To have Steam track time for non-Steam games, follow these steps:
- Add the game to your Steam library: Go to "Games" in the top menu, then select "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library."
- Browse and select the game's executable: Locate the .exe file for the game you want to add and select it.
- Customize the game's entry (Optional): Right-click on the game in your library, select "Properties," and you can change the name, icon, and category.
Important Considerations:
- Playtime Tracking Limitations: While Steam will recognize you are playing the non-Steam game and display its name to your friends, it often does not reliably track playtime. This is because playtime is generally tracked server-side, and non-Steam games don't have that connection.
- Steam Deck Exception: On Steam Deck, plugins via Decky may offer solutions for tracking playtime for non-Steam games, but this requires additional software.
- Third-Party Software: Consider using third-party software specifically designed for game time tracking if Steam's method proves unreliable.
