What does adding a non-Steam Game do?

What Does Adding a Non-Steam Game Do?

Adding a non-Steam game to your Steam library may seem like a simple process, but it can have various effects on your gaming experience. In this article, we will explore what happens when you add a non-Steam game to your Steam library and what benefits and drawbacks you can expect.

What is a Non-Steam Game?

Before we dive into the details, let’s define what a non-Steam game is. A non-Steam game is a game that is not distributed or sold through the Steam digital distribution platform. This can include games that are downloaded from other platforms, such as GOG, Origin, or the Epic Games Store, or games that are purchased from a physical store.

What Happens When You Add a Non-Steam Game to Steam?

When you add a non-Steam game to your Steam library, you are essentially creating a shortcut to the game on your computer. This means that you can access the game through the Steam client, just like you would with a game that is purchased through Steam.

Here are some of the things that happen when you add a non-Steam game to Steam:

• Shortcut Creation: Steam creates a shortcut to the game on your computer, allowing you to access it through the Steam client.
• Game Launch: When you launch the game through Steam, it will launch the game directly, without going through the Steam overlay.
• Game Updates: Steam will not update the game for you, as it is not a Steam-published game. You will need to update the game manually through the game’s own update mechanism.
• Achievements and Cloud Saves: Steam will not track achievements or cloud saves for non-Steam games, as these features are specific to Steam-published games.

Benefits of Adding a Non-Steam Game to Steam

Adding a non-Steam game to Steam can have several benefits, including:

• Easier Access: You can access the game through the Steam client, making it easier to launch and play.
• Organization: You can organize your games into categories and folders within the Steam client, making it easier to find and play your non-Steam games.
• Controller Support: Steam can automatically detect and configure your game controller for non-Steam games, making it easier to play with a controller.

Drawbacks of Adding a Non-Steam Game to Steam

While adding a non-Steam game to Steam can have several benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Support: Steam will not provide technical support for non-Steam games, as they are not officially supported.
• No Updates: Steam will not update the game for you, as it is not a Steam-published game. You will need to update the game manually through the game’s own update mechanism.
• No Achievements or Cloud Saves: Steam will not track achievements or cloud saves for non-Steam games, as these features are specific to Steam-published games.

Conclusion

Adding a non-Steam game to your Steam library can be a convenient way to access and play your games through the Steam client. However, it’s important to understand the limitations and drawbacks of adding a non-Steam game to Steam, including limited support, no updates, and no achievements or cloud saves. By understanding what happens when you add a non-Steam game to Steam, you can make informed decisions about how to manage your games and take advantage of the benefits of Steam while minimizing the drawbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I play non-Steam games with friends on Steam?: Yes, you can play non-Steam games with friends on Steam, as long as the game is multiplayer-compatible and your friends are also playing the game.
• Can I earn achievements for non-Steam games on Steam?: No, Steam will not track achievements for non-Steam games, as these features are specific to Steam-published games.
• Can I use Steam’s cloud saves for non-Steam games?: No, Steam will not track cloud saves for non-Steam games, as these features are specific to Steam-published games.

Table: Non-Steam Game Support on Steam

I hope this article has been helpful in understanding what happens when you add a non-Steam game to Steam. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.