Our performance reviews focus on how games run across the hardware we cover. These reviews do not include star ratings and are separate from our written game reviews.

What We Cover

We do not test every game.

Performance reviews are selected based on interest, relevance and available time.

Every game we cover for performance is played for at least one to two hours to get a proper feel for how it behaves in real gameplay conditions. This applies to all performance coverage on Gaming on Steam, which is our main channel.

When we choose not to produce a full performance review, we may upload simple no commentary performance footage to the channel. This gives a clear look at real gameplay without needing a full breakdown.

What We Test

When we do a full performance review, we focus on:

• Frame rate and stability

• Recommended settings

• Visual quality at different presets

• Shader behaviour

• Loading times

• Input responsiveness

• Proton or SteamOS quirks

• Crashes, freezes and long term stability

Device Coverage

For Steam Deck, Steam Machine and Steam Frame we show:

• Out of the box performance

• Best settings

• Any trade offs needed

• Verified or Playable status if applicable

• Workarounds or known issues

No Star Ratings

Performance reviews do not influence the score of our written reviews.

Written reviews judge the game.

Performance reviews judge how it runs.

Re-Reviews and Updates

We revisit games when major patches meaningfully change performance. This is not guaranteed. Updates are only done when the improvements or issues are significant enough to matter to players.

How We Present Results

Full performance reviews follow a clear format:

• Real gameplay footage

• Recommended settings

• Patch notes or relevant technical shifts

• A short summary explaining the current state of the game