Summary
The ability to playSteamgames on a Tesla, one of the recent Model S/X automobiles' new features, is reportedly going away for good. From this point forward, new Tesla Model S/X vehicles will no longer supportSteamintegration, shifting the focus instead to other app functionalities and entertainment features.
As of now, anyone who owns a Tesla Model S/X will no longer be able toplay games on the car’s built-in computer via Steam and all new models going forward will seemingly forgo the feature entirely. It still describes the onboard computer as a “gaming computer,” however, so there may be plans for more direct gaming integration in the future, though the company has not stated as such in an official capacity.
Tesla’s removal of Steam support came without much warning, as the company simply announced the change via the website’s listing for the Model S/X Tesla vehicles, whicha Twitter user shared online. The company did not provide a specific reason for the removal, but speculation from Tesla owners in the post’s replies suggests it may just be due to a lack of use since many claimed they barely even engaged with the feature at all.
What Happened to Tesla’s Steam Integration?
The ability to play games on a Tesla’s built-in computer was one of several major new additions to the brand when the Model S/X cars were revealed, leading to a lot of discourse surrounding the reason why it is going away. Some users speculated that itmay simply be a hardware issue, as the Tesla Cybertruck notably lacked support for the feature in the first place due to its built-in computer not meeting the system requirements to run it properly.
The removal of Steam may also just be a cost-cutting measure, as Tesla would likely have to pay parent company Valve for the use of their property, which would be a pointless cost if very few people use it in the first place. In any case, whether it is a hardware or financial issue, Tesla’s move away from Steam could open the door foranother similar feature to take its placethat may be even more robust.
The ability to set up a driver’s Tesla as a gaming machine, even while driving, would allow passengers to pass the time or entertain themselves on long road trips,even while the car is moving. Ideally, it is a feature similar to that of cars with built-in TV screens capable of playing DVDs, though setting it up requires a few more steps, like signing in to Steam and connecting Bluetooth controllers.
Steam
Steam is a digital video game storefront and program developed by Valve that allows gamers to purchase, play, and mod their titles all through one convenient program.
