Steam's potential move to include an Android app option for games marks a significant shift in accessibility, particularly for VR gaming enthusiasts. This development, spotted in a changelist, could offer users an Android .apk version of Steam games.
Changelist Details
- Changelist entry #32325165: Adds the Android .apk to Steam's App Config.
- The Android version might be available as an alternate branch of the Steam game's AppID.
- If you own the Steam game, access to the Android version may be granted upon release.
- No official confirmation from Valve or Mighty Coconut on distributing the .apk yet.
Technical and Performance Insights
Valve's new VR headset can play games via several methods: streaming from a PC, emulating PC VR games using the FEX translation layer, or running native Android .apks directly on its Arm chip.
Providing an .apk version can enhance performance significantly, as FEX emulation affects speed and efficiency. The addition of OpenXR support is notable for simplifying AR/VR API consolidation, improving porting efficiency for Android versions.
Market Implications
This strategy might not become a widespread standard soon, but Walkabout Mini Golf is positioned as a potential frontrunner in this initiative. As developers explore these expansions, the intersection of PC and mobile gaming in VR could see accelerated growth.
