Steam’s new cloud save feature promises seamless switching between Deck and PC
Valve announces Dynamic Cloud Sync
Valve has revealed a new Dynamic Cloud Sync feature designed to support the upcoming Steam Deck launch.
The company said it will offer seamless save file transfer when moving between Steam Deck and other PCs.
“We anticipate that users will frequently suspend their Steam Deck without exiting the game, as is common with other hand-held gaming devices,” Valve said.
“With Dynamic Cloud Sync, if they then choose to play on another device (whether a PC or another Steam Deck), their progress will be there waiting for them.
“With Dynamic Cloud Sync, Steam will automatically upload all modified save game data to the cloud prior to the device entering sleep mode,” it continued.
“Users can then resume their game on any PC, laptop or other device. Steam will also automatically download any save game changes when users return to their Steam Deck and wake up the device.”
Dynamic Cloud Sync must be enabled by developers and using it isn’t mandatory for players. However, if it’s not enabled and players switch to another device after suspending their Steam Deck without exiting the game, they’ll need to continue without their most recent save game progress.
Announced in July, Steam Deck is described as “a powerful all-in-one portable PC” capable of running the latest AAA games – although not all titles are suitable for handheld play.
It was originally scheduled to launch in December, but Valve delayed its release by two months due to material shortages.
The company said earlier this month that Steam Deck is “on track” to launch in February.