Steam is coming to iOS and Android

Valve Corporation

By Matthew Hawkins

Game developer and publisher Valve has just announced that a version of their Steam client, which?digitally distributes their titles and for many others on the PC and Mac, is coming to smartphones, specifically for iOS and Android users.

The creation of the app was the result of countless requests from the Steam userbase, according to Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve, who explains:

"Seeing which of your friends are online and playing a game, sending quick messages, looking at screenshots for an upcoming game, or catching a sale - these are all features customers have requested. Mobile is changing [the] way people interact, play games and consume media, and the Steam app is part of our commitment to meet customer demands and expand the service functionality of Steam to make it richer and more accessible for everyone."

The client is meant to supplement the existing Steam ecosystem on PC and Mac, and not replace the one found on iOS and Android ? something that both Apple and Google have in place for their devices already. But you can purchase games for your desktop computers though your phone, plus chat with other users and keep tabs on their business.

In that sense, it's similar to the Xbox Live app that iOS users have been using already.?On that note, not only is an Android version forth coming, but Forbes?speculates that Microsoft may also provide Xbox Live games for both platforms. This follows the steps of the Windows Phone version that already allows a degree of interaction between smartphone and console players.

Such functionality from the Steam app is possible, but you can assume that's for later down the road. Meanwhile, it is available for download, but currently in closed beta. To join, simply download the app and try to sign in with your Steam account info; you'll be given notice that your interest has been accounted for, and you'll be added to the list of hopeful beta testers.

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Matthew Hawkins is a NYC based game journalist who has also written for EGM, GameSetWatch, Gamasutra, Giant Robot, and numerous others. He also self-publishes his own game culture zine, is part of Attract Mode, and co-hosts of The Fangamer Podcast. You can keep tabs on him via?Twitter,?or his personal home-base,?FORT90.com.

Source: http://ingame.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/26/10244794-steam-is-coming-to-ios-and-android

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