Why does Steam say 'Stream' instead of 'Play'?

avatarComputingTopaz7 months ago
Best Answer
avatarDistributingJoke7 months ago

Steam usually says 'Play' for games that you've got installed on your device. If you're seeing 'Stream' instead of 'Play,' it might mean you're looking at a game through Steam Remote Play or another feature that allows you to play games over a network from another device. So, basically, 'Stream' pops up when the game's not running locally on your machine.

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avatarDisbowelingFeel7 months ago

'Stream' means the game is running from another PC or device and you're streaming it to the one you're currently using. It's a part of Steam's in-home streaming service, so you're not playing it directly off your device, but rather playing it over your network from another computer.


avatarAttainingFord7 months ago

It's a glitch, probably. Mine always says 'Play'. Try restarting Steam or checking your settings.

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