Valve
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Valve.
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Upcoming vampire RPG Nighthawks has been removed from Steam search and delisted in certain countries as Valve classifies…
The upcoming vampire RPG Nighthawks has been delisted from Steam search and removed in certain countries due to Valve classifying it as 'Adults Only.' Publisher Wadjet Eye Games and developer Richard Cobbett claim the game's sexual content is mild and that Valve is misinterpreting its depiction, leading to significant visibility issues and potential launch problems.
The JRPG Players Guide to Handheld Game Consoles, Part 1: The New Toys
This guide explores handheld gaming options for JRPG players, focusing on modern devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, as well as budget-friendly retro handhelds from companies like Retroid and Anbernic. It discusses how to choose a device based on desired games, portability needs, and budget, highlighting specific JRPGs that perform well on different platforms.
Fed up with Sony, PlayStation fans compile a list of all the times the company said "you own" your games and…
PlayStation fans have compiled a list of Sony's past statements and store verbiage that suggest users "own" their digital games, in light of a class action lawsuit challenging these terms. The lawsuit hinges on a California law requiring clear communication about licensing versus ownership, with Sony arguing consumers are not misled by its terms. The article highlights numerous examples from the PlayStation Store and help pages that imply ownership, despite Sony's terms of service stating otherwise.
Roblox games are escaping Roblox: Creators will soon be able to export standalone apps for PC, console, and mobile
Roblox Corporation is launching 'Roblox Everywhere,' allowing creators to export their games as standalone applications for PC, mobile, and consoles. This initiative aims to expand the reach of Roblox games beyond the platform itself, with plans to eventually support major storefronts like Steam. The company is also working on browser-based play and an offline mode for singleplayer games.
New FPS Wardogs Is Dominating Steam Charts, And You Could Get It At A Discount Already
The new first-person shooter Wardogs has quickly climbed to the #4 spot on Steam's concurrent player charts during its early access launch. The game offers a tactical experience, drawing comparisons to Arma and Hell Let Loose, and is currently available at an 18% discount on Fanatical.
Steam's latest beta brings 'Big Art' to Big Picture Mode and Steam Deck, and customizable screensavers…
The latest Steam client beta introduces a new 'Big Art Mode' for Big Picture Mode and Steam Deck, enhancing the home screen with larger game art. This update also includes a customizable screensaver feature, performance improvements for game recording on Windows, and various bug fixes.
Wardogs servers go down as over 300,000 people rush to play on launch day
Wardogs, a new 100-player milsim FPS, has experienced significant server issues on its launch day due to an overwhelming player count exceeding 300,000. Developer Bulkhead has taken servers offline to address the problem, with CEO Joe Brammer suggesting Valve's rate-limiting may be a contributing factor. Players are advised to remain in the queue for potential re-entry.
Steam beta update brings UI overhaul to Steam Deck and Steam Machine
Valve has released a beta update for the Steam client, introducing a significant UI overhaul for Big Picture Mode, which impacts devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine. New features include 'Big Art Mode' for a more visual library experience and an optional screensaver mode that can display game art or custom photos. The update also adds a personalized calendar to the recommended tab.
Wardogs Has A Massive Start On Steam, But Players Face Brutal Server Queues
Wardogs, a new military FPS, has achieved a strong launch on Steam with over 300,000 peak concurrent users, becoming the platform's number one best-seller. However, players are experiencing severe server queues and issues with incorrect bans. Developer Bulkhead is working with Valve to address rate limiting and resolve the queueing problems.
Steam now requires Australian gamers to verify their age with something most don’t use – a credit card
Valve has implemented a new age verification policy for Australian gamers on Steam, requiring users to use a credit card to access R 18+ rated games. This move, intended to comply with Australia's Online Safety Act, has drawn significant criticism from users who lack credit cards or find the requirement inconvenient and overly restrictive.
New CS2 update tackles 'slur leaderboards' and adds fresh Cache spawns
A new Counter-Strike 2 update introduces chat encryption for demo files, preventing the public display of past chat logs and addressing the issue of 'slur leaderboards.' The patch also includes several improvements to the Cache map, such as fixing gaps, adjusting wallbang spots, and adding new spawn points.
Is Aimbot Software Worth the Ban Risk in CS2 and Warzone?
This analysis examines the risks associated with using aimbot software in games like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty: Warzone, detailing how anti-cheat systems from Valve, Riot Games, Activision, and BattlEye operate and their ban cadences. It highlights that 'undetectable' software only reduces risk, not eliminate it, and discusses the consequences of bans, including account wipes, hardware bans, and reputational damage in esports.
Valve locks Australian Steam users out of age-restricted store pages if they don't have a credit card, even if…
Valve has implemented a new age verification policy on Steam for Australian users, requiring a credit card to access age-restricted content. This change, driven by the Australian government's Online Safety Act 2021, prevents users without a credit card from viewing games rated MA15+ or R18+, causing frustration among users who do not commonly use credit cards or have disabilities.
Steam beta update adds a new Big Picture view, screensavers, and a little treat for desktop Steam Machines
A new Steam client beta update introduces a 'Big Art' view for the home screen, displaying game key art prominently, and adds a screensaver option with customizable artwork or a bouncing Steam logo. The update also enhances SteamOS devices by showing the active Proton version directly in game properties and allows users to force booting into Desktop Mode by default.
VR headset shipments are down 18% compared to this time last year, and that may not be great news for Valve
Global VR headset shipments saw an 18% year-on-year decline in Q2 2026, attributed to a lack of major game releases and rising hardware costs, impacting companies like Valve. Conversely, AR device shipments surged significantly, and VR continues to see strong demand from enterprise and government sectors for its productivity and data collection capabilities.
A new Ubisoft Steam tool could lead to a launcher-free future for its games
Ubisoft is testing a new Steam tool that could allow its games to function without requiring the Ubisoft Connect launcher to be installed or run separately. This feature, starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, aims to streamline the PC gaming experience by integrating services directly into Steam, potentially expanding to other major Ubisoft franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.
Ubisoft answers our prayers of "a simpler launch experience on Steam" by axing its own PC launcher, starting…
Ubisoft is removing its mandatory PC launcher for Steam games, starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. This change aims to provide a simpler and more streamlined launch experience for players, integrating features like cross-progression and cross-play directly through Steam without requiring the Ubisoft Connect PC launcher to be installed or launched separately. The company plans to progressively roll out this new system to more Ubisoft games on Steam in the future.
Report: Steam now requires Australian users to verify their age with credit cards
Steam has reportedly begun requiring Australian users to verify their age using a credit card to access games classified as R18+. This new policy, implemented by Valve, stems from Australia's online safety codes and has drawn criticism for its reliance on credit cards, excluding users who primarily use debit cards or other payment methods.
Steam implements age verification for Australian gamers
Steam has implemented a new age verification system for Australian gamers purchasing R18+ titles, requiring credit card details for verification. This change follows new Australian Government online safety codes. The policy has drawn criticism from Australian gamers, with some accusing Valve of 'malicious compliance'.
Steam now requires Australian users to have a credit card to purchase R18+ games, and no, a simple bank debit card…
Steam has implemented a new age verification policy for Australian users purchasing R18+ games, requiring a credit card as the sole verification method. This change, mandated by law, excludes users who only have debit cards or do not qualify for credit cards, preventing them from accessing mature content on the platform.
