machine.

Don’t try denying, Gabe and company. The smoking patch note lies further down: “When submitting feedback on whether you agree with a Deck Verified rating, if you disagree we’ll now ask for the reason.” The Steam Deck Verified programme, huh? Like that of the – and you can’t see, but I’m about to pull back a large ruched curtain – Steam Machine Verified programme? You may be gaining access to countless reams of performance and system data, Valve, but I’m the one who knows your game.

This isn’t even the first Steam patch of 2026 to prepare for the upcoming, if moderately delayed, Linux gamesbox. Less than a month ago, a huge pile of Steam Input and Big Picture Mode fixes and improvements was unsubtly dumped into the launcher, a brazen show of strength for the Machine’s intended controller support. Analysing game performance? Enabling third-party peripherals as well as the official Steam Controller? Christ, the depths some people would sink to.

There are other possibilities here, like helping smaller developers identify tech issues or letting players with similar hardware to a reviewer see how a game might run. Unfortunately, I’ve decided they’re all nonsense, in favour of the Steam Machine thing.