In a notable development for Steam Deck users, Valve has revoked the coveted 'Verified' badge from the PC port of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. This decision comes just over a month after the game's developer, Nixxes Software (working with Insomniac Games), celebrated achieving this status, which signals optimal performance and compatibility on Valve's handheld gaming device. The removal highlights the stringent requirements Valve maintains for its verification program and the importance of out-of-the-box playability. The core reason behind stripping the badge appears to be related to the game's performance specifically when using its default graphical settings on the Steam Deck. While the game might run acceptably after players manually adjust settings, the Steam Deck Verified program prioritizes a seamless experience from the first launch. Games awarded the Verified badge are expected to run well without requiring users to delve into configuration menus immediately. If the default configuration leads to subpar frame rates, crashes, or other significant issues, it fails to meet the criteria for the highest tier of compatibility. The Steam Deck compatibility system categorizes games into four tiers: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown. 'Verified' means the game works great on Steam Deck right out of the box, meeting input, display, seamlessness, and system support requirements. 'Playable' indicates the game functions but might require manual tweaking, show controller icons incorrectly, or need users to use the touchscreen or virtual keyboard. The demotion of Spider-Man 2 from 'Verified' likely shifts it to 'Playable', signifying that while it can run, the initial default experience isn't smooth enough for the top endorsement. This situation underscores the dynamic nature of the Steam Deck verification process. Performance can change with game updates or even SteamOS updates, potentially affecting a game's compatibility status. For developers, achieving and maintaining Verified status is a significant marketing advantage, assuring potential buyers of a smooth handheld experience. Its removal, especially after being publicly celebrated, serves as a reminder that initial verification isn't necessarily permanent and hinges on sustained, default performance meeting Valve's standards. Players who already own Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on Steam can likely still enjoy the game on their Steam Deck, potentially by adjusting graphics settings for better performance. However, the change in status means new buyers won't see the green checkmark assurance. This event emphasizes the importance for users to understand the nuances between 'Verified' and 'Playable' and sets expectations accordingly, while also signaling to developers the ongoing need to optimize default settings for the handheld platform.
