Edited & Expanded Suggestion: Add a Random Game Selector to the Steam Library
Hello everyone!!

Have you ever struggled to choose a game from your Steam library? Sometimes the sheer number of titles can be overwhelming, and you end up unsure what to play—so you just give up on the idea altogether.

In cases like this, my idea might be helpful. I’d like to introduce a “Random Game / Surprise Me” button in the Steam Library that can instantly suggest a game for you, helping you quickly decide what to play and rediscover unplayed, forgotten titles, etc.


Summary:
A built-in Random Game Selector in the Steam Library that lets users choose a random game from their library or filtered categories. The feature simplifies decision-making, helps rediscover unplayed or forgotten titles, and can be useful for friends deciding together or for streamers looking for content to play.

1. Purpose of the Feature

Users with large libraries often spend more time deciding what to play than actually playing. A native “Random Game” or “Surprise Me” button would:

  • Reduce decision fatigue by instantly suggesting a game.
  • Encourage replaying older titles or exploring unplayed games.
  • Fully built into Steam, no need for external tools or websites.

2. How the Feature Could Work

Core Functionality:
  • A “Random Game / Surprise Me” button in the Library.
  • Steam selects one game at random from the chosen pool.
  • Users can immediately navigate to the selected game’s Library page and launch it.

Selection Options & Filters:
  • Entire library or custom collections.
  • Genres and tags (e.g., Roguelike, FPS, MMO, Indie).
  • Installed / Not installed.
  • Unplayed / partially completed / completed (filter by unplayed games included).

Additional Controls:
  • “Roll Again” button for multiple suggestions.
  • Ability to exclude certain games or categories.

3. Optional Enhancements
  • Simple animation or smooth transition (optional, to make the random selection more engaging).
  • Pop-up with game cover and launch button, providing quick access to the selected game.

4. Benefits
  • Faster decision-making in large libraries.
  • Rediscovery of unplayed or forgotten titles.
  • Works naturally with existing filters.
  • Makes game selection more fun and less stressful.

Conclusion
A Random Game Selector (“Surprise Me”) would be a simple yet useful addition to the Steam client. It improves library navigation and helps users quickly decide what to play. Thank you for your time and consideration.

For developers:
I hope you find this idea useful and consider implementing it in a future update. Even a simple “Surprise Me” feature could make a big difference for players with large libraries. Possible addition to Steam Labs to experiment with features like smart recommendations or advanced randomization.
最后由 Sayoto エメラルド 编辑于; 11 月 26 日 上午 12:43
< >
正在显示第 1 - 15 条,共 17 条留言
zirkustier 11 月 24 日 上午 2:44 
The feature would be great.

Since the Steam client doesn't have it, I downloaded Playnite specifically for that reason. But then I didn't use it because I didn't want to enter my Steam API key.
Crazy Tiger 11 月 24 日 上午 2:48 
This always looks like a good idea to me, but whenever I actually use a randomizer I always diregard the choices cause of "nah, don't feel like it". :lunar2019laughingpig:
引用自 zirkustier
The feature would be great.

Since the Steam client doesn't have it, I downloaded Playnite specifically for that reason. But then I didn't use it because I didn't want to enter my Steam API key.
I totally get you! I actually looked into Playnite myself when I first thought about a random game picker, but I also got put off by the whole Steam API key thing — it just feels a bit too much for something that should be super simple.
引用自 Crazy Tiger
This always looks like a good idea to me, but whenever I actually use a randomizer I always diregard the choices cause of "nah, don't feel like it". :lunar2019laughingpig:

It’s like that quote — you flip a coin to make a choice, and if you don’t like the result, the choice has already been made.
最后由 Sayoto エメラルド 编辑于; 11 月 24 日 上午 2:53
Crazy Tiger 11 月 24 日 上午 2:58 
引用自 Crazy Tiger
This always looks like a good idea to me, but whenever I actually use a randomizer I always diregard the choices cause of "nah, don't feel like it". :lunar2019laughingpig:

It’s like that quote — you flip a coin to make a choice, and if you don’t like the result, the choice has already been made.
But I can choose to flip it again.

I'm not against the feature, mind. Would be very good for people to use if they like that. But for me I realised it doesn't work. :lunar2019grinningpig:
zirkustier 11 月 24 日 上午 3:06 
引用自 Crazy Tiger
But I can choose to flip it again.

I'm not against the feature, mind. Would be very good for people to use if they like that. But for me I realised it doesn't work. :lunar2019grinningpig:

Perhaps you need more options to narrow down the results, e.g., by genre?

With the other external random generators I tried, I had already played 80% of the games displayed. I couldn't filter by “unplayed." That annoyed me, so I stopped using them.
引用自 Crazy Tiger

It’s like that quote — you flip a coin to make a choice, and if you don’t like the result, the choice has already been made.
But I can choose to flip it again.

I'm not against the feature, mind. Would be very good for people to use if they like that. But for me I realised it doesn't work. :lunar2019grinningpig:


We all have that trait, but it shows up differently in each of us. There are times when we simply don’t feel like playing anything at all, mostly because the sheer number of games makes it hard to decide. That’s why I thought, why not suggest an idea like this — so you don’t waste time thinking and can just start playing. I also think this feature could be useful for a big group of friends who can’t decide what to play, or for streamers. But I totally understand you. I hope this idea gets some attention and support.:steamhappy:
Crazy Tiger 11 月 24 日 上午 3:14 
引用自 zirkustier
引用自 Crazy Tiger
But I can choose to flip it again.

I'm not against the feature, mind. Would be very good for people to use if they like that. But for me I realised it doesn't work. :lunar2019grinningpig:

Perhaps you need more options to narrow down the results, e.g., by genre?

With the other external random generators I tried, I had already played 80% of the games displayed. I couldn't filter by “unplayed." That annoyed me, so I stopped using them.
Filters might actually be a good idea in that, yes. I have a large library which covers just about all genres. Selecting genres based on the premise might help.

I never am NOT in a mood for something, so to speak, so a carte blanche option works against me in that. Sometimes you crave something short, sometimes something you can dive into and get lost in. Sometimes something cozy, etc.

A bit of filters would go along way to have it better suited to me, yeah. Good one.
Crazy Tiger 11 月 24 日 上午 3:17 
引用自 Crazy Tiger
But I can choose to flip it again.

I'm not against the feature, mind. Would be very good for people to use if they like that. But for me I realised it doesn't work. :lunar2019grinningpig:


We all have that trait, but it shows up differently in each of us. There are times when we simply don’t feel like playing anything at all, mostly because the sheer number of games makes it hard to decide. That’s why I thought, why not suggest an idea like this — so you don’t waste time thinking and can just start playing. I also think this feature could be useful for a big group of friends who can’t decide what to play, or for streamers. But I totally understand you. I hope this idea gets some attention and support.:steamhappy:
It's not that I don't feel like playing anything, it's more often that I can't find what fits what I might feel like playing. As explained in the post above this one.

I have sorta worked it out by categorising my backlog into a priority system. That includes games I've yet to play and games I want to replay. Backlog is simply "what I want to play (again)".
When I look for something to play, I go through the list and things that fancy me, I install and then see how things go.

I have managed to make a dent in my backlog, so it works. But, I'm always open to more options.

The suggestion itself is a good one, I know people ask for it more often.
最后由 Crazy Tiger 编辑于; 11 月 24 日 上午 3:17
引用自 Crazy Tiger


We all have that trait, but it shows up differently in each of us. There are times when we simply don’t feel like playing anything at all, mostly because the sheer number of games makes it hard to decide. That’s why I thought, why not suggest an idea like this — so you don’t waste time thinking and can just start playing. I also think this feature could be useful for a big group of friends who can’t decide what to play, or for streamers. But I totally understand you. I hope this idea gets some attention and support.:steamhappy:
It's not that I don't feel like playing anything, it's more often that I can't find what fits what I might feel like playing. As explained in the post above.

I have sorta worked it out by categorising my backlog into a priority system. That includes games I've yet to play and games I want to replay. Backlog is simply "what I want to play (again)".
When I look for something to play, I go through the list and things that fancy me, I install and then see how things go.

I have managed to make a dent in my backlog, so it works. But, I'm always open to more options.

Yeah, that’s basically what I wanted to say. Some days I want something light, like a casual roguelike or platformer, and other days I’m in the mood for a heavy MMO, AAA RPG, or strategy game. I usually pick games based on my mood too.
Kinda sad the topic didn’t really take off, but I still think the idea could be useful for a lot of people. Maybe more folks will notice it later.
Nx Machina 11 月 25 日 上午 12:10 
How many times are you going to click before you find the game you want to actually play? I ask because in the opening post you wrote "faster decision making."
引用自 Nx Machina
How many times are you going to click before you find the game you want to actually play? I ask because in the opening post you wrote "faster decision making."
It’s not really about clicking until I find the “perfect” game. It’s more about reducing the overwhelming amount of choice. Even getting 1 random suggestion already narrows things down a lot. If I don’t feel like playing it, another quick click is still faster than scrolling through hundreds of games.
Nx Machina 11 月 25 日 上午 12:49 
It’s not really about clicking until I find the “perfect” game. It’s more about reducing the overwhelming amount of choice. Even getting 1 random suggestion already narrows things down a lot. If I don’t feel like playing it, another quick click is still faster than scrolling through hundreds of games.

You are not reducing the overwhelming choice if you have to click multiple times to eventually say "I'll play that one."

I personally do not have to scroll multiple times because I have all my games in collections.
最后由 Nx Machina 编辑于; 11 月 25 日 上午 12:52
引用自 Nx Machina
It’s not really about clicking until I find the “perfect” game. It’s more about reducing the overwhelming amount of choice. Even getting 1 random suggestion already narrows things down a lot. If I don’t feel like playing it, another quick click is still faster than scrolling through hundreds of games.

You are not reducing the overwhelming choice if you have to click multiple times to eventually say "I'll play that one."

I understand your point, but that’s not really the way I look at it. For me, the value isn’t in instantly finding “the one,” but in shifting the whole decision process from browsing dozens of games to reacting to a small number of suggestions. Even a handful of random picks already limits the scope and makes it easier to choose.

Some people prefer going through their lists manually, others like having a tool that narrows things down for them. Different approaches work for different players — that’s all.

In any case, I appreciate the discussion. That’s all I wanted to say on this topic.
< >
正在显示第 1 - 15 条,共 17 条留言
每页显示数: 1530 50