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Steam Gets Major Feature Update: Non-Steam Game Tracking | HappyGamer
Steam has quietly rolled out a new feature that tracks playtime for non-Steam games, aiming to become a central hub for all PC gaming activity. This move puts pressure on other launchers like Epic Games Store and GOG. Meanwhile, the indie game Legends of Wasteland launched its full version after early access, and the industry continues to grapple with issues like review bombing.
Gabe Newell Emailed Elon Musk To Try To Get Hideo Kojima An Invite To SpaceX
In 2018, Valve founder Gabe Newell emailed Elon Musk to inquire about Hideo Kojima receiving a tour of SpaceX, as Kojima expressed a strong desire to experience space travel. The exchange also touched upon AI, with Newell noting Kojima's belief in its future importance. These emails were revealed as part of a legal dispute involving Musk, Sam Altman, and OpenAI.
Valve boss Gabe Newell set up Hideo Kojima with a SpaceX tour after Death Stranding showcase because "he was talking about how much he wants to go into space"
Valve boss Gabe Newell arranged for Hideo Kojima to receive a tour of SpaceX facilities after Kojima expressed a strong desire to go to space. Emails revealed during a lawsuit show Newell offering to connect Kojima with Elon Musk, who agreed to the visit. Kojima has repeatedly stated his ambition to create games in space.
Steam Quietly Starts Tracking Your GOG and Epic Games Playtime | HappyGamer
Steam has quietly updated its platform to track playtime for non-Steam games added to a user's library, including titles purchased from GOG and Epic Games. This change aims to position Steam as a central hub for PC gaming, regardless of where games are purchased, by offering unified playtime tracking and improved user experience features.
The Steam Controller is all the rage, but I've been distracted by a modern Dreamcast controller that's more…
This article analyzes the evolution of game controllers, drawing parallels between the original Dreamcast controller and Valve's Steam Controller. It highlights how modern designs, like the Retro Fighters StrikerDC for the Dreamcast, reflect historical trends in gamepad development, influencing current console and PC controller layouts.
DBrand Updates Companion Cube Skin for Steam Machine | HappyGamer
DBrand has quietly updated its Companion Cube skin for Valve's Steam Machine, a move that has garnered attention from the Portal community. While the Steam Machine did not achieve widespread success, the update suggests DBrand's continued commitment to its gaming hardware accessories, potentially signaling future refreshes for other legacy designs.
Proton Experimental updated to get Crimson Desert working again on Linux / SteamOS
Valve has updated Proton Experimental to resolve issues preventing Crimson Desert from launching on Linux and SteamOS. This fix ensures Crimson Desert uses Proton Experimental by default, though users can manually select it. The update also adds support for "Plain Sight" and follows recent patches for Proton Hotfix and the EA App.
Xbox games are making bank on PlayStation
Xbox games generated $667 million in gross revenue by being ported to PlayStation 5, according to a report by Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. While some titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves performed exceptionally well, others like Starfield and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition also met sales thresholds. Sony, conversely, is not planning to port more PlayStation 5 games to PC, focusing on single-player exclusives for its console while live-service games will be multiplatform.
Thanks to Musk v. Altman lawsuit, it's now public record that Gabe Newell emailed Elon Musk to get his pal Hideo…
Emails revealed due to the Musk v. Altman lawsuit show that Valve co-founder Gabe Newell offered to introduce Hideo Kojima to Elon Musk in 2018. Newell had met Kojima at Valve headquarters to discuss Death Stranding and expressed a desire to help Kojima fulfill his ambition of going to space.
Engagement Ring
The game S&box generated nearly $1 million on its launch day, despite experiencing issues that developers are actively addressing. Separately, Starbreeze Studios has not yet declared its financial results for Payday 3.
Control Issues
Valve acknowledges a lack of PC-first gamepads and sees an opportunity with their new Steam Controller. The article discusses the potential market for such peripherals.
Gabe Newell Predicted Console PC Hardware Shift Years Ago | HappyGamer
Gabe Newell's past prediction that consoles would adopt PC hardware has proven accurate, with modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S utilizing AMD components similar to those found in gaming PCs. This convergence simplifies development, narrows performance gaps, and benefits gamers through easier porting and potential for cross-platform play.
The Garry's Mod 'successor' is, tragically, more Roblox than anything else
S&box, developed by Facepunch Studios as a spiritual successor to Garry's Mod, is criticized for prioritizing a Roblox-like platform model over the creative freedom of its predecessor. While showcasing potential with various game genres built on a modified Source 2 engine, its current state suffers from jankiness and a business model involving paid cosmetics, leading to disappointment for those expecting a true Garry's Mod 2 experience.
Why aren’t there more PC-first gamepads? Valve don’t know, but they "did see an opportunity" for the new Steam Controller
Valve designers Lawrence Yang and Steve Cardinali discuss the lack of PC-first gamepads, noting an opportunity for their new Steam Controller. While acknowledging the dominance of console controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and PlayStation 5 DualSense, they believe there's a market for a controller specifically designed for PC gaming, offering features beyond 'good enough'.
Demon Lord: Just a Block Launches Today With 10% Early Bird Discount | HappyGamer
Demon Lord: Just a Block, a grid-based roguelite, has launched on Steam with a 10% early bird discount for the first two weeks. The game features a 7-chapter campaign, over 70 monsters, 14 weapons, and extensive customization options. It also boasts full Steam Deck support and upcoming Reddit AMAs with the developers.
Steam Users Slam Credit Card Requirements for Age Verification | HappyGamer
Steam users are expressing frustration with the platform's age verification system, particularly when changing payment methods. Many long-time users with accounts dating back to 2005 feel arbitrarily subjected to re-verification when switching from credit to debit cards. The article suggests Valve should implement more modern and user-friendly solutions, such as grandfathering in long-standing accounts or integrating with modern identity verification services.
Valve rolls out the red carpet for its new Steam controller with battery warnings, gamepad quick-chat and—bonus!—remote download controls
Valve has released a new Steam client update, bringing several new features for PC and Steam Deck users. Key additions include low battery warnings for wireless gamepads, a quick-chat feature for Steam chat, and enhanced remote download management. The update also improves remote play functionality and addresses various bugs.
Gamer Builds One-Handed Controller After Losing Arm - And It Actually Works | HappyGamer
An individual named Joe has designed and built a functional one-handed controller for PC gaming after losing an arm. The custom device integrates a mouse sensor and redesigned button layout for ergonomic use, allowing play of FPS, MMO, and RPG genres. While currently a prototype, the innovation highlights the need for more accessible gaming hardware, with potential for open-source sharing to benefit other disabled gamers.
Summer Game Fest 2026 Rumors Include Hogwarts Legacy 2 and Half-Life 3 | HappyGamer
Rumors are circulating about potential major announcements at Summer Game Fest 2026, including Hogwarts Legacy 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3, Grand Theft Auto VI, Kingdom Hearts IV, Devil May Cry 6, and Half-Life 3. While some titles like Hogwarts Legacy 2 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 are considered more likely due to existing project structures, others like Half-Life 3 remain highly speculative. The event is seen as a crucial platform for publishers to generate hype and drive engagement in a competitive market.
Cache is live in CS2, and it's truly better than ever
Valve has released the reworked Cache map for Counter-Strike 2, marking its return to the active map pool after a hiatus since 2019. The update, which arrived on April 28, 2026, features significant visual and gameplay improvements thanks to the Source 2 engine, enhancing both performance and playability. While iconic elements like specific graffiti have been removed, the map retains its core feel and has seen structural changes, particularly in the middle area, to alter gameplay dynamics.
