Google Chromebooks could soon be surprising gaming laptops

Google Chromebooks could soon exist surprising gaming laptops — here'due south how

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Chromebooks may get a new "game mode" that will make Google-powered laptops a lot more than useful for gaming — which would in turn play into long-rumored plans to bring Steam to Chrome Bone.

According to Chrome Unboxed , a new entry in the Chromium Gerrit hints at the possibility of a game style toggle for Borealis — an upcoming Ubuntu-based Linux container. Specifically it looks designed to automatically activate game mode when you open or close a game.

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chrome os game mode — (Image credit: Chromium Gerrit)

The entry described game manner working to "implement logic to track window state and toggles game mode when a Borealis window is focused and enters and exits full screen." That naturally suggests autonomy, and perhaps that users won't accept the option to turn it on or off manually.

Game modes typically involve features that boost operation and limit distractions. Chrome Os would be all-time off doing the aforementioned, particularly since Chromebooks don't have a reputation for being the most powerful devices out at that place.

Unfortunately the Chromium Gerrit doesn't divulge any actual details. Just that there will be clear messaging when entering and leaving game mode, similar to what currently happens when using Google Stadia. It looks like it will include access to other useful tools during your gaming sessions, similar messaging and screen recording.

Steam back up for Chromebooks has been rumored since terminal year. The idea was that games would be supported by a Linux virtual automobile, the same Borealis. Borealis would include a pre-installed copy of Steam and Valve's Proton, a compatibility layer that helps Linux steam run games that were built for Windows machines.

Steam back up still hasn't arrived on Chromebooks, simply the discovery of a game mode toggle suggests that we're not too far away. Presumably game style will have to come kickoff, unless Google has plans to do some sort of simultaneous launch. It'southward incommunicable to say without an actual announcement from either Google itself, or Steam programmer Valve.

Only for now, with almost a twelvemonth since the first rumors popped up and no finish in sight, we're merely going to have to exist patient. And if yous want to play games on a Chromebook, you're going to have to toughen upwards and invest in Stadia.

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Tom is the Tom's Guide'southward Automotive Editor, which ways he can usually be establish knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'due south long way from his days equally editor of Gizmodo Uk, when pretty much everything was on the tabular array. He's usually found trying to squeeze another behemothic Lego fix onto the shelf, draining very large cups of java, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he actually needs online.