Google discontinues Steam support for Chromebooks, shifting users towards Android and cloud-based gaming offerings.
Google has announced that it will be ending support for the Steam for Chromebook Beta program on January 1, 2026. This move marks the end of native PC gaming on ChromeOS via Steam.
Launched in partnership with Valve in March 2022, the Steam for Chromebook Beta was Google's major attempt to position Chromebooks as capable gaming platforms. The program allowed select Chromebooks to run Linux-based Steam games natively through ChromeOS's Linux (Crostini) environment. However, the beta remained in beta for nearly four years, was supported only on select higher-end Chromebooks, and never reached full public release.
With the shutdown of the Steam for Chromebook Beta, Google is encouraging users to pivot towards Android games available via the Google Play Store on ChromeOS and cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, which stream games over the internet.
Google has hinted at future gaming plans tied to ChromeOS's architecture becoming closer to Android’s, potentially enabling better Android game experiences and cloud gaming integration. However, no specific plans or native PC game support replacements have been detailed publicly. Updates are expected possibly at Google's next developer conference, Google I/O.
The move may discourage Chromebook buyers who were counting on local gaming capabilities. Users trying to install Steam from the ChromeOS Launcher will now see a discontinuation notice. On January 1, 2026, all installed games via the Steam platform will be removed from Chromebooks.
The Steam for Chromebook Beta demonstrated that Chromebooks could run native PC titles, although performance was limited to higher-end models and a narrow set of compatible games. Google has not announced a native alternative for running PC games directly on ChromeOS.
This decision represents a retreat from native gaming in favor of cloud streaming and Android apps for ChromeOS gaming. Users will need to pivot to Android titles or adopt cloud-based gaming services if they wish to continue gaming on their Chromebooks.
- While the Steam for Chromebook Beta demonstrated that Chromebooks could run native PC titles, Google's decision to end support for the program signals a shift towards cloud streaming and Android apps for gaming on Chromebooks.
- With the shutdown of the Steam for Chromebook Beta, Google is encouraging users to transition to Android games available via the Google Play Store, as well as cloud-based gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, which stream games over the internet.
