Steam Beta introduces 64-bit Linux client and Achievement Sets
Key Takeaway
The Steam Linux client has transitioned to a 64-bit application running within a Steam Runtime container.
Summary
Valve's latest Steam Beta release brings significant architectural changes to Linux users by moving the client to a 64-bit architecture. The client now operates inside a Steam Runtime container to improve consistency across different Linux distributions. Additionally, a new Achievement Sets system allows developers to group achievements into collections, such as single-player or DLC-specific sets.
Technical changes in Steam Beta
- Linux Client Architecture: Transitioned to a 64-bit application.
- Containerization: The Linux client now runs inside a Steam Runtime container, mirroring the technology used by Steam games to improve distribution compatibility.
- Achievement Sets: A new developer tool to group achievements into collections with individual progress bars and completion trophies.
- Remote Play: Added a "Display Style" setting for aspect ratio stretching and zooming.
- Stability: Fixed memory leaks in game streaming and controller code.
Why it matters
The move to a 64-bit client within a container reduces the dependency on 32-bit system libraries for Linux distributions.
What to do
- Linux Steam users should update to the latest Steam Beta to get the 64-bit client and containerized runtime.
- Steam Deck and Steam Machine users receive the same fixes and improvements in this beta.
- Remote Play users can now adjust the new "Display Style" setting for aspect ratio stretching and zooming.
Original reference: www.gamingonlinux.com →