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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Valve.
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'Easily the dumbest thing I've ever built': Guy puts spikes and taser on Steam Deck to stop family from…
A Reddit user named ConroyyJenkinss has created a unique security system for their Steam Deck, featuring a 3D-printed spiked case and a taser rigged to a Raspberry Pi. The system is designed to deter family members from using the device without permission by playing an audio clip and activating the taser after a short delay.
More bad news for Valve and its still unreleased Steam Frame as Qualcomm is set to raise the price of its chips, like…
Qualcomm is reportedly increasing its chip prices by a double-digit percentage starting September 1, which could negatively impact devices like Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset and Meta's VR headsets. This price hike comes amid ongoing memory shortages and affects manufacturers like TSMC. Valve has a stockpile of Steam Frames, potentially mitigating the immediate impact on consumers.
Sony Ending PlayStation Discs Driven by Consumer Behavior, Says Former Valve Writer
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek believes Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production is driven by consumer preference for digital media, not a conspiracy. He cited declining physical game sales at retailers like GameStop and Sony's own digital sales figures as evidence that consumers are actively choosing digital convenience over physical copies.
What does GTA Online 2.0 even look like—and, more to the point, what do we even want from Grand Theft Auto 6…
This opinion piece speculates on the future of GTA Online, questioning what "GTA Online 2.0" might look like given the increasing focus on user-generated content and live service platforms. The author considers how Rockstar Games might evolve the multiplayer experience for Grand Theft Auto 6, drawing parallels with other games like Fortnite and Roblox, while also acknowledging the potential challenges in balancing creativity with the core essence of the Grand Theft Auto series.
J.K. Simmons hasn't played Baldur's Gate 3 or any of his games, but he loves Portal 2: 'I could have done…
Actor J.K. Simmons, known for his roles in games like Portal 2 and Baldur's Gate 3, admits he doesn't play video games due to controller dexterity issues. Despite not playing, he holds Portal 2 in high regard for its humorous script and also reprised his role as Cave Johnson for the Steam Deck tie-in Aperture Desk Job.
How do you feel about AI videogame music?
This opinion piece discusses the increasing integration of generative AI in game development, particularly concerning video game music. The author expresses strong opposition to AI-generated music, arguing it diminishes human creativity and composer intent. The article questions whether players would notice or care about AI music and highlights concerns about AI flooding platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Videogame villains who sing at you are the best
This article discusses the trend of villains singing in video games, highlighting examples from various titles like Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Hades II, and Baldur's Gate 3. It argues that unexpected musical numbers from antagonists can be more engaging than traditional monologues, making them memorable and impactful.
MMO Business Roundup: GTA 6’s union meeting, EA’s Saudi sale, and Steam’s wishlist updates
Rockstar Games' union reported a positive first meeting with management regarding negotiations for worker protections like no crunch and pay transparency. Separately, the European Union Commission cleared Electronic Arts' $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, making the deal more likely to finalize. Steam has also updated its wishlist functionality to include categories and improved search.
Buffs, Nerfs, and Bugs
IO Interactive has removed Denuvo DRM from 007: First Blood. Valve's latest Proton update addresses a game-breaking bug in Diablo IV on Linux systems.
Amazon games boss hopes Steam Machine and consoles "pushing well over $1,000" will drive more people to cloud…
Amazon games general manager Jeffrey Gattis believes rising console and PC hardware costs will drive more players towards cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna. He notes that while cloud gaming was once a solution in search of a problem, the increasing price of dedicated hardware makes it a more attractive option for the vast number of gamers who cannot afford expensive consoles or PCs.
Hideo Kojima isn't planning to blast off to space yet because he doesn't want to rush to his "ultimate dream," so he'll "keep on making games" for now
Hideo Kojima stated that while he still dreams of going to space and making movies, he intends to continue making video games for the foreseeable future. He believes that achieving smaller goals along the way is more fulfilling than immediately reaching one's ultimate dream. Kojima Productions is his current development studio.
PlayStation is risking a $7.2 billion used games market by ending disc production, analysts say: "Brick and mortar…
Analysts predict that PlayStation's move away from physical discs by 2028 could significantly shrink the $7.2 billion used games market. Experts suggest this shift to digital-only will reduce overall game purchasing opportunities, impacting both new and resale markets, and potentially forcing consumers into digital alternatives without choice.
Steam adds wishlist categories and cross-region gifting
Valve has updated Steam with new wishlist categories for better organization and improved gifting features, including cross-region gifting. Users can now create custom categories for their wishlists, customize notification settings, and share specific filtered views. Gifting has been enhanced to automatically calculate regional pricing at checkout, and the guest checkout process now supports purchasing games and gifts.
Dev baffled as Valve pauses their Steam release to painstakingly review "dozens of untextured polygons depicting…
The indie game Future? No Thanks! has been delayed on Steam due to Valve's content review process, which is examining its depiction of nudity. Developer Molleindustria expressed frustration, noting that the mild nudity and the game's demo had previously passed review. The release is now pending the completion of Valve's assessment.
Valve launches two big Steam updates, and one of them arrives at a perfect time
Valve has released two significant updates for its Steam platform, enhancing the gifting and wishlist features. Users can now gift games directly via email and through guest checkout, with cross-region gifting also supported. Wishlists have been improved with categories, a 'Demo Available' highlight, and the ability to share filtered views, arriving at an opportune time given the busy release schedule for PC games.
Steam's latest update finally brings order to the chaos of your wishlist, and might even nudge people into buying you some new games
Valve has released a significant update for Steam, introducing enhanced customization options for wishlists, including custom categories and tailored notifications. The update also improves Steam gifting features, allowing for easier digital gift card and game purchases, including guest checkout and email gifting, with improved cross-region gifting functionality.
Indie open worlder Future? No Thanks! gets last minute delay after Steam content mods allegedly demand a "watch the sex scene" button
The indie game Future? No Thanks! has been delayed on Steam due to content moderation issues regarding its depiction of nudity and sex scenes. Developer Molleindustria claims Valve's review process has taken over three weeks, exceeding the typical seven business days, and required a special build with a "watch the sex scene" button for reviewers.
Steam wishlists and gifting games just got a whole lot more useful
Valve has significantly enhanced Steam's wishlist and gifting features. Users can now create customizable categories for wishlisted games, improving organization and filtering. Gifting has also been streamlined with guest checkout for non-account holders and email gifting options, including cross-region gifting.
Steam Debuts New Gifting Features and Functionality, Expands Guest Checkouts
Valve has introduced new gifting features to Steam, enhancing its digital storefront. These updates include a guest checkout option for users without a Steam account, the ability to gift games across different regions, and expanded wishlist functionality. These changes aim to make the process of gifting digital games and hardware more seamless for users and their friends.
Steam adds handy gifting and wishlist updates
Steam has introduced new features allowing users to gift games without requiring the recipient to have a Steam account. Additionally, players can now organize their wishlists into custom categories, enhancing library management.