Steam's latest beta brings 'Big Art' to Big Picture Mode and Steam Deck, and customizable screensavers too
Steam’s latest beta update introduces a cleaner Big Art Mode for Big Picture and Steam Deck, plus customizable screensavers and performance tweaks.
Valve’s latest Steam client beta introduces a new "Big Art Mode" for Big Picture and Steam Deck users, replacing the standard cluttered interface with large, highlighted game artwork as a backdrop. The feature lowers the recently played carousel and keeps all existing content accessible via scrolling, offering a cleaner visual layout. Some games, such as *The Merlies*, do not adapt well to the new style, but Valve notes this is an ongoing refinement process.
A new screensaver option in Big Picture Mode allows users to display a slideshow of art from recently played games, including personal screenshots, or a retro-style bouncing Steam logo reminiscent of older DVD players. The feature is purely cosmetic but adds a nostalgic touch for users who prefer visual customization. Users can also upload custom screensavers with minimal effort, enhancing personalization options within the interface.
Performance improvements accompany the visual updates, including faster Steam startup times and reduced overhead for game recording in some Direct3D 12 titles on Windows. Linux support has also been updated, addressing compatibility and stability issues. Valve emphasizes these changes as part of a broader effort to refine the Steam client’s functionality across platforms.
The beta update is available now by opting into the Steam client beta via the Interface menu in Steam settings. Valve advises users to expect potential bugs typical of beta software, though the company has a strong track record with client updates. Full patch notes are accessible for review, detailing all changes included in the latest iteration.