Google is set to end support for the Steam for Chromebook Beta program at the close of this year. Reports indicate that Chromebook users are currently greeted with notifications regarding the discontinuation when they attempt to launch the beta application. The tech company has slated January 1, 2026, as the termination date for Steam. After this date, all pre-installed games will be automatically uninstalled from users’ devices. No specific reasons have been provided by Google for the decision to shut down the initiative.
Chromebooks Will Soon Stop Supporting Steam Games
According to a report from 9to5Google, users attempting to install or access Steam on their Chromebooks will now encounter a message detailing the discontinuation. While the beta version is operational at present, this functionality is projected to change after 2026.
The notification reportedly states, “The Steam for Chromebook Beta program will conclude on January 1st, 2026. After this date, games installed as part of the Beta will no longer be available to play on your device. We appreciate your participation in and contribution to learnings from the beta program, which will inform the future of Chromebook gaming.”
Google initiated its efforts to tailor Steam for Chromebook in March 2022, launching the Steam for Chromebook alpha program. By November of that same year, the alpha phase was closed and the project transitioned to beta, featuring reduced hardware requirements. Notably, Steam for Chromebook operates using Linux versions of games, with Google ensuring compatibility for 99 different titles on the operating system.
Despite its shift to beta, Steam has not received significant updates since then, culminating in the recent announcement of the program’s closure. Steam support was crucial to Google’s strategy for promoting Gaming Chromebooks. Following January 1, users will still have access to play Android games available on the Play Store, although this selection will not rival the offerings found on Steam.
For Chromebook users seeking alternatives, cloud-based gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or Amazon Luna remain viable options.