Valve
Valve business and news from across the web.
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Virtual Reality Check
Recent leaks and specifications for Valve's upcoming Steam VR headset have surfaced, providing details on the new virtual reality hardware. The information suggests Valve is continuing its development in the VR space.
A new Deadlock update reworks the Urn into a more chaotic, powerful comeback engine
A new update for Valve's MOBA Deadlock introduces a significant rework to the Soul Urn item, aiming to make it a more powerful comeback mechanic. The update also includes a new Vitality item called Grit and numerous balance adjustments to heroes and other items, with a focus on encouraging early aggression and slowing down late-game base pushing.
Deadlock's latest 'small update' yet again remixes basic mechanics and rebalances most of the roster
Valve has released a small update for its MOBA Deadlock, significantly altering its comeback mechanics. The 'soul urn' now requires players to deposit it in the center of the map, initiating a channeling phase that can be interrupted by enemies. Additionally, the midboss that grants resurrection abilities now spawns at the start of the game, increasing early-game strategic options.
Retro Gaming in 2026: The Complete Guide to Playing Classic Games Legally | TAG
This guide explores legal options for playing retro games in 2026, noting that only 13.27% of classic US games released before 2010 are still commercially available. It details subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus Premium, digital storefronts such as GOG and Steam, and physical collector's options including Analogue and Evercade hardware. The article also addresses the legalities of emulation, emphasizing that while emulators are legal, downloading ROMs for games one does not own is copyright infringement.
The Steam Controller's main competition isn't from Microsoft or Sony: It's from third-party vendors
This article analyzes the third-party game controller market, arguing that vendors like Victrix, Gamesir, and EasySMX offer superior alternatives to standard controllers from Microsoft and Sony. Despite the quality and features of these third-party options, they are often overlooked in favor of first-party controllers, partly due to platform compatibility issues and historical perceptions of lower quality.
Issues and Activism
Valve has remained silent regarding a controversial game titled 'Plantation Sim' that has been described as a racist troll. The game's release has sparked criticism and calls for action from the gaming community.
Control Issues
The Steam Controller's charging puck remains live even when not actively charging, posing a shock hazard if touched by conductive materials. This issue was highlighted by PC Gamer.
Half-Life: Alyx is convincing me I don't have the knees for VR gaming, or perhaps I should stop cowering behind cars quite so often
Playing Half-Life: Alyx on Meta Quest 2 via Steam Link has highlighted the author's physical limitations, particularly their knee issues, due to the need for constant crouching and movement in VR. Despite the discomfort, the author praises Valve's technical achievements in VR and intends to finish the game, humorously suggesting future VR titles should feature less physically demanding protagonists.
After testing it out, here are the Steam Controller alternatives I'd recommend this Memorial Day
This article discusses alternatives to Valve's Steam Controller, highlighting options for users who prefer microswitch face buttons, faster polling rates, or more customization. Controllers from Nacon, GameSir, Razer, Victrix, PowerA, and Manba are recommended based on specific features and price points, with a focus on PC gaming hardware.
Hardware Reviews
This article presents reviews for several hardware components, including the BeQuiet Dark Rock Pro 6 CPU Cooler reviewed by Guru3D, and the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360P reviewed by TechPowerUp. It also briefly mentions the Valve Steam Controller.
Oops - someone nearly caused a fire with the Steam Controller Puck
A user on Reddit reported that a metallic smartwatch strap left on the Steam Controller charging Puck began sizzling, nearly causing a fire. While Valve includes a safety notice in the manual, the article suggests a more prominent warning might be necessary due to the potential for accidents with conductive materials.
Valve attempt to get the New York lootbox lawsuit dismissed as "People enjoy surprises"
Valve is attempting to have a New York lawsuit regarding lootboxes dismissed, arguing that "people enjoy surprises" and comparing them to collectibles like baseball cards. The company's legal team filed a memo asserting that New York's interpretation of gambling laws is overly broad and could criminalize common commercial transactions. This case, filed by the New York Attorney General, could have significant legal implications if it proceeds.
I got sick of downloading controller software on PC, so I tried one that has it built into its on-board screen instead
This article discusses the inconvenience of downloading separate software for PC gaming controllers and highlights the Manba One controller as a solution with its integrated on-board screen for customization. The author contrasts this with the Steam Controller's more cumbersome profile management system, ultimately favoring the Manba One's accessibility despite its lower price point.
You need to know the Steam Controller's charging puck is always live, so if you accidentally touch it with something conductive, you're in for a shock
The charging puck for Valve's Steam Controller remains live when plugged in, posing a shock hazard if conductive materials accidentally touch its pins. A user discovered this when their smartwatch strap caused a short circuit. While not unique to Valve, the article suggests clearer warnings should be provided by manufacturers.
Redditor warns they 'almost started a fire' when metallic watch strap made contact with Steam…
A user on Reddit reported that their metallic smartwatch strap caused a short circuit and began sizzling when it made contact with the Steam Controller's charging puck, nearly starting a fire. While Valve's manual warns about metallic objects attracting to the magnetic charging puck, the incident raises questions about the design's safety, with comparisons made to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller's charging dock.
Prophet Margin is a holy city-builder that combines the joy of trade routes with the terror of God
Prophet Margin is a new city-builder game from Stellar Cartography Interactive UG that focuses on establishing intricate trade routes to satisfy the demands of various gods. The game combines elements of board game logic with deep resource management, allowing players to build and optimize settlements. A demo is expected to arrive soon.
Anticheat check - which competitive games actually work on Linux?
This guide details which competitive games with anti-cheat systems are compatible with Linux and SteamOS. It explains how anti-cheat software interacts with different operating systems and compatibility layers like Valve's Proton. While some major titles like Fortnite and Valorant are blocked, games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Marvel Rivals function correctly.
New SteamOS update finally fixes one of the Steam Deck's most irritating bugs
Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.5 Beta update, addressing several bugs for the Steam Deck, including an issue where the speakers would not work after rebooting the Steam Deck OLED. The update also includes fixes for the ASUS ROG Ally and mentions upcoming Steam Machine hardware, suggesting a potential release is nearing. Additional improvements focus on video memory management and desktop mode stability.
New York's case that Steam lootboxes are "gambling" is a free speech violation that "will have an impermissible chilling effect on protected videogame design", argue Valve
Valve is arguing in a New York court that lootboxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 should not be classified as gambling, asserting that randomized rewards are not real-value items and that regulating them would violate free speech protections for game design. The company contends that the attorney general lacks the authority to enforce such regulations and that the lawsuit could stifle creativity in game development, particularly for aesthetic items like skins.
How to give Valve feedback when Proton games have issues on Linux / SteamOS
This guide explains how to provide feedback to Valve when Windows games encounter issues on Linux or SteamOS using the Proton compatibility layer. It details how to enable Proton logging and submit bug reports with log files to Valve's dedicated GitHub page.
