TL;DR
The developer of Blade & Sorcery has confirmed the game will not run natively on the Steam Frame headset because of performance issues. However, streaming from a PC to the device remains effective. This clarifies the headset’s capabilities and the game’s compatibility.
The lead developer of Blade & Sorcery has confirmed that the game will not run natively on the Steam Frame standalone headset due to performance limitations. Instead, the game will be marked as “unsupported” for standalone play, emphasizing that it is better experienced via streaming from a PC. This clarification aims to prevent user confusion and manage expectations about the headset’s capabilities.
According to the developer, Wully, Blade & Sorcery’s PC VR version is too demanding for the Steam Frame’s mobile-class hardware to run smoothly in standalone mode. Despite lowering graphics settings, the game remains too heavy for the device to handle natively. Wully stated, “B&S has been around for a long time now. The PCVR version […] is unfortunately a bit too heavy to run standalone on the Frame, and you’ll see it as ‘unsupported’ so people don’t get confused or disappointed.”
He added that streaming from a PC to the Steam Frame works well, with the game performing effectively when rendered on a gaming PC and streamed wirelessly. The Steam Frame, equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 16GB of RAM, is designed primarily for streaming, not native high-demand gaming. Valve has indicated that many demanding PC VR titles will be best experienced through streaming rather than native execution on the device.
While the PC VR version of Blade & Sorcery is incompatible with standalone mode, a lower-fidelity port called Blade & Sorcery Nomad is expected to be brought to Steam as a “Great on Frame” game, offering similar gameplay with reduced graphics and physical simulation fidelity, optimized for the device’s hardware.
Implications for Steam Frame and VR Gaming
This confirmation clarifies that the Steam Frame’s primary strength lies in game streaming rather than native high-performance gameplay. For players expecting to run demanding PC VR titles natively on the headset, this sets realistic expectations. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing hardware capabilities with VR game performance, especially for titles like Blade & Sorcery that demand significant processing power. The distinction emphasizes the importance of streaming as the main use case for the device and influences how developers and consumers approach compatibility and performance expectations.
VR streaming device for PC to Steam Frame
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Steam Frame’s Hardware and Compatibility Goals
Valve’s Steam Frame is positioned as a standalone VR headset capable of running SteamOS and utilizing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 16GB of RAM, marking a notable upgrade over previous standalone headsets like Quest 3. Despite its improved specs, Valve has made clear that the device is optimized for streaming games from a PC rather than native execution of all titles. This aligns with Valve’s broader strategy to focus on a “streaming-first” approach, enabling access to the entire Steam library via wireless connection.
Prior to this announcement, there was some industry speculation that the Steam Frame might natively support demanding PC VR titles, given its hardware specs. However, Valve’s official stance confirms that only less demanding titles or lower-fidelity ports are suitable for native play, with high-end games like Blade & Sorcery requiring PC streaming for optimal performance.
“B&S has been around for a long time now. The PCVR version […] is unfortunately a bit too heavy to run standalone on the Frame, and you’ll see it as ‘unsupported’ so people don’t get confused or disappointed.”
— Wully, Blade & Sorcery developer
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Remaining Questions About Compatibility and Future Support
It is not yet clear whether future hardware upgrades or software updates could enable native support for demanding PC VR titles like Blade & Sorcery on the Steam Frame. Additionally, the timeline for the launch of the lower-fidelity Blade & Sorcery Nomad port remains unconfirmed, and whether other high-demand titles will be added to the “great” list for native play is still uncertain.
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Next Steps for Users and Developers
Valve is expected to continue emphasizing game streaming as the primary feature of the Steam Frame, with updates to the SteamOS and verified game list. The release of Blade & Sorcery Nomad, optimized for the headset, is anticipated to occur shortly after the device’s launch. Users should verify game compatibility and streaming performance through official channels before making purchasing decisions. Developers may also adjust their expectations regarding native support and focus on optimizing for streaming performance.
Steam Deck compatible VR accessories
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Key Questions
Will Blade & Sorcery ever run natively on the Steam Frame?
According to the developer, it is unlikely in the near term due to hardware limitations, but future updates or hardware improvements could change this.
Can I play Blade & Sorcery on Steam Frame through streaming?
Yes, streaming from a PC to the Steam Frame works well and is the recommended way to experience demanding VR titles like Blade & Sorcery.
What is the difference between Blade & Sorcery PC VR and Nomad versions?
The PC VR version offers high-fidelity graphics and physics, while the Nomad port is lower fidelity, optimized for standalone hardware, and expected to be marked as “great” for Steam Frame.
Does this mean the Steam Frame can’t support demanding games at all?
It can support demanding games via streaming, but native support is limited to less demanding titles or optimized ports.
When will the Blade & Sorcery Nomad port be available?
The exact release date has not been announced, but it is expected to be available shortly after the Steam Frame’s launch.
Source: UploadVR
