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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Valve.
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Sony Isn’t Backing Down From Ending PlayStation Disc Production Despite Backlash
Sony plans to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, despite backlash from the community. CFO Lin Tao stated the decision is driven by the ongoing digitalization of content across all media, not just gaming. While acknowledging consumer concerns, Sony aims to explore future engagement within the digital ecosystem.
Valve finally gives Deadlock a proper ranked mode, warns that matches will be 'very rocky' to start
Valve has introduced a new ranked mode for their game Deadlock, featuring a significant overhaul to matchmaking and a new ranking system with 11 tiers. Players must win 15 matches on three different heroes to qualify for ranked play. Valve warns that the initial rollout may be 'very rocky' due to a thin player pool and potential bugs.
"A couple of companies have managed to ignite a culture war and bring the economy to the brink of collapse": Games AI veteran says it can be useful, but we've made mountains out of ChatGPT's molehills
AI researcher Luke Dicken argues that while AI has useful applications in game development, the current hype around Large Language Models and generative AI is disproportionate. He distinguishes between AI as a decision-making tool and the overblown promises of magic buttons, emphasizing that AI's true value lies in enabling capabilities beyond human scale, not just faster or cheaper execution of existing tasks. Dicken also warns of the unsustainable economic model behind current AI tools and suggests publishers should focus on addressing wasted labor in AAA development rather than relying on AI to cut corners.
Dbrand unveils Steam Machine customization 'backup plan' after its Companion Cube got confined to the test…
Accessory brand Dbrand has launched a new line of customizable skins for the Steam Machine, with prices ranging from $35 to $60. While their initial 'Companion Cube' inspired design was scrapped due to not obtaining permission from Valve, the new offerings include options like 'Touch Grass' fuzzy skins and 'Real Black Leather' wraps. Dbrand also offers similar skins for the Steam Controller.
Valve assures everyone on the Steam Machine reservation list they "will have the option to purchase by the end of…
Valve has assured customers on the Steam Machine reservation list that they will have the option to purchase the device by the end of the year. The company is fulfilling orders daily and sending out purchase emails in the order reservations were placed. Updates also include FSR4.1 availability on Proton Experimental and the release of Steam Machine external geometry CAD files.
The Asus ROG NUC is a Steam Machine for the big kids, with their big wallets
The Asus ROG NUC is reviewed as a powerful mini PC alternative to the Steam Machine, offering strong performance from mobile components but at a significantly higher price point. While it excels in compact form factor and port selection, its component value struggles to compete with traditional gaming PCs and laptops, making it a niche product for users prioritizing space-saving over cost-effectiveness.
'What is it?' We snooped around in our favorite gaming characters' inventories: can you identify the…
This article presents a quiz challenging readers to identify obscure items found in the inventories of various video game characters, drawing inspiration from the subreddit r/whatisit. It humorously contrasts the potential for finding benign items with the paranoia of snooping, suggesting communication over suspicion.
Steam Machine reservation queue should be caught up by the end of 2026, Valve says
Valve has provided an update on Steam Machine sales, stating that they are fulfilling orders daily and expect the current reservation queue to be cleared by the end of 2026. The company explained that reservation queues are product and region-specific, leading to varying speeds in order fulfillment. Customers in the reservation queue will receive an email invitation to purchase within three days, with waitlist individuals only being contacted if the reservation queue is exhausted.
GamesRadar+ readers voted on how much the Steam Frame should cost, and I'm worried Valve will see the results
A poll conducted by GamesRadar+ readers suggests that the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset should cost between $699-$799, with a significant portion believing it should be under $899. The author expresses concern that Valve might price the device higher, potentially hindering VR adoption due to its niche market and current economic conditions.
Stealth and armour placement rule supreme in Tyr, the new tank shooter from former Destiny and Valorant devs, with a public playtest now live
Tyr, a new multiplayer tank shooter from former Destiny and Valorant developers at Stoke Games, is currently holding a public playtest until August 2nd. The game emphasizes stealth and strategic armour placement, featuring unique tank designs and mechanics where visibility and reconnaissance are crucial for survival. Tyr is slated for an early access release later this year.
Steam Machine Reservations Update; Valve Releases CAD Files
Valve has provided an update regarding Steam Machine reservations, stating that they expect to fulfill all orders by the end of the current year. The company also detailed how some customers on the waitlist might be affected.
Valve has released the CAD design files for the Steam Machine's exterior, leaving us asking: how long before someone makes a GabeCube skin?
Valve has released the CAD design files for the Steam Machine's exterior under a Creative Commons license, allowing users to create custom modifications. While damage from modifications will void the warranty, Valve encourages creative customization, though commercial use is prohibited. This move has sparked discussions about potential custom skins, including a 'GabeCube' design referencing the Nintendo GameCube.
Steam Deck Owners Are Playing Online Casinos and Here’s Why | Invision Game Community
Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go are increasingly being used for online casino gambling due to their full browser access. While not designed for this purpose, their capabilities mirror laptops, allowing users to easily access casino lobbies and play games. This trend is particularly noted among UK players, with free spins being a common entry point, though users are advised to carefully read terms and conditions regarding wagering requirements and game restrictions.
Linux kernel patch can boost the Steam Deck's 1% low frame rate by as much as 31% in early testing
Recent Linux kernel patches, specifically an 'epp_boost' feature for AMD's P-State driver developed by Meta's David Vernet, have shown significant performance improvements for the Steam Deck. Early testing indicates a potential boost of up to 31% in 1% low frame rates, addressing inefficiencies in how AMD CPUs handle gaming workloads.
Valve expects all Steam Machine reservations to be fulfilled "by the end of the year"
Valve has announced that all remaining Steam Machine reservations are expected to be fulfilled by the end of the year. While the device received mixed reviews and faced criticism for its price, it has remained sold out on Valve's storefront. The company is sending out purchase invitations in the order of the reservation list, with some regions already moving to waitlists.
Valve says Steam Machine reservation-holders aren't being leapfrogged
Valve has clarified its policy regarding Steam Machine reservations, stating that individuals on the waitlist are not being leapfrogged by current reservation holders. This ensures a fair distribution process for the upcoming hardware.
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The article indicates a '404 Page Not Found' error, humorously comparing the situation to the non-existence of Half-Life 3. It prompts users who followed a link to report the issue to Eurogamer.net for correction.
The Steam Frame subreddit is currently losing its collective mind praying for a release date
The SteamVR subreddit is experiencing a collective frenzy as users anxiously await a release date for Valve's upcoming VR headset, SteamVR. Despite recent hints like a new "Great on Frame" category on Steam and a large shipment of VR headsets to the US, Valve has not yet announced pre-order or release dates, leading to a surge of memes and speculative posts within the community. Concerns about potential price increases due to Qualcomm chip costs are also fueling the anticipation for an earlier launch.
You won't have to worry about limited bandwidth or data now that Valve has fixed local network game transfers on…
Valve has fixed the local network game transfer feature in the Steam client, resolving an issue where games would download over the internet instead of transferring locally. This update allows users to transfer games between PCs and Steam Decks again, provided they have the latest Steam client version installed.
Meccha Chameleon is the latest game on Steam to infect players with malware
The Steam game Meccha Chameleon has been found to contain malware hidden within user-created Workshop maps, leading to compromised player computers and the takeover of the game's official Discord server. While the game has been patched, players who downloaded custom maps before the fix are advised to disconnect their PCs from the internet and change passwords due to the risk of remote access tools being installed.
