Full Steam ahead for Valve's new download platform

Dull details, exciting results

Full Steam ahead for Valve's new download platform. Gaming, Valve, Steam, PC Gaming, 0

18 July 2011 10:57 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

Valve has revamped its Steam download platform, adding an "all-new" server and client code to deliver better download rates.

Okay, okay....we know that a news story containing the words "server", "client code" and "download rates" isn't exactly turning the exciteometer up to 11, but the announcement is great news for PC gamers looking to get their game on, without having to wait for hours for games to trickle down their phone-lines.

"The maximum aggregate bandwidth of the system will be greater than the current system; this will help us satisfy spikes in demand when there’s a big release," read the official announcement.

"Upcoming client releases will include things like download scheduling, bandwidth throttling, and prioritising which games get downloaded first. You’ll also be able to download an update to a game while you’re playing that game; Steam will apply the update after you exit the game."

The update also means smaller patches for game updates.

The new service isn't widely available yet though - it will be rolling out gradually with "more and more of the content on Steam" being added to the system.

Valve recently announced free gaming on Steam as well, so it's clear that despite success, the digital distributor isn't sitting still.

Via: store.steampowered.com

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