Steam revamps its tagging system and removes many tags
Intelligence Summary
- Steam has updated its tagging system by removing 28 older tags and adding 17 new ones. Read more about the changes.
Steam revamps its tagging system and removes many tags
Valve recently rolled out a major change to Steam’s tagging system, removing a number of older tags and adding new ones. It’s one of the few times since 2024 that the company has overhauled its tagging system so extensively. With these changes, Steam aims to help users find games that better match their interests.
Changes to the tagging system
In the latest update, a total of 17 new tags were added to the Steam store and 28 older tags were removed. The new tags are designed to be more specific and better aligned with the different subgenres within the gaming community. For example, the tag "Bullet Heaven" has been added for games similar to "Vampire Survivors", referring to gameplay where players collect upgrades while automatically attacking enemies.
In addition, tags such as "NSFW" have been removed entirely, indicating that Valve wants to focus on more relevant and specific terminology. This marks a clear shift toward highlighting the different kinds of gaming experiences available on the platform.
Added and removed tags
Below is an overview of some of the most notable recent additions and removals:
Added tags
- Bullet Heaven: Suitable for games with automatic attacks and upgrades.
- Desktop Companion: For games that support the user while they do other activities on their screen.
- Espionage: Games centered on spying or securing valuable information.
- Zoo: Games where the player cares for and manages a zoo.
Removed tags
- Dungeons & Dragons: A popular tabletop RPG tag is no longer available.
- Warhammer 40K: This tag has also been removed, which may suggest Valve wants a broader approach.
- LEGO: The tag for LEGO-related games has also been dropped, possibly due to lower usage.
Purpose of the changes
According to Valve, the adjustments are aimed at improving players’ ability to discover games that match their preferences. The company has said this sentiment has been building within the community for some time. The last time significant changes were made was in 2024, when four new tags were added, including "Dice" and "Boomer Shooter".
With this refreshed tagging structure, Steam is also trying to improve the recommendations shown to users, which is essential at a time when competition between game platforms is increasing. By making tags more specific and relevant, Valve hopes gamers can find the right games faster without having to sift through a sea of irrelevant classifications.
Timeline
2024: Valve adds several new tags, including Dice, Dwarf, Boomer Shooter, and Elf.
May 2026: Steam removes 28 older tags, including Dungeons & Dragons and LEGO, and adds 17 new tags, including Bullet Heaven.
With this update, Valve continues to focus on improving the user experience and supporting the gaming community.
Steam’s emphasis on specific and relevant tags may also reflect evolving trends within the gaming industry. The rise of genres like "Desktop Companion" points to a shift in which gamers are looking for experiences that not only entertain them, but also support them in their daily lives.
These changes are therefore not just a response to player feedback, but also a strategic move in an increasingly competitive digital games market. Valve continues to evolve and adapt, and it’s clear that the future of Steam looks dynamic and user-focused.
The move to a new tagging system also offers a glimpse of what other gaming platforms may follow, and raises expectations for how games are presented and discovered in the future. The overhaul of ratings can now be seen as a measure of broader access to diverse games and genres, ultimately benefiting both these platforms and players alike.
