Valve
Valve business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
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.
SteamOS 3.7.25 and 3.8.5 Beta released - bug fixes and better dGPU video memory management
Valve has released stable and beta updates for SteamOS, focusing on bug fixes and improved discrete GPU video memory management. SteamOS 3.7.25 includes general security and stability updates, while the 3.8.5 Beta addresses issues on Steam Deck OLED, desktop mode application memory, and control problems on the ASUS ROG Ally. The updates also bring enhancements for various third-party handhelds and prepare the system for upcoming hardware like the Steam Machine.
Proton Experimental gets fixes for Forza Horizon 4, 5 and 6 plus other games
Valve has released an update for Proton Experimental, a compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux and SteamOS. This update includes fixes for several games, including Forza Horizon 4, 5, and 6, which previously experienced black screens. It also addresses issues with Otherworld Legends, KeepUp Survival, Worms Armageddon, and Batman: Arkham City GOTY.
Evening Legal Briefs
Valve has requested a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit concerning Counter-Strike's loot boxes, arguing that equating them to gambling is illogical. The company stated that players enjoy the element of surprise in the game's mechanics.
Valve asks New York court to dismiss Counter-Strike lawsuit, says 'people enjoy surprises' and equating loot…
Valve has asked a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James, which claims that Counter-Strike 2's item boxes constitute illegal gambling. Valve argues that players always receive what they pay for and that loot boxes are akin to collectibles like baseball cards, which are not considered gambling.
This indie dev's dungeon crawling 'descent into madness' was inspired by motherly love
Indie developer Christopher Yabsley is creating Heathen, a dark fantasy dungeon crawler inspired by a cherished childhood memory of playing Diablo with his mother. The game will feature first-person combat, randomized loot, and online co-op, with an early access release planned for Steam.
'People Enjoy Surprises' — Valve Is Trying to Dismiss New York's Counter-Strike Loot Box Lawsuit
Valve is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General, which alleges that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 constitute illegal gambling and pose a risk of child addiction. The company argues against the claims made in the legal action.
Opinion: RPG Maker devs hurt the most by Steam tag changes
Valve's recent changes to Steam's tagging system, which removed engine-specific tags like RPG Maker, are detrimental to developers and fans of games made with these tools. While some tag removals are understandable, eliminating RPG Maker hinders discoverability for niche titles and creative uses of the engine beyond traditional JRPGs. Despite a workaround via SteamDB, the change negatively impacts enthusiasts seeking to find games made with specific development tools.
With a straight face, Valve insists Counter-Strike 2 cases are fine and "people enjoy surprises" in move to…
Valve has responded to a lawsuit filed by the state of New York regarding Counter-Strike 2's loot box system, arguing that it is not gambling and that players enjoy the element of surprise. The company claims that banning such randomized item purchases could impact numerous commonplace commercial transactions, drawing parallels to collectibles like baseball cards. Valve asserts that CS2 skins are primarily for entertainment and have subjective aesthetic value.
Valve moves to dismiss gambling lawsuit against Counter-Strike 2 cases
Valve has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the New York Attorney General, which accuses the company of promoting unregulated gambling through Counter-Strike 2's in-game item cases, particularly to minors. Valve argues that punishing them would set a dangerous precedent, comparing the cases to collectibles like baseball cards and questioning the AG's interpretation of gambling laws. The lawsuit seeks damages and a ban on selling cases in New York.
Wizards of the Coast ends partnership with Giant Skull
Wizards of the Coast has ended its publishing agreement with Giant Skull, resulting in the cancellation of an unannounced action-adventure game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. While the early concept was not pursued, Wizards of the Coast expressed respect for Giant Skull's team and indicated a willingness to consider future project proposals. This decision coincides with a broader reorganization at Wizards of the Coast, including the closure of its internal developer Atomic Arcade.
Proton 11 Beta 5 released with more regression fixes
Valve has released Proton 11 Beta 5, focusing on regression fixes and improving compatibility for various games on Linux. This update addresses controller input issues, performance problems, and ensures games like BattleBit Remastered and Assassin's Creed Shadows are playable. The release also includes updates to underlying components like vkd3d-proton and dxvk.
Now that Subnautica 2 is out, the most wishlisted game on Steam is… a game that's been out for almost 2…
Following the launch of Subnautica 2, the most wishlisted game on Steam is now Light No Fire. However, the article points out that Deadlock, a MOBA hero shooter that has been in early access for nearly two years, is incorrectly appearing at the top of the wishlisted games list. Valve's platform is criticized for not removing games that are already released from this list.
Half-Life owes its existence to one of the game industry's most formative figures—no, not Gabe Newell, the…
Ken Williams, co-founder of Sierra Online, played a crucial role in securing a publishing deal for Valve's Half-Life, recognizing its potential when others did not. Despite Valve's ambitious technical approach and a mid-development reboot, Williams' early support was instrumental, though Sierra ultimately faded while Valve went on to global success.
Another Steam Game Gets Removed Over Malware
Valve has removed the free-to-play survival-horror game Beyond the Dark from Steam after YouTuber Eric Parker exposed it for containing malware designed to steal player data. The game was previously uploaded under the name Rodent Race in December 2024, suggesting an attempt to bypass security checks. The FBI is investigating similar incidents of malware on Steam and has asked players who downloaded infected games between May 2024 and January 2026 to report it.
Goodbye RPGMaker, hello Capybaras: Steam’s updated tag list is a headscratcher
Steam has updated its list of tags, removing 'Illuminati' and adding 'Capybaras'. This change has caused confusion among users, with the article questioning the rationale behind the new additions and removals.
Troy Baker and Austin Wintory talk becoming Indiana Jones and writing death metal polkas for Counter-Strike
Actor Troy Baker and composer Austin Wintory discuss their careers and creative challenges in a joint interview. Baker shares his experience stepping into the role of Indiana Jones for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, while Wintory details his work on a unique music pack for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive that blended metal and polka.
Steam gets huge tags overhaul for tailored recommendations and 'helping players identify the games that best fit…
Valve has significantly overhauled Steam's tagging system to improve game discoverability and player recommendations. The update includes adding 17 new tags, removing 28, and merging others, with the goal of helping players find games that match their interests and allowing developers to better describe their titles.
Steam killed its 'RPGMaker' user tag yesterday, and impacted devs are unexpectedly happy about it
Valve has removed the 'RPGMaker' user tag from Steam, a move that has surprisingly been met with approval by many developers who used the tool. While some players are upset about losing a way to find games made with RPG Maker, developers believe the tag's broadness often led to low-quality games overshadowing good ones, and its removal may help their titles gain more visibility.
Valve overhauls tag system on Steam to improve game discoverability
Valve has overhauled Steam's tagging system to improve game discoverability, introducing 17 new tags and removing 28, including 'NSFW' and 'Mature'. The changes aim to help players find games that match their interests and improve Steam's recommendation engine. Valve also recently introduced new accessibility tags.
