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Steam Integration

PlaySync offers powerful Steam data-driven recommendations by integrating with Steam's platform to enhance user matching and game preference analysis.

Overview​

The Steam integration feature automatically fetches and analyzes user data from Steam to provide more accurate and personalized matchmaking recommendations. When enabled, the system will:

  • Fetch user's Steam game library and playtime data
  • Analyze game genres and preferences
  • Use Steam data to improve recommendation accuracy
  • Provide richer user profiles for better matching

How It Works​

1. Background Data Sync​

When Steam integration is enabled, PlaySync automatically:

  • Syncs Steam game database (names, genres, metadata)
  • Fetches user Steam data in the background
  • Updates user profiles with Steam information
  • Maintains fresh data through periodic synchronization

2. Enhanced User Profiles​

Steam integration enriches user profiles with:

  • Game Library: Complete list of owned games
  • Playtime Data: Hours spent in each game
  • Genre Preferences: Analyzed from game collection
  • Gaming Patterns: Casual vs competitive preferences

3. Improved Recommendations​

Steam data enhances recommendations by:

  • Game Preference Matching: Better alignment based on actual game ownership
  • Genre Compatibility: Matching users with similar genre preferences
  • Play Style Analysis: Understanding casual vs competitive players
  • Skill Level Estimation: Based on game complexity and playtime

Enabling Steam Integration​

Steam integration is controlled through client platform configuration. By default, it's turned off to ensure privacy and control.

Configuration Options​

Steam integration is disabled by default for all clients. To enable automatic Steam data synchronization, simply set the flag in your configuration:

curl -X PUT \
  "https://api.splitscreen-example.com/v1/client/config" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "steam_sync_enabled": true
  }'

Data Privacy & Security​

  • Steam integration only works with explicit user consent
  • Users must provide their Steam ID to enable the feature
  • No Steam data is collected without permission

Data Handling​

  • Steam data is stored securely in your PlaySync database
  • Data is only used for recommendation purposes
  • No Steam data is shared with third parties
  • Users can request data deletion at any time

API Integration​

User Upload with Steam ID​

When uploading users, you can optionally include their Steam ID:

{
  "users": [
    {
      "client_user_id": "user123",
      "display_name": "PlayerOne",
      "steam_id": "76561198000000000",
    }
  ]
}

Benefits​

For Users​

  • Better Matches: More accurate compatibility scoring
  • Richer Profiles: Comprehensive gaming preferences
  • Faster Matching: Reduced time to find compatible players

For Developers​

  • Enhanced Recommendations: Steam data improves match quality
  • User Engagement: Better matches lead to higher retention
  • Data Insights: Understand user gaming patterns
  • Competitive Advantage: Unique Steam integration features

Steam integration provides a powerful way to enhance your matchmaking system with real gaming data, leading to better user experiences and higher engagement rates.