This homebrew plug-in that allows you to install GOG and Epic Games on your Steam Deck will be released as a standalone Steam release

Junk Store, an open-source plugin for the Steam Deck homebrew Launcher Decky Loader, which allows the installation games from non Steam storefronts such as GOG and Epic is heading to Steam as a standalone software. Steam could be providing software that allows you to play games from other stores, such as GOG and Epic, in the near future. Valve is ok with this, for now.

According to the store page of SDK Innovation, which announced yesterday that Junk Store's Steam launch was "seamlessly" integrated with Steam, it allows you to install and launch games in Game Mode, without switching to Desktop, or relying upon external launchers. It sounds pretty good, especially if your goal is to collect free Epic games each week and you don't want homebrew software to get in the way.

The move to Steam by Junk Store will be accompanied by a price, which is reasonable, given the costs involved in developing standalone software. SDK Innovation stated on Reddit that "This is a completely re-built product, using different technology." "The code isn't open source. We had to reimplement Decky's code and more. We need funding to hire the developers who will provide the features that the community wants."

SDK Innovation admits that while Junk Store’s Steam page was approved, it will still need to pass a software review before it can be purchased. Junk Store presents a more complex problem than the typical Steam software, such as Wallpaper Engine. It would not only allow Valve hardware users to install software from competing stores, but it would also be the first Steam product that altered the functionality of Steam itself.

SDK Innovation stated that it was not a given that Junk Store would be the first Steam plugin to make it into the Steam Store. "Valve has no obligation to permit this, and we will do our best with the resources we have available." This could set a precedence and we'd prefer it to be a positive one.

It's possible Valve will shoot down Junk Store as part of the approval process. It has a history of letting people play with its creations, such as Black Mesa. The standalone version of Junk Store doesn't yet have a set release date or price, but you can wishlist on Steam.