Valve has added a new feature called Steam Link Anywhere to its game streaming service, allowing on-the-go PC gaming.
This comes ahead of the 2019 Game Developers Conference, which is scheduled to be held from March 18 to 22 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Valve Makes PC Game Streaming Handy
As its name suggests, Steam Link Anywhere will let gamers take the full PC gaming experience just about anywhere they like. That is to say, they can stream their favorite Steam games from their computers on another compatible device.
It can be accessed through the discontinued Steam Link hardware or the Steam Link app for Android. Unfortunately for iOS users, Apple is still blocking the app, which was rejected because of "business conflicts."
Aside from the main PC and a compatible device — both of which have the software installed — Valve says the only things gamers need are a "good upload speed" and a "good network connection" for the Steam Link device.
As for how to get started, just update the Steam Client to the beta build that's at least March 13 or later. Next, add a computer and then click on "Other Computer." Pairing instructions should pop up by then, and all that's left to do is follow them.
Steam Link Anywhere is part of the Steam Link beta build 688, and support for it is still in early beta. In other words, it's not surprising to run into some bugs here and there. Before the feature rolled out, Steam Link only allowed gamers to stream within a local network in their homes.
The Portable Game Streaming Trend
At GDC 2019, other competitors on this front are expected to show their take on the whole game streaming service.
For starters, there's Google and its service that's said to be powered by Project Stream. Then there's Microsoft with its Project xCloud.
Other players in the game include Verizon, who has been testing a "Netflix-style" cloud gaming service back in January. Apple is also rumored to be working on something similar, which could explain why Steam Link isn't coming to iOS anytime soon.
