Google’s Shutting Down Steam on Chromebooks: What Gamers Need to Know

Why Is Google Ending Steam Support for Chromebooks?

Google and Valve teamed up in 2022 to bring Steam to Chromebooks as a beta program, a move that got a lot of us excited about turning our lightweight laptops into gaming machines. It was a bold experiment running PC games on ChromeOS through its Linux environment (Crostini).

But according to a report from 9to5Google , Google’s now waving goodbye to this project. If you try to install Steam on a Chromebook today, you’ll see a message that says, “The Steam for Chromebook Beta program will conclude on January 1st, 2026. After this date, games installed as part of the Beta will no longer be available to play on your device.” Ouch.

Why the shutdown? Google hasn’t spilled the beans officially, but there are a few likely reasons. For one, most Chromebooks aren’t exactly powerhouses. Their low-power processors and integrated graphics struggled to run many Steam games smoothly, especially newer, resource-heavy titles.

I remember trying to play a 3D game on my Chromebook and watching it chug like an old lawnmower. Plus, the beta only supported a curated list of 99 compatible games mostly older or less demanding titles. That limited library probably didn’t attract enough users to keep the project alive.

Google’s also shifting its focus to Android apps and cloud gaming, which makes sense since ChromeOS is getting cozier with Android’s architecture. Still, it’s a bummer for those of us who loved the idea of native PC gaming on Chromebooks.

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What Happens After January 1, 2026?

Mark your calendars: December 31, 2025, is the last day you’ll be able to play Steam games on your Chromebook. After that, the beta app will stop working, and any installed games will be removed from your device. It’s not just a pause Google’s fully discontinuing the service.

If you’ve got a backlog of Steam games you’ve been meaning to play, now’s the time to get cracking. I’m already planning a marathon to finish a few indie titles before the deadline hits.

For more details, you can check Google’s official updates on their ChromeOS support page or Valve’s Steam support page. These sites might not have all the answers yet, but they’re a good starting point for staying in the loop.

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What Are Your Alternatives for Gaming on Chromebooks?

Don’t worry, it’s not game over for Chromebook gaming entirely. Google’s pushing two main alternatives to fill the void left by Steam:

Android Games via Google Play Store
Chromebooks can run Android apps, so you can download games from the Google Play Store. The catch? The Play Store’s gaming catalog isn’t as vast or diverse as Steam’s, and some titles might cost you upfront or rely on in-app purchases.
I’ve had fun with games like Stardew Valley on the Play Store, but it’s not quite the same as Steam’s massive library of PC titles. Plus, some Android games might not feel as polished on a laptop screen compared to a phone.
Cloud Gaming Services
Cloud gaming is where Google seems to be betting big. Services like NVIDIA GeForce Now , Xbox Cloud Gaming , and Amazon Luna let you stream high-end games to your Chromebook without needing beefy hardware. All you need is a solid internet connection and a compatible controller.
I tried GeForce Now on my Chromebook last month, and honestly, it was pretty smooth for playing Cyberpunk 2077 something my Chromebook could never run natively. The downside? You’ll need to pay for subscriptions, and lag can be an issue if your Wi-Fi isn’t top-notch.

If you’re curious about cloud gaming, check out NVIDIA GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming to see which service fits your vibe.

Why This Matters for Chromebook Gamers

This shutdown is a big deal for anyone who bought a Chromebook hoping to use it as a budget gaming device. Google marketed “Gaming Chromebooks” in 2022 with high-refresh-rate screens and better cooling, partly to support Steam.

Losing Steam feels like a step back, especially since it offered offline gaming something cloud services can’t match without a constant internet connection. I know I’ll miss firing up a quick game during a flight or in a spot with spotty Wi-Fi.

On the flip side, Google’s not abandoning gaming entirely. They’ve hinted that feedback from the Steam beta will “inform the future of Chromebook gaming.” Maybe that means better Android integration or new cloud gaming partnerships. For now, though, you’ll need to pivot to the Play Store or cloud services to keep gaming on your Chromebook.

What Can You Do Now?

If you’re a Chromebook gamer, here’s how to make the most of the situation:

Play Your Steam Games ASAP : You’ve got until December 31, 2025, to enjoy your Steam library. Make a list of must-play games and dive in.
Explore Android Games : Head to the Google Play Store and check out popular titles like Among Us or Genshin Impact . Some are free, but be ready for in-app purchases.
Try Cloud Gaming : Sign up for a free trial of GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming to see if streaming works for you. Pro tip: invest in a good controller for the best experience.
Stay Updated : Keep an eye on Google’s ChromeOS blog for any news about future gaming plans. You never know what they might announce at the next Google I/O.