DeckFilter

Before launching the beta test for DeckFilter in January, I had finalized the app's name. I wanted something straightforward that clearly indicated the app’s function. After considering options like DeckBuddy and DeckCompanion, which were either already taken or didn’t quite fit, I settled on "DeckFilter." This name clearly communicated that the app helps Steam Deck users filter their game choices effectively.

Once the name was in place, I posted the beta version on Reddit to gather feedback. You can view the post here. My goal was to engage with 5 iOS and 5 Android users who could help test the app's functionality. The feedback was mixed: while many users appreciated the concept, others questioned its necessity. However, all the feedback was invaluable. It spurred ideas for new features and prompted several crucial fixes, enhancing the app's usability.

Through diligent work informed by user comments, DeckFilter was refined to better meet the needs of its audience. Seeing the positive reactions to these improvements was incredibly rewarding. I continued to incorporate user suggestions, which significantly shaped the app’s development.

In June 2022, I acquired a Steam Deck, which quickly led to my game library expanding from about 100 to 400 titles. This explosion in game choices made it incredibly difficult to quickly decide what to play next. Although the Decky HLTB plugin provided completion times for games on the Steam Deck, it only showed these times when I viewed each game individually, which was not efficient for making quick selections.

Faced with this frustration, I decided to leverage my development skills to create a better solution. Initially, the app was intended just for my use—a simple tool that allowed me to filter games based on their estimated completion time. Excited by the potential of my little project, I shared a video of the app in action on Reddit to gauge interest from other gamers. You can view the video here.

To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The enthusiasm and interest from the community were far greater than I anticipated, prompting me to consider the broader potential of my project. Encouraged by the feedback, I committed to further developing the app, refining it based on suggestions and ideas from those who expressed interest.