Valve today finally took the wraps off the Steam functionality on Portal 2 for the PlayStation 3. Portal 2, which releases for PS3 next week, will be the first console game to support Steam. So, the information below finally answers some pretty burning questions. It also shows how linking console gameplay to PCs and Macs can be done seamlessly (and well). Here’s looking at you, Shadowrun….
The Steam overlay for PS3 provides access to both PSN and Steam friends, displaying their in-game or online status and providing a quick pathway to text chats, player profiles, friend requests and game invitations. Steam Achievements are also earned at the same time as PSN Trophies, and they’re also planned to be accessible within the Steam overlay on PS3.
One of the coolest features of Steam when it comes to the PS3 version of Portal 2 is that it offers cross-platform matchmaking, gameplay, friends, chat and Achievements, all powered by Steam. Steam on the PS3 also saves co-op game progress and single-player saved games to the Steam Cloud, enabling players to pick up where they left off on any PS3 regardless of location.
Access to these features is immediate once the player links his or her PSN account with a Steam account, which can be done within the game. For PS3 owners who already have a Steam account, they’ll be able to login to their account directly from the PS3 and out-of-the-box with Portal 2. Gamers who are new to Steam can create an account with the click of a button.
Players who link the PS3 version of Portal 2 with their PC or Mac copy of Portal 2 can also access and play their non-console version by redeeming an in-box access code on their computer. The Steam client verifies the linked customer and then lists Portal 2 among their library of Steam games for PC and Mac.
