Chrome Unboxed reported in January 2020 that it installed and played Kentucky Route Zero through Steam on two Chromebooks. That is a historical report, not a reliable set of current instructions: Google’s current Chromebook Help page says Linux hardware acceleration, including GPU support, is not supported, and today’s compatibility with Steam and the game is not established.
What the “Game of the Decade” is—and what the video claimed
The game in the headline is Kentucky Route Zero, a story-driven drama. In an article published January 31, 2020, Chrome Unboxed described it as the “Game of the Decade” and reported running it on a Pixelbook Go and a Lenovo C340. The article also relayed that Wired and Polygon had called it the most important game of the decade; that characterization is Chrome Unboxed’s attribution, not a direct quotation verified from either outlet. Read Chrome Unboxed’s 2020 report.
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How the 2020 Chromebook method worked
Chrome Unboxed’s process relied on the ChromeOS and Linux setup available at the time. It enabled Linux apps, turned on a ChromeOS flag called “Crostini GPU Support,” restarted the Chromebook, installed Steam from its .deb package, and downloaded the game through Steam. Those steps explain the video; they should not be treated as current, supported instructions.
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What Linux on a Chromebook supports today
Google describes Linux as “a feature that lets you develop software using your Chromebook.” Its documented setup creates a Debian environment; it does not promise compatibility with every desktop application or game. To enable it on an eligible device, use this current settings path:
- Open Settings.
- Go to About ChromeOS > Developers.
- Next to Linux development environment, select the option to set it up and follow the on-screen instructions.
Google says setup can take 10 minutes or more. A work or school administrator may block Linux, and some devices may not offer the feature. See Google’s setup and troubleshooting guidance.
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Will Steam and Kentucky Route Zero work on your Chromebook now?
The available documentation does not establish whether current Steam and Kentucky Route Zero builds run on particular Chromebook models. Google’s general Linux instructions do not test either one, and the 2020 report does not establish present compatibility. Performance and whether the game launches may depend on the Chromebook, ChromeOS version, Linux environment, Steam client, and game build. Do not assume that enabling Linux—or reproducing an old GPU-flag step—will make the game playable today.
What the 2020 price does—and does not—tell you
Chrome Unboxed listed the game at $24.99 when it published its article in January 2020. That is a historical price only; it does not establish the current Steam price or availability.
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