Valve Rejects Steam Deck Plugins: Junk Store Stays Sideloaded

Valve's Decision on Steam Deck Plugins: A Closer Look

In a surprising turn of events, Valve has officially rejected the proposed Steam Deck plugin called Junk Store, which was aimed at facilitating the integration of Epic Games on the handheld device. This decision marks a significant moment for Steam Deck users who were anticipating expanded functionalities through third-party plugins.

What is the Junk Store Plugin?

The Junk Store was designed to allow users to sideload Epic Games' client, enabling access to a broader library of games outside of Steam. Many players were excited about the potential of enjoying popular titles from Epic's catalog directly on their Steam Deck. However, Valve's recent announcement puts a halt to those plans.

Reasons Behind Valve's Rejection

1. Maintain Control Over Ecosystem: Valve is known for its careful approach when it comes to the Steam ecosystem. This rejection indicates a desire to maintain strict control over the types of applications and plugins available on the platform.
2. Potential Security Risks: Allowing unregulated plugins can expose users to security vulnerabilities. Valve likely assessed the risks associated with the Junk Store and decided against it.
3. Focus on Official Partnerships: Valve may prefer to collaborate directly with game developers and publishers rather than enabling third-party solutions that could fragment the user experience.

What Does This Mean for Steam Deck Users?

While the Junk Store plugin won't be officially launched, users can still sideload it through alternatives, like Decky Loader. This means that technically savvy users can still access Epic Games on their Steam Deck, but they will need to take the extra steps to do so themselves.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Steam Deck Plugins

Valve’s rejection has sparked discussions among the community about the future of plugins for the Steam Deck. Users are interested to see if Valve will introduce any official tools or features that enhance the capabilities of the device without compromising security and user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the rejection of the Junk Store plugin may disappoint some Steam Deck enthusiasts, it underscores Valve’s commitment to a curated and secure gaming environment. Users will need to navigate their way through sideloading options for now, and it remains to be seen if Valve will embrace third-party plugins in the future.

Further Reading

For more information about Valve’s strategies and the Steam Deck, check out the following articles:

• Official Steam Deck Website
• Tom's Guide on Steam Deck Plugins
• The Verge: Valve's Position on Epic Games

Meta Description

Valve has rejected the Junk Store plugin for Steam Deck aimed at integrating Epic Games. Learn what this means for users and the future of plugins on the Steam Deck.