What does it mean to hide a game on Steam?

What Does it Mean to Hide a Game on Steam?

Hiding a game on Steam can be a convenient way to keep your game library organized, but it’s essential to understand what it actually does. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Steam and explore the implications of hiding a game on this popular gaming platform.

What Happens When You Hide a Game on Steam?

When you hide a game on Steam, it removes the game from your Steam library, making it inaccessible from the main game menu. This doesn’t mean the game is deleted, but rather, it’s moved to a hidden state, allowing you to organize your game collection without deleting games you may want to revisit in the future.

How to Hide a Game on Steam

To hide a game on Steam, follow these simple steps:

• Open your Steam client and navigate to your Steam library.
• Right-click on the game you want to hide and select "Manage" from the drop-down menu.
• In the Manage Game window, click on the "Properties" tab.
• Toggle the "Visible in library" option to the off position.
• Confirm the changes by clicking "Save Changes".

Why Hide a Game on Steam?

There are several reasons why you might want to hide a game on Steam:

• Organization: Hiding games you no longer play or want to keep in your collection but don’t want to access frequently can help keep your library organized and clutter-free.
• Game Completion: If you’ve completed a game but don’t want to play it again, hiding it can free up space in your library without deleting the game entirely.
• Personal Preference: You might want to hide games that don’t appeal to you or games that are no longer relevant to your gaming interests.

Will Hiding a Game on Steam Affect My Profile?

When you hide a game on Steam, it will not affect your profile or the games listed under your "Currently Playing" or "Recently Played" sections. Your friends can still see which games you’re playing, even if they’re hidden in your library.

How to Unhide a Game on Steam

Unhiding a game on Steam is just as easy as hiding it:

• Follow the same steps as above, but toggle the "Visible in library" option to the on position instead.
• Confirm the changes by clicking "Save Changes".

Important Considerations

• Saved Progress: Hiding a game will not affect your saved progress. If you decide to unhide the game, you can pick up where you left off.
• Digital Rights: Hiding a game does not relinquish your digital rights to the game. You can always unhide and reinstall the game at a later time.
• Storage Space: Hiding a game will not free up storage space on your device, as the game remains on your Steam account.

Conclusion

Hiding a game on Steam can be a useful tool for keeping your game library organized, but it’s essential to understand what it actually does. By hiding a game, you’re simply moving it to a hidden state, allowing you to keep your collection tidy without deleting games you may want to revisit in the future.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Use the "Hidden Games" folder to store games you’re no longer playing or don’t want to access frequently.
• Regularly check your "Hidden Games" folder to ensure it doesn’t get cluttered with games you’ve forgotten about.
• Consider hiding games that are no longer compatible with your device or are no longer supported by the developer.

By understanding the implications of hiding a game on Steam, you can make informed decisions about how to manage your game library and ensure a seamless gaming experience.