Steam launches Personal Calendar for personalized game recommendations

New Game Discovery Feature

Steam has introduced a new feature called "Personal Calendar" on its store homepage. This tool provides users with recommendations for recently-released games that align with their individual preferences. Valve stated the feature fills a gap between general trending games and personalized suggestions.

Recommendation Algorithm

The Personal Calendar bases its game suggestions on a user's recently-played titles, comparing them with profiles of other users who have similar gaming habits. It also considers logged play hours and wishlisted games. Valve clarified that brief play sessions do not significantly alter the algorithm, which prioritizes games with substantial play time.

Update Frequency and Impact

The Personal Calendar refreshes daily as Valve's user-specific algorithms are retrained regularly with new data. While daily changes may be minor, users are more likely to see new suggestions over an eight-week period or when developers confirm new release dates for upcoming games.

Development and User Feedback

Valve conducted several months of testing and gathered feedback for the Personal Calendar within Steam Labs, its program for experimental store features. During testing, players clicked on over 2,000 different games daily within the Personal Calendar. This release is part of Valve's ongoing efforts to address player feedback regarding the Steam store's navigability and perceived clutter, following earlier updates this year that included a new search menu and "Categories."