Steam Removes Helpful New Feature

by

Steam Removes Helpful New Feature

Highlights

  • Valve tested a new “Helpfulness” system for Steam Reviews, but quickly disabled it after it was spotted by users.
  • The system aimed to filter out joke or unhelpful reviews and low-quality content, possibly using a text analysis algorithm.
  • If successful, the system could improve the usefulness of Steam reviews, addressing long-standing concerns from players and developers.

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of gaming platforms like Steam from their infancy to the behemoth they are today. The latest buzz is about Valve testing a new “Helpfulness” system for Steam Reviews, which, unfortunately, was short-lived due to its quick discovery by the community.

Within mere hours of appearing, a beneficial new feature on Steam seemed to make its debut, only for Valve to subsequently remove it. The feature was initially noticed by astute Steam users in the review section of their marketplace. However, once news about it started circulating, the feature was swiftly disabled.

For decades, Valve, being the proprietor and manager of Steam and a trailblazer in digital game distribution, has held a dominant spot at the peak of the PC gaming industry. In spite of escalating competition from contenders such as the Epic Games Store, which frequently provides free games, or indie-centric marketplaces like Itch.io, Valve has successfully preserved its advantage by continually enhancing the user-friendliness of its extensive platform.

A potential method for enhancement is the addition of novel attributes, like one designed to assist gamers in more effectively sifting through Steam Reviews. It seems that Valve has been experimenting with a “Helpfulness” mechanism on the review sections of different Steam store pages, as observed by users on Reddit and social media. However, it’s unclear what the new system actually did, and Valve quickly deactivated the system after it was noticed.

Valve Potentially Testing New System For Filtering Helpful Steam Reviews

Based on screenshots shared by users who spotted changes in Steam’s review system, it appears that certain store pages now have a new option under the “Display” tab in the reviews section. This option, not present before, allows players to utilize a fresh helpfulness system when viewing reviews. This system affects how reviews are displayed for “Summary” and “Most Helpful” categories. Initial feedback suggests this system is designed to enhance the usefulness of reading a full Steam review, rather than solely relying on the overall positive or negative ratings of multiple Steam reviews.

It appears that the helpfulness system, which filters out less constructive and potentially misleading reviews, is currently undergoing testing by Valve. Although some users have reported seeing it active, they quickly disabled the feature. The system could potentially combat review-bombing incidents, such as those experienced by Earth Defense Force 6, to improve user experience for more players. Some speculate that this system uses a text analysis algorithm to flag reviews based on their quality and helpfulness.

Concerns about Steam’s review system have lingered for both Valve and numerous game developers, as users have consistently voiced dissatisfaction over its effectiveness in guiding purchase decisions. Due to the vast number of Steam users, the review section often contains joke reviews, automated text, and borderline spam. Users have repeatedly requested changes from Valve regarding their review policy, but so far, the community is still expected to help manage the reviews. If a helpfulness system proves effective, Steam could further evolve into an excellent platform for players to share their insights on PC games, both old and new.

Read More

2024-08-11 16:05