Steam has released a major update to its user review system, adding language-based ratings to give players a clearer understanding of how games are perceived within their language community.

This means that when there are enough reviews, the rating shown to users will be calculated based on reviews written in their primary language, rather than a global average.

Steam stated that the update aims to help buyers make more informed decisions, especially in cases where the gaming experience may vary across different regions.

The platform noted that factors such as translation quality, cultural references, or network performance can influence game perception in various regions. By separating ratings by language, Steam seeks to more accurately reflect these differences.

Language ratings will apply only to games with over 2000 public reviews and at least 200 reviews written in a specific language. Steam explained that they intentionally set a higher threshold than the required 10 reviews for a general rating to ensure accuracy.

Users can view a detailed breakdown by language through the new "See Language Breakdown" link. While the new system is enabled by default, players who prefer to view the overall rating based on all reviews can change this in the store settings.

Steam emphasized transparency and user trust in this update, noting that reviews remain accessible in various formats and with different filters. The company stated that its goal is to combine flexibility and convenience, providing players with relevant information without the need to adjust complex settings.