The Game-Changing Collaboration Behind the Steam Deck

Explore the partnership between Valve and Keywords Studios that led to the creation of the Steam Deck and enhanced gaming experiences.

_{^{Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Unsplash}}

Valve and Keywords Studios Join Forces for the Steam Deck

Valve, the creator of the innovative Steam Deck, has a longstanding partnership with Keywords Studios, known for its expertise in providing compatibility and certification testing. Since 2017, this collaboration has been pivotal in ensuring top-notch usability for players, allowing Valve to focus on crafting exceptional gaming experiences.

A Partnership Built on Innovation

Valve’s commitment to supporting Linux-based systems led to a collaboration with CodeWeavers to develop Proton, enabling players to run Windows-based games on Linux. This initiative, integrated seamlessly into Steam as part of the groundbreaking Steam Play program, revolutionized the gaming landscape by enabling cross-platform game enjoyment.

Jason Bagavatsingham, TQA Test Lead at Keywords Studios in Montreal, highlighted the significance of open communication and shared values in nurturing the partnership with Valve. This approach has been instrumental in driving continuous improvements and ensuring mutual success.

Evolution of the Collaboration

The partnership between Keywords Studios and Valve has evolved in tandem with the growth of Steam. Initially focused on post-release testing for popular games, Keywords Studios quickly transitioned to a more central role, aiding Valve Partners in meeting stringent Steam Deck Certification standards. By offering valuable insights to CodeWeavers on Proton issues and collaborating closely with Valve, Keywords Studios played a crucial role in enhancing the overall user experience.

Innovative Solutions and Enhanced User Experience

Keywords Studios facilitated discussions that brought together a network of experts to address various challenges, leveraging global expertise to develop innovative solutions. From enhancing general player experience to addressing specific SteamOS issues, such as controller support and usability, Keywords Studios provided comprehensive feedback. An optimized ticketing system enabled prompt resolution of player issues, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.

Delivering Exceptional Results

The success of the collaboration between Keywords Studios and Valve underscores the synergy between Valve’s development prowess and Keywords Studios’ testing capabilities. By resolving complex challenges while upholding quality and playability standards, the dedicated testing team at Keywords Studios has contributed to an enhanced platform that replicates the PC gaming experience on handheld devices.

An illustration of a gaming collaboration between two entities Illustration of a gaming collaboration

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Valve and Keywords Studios continues to drive innovation in the gaming industry. By combining technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and a shared commitment to excellence, the collaboration sets a new standard for delivering immersive gaming experiences.

For those interested in exploring more about this collaboration and its impact on the gaming landscape, reaching out to the service teams at Keywords Studios is a great way to start the journey towards enhanced gaming experiences.