The American game developer and distributor recently launched a beta for its Steam Broadcasting. The new mode allows Valve users to watch their online friends "play their Steam games live" through the "Watch Game" option.
Steam Broadcasting Beta, which requires a "non-limited" Steam account and a currently not Community Banned profile, features live broadcast of its user's game play. When a user sees a friend playing a game and he wanted to peek-in, the gamer will just click the profile of the friend. The player will then see a "Watch Game" option.
Users who wanted to try the Steam Broadcasting Beta need to follow three simple steps. First, user will have to go to Steam client main menu. Under the "Settings" button, Steam user must click on account. Lastly, user will have to change the "Beta Participation" setting to "Steam Beta Update."
It is important to note that broadcasts from the beta version are currently set for "live-only." Saving for later viewing is not allowed. To give clearer instructions for the latest beta version of Steam Broadcasting, Valve released an FAQ.
To be able to watch a friend's game, Steam user will have to go to the Friend's list then, next to friend's name, player must select "Watch Game." If the user is in a friend's profile, the "Watch Game" button is located below the "Currently In Game."
In terms of privacy, Valve made four settings, Only friends I invite can watch my games; Friends can request to watch my games; Friends can watch my games; and Anyone can watch my games. Change of setting can be done in the Steam Client's Settings panel.
Browser requirements wise, Steam Broadcasting will work with Steam Client, Google Chrome and Apple Safari. In terms of operating systems, the beta version is supported on Windows 7 and Windows 8. Linux, OSX and Windows Vista support will be available soon.
Like other streaming site, copyright infringement and violation of intellectual law are prohibited. Steam Broadcasting also noted that "online conduct and interaction with other Subscribers should be guided by common sense and basic etiquette."
