Valve is replacing its manually curated “Discounts & Events” section with a dynamic, personalized recommendation system that will be fully implemented by 2027.
Algorithm-Driven Discovery Replaces Manual Curation
Currently, the “Discounts & Events” area of Steam relies on a limited number of slots selected by Valve or scheduled by game developers and publishers. Valve’s shift to a personalized model aims to solve the problem of a massive game library that has outgrown a one-size-fits-all curation method. The new system will display offers based on the previous activity and interests of each user, meaning two players could see entirely different games on the same page at the same time.
Internal tests conducted by Valve over several months show that the personalized system can display up to ten times more different games to players in a single day compared to the manual system. Valve clarified that this ten-fold increase refers to the number of titles shown to users, not a ten-fold increase in total sales. The company also noted an increase in users adding games to shopping carts and wishlists, as well as more visits to product pages.
Impact on Developers and Pricing
The transition provides developers a path to reach relevant audiences without competing for a small number of manually managed promotional slots. By targeting players based on their specific activity, the system intends to connect niche titles with the users most likely to buy them.
Valve has specified that this change does not involve dynamic pricing. The algorithm will not charge different players different amounts for the same game; it only changes which discounts and events are visible to a specific individual.
Current Steam Autumn Sale Offers
While the personalized system rolls out, Steam is currently running its traditional Autumn Sale. Various outlets report significant discounts on several high-profile titles:
- 007 First Light: Discounted by 30% to 48.99 euros, which SMARTmania.cz identifies as a historical low.
- Hades II: Now available at a historical minimum price of 496 CZK, according to Doupě.cz.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition: Available for approximately 100 CZK, per SMARTmania.cz.
- Dune: Awakening: Listed at 24.99 euros by Doupě.cz.
Other notable deals include Terminator: Resistance for 7.99 euros and Beyond: Two Souls for 0.99 euros. Devolver Digital titles are also heavily discounted, with The Talos Principle 2 priced at 2.89 euros and Death’s Door at 1.95 euros. Other low-cost options include Jagged Alliance 3 at 4.49 euros, The Ascent and Solasta: Crown of the Magister at 2.99 euros, and PlateUp! at 1.95 euros. Far Cry 6 is also available for 5.99 euros.
Steam Personalization Timeline
| System Phase | Method of Curation | Expected Full Deployment |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Manual (Valve/Publisher selected) | Active |
| Transition | Hybrid/Testing Phase | Ongoing |
| Future | Dynamic/Personalized Algorithms | 2027 |
Common Questions About Steam’s Discovery Changes
Will I pay more for games if the system is personalized?
No. Valve stated that the algorithm only affects which discounts are shown to the user, not the actual price of the game.
When will the new system be fully active?
The transition is gradual, with the personalized system expected to be fully implemented by 2027.
Will developers still be able to promote their games?
Yes. Developers will be able to reach relevant audiences through the algorithm rather than waiting for a limited number of manually managed positions.
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