Steam has announced a slew of new updates to its chat and social features, all currently part of an opt-in beta program.
The beta update allows Steam users to group their friends into a “favorites” tab, by the game they’re currently playing, and also by party if multiple friends are currently grouped together in a game. The update also displays information on where friends are mid-game, if they’re currently in a match or available for matchmaking, what party playing, and other information that individual game developers decide on. Steam users can also create unique group chats.
Source: IGN.com Steam Updates Chat and Friends System in New Beta