Steam to See Big Update Next Month

Valve is bringing some console-like services to its online service that will be free for its users.

Valve's online game verification and distribution network, Steam, is slated for a significant update next month, one that will bring its 13 million-strong user base a set of features akin to those available on the Xbox 360 and promoted by Windows Live.

Steam users will be able to create and modify their own pages and profiles, cluster in groups, review summaries of opponents they have played, schedule games with others, and participate in text and voice chat, Valve claimed in a press release.

The service will be accessible through the standard Steam client and will be free of charge - setting it apart from Microsoft's offering.