Developers of the homebrew plugin Decky Loader have created a tool that lets users install Epic Games Store and GOG games on the Steam Deck [1].

This development expands the utility of Valve's hardware by breaking the ecosystem lock. It allows gamers to consolidate their libraries from multiple digital storefronts onto a single portable device without relying solely on the Steam store [1, 2].

The plugin targets both the Steam Deck handheld console and Steam Machine PCs [1, 2]. By utilizing Decky Loader, users can bypass the standard restrictions of the SteamOS environment to integrate titles purchased from competing platforms, such as GOG and Epic Games [1].

Such homebrew modifications have become a central part of the Steam Deck experience. While Valve provides a desktop mode for some installations, Decky Loader streamlines the process for those seeking a more integrated gaming experience within the handheld's primary interface [2].

The ability to run non-Steam titles is a priority for many users who maintain large libraries across various launchers. This plugin provides a bridge for those games to function on Valve hardware, ensuring that ownership of a game on another platform does not prevent it from being played on the device [1, 2].

“Decky Loader lets users install Epic Games Store and GOG games on the Steam Deck”

The rise of homebrew tools like Decky Loader highlights a consumer demand for open-platform hardware. By enabling cross-store compatibility, users are effectively transforming the Steam Deck from a closed ecosystem into a general-purpose gaming PC, putting pressure on hardware manufacturers to support third-party software integration.