Google to Discontinue Steam for Chromebook Support in 2026

Google is ending support for Steam for Chromebook in 2026, citing a lack of updates in ages. The Steam for Chromebook Beta program will conclude on January 1st, 2026, and games installed as part of the Beta will no longer be available to play on devices. Google alludes to a future for Chromebook gaming, with Android apps and streaming services available.

Google has announced that it will discontinue support for Steam on Chromebooks by January 1, 2026. This decision comes after several years of limited updates and a small user base for the feature. The Steam for Chromebook Beta program, which began in 2022, will officially end, and games installed through the program will no longer be playable on Chromebook devices [2].

The initial excitement surrounding the native Steam client on ChromeOS, code-named Borealis, was significant. However, the project faced challenges primarily due to the lack of suitable hardware. While a few high-end Chromebooks could handle some Steam games, the majority of devices were not equipped to handle the demanding local gaming requirements [1]. This limited the user base and made the feature less appealing.

Google has shifted its focus towards cloud gaming services, which offer a more accessible and powerful gaming experience. Services like NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW have flourished on ChromeOS, providing a superior experience for the majority of users. These services stream thousands of AAA PC games flawlessly from the cloud, making the hardware question almost irrelevant and a perfect fit for ChromeOS [1].

The decision to discontinue Steam support allows Google to redirect its resources towards other initiatives, including the migration of ChromeOS to Android. This transition will ensure that Chromebooks continue to offer a robust gaming experience through Android apps and streaming services [2].

While it's always disappointing to see a promising project sunset, this move aligns with Google's strategy to prioritize cloud gaming and the future of Chromebook gaming. The end of Steam support on Chromebooks marks a shift towards a more integrated and cloud-centric gaming ecosystem.

References:
[1] https://chromeunboxed.com/google-officially-ends-support-for-steam-on-chromebooks/
[2] https://9to5google.com/2025/08/07/steam-chromebook-2026/