Valve
Valve business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Behold, "the whole story of Steam's economy in one picture": the top 1% of games earn 84.5% of estimated revenue, and most games barely make anything
A new analysis of 99,206 paid games on Steam reveals that the top 1% of games earn 84.5% of the estimated revenue, with half of all paid games earning less than $4,000 lifetime. The report, which excludes free-to-play titles, highlights extreme revenue disparities and a rapidly growing Steam catalog that outpaces revenue growth.
Memory crisis is driving uncertainty over PlayStation 6's launch date
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the launch date for the PlayStation 6 remains undecided due to the ongoing global memory and chip shortage, exacerbated by AI data center investments. Analysts had anticipated a 2025 release, but this is now uncertain. Totoki emphasized survival as a CEO's primary task amidst these challenges, while also expressing optimism about AI's potential to enhance creativity.
The Steam Frame is ‘just around the corner’ but the Steam Machine has already killed my interest — only Half-Life could save it now
Despite a developer's tease that the Steam Frame VR headset is launching soon, the author expresses a lack of excitement due to the high price and past disappointment with the Steam Machine. The article suggests that only a new exclusive Half-Life game could potentially salvage interest in Valve's upcoming VR hardware, though the author personally is not a fan of the series.
Saber Interactive adds AI disclaimer to Rideshare on Steam; CEO Matt Karch apologies to former lead writer
Saber Interactive has added an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator's Steam page after CEO Matt Karch apologized to former lead writer Stella Sacco. The disclaimer clarifies that while the main campaign is human-written, AI tools are used for voice generation, localization, and optional Free Ride mode content. Karch's apology followed public statements where he initially made disparaging remarks about Sacco and the use of AI in game development.
I got so freaked out by the fact that Gordon Freeman is canonically 27 that I decided to find out how old all the other classic FPS protagonists are, and it didn't make me feel better
This article explores the canonical ages of various classic first-person shooter protagonists from the 1990s, starting with the surprising revelation that Gordon Freeman is only 27. It delves into the lore of characters like B.J. Blazkowicz, Kyle Katarn, and Duke Nukem, discussing how their ages were determined or left ambiguous by developers.
"Just buy the game on Steam": Indie publisher behind a recent banger that sold 300k copies in its first week warns against key resellers after canceling hundreds of scalped keys
Indie publisher tinyBuild has revoked hundreds of illegitimate game keys for their recently released title, ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs, after it sold 300,000 copies in its first week. CEO Alex Nichiporchik urged players to purchase games through official channels like Steam, warning that keys bought from shady resellers are often obtained through regional pricing discrepancies and can be deactivated. While some legitimate keys from Green Man Gaming were mistakenly revoked, replacements are being issued.
Legends never die: League of Legends in 2026
This opinion piece reflects on the seven-year journey with League of Legends, highlighting its enduring popularity as a premier MOBA despite a complex relationship with the game. The author discusses the game's evolution, including its monetization strategies, balance changes, and the upcoming 'League Next' update, while praising Riot Games' increased transparency and community engagement.
A redditor is making super-fancy marble Steam Machine faceplates, *allegedly* sourced from the same quarry as…
A Reddit user named GinoWT is creating custom marble faceplates for the Steam Machine, allegedly sourced from the same quarry as Michelangelo's work. These faceplates are made from thin marble bonded to a 3D-printed structure with magnets, a technique also used for superyacht materials to manage weight and prevent cracking. GinoWT also offers faceplates in other materials like black marble with gold veins and Roman travertine, with sign-ups available for future batches.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the Steam Boy, a Steam Deck crammed inside a Game Boy-like chassis
A Reddit user has created a custom 'Steam Boy' by fitting a Steam Deck's motherboard, battery, and speakers into a Game Boy-sized 3D-printed chassis. While the controls have been significantly reduced, the project aims to create a more compact handheld gaming PC. The next steps involve integrating a screen and triggers.
Stop Killing Games has joined a lawsuit against Sony's move to digital-only sales: 'You won't have any…
The consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument, supported by Stop Killing Games, is suing Sony over its move towards digital-only game sales. They argue that eliminating physical discs by 2028 will create a monopoly for Sony, allowing them to dictate game prices and usage rights, removing the second-hand market and alternative purchasing options.
The handheld gaming PC scene might be in tatters, but there's no scenario where I'd pay $750 for one of the…
The author argues that the current pricing for handheld gaming PCs, particularly the MSI Claw, is excessive, with Best Buy selling a poorly received model for $749.99. While acknowledging component shortages, they suggest retailers should lower prices on older models like the MSI Claw and that the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck remain more reasonable options.
The Steam Frame needs to be more than a cool device if Valve want to reshape the VR market
The VR market is facing a decline in headset shipments and studio closures, with a shift away from mid-range devices towards high-end or AR/XR alternatives. Despite Meta's continued dominance and some internal successes with its Quest ecosystem, the overall VR gaming landscape struggles with visibility and the high cost of developing tentpole titles. Valve's upcoming Steam Frame faces challenges related to pricing and a lack of compelling exclusive content, suggesting VR may become an integrated feature rather than a standalone market.
Saber Interactive denies replacing writer with AI
Saber Interactive has denied allegations from former lead writer Stella Sacco that the company replaced her with ChatGPT on the upcoming driving game Rideshare Stimulator. Sacco claims AI was used for writing and passenger voices, a move she warned against. Saber Interactive stated that no writers were replaced by AI and that their writing staff has tripled, while acknowledging the use of AI tools to enhance gameplay and NPC behavior.
Saber Interactive "replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development" but AI use is not disclosed on Steam,…
Publisher Saber Interactive is accused of extensively using generative AI, including ChatGPT, in its upcoming driving simulator "Rideshare Stimulator," allegedly replacing staff without proper disclosure on Steam. Former lead writer Stella Sacco claims she was replaced by AI midway through development, and that passenger voices were also AI-generated. Valve requires disclosure for AI-generated content shipped with games, a requirement that appears to have been missed for "Rideshare Stimulator."
Believe the hype for Wardogs, possibly the next great multiplayer FPS
Wardogs, an upcoming multiplayer FPS from Bulkhead, shows significant promise with its unique blend of milsim and extraction shooter elements. The game features a robust in-game economy where players earn and spend currency for gear, creating a strong incentive for survival and teamwork. Entering early access in September, Wardogs aims to strike a balance between approachable gunplay and deeper logistical gameplay.
SteamOS's latest update includes 'preliminary support for the Steam Frame Wireless Adapter'
The latest beta update for SteamOS, version 3.8.25, includes preliminary support for the Steam Frame Wireless Adapter. This suggests that Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, may be closer to launch than previously anticipated, despite potential component supply issues.
Sony’s All-Digital PlayStation Future Needs A Little More Steam
Sony is moving towards an all-digital future for PlayStation, with physical game discs set to be phased out by 2028. While digital sales are increasing, the article argues that Sony needs to improve its PlayStation Store by implementing a robust refund system similar to Steam's and enhancing game discoverability to better support smaller developers and provide a healthier marketplace for consumers.
Yet another sign the Steam Frame is approaching launch—maybe really for real this time?—as the SteamOS beta adds 'preliminary support' for its wireless adapter
Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, appears to be closer to launch as SteamOS Beta and Preview channels have received preliminary support for its wireless adapter. This update, along with previous import signs and software classifications, suggests a launch is imminent, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. Discussions also speculate if Valve is waiting for an updated Half-Life Alyx before releasing the headset.
Knytt, one of 2006's most charming indie platformers, has a surprise Steam re-release - and it’s still free
The charming 2006 freeware platformer Knytt has received a surprise re-release on Steam as Knytt Classic. Developed by Bit Kid, Inc. with the original creator Nifflas' blessing, this version offers a pixel-perfect port with added controller support, optional time tracking, and new difficulty modes, including one by Baba Is You developer Arvi Teikari. Knytt Classic is available for free on PC and is compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
New Gamescom survey has spoken: Discoverability needs to improve, and AI is still an unknown
A Gamescom survey of 100 developers reveals concerns about financial stability, with Artificial Intelligence and hardware costs seen as the biggest impacts on game production. While some embrace AI for coding and production, others are against its involvement. Discoverability remains a major issue, with friends and communities being the primary source of game discovery over digital storefronts.
