A team has developed an app aimed at being able to install games and software from other platforms on Steam. However, Valve has halted the development. The developers state that they intend to continue with the project.
What software is it about? “Junk Store” is a free open-source plugin that allows you to install and run games from other stores like Epic Games or GOG on Valve’s handheld.
The twist: You can then install the games directly through Steam, and “Junk Store” acts merely as an interface in the background. However, Steam has now actively prohibited the launch of the software. This is reported by the Spanish magazine 3djuegos.com.
Software is supposed to be released in a few days, but Valve stops publication
Recently, the developers behind “Junk Store” presented a paid version of their software, which was supposed to be released on Steam in a few days. However, Valve seems to have objections.
The developers of Junk Store quote Valve’s response (via 3djuegos.com), stating that “Junk Store contains features that Steam does not support.”
What is the problem? The software and also the paid app are fundamentally not a reason for Valve to end the project. Rather, it is about the software needing to access the code and interface of the Steam client for you to really use the software. In a way, “Junk Store” functions like a hack by altering Steam’s code.
And this is exactly where the problem lies: Valve does not want the software to intervene in the code of Steam. Because this poses the risk that players could be harmed. Valve cannot verify with an external change whether “Junk Store” ultimately sneaks malware through the back door or inadvertently exposes security vulnerabilities in Steam that others could exploit.
A second attempt to bring the software to Steam also fails
What happens next? The developers tried to have another conversation with Steam, but a second rejection followed: “We see no way for it to be implemented on Steam.”
At least: The team is reimbursed by Valve for the costs of the release on Steam. The developers continue to strive to bring the software to Steam or in another way, but it is uncertain whether this will succeed.
More on Steam: Another feature on Steam is not only free but also officially available. Our editor has tested “Steam Family” and reveals why the feature is really good and how he has saved a lot of money with it: I have been using a new feature on Steam for months and have saved several hundred euros since then
