Steam may add global price transparency, along with a host of notable upgrades.

Valve appears to be preparing for a series of significant changes to the Steam platform, including expanding price transparency and integrating more data-driven and AI-powered user support tools.

Game pricing will soon be tracked more transparently.

According to analysis from the data community, newly discovered source code suggests that Steam may soon display the current price of a game along with a comparison to the lowest price in the previous 30 days. This feature has already been implemented in Europe since 2023 to comply with the EU's Omnibus Directive.

If implemented globally, this system would help consumers easily identify instances of "price hikes followed by deep discounts"—a tactic often used during major sales events. This would not only benefit buyers but also put pressure for transparency on publishers.

Additionally, the code reveals marking mechanisms such as:

• Determine the lowest price over the past 30 days.
• Track the discount history.
• Suggested games that are 'waiting for a discount'

These changes could transform the wishlist into a true price tracking tool instead of just a simple storage list.

Performance recommendations before buying a game.

Another notable upgrade is the ability to display estimated game performance on the user's system before purchase. This feature leverages hardware data and real-world performance provided by the community.

Previously, Steam allowed users to attach their system specifications when writing reviews, and also collected anonymous performance data from devices running SteamOS. If this is expanded to Windows, the amount of data will increase significantly, helping the system predict FPS more accurately.

This is especially useful in the context of PC games increasingly demanding high-end hardware, and users often have to "explore" before deciding to buy.

'SteamGPT' and the ambition to improve customer support.

Furthermore, the source code also mentions an AI-based customer support system, tentatively called 'SteamGPT'. This tool can help process requests related to accounts, payments, or fraud prevention.

In the past, Valve has faced complaints about slow support response times. Implementing AI could significantly reduce the workload and improve the user experience on a large scale.

The new Steam Controller may be making a comeback.

Another interesting detail is the hint at new hardware. Recent import records show Valve has received a shipment of 'wireless PC controllers,' raising the possibility of a new version of the Steam Controller.

Previously, this device was expected to launch alongside the Steam Machine ecosystem, but it was delayed. If it returns, it could be a crucial piece in Valve's hardware strategy.