Removing this feature will disappoint some Tesla owners

Two years after the introduction of the Steam platform on the Model X and Model S, the manufacturer Tesla is closing the service, leaving the geekiest drivers disappointed. The fault of a drastic reduction in costs?

Tesla, one of the world leaders in electric cars, recently made a decision that could disappoint many video game enthusiasts: the removal of the Steam platform on its new models.

This feature, enthusiastically introduced almost two years ago by CEO Elon Musk, allowed drivers and passengers to play various popular titles directly from their vehicle. However, the move appears to be part of a broader cost-cutting strategy for the company.

Steam is already over

In 2021, Elon Musk revealed the integration of Steam in Tesla’s flagship models, namely the Model S and Model X. This feature allowed users to enjoy demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 thanks to the powerful AMD Ryzen processors fitted to these cars. Teslas were thus presented not only as innovative means of transport, but also as mobile entertainment centers.

However, reports from owners indicate that Tesla has started informing customers awaiting delivery that their new vehicles will not support Steam. A message sent by Tesla states: “ Tesla updates your Model X’s gaming computer, and your vehicle is no longer capable of playing Steam games. All other entertainment and app features are unaffected. » This change apparently only affects new vehicles, leaving current owners uncertain as to how long this feature will continue.

Cost rationalization

Several reasons seem to motivate this decision. On the one hand, the Steam feature was considered niche, with uncertain popularity among Tesla owners. Online forums such as Reddit are rife with speculation about possible causes for this removal, ranging from low usage rates to concerns about battery drain.

Additionally, Tesla has undertaken significant cost-cutting efforts in recent months, including significant layoffs and reducing its workforce by 10%. In this context of streamlining operations, it seems that Steam integration has been deemed non-essential.

For many fans of the brand, this decision could be seen as a step backwards. The integration of Steam had been seen as a step towards a future where cars would offer complete on-board entertainment, particularly in the context of autonomous driving and robotaxi services envisaged by the company. However, Tesla’s recent actions suggest a shift toward core functionality, perhaps in response to financial pressures and operational challenges.

Tesla’s Steam-equipped models used AMD Ryzen processors, capable of performance comparable to modern gaming consoles. These vehicles could display games with detailed graphics and appreciable gaming fluidity thanks to powerful graphics processors reaching up to 10 teraflops. This capability made it possible to play demanding titles like The Witcher 3.

However, this computing power came at a cost in energy, and the functionality was not perfect. For example, the service automatically disconnected when the doors were opened and was not free of bugs. The manufacturer could in exchange work on new features such as improved voice synthesis and new camera mirrors. It is nevertheless a bit of a shame that Tesla is removing Steam, especially since other manufacturers have decided to extend their infotainment functionality such as BMW, Hyundai, or even BYD and Polestar, which now integrate cloud gaming services with Geforce NOW.