Gamers using macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) and 10.14 (Mojave) may face some disruptions as Valve Software’s Steam gaming marketplace and app will discontinue support for these operating systems in 2024. This decision will impact users who rely on older versions of macOS to access their favorite games, particularly those that are 32-bit and have not been updated.

Valve’s announcement indicates that after February 15, 2024, Steam Client installations on macOS 10.13 and 10.14 will no longer receive updates or technical support from Steam. Additionally, the functionality of Steam on these unsupported operating system versions cannot be guaranteed. This may leave users vulnerable to security risks, and continued use of outdated software is discouraged.

The move to end support for these macOS versions reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry towards phasing out older technologies. While the majority of the Steam game library for Mac is 64-bit, there are still a significant number of 32-bit Mac games that have not been updated. As a result, users who continue to run High Sierra or Mojave may be at risk of losing access to certain games if they are reliant on Steam for installation and updates.

Valve’s decision is also influenced by Google’s plans to end support for macOS 10.13 and 10.14 in Chrome, as several parts of the Steam user experience rely on Chrome. This underscores the interconnected nature of technology platforms, and the impact that changes in one system can have on related services.

In conclusion, the discontinuation of support for macOS 10.13 and 10.14 by Valve signifies a broader shift in the gaming industry towards newer technologies. Users of older operating systems are encouraged to upgrade to ensure continued access to their favorite games and to mitigate security risks. This move serves as a reminder of the rapidly evolving nature of technology and the need to adapt to these changes in order to maintain seamless access to digital services.