Valve has added a comprehensive tagging system and new filtering options to Steam, even if the systems in place still have a shy beta sticker attached.
The tagging system allows for users to add their own labels to games, making it easier for potential future customers to find something they like. In return, you yourself might find it easier to look for titles that interest you. Currently, there is a very generous character limit, so you could write an essay for a tag, if you so like. However, only the most frequently coinciding tags will be put on display on the game’s store page. At present, you can even tag games you do not own or games that haven’t been released yet.
If nothing else, the tagging system has already proven the maturity of many gamers. Gone Home was tagged as a non-game, Ninja Theory’s reboot DmC: Devil May Cry was labelled as edgy, and Call of Duty: Ghosts as being garbage. The FAQ page does not state anything about relaying the quality of the game through tags, but swear words are to be filtered out.
Shiny new filter options have also been added, succeeding the inconvenient use of drop-down menus during search. These will allow you to tick off multiple boxes to narrow and finely tune your search until you find exactly the kind of game you’re looking for.
You can find more information on these new features here.
