The gaming community received a startling announcement as Steam, the renowned gaming platform, ceased compatibility with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, leaving retro PC gamers in the lurch. Effective immediately, users operating these systems will no longer receive any updates, including crucial security patches, effectively severing Steam’s support for these operating systems.

While Steam might still function on Windows 7 and 8.1 for the time being, Valve, the platform’s parent company, has made it clear that they won’t guarantee the continuation or functionality of all features. “Our support will no longer provide technical assistance for issues related to these outdated operating systems, and Steam cannot ensure its functionality on non-compatible OS versions,” stated the company.

Valve justified this decision, citing the dependence of Steam’s core functions on an integrated version of Google Chrome that no longer operates on these older Windows versions. “Furthermore, future iterations of Steam will necessitate feature and security updates exclusively available on Windows 10 and newer versions,” they added.

This shift, albeit affecting a relatively small user base, aims primarily at bolstering gamers’ security. According to Steam, continuing with outdated, unpatched versions could expose users to new security vulnerabilities and an increased risk of malware aimed at stealing sensitive information and stored credentials.

Security Takes Center Stage

In recent years, Steam’s developers, those publishing games on the platform, have become targets for threat actors seeking access to profiles and passwords by embedding malware within fake, malicious game updates.

To counter this growing threat landscape, Valve has consistently reinforced its platform’s security measures. They now mandate security verifications based on SMS for game developers releasing updates or enhancements, prioritizing a more secure gaming environment.

This change underlines the evolving landscape of gaming security and emphasizes the necessity for users to upgrade to more recent operating systems to ensure a safer and supported gaming experience. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, security remains a pivotal aspect, ensuring a more resilient and protected gaming ecosystem for all enthusiasts.

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