With the release of the brand new Steam client update, we now have a Voice and Chat Group available for all members and friends of GameConnect. All of these features have been built to work not only in the Steam client, but also on the web. So you can continue conversations when you have access to a web browser but you’re not logged in to the Steam client.

Every chat on Steam is now multi-media friendly. Getting your point across is easier than ever, now that everyone can see your GIFs inline rather than a list of links. Paste a picture from the clipboard and upload it directly to the chat. Want to bring someone into a conversation? Just drag and drop your friends from the Friends List to send them an invite. Got a good thing going? Save your group chat with a title and avatar so you can chat or play together later. This makes it easy to pick up where you left off, and keep tabs on those friends.

Persistent group chats mean you can easily check in with your communities when you sign in to Steam.

Maybe you regularly play with the same group of people, a group chat makes it simple to see who is online and ready to play. Start a voice channel, send out some game invites, and you’re ready to go. Now you can create and send links that will invite people directly into your group chat.

Email, message, or text the link for them to join from the Steam Client or a web browser.

Simply click on this link to join our GameConnect chat and voice groups.

The entire changelog for the Steam client:

General

  • Added new friends list, chat and voice chat features
  • Added icon and optional balloon for announcing new Steam Features and Blog Updates
  • Added banner announcing future end of support for Windows XP and Vista
  • Enabled GPU acceleration in web views by default
  • Added option to disable GPU acceleration in web views in Settings->Interface
  • Added support for binding F13-F24 as hotkey buttons
  • Improved IME handling for web pages shown in Steam client and Steam overlay

macOS

  • Updated window style to match version of macOS Steam is running on
  • Fixed Steam overlay not displaying in certain games
  • Added support for binding ‘=’, Clear and mouse buttons as hotkey buttons
  • Corrects streaming blank video to Steam Link.
  • Improved rendering speed of Steam windows
  • Fixed streaming from multi-monitor systems where the window being streamed is located on a secondary monitor

Linux

  • Added the ability to import Windows icons for games with no Linux icons; will only take effect after reinstalling the game and recreating the desktop and launcher shortcuts
  • Fixed an issue where the system might become temporarily unresponsive after exiting the client due to events accruing in the window system
  • Updated Steam Linux Runtime with the latest versions of the SDL libraries
  • Fixed a problem where the screensaver would always be disabled if Steam was running
  • Fixed an issue where Steam could crash when running Steamworks-enabled games, or where Steamworks functionality wouldn’t work properly in the game.
  • Fixed an issue where CS:GO and Dota 2 matchmaking would not function properly.

Steam Input

  • Added support for PS3 Controllers as a separate controller type. Does not include support for the DS3 gyro or analog face buttons. If you’re using a DS3 on Windows you’ll have to obtain the Sony driver through PlayStation Now. Note: counterfeit Dualshock 3 Controllers will not work through this driver.
  • Added a controller type drop down menu to the “Define Layout” screen for uploading user provided layouts of unrecognized controllers. If your controller is currently being treated as generic controller, but is actually a PlayStation, Nintendo, or retro controller you can upload your layouts and help us improve support for your device.
  • Added support for limited dynamic calibration of Switch Pro controller joysticks
  • Added support for wired USB controllers connected to the Steam Link Android app
  • Added support for over 100 new generic gamepads, 40 PS3 controllers, and 15 Xbox controllers
  • Added support for the HoriPad Mini4, Level Up Cobra, Mad Catz FightStick TE 2, and Mad Catz FightStick TE 2+ PS4 Controllers
  • Added support for the HORI Pokken Tournament DX Pro Switch Controller
  • Enabled software calibration and automatic drift correction of gyro for all PS4 controllers
  • Added the ability to send left/right shift as separate keys on Windows
  • Added the ability to revert locally defined layouts in the “Define Layout” menu
  • Changed the “Define Layout” screen to allow NES controllers and other controllers without X and Y buttons to define layouts.