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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Valve.
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There's a surprising amount of major games you can't play on Valve's Steam Machine - here are eight of the biggest, and why
Valve's Steam Machine, despite its potential, faces significant limitations due to its SteamOS (a Linux variant) not supporting many popular games. This is primarily caused by anti-cheat software, which is incompatible with Linux, rendering titles like Destiny 2, Fortnite, Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, GTA Online, EA Sports FC 24, and modern Call of Duty games unplayable. While installing Windows is an option, it defeats the purpose of the console-like device.
Now we know how much GTA 6 costs, but can you remember what these other games cost at launch? Take our price tag quiz!
Rockstar Games has confirmed Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch at $70, with an Ultimate Edition costing $100. This article tests readers' knowledge of the launch prices of various other games, including the original Grand Theft Auto, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector's Edition, and The Orange Box.
Tim Sweeney on the future of games, AI, and whether Valve will ever join forces with Epic: 'It's now clear that nobody's going to end up with an absolute monopoly'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney discusses the future of gaming, emphasizing interoperability and AI integration in Unreal Engine 6 to foster "Team Open." He addresses concerns about AI's creative impact and criticizes Valve's stance on AI disclosures, advocating for tools that improve developer efficiency and player experience across platforms. Sweeney also touches on the challenges of AAA development and the importance of economic interoperability for games like Fortnite.
$949 Steam Deck OLED is just the expensive beginning – MSI marketing lead warns there's "much room for another price hike" in handheld consoles
MSI product marketing lead Andy Chu predicts further price increases for handheld gaming consoles, citing the expensive Steam Deck OLED and the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ as examples. He suggests the market has room for more price hikes, while hardware editors advocate for purchasing refurbished or open-box units to combat inflation.
'Above $1,000 Is the Floor': Analysts Predict PS6 Price, and It's Not Good
Industry analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 could launch at a price point exceeding $1,000 due to ongoing component shortages and market trends. While some believe Sony will maintain a price below $999 for marketing reasons, others foresee a significant increase, potentially delaying the console's release until 2028.
Valve Releases SteamOS So Anyone Can Make A Steam Machine Now
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8, making its Linux-based operating system available for all hardware configurations, allowing users to convert their existing PCs into Steam Machines. While discrete AMD GPU support is available now, Nvidia support is still in development. The Steam Machine hardware is set to go on sale on June 30.
Morning Tech Bits
SpaceX's upcoming Initial Public Offering is reportedly causing issues for retail investors. Separately, the article questions the high price point of the Steam Machine, suggesting Valve faced challenges with RAM manufacturers.
I've been trying to get my Steam Link to work for ten years, but I've fixed it just in time to save me spending £1000 on a Steam Machine
After a decade of troubleshooting, the author finally got Valve's Steam Link to work reliably by disabling the Fraps benchmarking tool. This success allows for PC gaming on a big screen without the expense of a Steam Machine, offering a viable alternative for users with existing desktop PCs.
The one thing Valve would change about the Steam Machine? 'Make it cheaper'
Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais admitted that the primary thing they would change about the Steam Machine is its high price, with the cheapest model costing $1,049. They attributed the cost to difficulties in securing components like RAM due to market conditions. Valve also confirmed that users can now install SteamOS on non-Valve hardware, including PCs with AMD GPUs.
Well, that explains the expensive Steam Machine: Valve can't negotiate with RAM companies for better prices because "if we say no, then they never talk to us again"
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained that the high price of the Steam Machine is due to RAM manufacturers refusing to negotiate, leaving Valve with limited options. This issue is exacerbated by generative AI companies consuming large amounts of RAM, driving up prices for all consumers and leading console manufacturers like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo to increase their own hardware prices.
Valve admits Steam Machine is "more expensive" than it hoped
Valve has acknowledged that the Steam Machine is more expensive than initially hoped due to component and distribution costs. Engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Lawrence Yang stated that current component prices and scarcity prevent them from achieving their desired entry-level price point. Analysts suggest the Steam Machine will remain a niche device due to its cost and form factor.
Atari and MobyGames launch new career development platform called Moby Professional
Atari and its subsidiary MobyGames have launched Moby Professional, a new online platform designed to help game industry professionals find jobs, network, and develop their careers. The platform offers free and premium tiers, with the premium features available for free during a beta period expected to last through summer 2026. Moby Professional leverages MobyGames' extensive database of game development credits to provide personalized career insights and job recommendations.
How does the Steam Machine compare to PCs? Is it worth it for you?
Valve has announced the pricing and specifications for the Steam Machine, positioning it as a console-like PC gaming device. Benchmarks show performance comparable to mid-range PCs and the PlayStation 5, with potential advantages in its PC library integration and SteamOS environment. The article analyzes its value proposition against traditional PCs and consoles, considering hardware costs and future market trends.
Games Inbox: Is Sonic the Hedgehog cooler than Super Mario?
This article discusses whether Sonic the Hedgehog is still cooler than Super Mario, exploring arguments about their respective attitudes, supporting characters, and modern relevance. It also touches on the high cost of new hardware like Steam Machines and the PlayStation 6, and Sega's struggles with its retro revival strategy.
Valve Admits That it Didn’t Have Bargaining Power With RAM Companies for Steam Machine
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais revealed that the high cost of the Steam Machine was partly due to a lack of bargaining power with memory manufacturers. These companies dictated prices with no room for negotiation, a situation exacerbated by the demand from AI data centers. Griffais also explained Valve's commitment to an open PC ecosystem, which prevented them from subsidizing the hardware cost like a console.
Evening Tech Bits
Valve is reportedly working on a general release of SteamOS and collaborating with Nvidia to ensure compatibility. Future updates may include dual-boot capabilities for the operating system.
$1,049 Steam Machine is still a "good value," Valve engineer says, even though it was supposed to be $789 like…
Valve engineers discuss the $1,049 price of the Steam Machine, acknowledging it's higher than their original $789 target due to component shortages. They believe the price is still competitive for its specifications and form factor, especially compared to self-built PCs, and hope consumers will understand the market conditions.
The Steam Machine's Companion Cube case is big, expensive, and based on a 19-year-old joke, so I hate how well-made it is
Dbrand has released a Companion Cube-shaped case for the Steam Machine, which is based on a joke from the game Portal. While the reviewer finds the case to be well-made with premium materials and clever design touches, they ultimately dislike it due to its significant increase in size and high price point of $100-$130.
The Steam Machine Has Already Lost Is Biggest Advantage Before Launch
The upcoming Steam Machine is set to launch without the significant advantage of its exclusive SteamOS, unlike the original Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck's success was largely due to its seamless, controller-friendly operating system in an uncontested market, the Steam Machine will face competition from more powerful handhelds and the ability for users to install SteamOS on any PC. This diminishes the Steam Machine's unique selling proposition, making its premium price point questionable despite Valve's broader goal of expanding Steam's reach.
Valve Was Forced Into Making A Weird Hardware Decision With Steam Machine
Valve's Steam Machine launch is impacted by a RAM crisis, forcing a 'memory lottery' for consumers. All units will ship with 16GB of RAM, but configurations will vary between dual 8GB sticks or a single 16GB stick, potentially affecting performance due to single-channel memory speeds. Valve attributes this decision to supply chain issues and supplier demands.