Steam is a video game distribution platform created by Valve. It was originally designed to provide automatic updates to Valve’s games. Still, it expanded to include games from other companies as well.
Gamers use this platform by purchasing and downloading games through Steam to play on their computers. Since so many VR headsets require a connection to a computer in order to get the best results, Steam has created an offshoot of their normal service called Steam VR, where you can purchase a VR game on Steam through your PC and load it up on your VR headset to play. Steam VR also gives you access to a virtual library of games.
How to Run Steam With a VR Room Setup
If you have a dedicated VR game room or office, Steam can run a room setup utility. This option scales the room to calibrate the space you have available to play virtual reality games. Before you start the setup process, you should ensure the floor is clear; move any furniture out of the way so you don’t have to worry about bumping into things or tripping over items you forgot to move. To set up a room-scale play area:
- Open the SteamVR app on your computer
- Click the hamburger menu and select Room Setup > Room-scale
- Review the prompts and follow the screen’s instructions to complete the setup process.
Which VR Headsets Work With Steam?
Steam VR is compatible with most VR headsets currently available as long as you can connect your headset to a computer. Since Valve had a hand in creating the HTC Vive and the Valve Index, you can feel confident that if you own one of those headsets, your VR headset will be compatible with Steam.
But that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to access the virtual reality world on Steam if you own an Oculus or Windows Mixed Reality headset; as long as you already have a Steam account, you can still hook up your headset to access your library of games.
Unfortunately, the PlayStation VR headset is incompatible with Steam, as it’s made exclusively for PlayStation games and cannot connect to your Steam library.