Valve Adds “Big Art Mode” to Steam, Following Its Popularity in Third-Party Decky Loader Utility

Valve has released a new Steam Client beta featuring a notable new “Big Art Mode” interface, which changes how games are displayed in Big Picture Mode and on Steam Deck. The feature prominently displays the selected game’s artwork across the screen backdrop, with recently played games appearing in a smaller carousel at the bottom rather than the cluttered standard interface layout.

The Big Art Mode appears to have been inspired by a similar feature available in Decky Loader, a third-party utility that modifies Steam’s interface. By dedicating much of the viewport to game artwork, the new mode prioritizes visual presentation over information density, offering what many consider a more aesthetically pleasing experience.

Beyond Big Art Mode, the beta update includes additional features such as a customizable screensaver function for Big Picture Mode and SteamOS devices. The screensaver defaults to rotating game artwork but allows users to personalize it further. The update also brings various performance improvements and bug fixes across the platform.

The Big Art Mode is available for both traditional Big Picture Mode on Windows and Gaming Mode on Steam Deck and other SteamOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of Valve’s gaming ecosystem users.

Sources

• Valve Adds “Big Art Mode” to Steam, Following Its Popularity in Third-Party Decky Loader Utility
• Steam’s latest beta brings ‘Big Art’ to Big Picture Mode and Steam Deck, and customizable screensavers too
• Steam beta update adds a new Big Picture view, screensavers, and a little treat for desktop Steam Machines