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It seems that the big Steam update, which rolled out on December 12th disabled support for the Steam Web Browser for 32-bit distributions. Steam also no longer supports 32-bit Linux distributions.

The change wasn't listed explicitly in the client update notes, but the official Steam Knowledge Base Article has been updated to clearly list that 32-bit Linux distributions are no longer supported:

QuoteLinux
32-bit Linux distributions are also no longer supported. Please install a 64-bit Linux distribution to make use of the Steam browser.

Users running on 32-bit Linux distributions will see "The Steam Browser is disabled" message when they try to access the Steam Store, overlay web browser, achievement pages or other Steam functions that open a web browser through the client, and will have to use a standalone browser to access these features now.

Other features that do not depend on the built-in browser (like Steam friends, game invites and at least part of big picture mode) are unaffected by the change.

Since the vast majority of GOL users seem to be running a 64-bit distribution on their gaming machine, most will not experience the difference, but here's the reminder for the two remaining users.

However, since all the missing functionality (aside from using the browser in the overlay) can be mitigated by logging into your Steam account in a regular desktop browser, the lack of the feature is limited to an annoyance (hopefully Valve will think about simply allowing launching games from the store) and hopefully this is a sign of a true 64-bit Steam client for Linux.

Note: Article cleaned up for publishing by liamdawe. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Steam
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About the author -
A PC gamer, hobbyist games collector and a lazy achievement hunter that hangs mainly on Steam. After wanting to switch to Linux for a long time, finally ditched Windows 10 for an Arch Linux :).
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35 comments
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niarbeht Dec 15, 2016
*shrug*
Luke_Nukem Dec 15, 2016
Now if only those lazy devs who only ever released 32bit versions of their games would actually realise how stupid that is...
Mike Dec 15, 2016
A 64bit client would be nice indeed.
Seegras Dec 15, 2016
Yes! Finally!
Quoting: LukeNukemNow if only those lazy devs who only ever released 32bit versions of their games would actually realise how stupid that is...
I don't really care whether they do that _also_. But having no 64bit-version is a no-no, as is not testing whether the 64bit version runs.
gojul Dec 15, 2016
It's true that under Linux almost all the AAA games are 64 bits only except the very first ones like Wargame EE. Sooo it makes sense to drop 32 bits distro support. But in that case they should release a 64 bits only client.
WorMzy Dec 15, 2016
Eeeeewhaaaaaaaat?

But.. the steam client is 32-bit. It uses 32-bit flash for videos. It relies on 32-bit libraries to run on a 64-bit system, but it doesn't work properly on a 32-bit system? By design?

I'm not complaining. It's just fucking weird.

Quoting: MikeA 64bit client would be nice indeed.

This.
Xpander Dec 15, 2016
32bit should die allready.. seriously.

make the client fully 64bit also!
Xpander Dec 15, 2016
Quoting: Guest
Quoting: Xpander32bit should die allready.. seriously.

make the client fully 64bit also!

No, then people would lose access to the ability to download games that they've paid for the right to play. There must be some alternative in that case: some way to download the game itself on a 32bit system.

all games should be 64bit anyway nowadays.. valve can force devs to make 64bit versions only i guess.
Kimyrielle Dec 15, 2016
Quoting: Guest
Quoting: LukeNukemNow if only those lazy devs who only ever released 32bit versions of their games would actually realise how stupid that is...
That’s not stupid since 32 bit games work on both 32 and 64 bit systems, while 64 bit games only work on 64 bit systems.

There shouldn't be any 32bit systems left in the world anywhere outsides of a museum. 64bit operating systems aren't exactly a new thing. How old does a computer need to be not to be able to run one? oO
omer666 Dec 15, 2016
Quoting: Guest
Quoting: Xpander
Quoting: Guest
Quoting: Xpander32bit should die allready.. seriously.

make the client fully 64bit also!

No, then people would lose access to the ability to download games that they've paid for the right to play. There must be some alternative in that case: some way to download the game itself on a 32bit system.

all games should be 64bit anyway nowadays.. valve can force devs to make 64bit versions only i guess.

All _new_ games, but _old_ games? Valve should just no longer permit people with 32bit systems to access 32bit games they'e bought & paid for the right to play?

-- edit: at the very least, if they cut off 32bit, allow older steam clients to operate and download material, but the problem is moving on and changing any access / drm internals.
That's the problem with DRM, they just do what they want...

I do think 32bit's been outdated for a long time now, but it raises the question as customers: will we forever be able to play those games we paid for?

I am often left wondering, if Steam suddenly ceases to work on my system, for any reason, what would happen?

The moment after, it's the Steam sales and I empty my wallet on even more games...
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