If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Steam is getting Discord-like group chat - report

Valve is apparently refreshing the Steam UI for chat and groups, and the updated style is very reminiscent of Discord.

The new Steam chat UI will not only give it a more modern look, a lot of the functionality is taking inspiration from Discord.

For instance, the new system will support media uploads and embeds, direct invite links to the room, group voice chat, enhanced audio, and a web version that offers the same functionality for those who don't have Steam installed.

You'll also be able to quickly create and save groups permanently. Group chat itself is seeing a major upgrade, with cross-game chat (including voice) that even shows what everyone's playing and allows for easier invites.

Early details about the updated chat feature were first uncovered by SteamDB. A couple of hours later, a more thorough explanation of what's new popped up on Reddit.

These details, which Valve has yet to announce any of, were originally leaked on a Russian forum (via PCGamesN).

On the same forum, a single screenshot of the new UI was posted, which you can see above. It goes without saying that even the UI elements take inspiration from a certain other popular chat app.

Though it's very unlikely, the screenshot could be a fake. What's indisputable, though, is that Valve is working on an updated group chat UI, as seen in Steam's database updates.

A closed beta for the new Steam chat is said to be starting soon.

Sign in and unlock a world of features

Get access to commenting, homepage personalisation, newsletters, and more!

Related topics
About the Author
Sherif Saed avatar

Sherif Saed

Contributor

Sherif (he/him) is VG247’s go-to shooter and Souls-likes person. Whether it’s news, reviews, or op-eds – Sherif is always eager to tell you about video games. He's one of VG247's most veteran writers, with 10+ years experience on the site.

Comments