Valve
Valve business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
The FBI is hunting down malware-loaded games on Steam
The FBI is investigating a series of malware-infected games distributed on the Steam platform between May 2024 and January 2026. The agency is seeking information from players who downloaded titles like BlockBlasters, Chemia, and PirateFi, which contained malicious software capable of stealing personal data. Valve is cooperating with the investigation and has removed some affected games from its platform.
Xbox Full Screen Experience shows a potential glimpse of how Project Helix will work – though right now, it’s a flawed PC platform
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) aims to improve Windows 11 for handheld PCs and potentially future consoles like Project Helix. While FSE offers a more gamepad-friendly interface and suspends background processes, it falls short of dedicated gaming operating systems like SteamOS in terms of performance and user experience, often feeling like a superficial overlay on standard Windows.
Notorious UK rights group launches legal action against Valve for distributing music in games on Steam without a license
The Performing Right Society (PRS) has initiated legal action against Valve in the UK, alleging that the company distributes music from its members on Steam without the necessary licenses. The PRS claims Valve is making these musical works available to the public through streaming and downloads without permission, thereby infringing on copyright.
Proton Experimental brings fixes for REDLauncher, HELLDIVERS 2, Atelier Yumia, KILLER INN and more
Valve has released an update for Proton Experimental, bringing numerous fixes for games on Linux. Key improvements include resolving crashes in HELLDIVERS 2 during high enemy counts, fixing REDLauncher exit issues for games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, and addressing video playback crashes in Atelier Ryza 3. The update also includes fixes for KILLER INN and DLSS support in Monster Hunter Stories 3.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'
A new game industry conference, described as 'by workers, for workers,' has been launched by various unions. Discussions in the comments section revolve around Microsoft's Xbox brand, its pricing strategies for Game Pass, and its move towards PC gaming. There's also commentary on ongoing antitrust lawsuits against Sony, Valve, Nintendo, and Apple in the UK and other regions.
Creating a successful Steam page is like ski jumping
Thomas Reisenegger of Future Friends Games discussed strategies for creating effective Steam pages, emphasizing that they function more as algorithm tests than traditional store pages. He highlighted the importance of revenue per impression and using visual assets like capsule images to maximize visibility and player engagement, comparing the process to ski jumping.
Will there actually be any such thing as a Project Helix "native" game? | Opinion
Microsoft's GDC keynote revealed details about Project Helix, its next-generation Xbox hardware, which appears to be a PC-like console designed for enthusiasts. The device is expected to play PC games and back-catalog titles, blurring the lines between Xbox and Windows. Key unanswered questions revolve around third-party store integration, particularly Steam, and whether dedicated 'Helix native' games will exist, suggesting a potential shift away from console-specific software.
Top 10 CS2 Skins Used by Pro Players in Major Tournaments - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This guide explores the top 10 Counter-Strike 2 skins favored by professional players in major tournaments, analyzing why these cosmetics are chosen for their clarity, familiarity, and symbolic value. It details specific popular skins like AWP | Dragon Lore and AK-47 | Redline, and discusses how these choices influence esports culture and market demand.
Engadget Podcast: Apple's $599 MacBook Neo is astounding
The Engadget Podcast discusses Apple's new $599 MacBook Neo, highlighting its user experience and comparing it to Windows PCs. The hosts also cover the M4 iPad Air and M5 MacBook Pro models. Additionally, the episode touches on the state of electric vehicles and a lawsuit against Grammarly.
Resident Evil Requiem's unintentional Half-Life YouTuber ad was bought for only $15, but the content creator responsible will give the website "'back' for free" if Capcom wants it
A hidden domain found on a computer in Resident Evil Village, newdawn-capcom.com, was registered by YouTuber Gabe Follower, who covers Valve games. Follower, who bought the domain for $15, has offered to return it to Capcom for free if they reach out. The website was discovered by fans and initially thought to be an intentional in-game easter egg.
Slay The Spire 2 devs don't care about piracy but they hate microtransactions
Mega Crit, the developers of Slay the Spire 2, have expressed a relaxed attitude towards game piracy, stating they will not actively prevent it and even encourage learning from their decompiled code. However, the studio is vehemently against microtransactions, assuring players there will be no gacha or expensive cosmetic DLC. The game is currently in early access on Steam with plans for a console release.
FBI Launches Investigation Into Games Removed From Steam Over Malware Concerns
The FBI's Seattle Division has launched an investigation into several games removed from Steam for allegedly spreading malware. Players who downloaded titles like BlockBlasters, Chemia, and PirateFi between May 2024 and January 2026 are urged to report if they were victimized. Valve is not a target of the investigation.
Project Helix Release Date Speculation, Potential Price, Specs, And Everything We Know About The Next Xbox Console
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is in development and will play both Xbox and PC games, aiming to lead in performance. Speculation suggests a release around 2027, with potential pricing between $650 and $1200 due to component shortages. The console is expected to feature custom AMD chips and advanced technologies like next-gen raytracing and neural rendering.
RAMaggedon not expected to ease this year as IDC cuts 2026 PC market forecast again
The International Data Corporation has again lowered its forecast for the PC market in 2026, now predicting an 11.6 percent drop in global shipments due to ongoing memory shortages. Research manager Jitesh Ubrani stated that these shortages are expected to persist well into 2027, with prices unlikely to return to 2025 levels until 2028. This situation is already impacting major companies like HP, Samsung, Valve, and Framework.
PEGI ratings for game releases in Europe will be age-restricted if they contain loot boxes
PEGI, the Pan-European Game Information system, is implementing new age rating rules starting June 2026 that will restrict games containing loot boxes and other gambling-like mechanics. The updated criteria will assign ratings such as PEGI 7, 12, 16, or 18 based on the presence and nature of in-game purchases, random items, and communication features. These changes aim to inform parents about potentially addictive or risky game elements.
Quoteworthy
A Bluepoint Games tech boss suggests Sony is more concerned about Valve than Microsoft regarding its hesitancy to release games on PC. The executive humorously noted it would be ironic if Valve ultimately won the console war.
Valve Explains Steam Machine and Steam Frame Verification | Console Creatures
Valve detailed its hardware verification processes for Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame at a GDC event. The Steam Machine requires Deck Verified status and targets 1080p at 30FPS, while the Steam Frame VR headset has its own verification for VR and non-VR titles, aiming for 90 FPS for standalone VR. Valve is also expanding Proton to support ARM-based hardware for the Steam Frame, with all new devices slated for a 2026 launch.
Tech Boss of Developer Sony Is Shutting Down Thinks PlayStation Has Pulled Back From PC in Response to Steam Machine - IGN
Sony appears to be scaling back its PC gaming efforts, potentially returning to a strategy of keeping major single-player titles exclusive to PlayStation 5. This shift may be a response to the potential competition from Valve's Steam Machine, which could offer a console-like experience with access to the full PC library. The closure of Bluepoint Games, a studio known for its PlayStation remakes, is also mentioned in the context of Sony's evolving strategy.
Bluepoint tech boss suggests Sony's scared of Valve, not Microsoft, and that's why it's pulling back from PC: 'It would be quite ironic if Valve ultimately ended up winning the console war'
A tech boss from Bluepoint Games suggests Sony's pullback from PC releases is a response to Valve's growing influence in the console space, rather than Microsoft. The analysis posits that a Steam-based ecosystem could offer the best of both console simplicity and PC gaming breadth, potentially leading Valve to win the 'console war'.
Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAG
Microsoft's next-gen console, Project Helix, will not have developer kits available until 2027, featuring a custom AMD chip with advanced ray tracing and upscaling. Separately, Pokémon Pokopia launched strongly on the Nintendo Switch 2, selling 2.2 million copies in three days, while Xbox is teasing "new ways to play" classic games for its 25th anniversary, emphasizing game preservation.
