Steam launches Big Picture mode

Valve's digital distribution hub Steam has taken the training wheels off its Big Picture mode which aims to help PC gaming move one step closer to the living room.

The mode which entered beta earlier this year has been designed to be operated by a gamepad on a TV as opposed to the traditional mouse and keyboard on a PC. It includes the Daisywheel feature to make it easier to type using a control pad and a reticule-based web-browser.

To support the launch, Steam is running a sale on more than 30 of its more controller-friendly titles including Left4Dead 2, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, Portal 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Valve's hardware division is planning on its first round of external beta testing next year. The hardware division has been working with the Big Picture mode developers with the overall goal to make Steam more accessible from the living room.

Hardware solutions being developed include things to make Steam and PC games easier to control away from a mouse and keyboard setup. The team has however stated that they are projecting approximately two to five years before anything finds its way into the hands of consumers.