Integrating Other Programs into Steam

[ChaoticLizard]

Steam is great for digital game distribution, although there are some things that are lacking. I'm not saying that Steam can do better, but there are some other programs out there that are much more streamlined.

Essentially what I'm suggesting is a combination of interfaces into the overlay. I find that my primary chat interface is Skype, instead of Steam, because I feel the process is much more streamlined and better in general. Other programs could be integrated into the in-game overlay too, such as music players, and it would save the developers some time for other things instead of programming it themselves.

Even a workshop or a section in the store for Overlay mods could work, where people can subscribe to a mod that alters the overlay to accomadate a program. It would just seem a lot less of a hassle if alt-tabbing out of a game to answer a skype call was not needed; some games take a long time to resume if you alt-tab.

Of course, this is a suggestion I came up with on the spot. It's not perfect, nor entirely comprehensive, but it's a start. Other input can be helpful, and I think this could help gamers get what they want in Steam without too much more work on Steam's behalf, getting to the fixes we want more quickly! Let other companies help in making Steam even better than it is already!

EDIT: (November 5th, 2012)

In light of the recent discussion, it has been made known the potential security issues that would accompany this features, in addition to security issues already present. People also complain as this as being bloatware. Before Valve could move on with this, they would need to address the major issues of security and streamline it for others who want to Opt-out.

Other features that could be implemented could be individual apps launched from the overlay, making it like the desktop, instead of having them integrated directly into the overlay. This would allow for maximum compatability between the apps in addition to allowing users to select which apps they want at that time.

[Roar]

This could have potental and could be awsome if done right.

[GalacticYeeter]

there are plenty of intergrations that should be done to improve steams over all experience like for example windows media player,skype (like op suggested personally i like the idea my self sense i use skype often) and some kind of broadcasting/in game streaming program would be nice so people can watch other people play without having to be a spectator in game and the web browser interface could also be improved

[VenomShifter]

If you feel the need to have this type of overlay, you should take a look at Overwolf[www.overwolf.com]

And I give this a vote up, because it really is needed to keep up with our digital age :)

[McKay]

I'd really love to see the ability to add arbitrary applications to the Steam Overlay, such as IRC or a media player. Maybe add buttons at the top/bottom/side that would bring up the application window and let you minimize it again?

[ChaoticLizard]

To add on, I feel as if the Steam Overlay is already there; Valve wouldn't have to create it, they'd only have to modify the program/overlay to allow others to start making their own mods.

Originally posted by Dr. McKay:

I'd really love to see the ability to add arbitrary applications to the Steam Overlay, such as IRC or a media player. Maybe add buttons at the top/bottom/side that would bring up the application window and let you minimize it again?

This would be good, and an easier way to manage things on the overlay. Instead of making direct mods, individual apps could be launched in the steam overlay to allow for best compatability.

[TheBareKnuckleBrawler]

steam needs to remove their heavy integration in user's OS's as it is.

[ChaoticLizard]

Originally posted by Duro Vic:

steam needs to remove their heavy integration in user's OS's as it is.

What do you mean? Steam really isn't integrated in a computer's operating system. It's just like any program, you can shut it off when you want to.

If you are alluding to the integration of the overlay in games, it is convenient. It lets people do things already without minimizing their games. Some games can't be minimized, otherwise it takes forever to bring them back up. The overlay presents an opportunity for other entities to make gaming as user friendly as possible.

Software development is such a broad category, with a lot of applications having nothing to do with others, creating an environment where competition should be minimal. I'm pretty sure consumers like us want companies to work together to smooth out and streamline the UI of whatever we use. I know I do, so why not with Steam?

[TheBareKnuckleBrawler]

this overlay is too large and too buggy first of all and since its poorly coded, it offers a very substantial attack vector. it offers to much easeofuse in the fact it can open your broswer with a simple click, it can connect to private, ad-filled, ad-displayed servers run by whoknowswho and thats just for starters. id prefer a very minimal program with seperate extentions (if i dont use em, i dont need them on my drive) with options galor to properly config its use of my OS while its running. i been meaning to address this with a large reply to steam, but havent had the time. steams a bit larger then a download manager for gaming now. theyre starting to get into deeper water with this large app and not even paying attention where theyre going or better said, where theyre taking their consumers

[McKay]

Originally posted by Duro Vic:

this overlay is too large and too buggy first of all and since its poorly coded, it offers a very substantial attack vector. it offers to much easeofuse in the fact it can open your broswer with a simple click, it can connect to private, ad-filled, ad-displayed servers run by whoknowswho and thats just for starters. id prefer a very minimal program with seperate extentions (if i dont use em, i dont need them on my drive) with options galor to properly config its use of my OS while its running. i been meaning to address this with a large reply to steam, but havent had the time. steams a bit larger then a download manager for gaming now. theyre starting to get into deeper water with this large app and not even paying attention where theyre going or better said, where theyre taking their consumers

The overlay crashes a bit, but it's not really an attack vector. I dunno what you're talking about.

Any browser can connect to ad-filled websites. All you have to do is type the URL...

[TheBareKnuckleBrawler]

it completely is with all those flaws, instabilities and poorly thought out lack of security options let alone the growing size and functionality of this swollen app. might want to research it if youre really curious on how. i have no time to point you in the right direction atm. i prefer not to have a browser at all integrated into my drive either, yet its there. ad filled servers? my hardware statics being uploaded? links spattered about to fb? wheres the seperation of personal life/gaming life going when all i only wanted to dl games? im not trying to introduce strangers from my gaming life into my personal life and i know im not the only one thinking this way. ill bring this out when i have the time to address it as im not into helping companies address their issues off my time, forced. enjoy your day

[ChaoticLizard]

Originally posted by Duro Vic:

it completely is with all those flaws, instabilities and poorly thought out lack of security options let alone the growing size and functionality of this swollen app. might want to research it if youre really curious on how. i have no time to point you in the right direction atm. i prefer not to have a browser at all integrated into my drive either, yet its there. ad filled servers? my hardware statics being uploaded? links spattered about to fb? wheres the seperation of personal life/gaming life going when all i only wanted to dl games? im not trying to introduce strangers from my gaming life into my personal life and i know im not the only one thinking this way. ill bring this out when i have the time to address it as im not into helping companies address their issues off my time, forced. enjoy your day

If you don't like it, then don't use it. And besides, you make no sense whatsoever. @Dr. Mckay makes a good point, and I think you're missing the points I've made before. You can't "click over" to another browser with some games; they pretty much stop functioning if you alt-tab or minimize it.

Also, if apps are integrated, who's to say that Google or Microsoft won't make a Chrome or IE plugin for the overlay? They would be bringing a polished browser to the front, making everybody's gaming experience better when they can Shift-tab and look something up. There'd be all of the security you want.

I repeat: If there are services there, you don't have to use them. You can even go and disable individual programs that are run by steam.

Consumers want more content, and my friends and I like content that is streamlined. Convenience would be nice, and it'd give other companies that don't produce games the opportunity to reach a new demographic previously not easily reached: Gamers. Perhaps even a game video capture program could be integrated, lifting a barrier for gamers who want to share their experiences, be it on youtube or otherwise.

And another suggestion? Clean up your grammar, spelling, etc. It's hard to make a point when all that's being transmitted it complete gibberish. I can hardly read that incoherent babble. I have a hard time believing companies come to you for help when you type like that.

Either way, I'd like to develop this topic some more. Perhaps some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism that is RELEVANT to the situation could be of more USE. And if you are intent to continue complaining about the possible applications that steam can offer, then go the other route and suggest changes and stop whining about it. Yes, I will enjoy my day. I will enjoy it trying to help Valve make Steam a better application for all of us.

[McKay]

Really not much more to say, lizard covered it all.

[TheBareKnuckleBrawler]

Dr, my money and the money of many friends were here long before they started to add all this bloat to their simplistic ventrillo-like overlay. i really dont want to help make it easy for anyone to know where the security risk is either if you dont see it, so i wont state in open forum. (suggestion: forum PM ability)

since this is all downloaded software with no option to have these games on disk, im a bit stuck with the direction its going and i dont care for it. others have stated the same to me as well. users should always have the ability to "opt-out by default" even if that means it would only work with a plug-in style system rather then integrating features into the steam app itself. basically, choice is what im wanting here. hey, im all about people getting what they want if it doesnt add extra burdon to those who want something different on their freetime. that burdon being having to block steam from being able to use these features without my explicit permission.

and lunatic....kid, please. go get mad somewhere else with the personal grammer-gastapo attack. if you were really as sharp as you intended to be, you would know these actions turn users off to reply to a given topic. wasnt being sarcastic either when i said "enjoy your day". was meant to be from one gamer to another type-deal. take a steam suggestion and go have a piece of cake or something

[Stedios]

Originally posted by Rutger:

If you feel the need to have this type of overlay, you should take a look at Overwolf[www.overwolf.com]

And I give this a vote up, because it really is needed to keep up with our digital age :)

giving this a go, looks neat

[Pocahawtness]

I agree completely, I would love to see Trillian integrated in to the Steam interface. Trillian is an IM that can do Skype, Yahoo, MSN, AIM and so on. It would be fantastic.