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The most recent, potentially innovative Steam feature has arrived in the form of "Steam Broadcasting", which allows users to spectate their friends via a built-in livestream. Once livestreaming, viewers and streamers can interact with one another using the standard Steam chat.
By opting into the latest Steam Client Beta, a new "Watch Game" button on the Steam Friends List can be used to watch a friend's game live. But haven't Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive had this functionality for years? Well, yes - but this time, it would appear any Steam game can be instantly livestreamed to other users via the Steam Client, rather than having to use in-game functionality itself (any game can be livestreamed, including both multiplayer games such as Dota 2 and singleplayer/co-operative titles such as Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel). Should the streamer prefer, they may also livestream their own desktop and the various windows displayed on it.
Currently, both the streamer and the viewer must have opted in to the Steam Client Beta in order to be able to view or host a livestream. Given the system is still in beta, it currently lacks a number of features likely set to be ready in time for a final release, such as a wider selection of web browsers (Steam, Chrome, and Safari are currently supported) and archived livestreams, which are listed as being "currently live only". Livestreaming settings, such as bit rate, video dimensions, microphone, and desktop settings can be changed via the Steam Client's Settings panel, which has been updated to support Steam Broadcasting.
More information regarding this exciting new functionality can be found over on the Steam Broadcasting announcement page, the system's FAQ, and an all-new "Broadcasting" community hub used to find the most popular streamers. Happy Streaming!
Currently, both the streamer and the viewer must have opted in to the Steam Client Beta in order to be able to view or host a livestream. Given the system is still in beta, it currently lacks a number of features likely set to be ready in time for a final release, such as a wider selection of web browsers (Steam, Chrome, and Safari are currently supported) and archived livestreams, which are listed as being "currently live only". Livestreaming settings, such as bit rate, video dimensions, microphone, and desktop settings can be changed via the Steam Client's Settings panel, which has been updated to support Steam Broadcasting.
More information regarding this exciting new functionality can be found over on the Steam Broadcasting announcement page, the system's FAQ, and an all-new "Broadcasting" community hub used to find the most popular streamers. Happy Streaming!
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