Tag: Valve

  • Valve Addresses AMD RDNA 4 Rumors and SteamOS Gaming Project

    Valve Addresses AMD RDNA 4 Rumors and SteamOS Gaming Project

    It’s widely known that Valve is making strides in enhancing the AMD Mesa drivers for Linux. However, some news reports from earlier this week suggested that the latest driver updates could indicate that Valve might be developing a competitor to the Xbox Series X or the PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $449 on Amazon).

    Rumors vs. Reality

    As we talked about back then, these speculations seem to be misinterpreting Valve’s real goals in improving Linux drivers for AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture. Even though Valve collaborated with AMD for the Steam Deck, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a prominent developer for the Steam Deck, provided some clarity regarding the recent enhancements to the RDNA 4 drivers:

    …we’ve [Valve] done pre-release Mesa Vulkan work on every AMD architecture since Vega because they have kindly lent us hardware, so there’s not much to read into that.

    What’s Next?

    To put it simply, the rumors surrounding AMD RDNA 4-based devices can be placed in the same category as last month’s assertion that AMD had verified a Ryzen Z2 update for the Steam Deck. At this moment, there’s no solid proof of new hardware from Valve that would operate on SteamOS. Instead, there have been some suggestions about a device with the codename ‘Fremont’, along with potential images showing designs for a Deckard controller and a Steam Controller 2.

    In summary, Pierre-Loup Griffais’ comments suggest that while Valve is actively working on driver improvements, the speculation about new gaming hardware is premature and lacks substantial backing.

    Source:
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  • Conflicting Reports on New Valve Steam Hardware with AMD RDNA 4

    Conflicting Reports on New Valve Steam Hardware with AMD RDNA 4

    YouTuber eXtas1s has recently shared his thoughts on what might be Valve’s upcoming Steam console. He, alongside HandleDeck, has noticed connections between AMD and Valve in the latest Linux driver updates for the Radeon RX 9070 and other RDNA 4 desktop graphics cards.

    Speculations About Valve’s Console

    This has led them to speculate that Valve could be working on a home console that might compete with the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 Pro (currently priced at $699 on Amazon). It’s important to mention that neither of them has offered any solid proof to back up their assertions, even though the drivers are open-source.

    For now, it would be wise to regard any hints about Valve creating a new Steam Machine with caution. eXtas1s has a somewhat patchy track record regarding leaks of this nature, having missed the mark several times after initially detailing last year’s Xbox Games Showcase.

    Counterarguments from GamingOnLinux

    In response, Liam Dawe from GamingOnLinux completely denies the claims made by eXtas1s and HandleDeck. He points out on GamingOnLinux that Valve has been hiring developers for many years to update AMD Mesa graphics drivers to maintain Linux compatibility for both current and future AMD hardware.

    Dawe argues that eXtas1s and HandleDeck have misread the recent driver modifications, likely influenced by earlier rumors about the Valve ‘Fremont’ linked to the so-called AMD Lilac platform. To support his argument, a senior member of Valve’s Linux graphics driver team noted in the documentation for a recent Mesa driver patch regarding AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture that:

    This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.

    DCC is still under active development but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.

    The Validity of the Rumors

    In summary, this new rumor seems just as credible as the one about an AMD Ryzen Z2 refresh for the Steam Deck that VideoCardz discussed. For context, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a well-known designer of the Steam Deck, publicly dismissed this rumor. While the future of new Steam hardware is still uncertain, some third-party hobbyists have successfully transformed the Steam Deck into a home console experience.

    Source:
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  • Steam Deck 2: Valve Designer Talks Rumored AMD Ryzen Z2 Update

    Steam Deck 2: Valve Designer Talks Rumored AMD Ryzen Z2 Update

    Rumors about Valve possibly launching new hardware have been floating around for the past month or so, partly due to some leaks from databases. To summarize, information about the rumored Steam Controller 2 came out in late November. In addition, new details about Valve’s much-speculated ‘Deckard’ VR headset also surfaced, quickly followed by a leak regarding a gaming device codenamed ‘Fremont’.

    AMD Confirms Steam Deck Update?

    Today, VideoCardz published an article that claimed AMD had ‘confirmed Valve Steam Deck update’ as part of the Ryzen Z2 series announcement. This lead to various news outlets resharing the information, even though there was no clear reference to a new Steam Deck in the leaked documents shared by VideoCardz. Instead, the Steam Deck was mentioned alongside other devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally, which use older Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme APUs.

    Valve’s Clarification

    However, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a key figure in the Steam Deck’s design, has stepped in to clarify Valve’s stance. He directly stated that ‘there is and will be no Z2 Steam Deck’, putting an end to the speculation right there.

    As for Valve’s official position, they have only mentioned plans for a next-generation Steam Deck to be released in ‘a few years’. Since the Steam Deck performs similarly to the Radeon 890M in benchmarks, it seems unlikely that the Ryzen Z2 series would be used for a device that Valve wants to deliver with ‘a significant bump in horsepower’.

    Upcoming Devices

    Meanwhile, there is solid evidence indicating that a SteamOS-powered Legion Go gaming handheld is nearing its launch. Lenovo has strongly suggested that this device will be revealed later this week at CES 2025. However, it won’t be a direct successor to the original Legion Go gaming handheld that Lenovo launched last year (currently priced at $619.99 on Amazon). Instead, it may come as a more affordable option with fixed controllers and a lower price point, aimed at meeting lesser performance targets.

    Source: Link


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  • New Valve Index Controller Designs Found in SteamVR Code

    New Valve Index Controller Designs Found in SteamVR Code

    Rumors about Valve potentially replacing its Index virtual reality (VR) headset with a new version have been circulating for several years now. Currently, there’s a lot of evidence suggesting that the company is making progress towards launching a headset codenamed Deckard.

    New Developments in Controller Design

    Following the Blade Runner motif, Bradley Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) and others have unearthed new references to ‘Roy’, which could be the name for Deckard’s controllers. To give some background, a patent filed two years ago indicated that Valve was working on controllers featuring motion-tracking rings.

    In light of this, data miners have discovered that these controllers are present in the SteamVR code. However, Lynch’s latest finding implies that Valve has shifted its focus to tracking methods without rings, a technology that Meta is currently using in its budget model, the Quest 3S (currently priced at $299 on Amazon). According to the XR enthusiast, recent updates to SteamVR include models for the new Roy controllers, which we’ve provided images of above and below.

    Features of the Roy Controllers

    From the images, it appears that Deckard’s Roy controllers are equipped with a sizable d-pad, ABXY buttons, and two Steam shortcuts. Additionally, these controllers include comparatively large joysticks along with oversized triggers and side-mounted triggers. Interestingly, there’s also a new image circulating online that might be linked to the much-anticipated Steam Controller 2.


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  • Valve’s Steam Controller 2: New Leak Confirms Upcoming Release

    Valve’s Steam Controller 2: New Leak Confirms Upcoming Release

    A recent leak has indicated that Valve is working on a new version of the Steam Controller, which was originally launched in 2015. The new gamepad, known as the Steam Controller 2, is said to be getting ready for large-scale production.

    Source of Information

    This news comes from Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley), who shared details on X about the new controller. He mentioned that the Steam Controller 2 is being developed under the codename Ibex, and it’s distinct from another controller, which is codenamed Roy. The controller named Roy is intended for Valve’s upcoming standalone VR headset, referred to as Deckard.

    Production Status

    According to Brad’s post on X, both Ibex and Roy are currently in the tooling phase, aiming for mass production. There’s no information yet regarding the appearance or features of the Steam Controller 2, but more information is expected to emerge in the weeks or months leading up to its launch.

    VR Headset Controller Details

    In a different post, Brad provided some insights into the VR headset’s controller. The controller is expected to include a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, grip buttons, ABXY buttons, a system button, and a strap. This information was gathered through datamining and from sources that wish to stay unnamed. Since both controllers are close to mass production, it’s likely that they will be announced together.

    Pricing Speculations

    While there’s no specific info on pricing at this time, the original Steam Controller launched at a price of $49.99, and it was later sold for just $5 during a fire sale before its discontinuation. The Steam Controller 2 might be priced similarly or could be a bit more expensive.

    Competition Ahead

    When the Steam Controller 2 is released, it will face tough competition from several other controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, DualSense Wireless Controller, as well as options from brands like 8BitDo, GameSir, and CRKD.

    Source: Link,Link


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  • Valve to End Steam Legacy Library Sharing Feature in Early 2025

    Valve to End Steam Legacy Library Sharing Feature in Early 2025

    The Steam legacy library sharing feature is set to end in early 2025, making way for the newly introduced Steam Family feature. Valve rolled out this updated game-sharing option to all users in September, presenting several enhancements compared to the previous system.

    Key Features of Steam Family

    One of the standout benefits of Steam Family is that it allows multiple users to enjoy shared games at the same time, a feature that the legacy library sharing lacked. However, it’s important to note that members cannot play the same game at once; for that, you’ll need to purchase multiple copies.

    Another advantage of Valve’s Steam Family is the ability for members to access shared games even when offline. This new feature allows you to add up to five family members, although Valve specifies that it’s intended for those who are part of your "immediate family." Each member within a family sharing plan will have individual save files and achievements, adding to the overall user experience.

    Transition to Steam Family

    When Valve first announced Steam Family, they hinted that the legacy game-sharing feature would eventually be phased out. Now, they have confirmed that the old method will cease to function after early 2025. The new feature has been accessible to all users since September, and you can set it up by visiting the "Family Management" section found under "Account details." For those needing assistance, Valve provides a detailed guide to help you through the setup.

  • Steam Deck Now Available in Australia for Gaming Enthusiasts

    Steam Deck Now Available in Australia for Gaming Enthusiasts

    Gamers in Australia have some exciting news: Valve will start selling the console in their region on November 19. As of now, it seems that pre-orders are not yet available, but this should change soon. The shipping for the consoles will commence at 10 AM AEDT on November 19.

    Variants and Pricing

    Valve is offering both the LCD and OLED versions of the Steam Deck. The LCD variant comes with 256 GB of storage and is priced at A$649 (US$428). If you’re looking for more storage, the 512 GB Steam Deck OLED will cost A$899 (US$593), while the 1 TB model will be available for A$1,049 (US$691).

    Discontinuation of LCD Variant

    As previously mentioned, Valve has basically stopped producing the Steam Deck LCD variant, so it will eventually run out of stock. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the OLED version has several quality-of-life improvements that makes it a better choice. These enhancements include a bigger battery, Wi-Fi 6E support, and a smaller 6 nm SoC.

    The Future of Handheld Gaming

    Moreover, a new Steam Deck isn’t expected to release in the near future. However, the handheld gaming market has become more diverse with big names like Asus, MSI, Acer, and Lenovo getting involved. There are also many options from Chinese companies such as Ayaneo, AYN, OneXPlayer, and Aokzoe to consider.


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  • Valve Partners with Arch Linux to Boost Linux Gaming Experience

    Valve Partners with Arch Linux to Boost Linux Gaming Experience

    It’s clear that the arrival of the Steam Deck marked a significant turning point for those involved in Linux gaming. This handheld device operates on SteamOS 3.0, which is based on the efficient Arch Linux. It utilizes the Proton compatibility layer to allow users to play Windows games, a feature that has been met with enthusiasm from both FOSS and Linux gaming fans.

    Exciting News for Linux Gamers

    In more good news for Linux gaming, Arch Linux has announced a forthcoming partnership with Valve, the creators of the Steam Deck (currently available for $540 on Amazon) and the Proton compatibility layer. Developer Levente Polyak shared that Valve will provide financial support for two major projects that could significantly influence Arch’s future. He stated, “We are thrilled to share that Arch Linux is starting a direct partnership with Valve. They are generously funding two important projects that will greatly affect our distribution: a build service infrastructure and a secure signing enclave.” He also mentioned, “We think this collaboration will be greatly advantageous for Arch Linux, and we are eager to provide updates on development through this mailing list as we make progress.”

    The Importance of Funding

    While the specific amount that Valve is willing to invest in Arch remains undisclosed, the importance of this deal is undeniable. This is not only a victory for Arch, but also great news for the entire Linux community. Gabe Newell, Valve’s founder, has been a supporter of Linux gaming for over a decade, famously stating at LinuxCon 2013 that “Linux and open source are the future of gaming.” Valve’s collaboration with Arch indicates a stronger commitment to the Linux environment.

    Why Arch Linux?

    One might wonder why Valve chose Arch. This choice wasn’t random; Valve’s preference for this streamlined, efficient distribution for SteamOS 3.0 is well-founded. Arch Linux is designed to be minimalistic, has a small resource footprint, and offers extensive customization options, making it an ideal base for a gaming platform. The collaborative effort will not only advance expectations for Linux gaming but also enhance SteamOS and, consequently, the Steam Deck.

    ArchLinux.org

  • Age Ratings for Steam Games in Germany Starting Next Month

    Age Ratings for Steam Games in Germany Starting Next Month

    Back in March, Valve revealed that both German and Brazilian laws mandate content ratings for video games. German regulators are particularly stringent, with the BZKJ stating that this requirement would also apply to games added to Steam prior to the law’s enforcement. Initially, there was no set deadline for compliance, but Valve has now clarified that all games released on Steam before 2020 must meet the German regulations by November 15th.

    Developer Responsibilities

    Developers are required to fill out a content questionnaire available on Steam and submit their answers by mid-November. If they do not comply, their games will be hidden from Steam users in Germany. Even after submitting the questionnaire, there is a chance that the game may still not be visible to German customers. According to Valve’s Steamworks guidelines, "Certain types of content are prohibited for sale to customers in Germany."

    Special Considerations

    Additionally, games that have obtained a USK rating can enter their information through the store page editor, which allows developers to bypass the aforementioned questionnaire. There is a concern regarding games that remain on Steam but are no longer supported due to developers passing away or studios going bankrupt. This issue requires more focus from both Valve and the German regulatory bodies moving forward.

    The current situation illustrates how digital games can become inaccessible in specific markets for a variety of reasons. However, the physical history of video games remains intact. For those interested, there is a 32% discount on Simon Parkin’s An Illustrated History of 151 Video Games, now priced at $20.30, down from $29.99.


  • Valve’s New Multiplayer Game “Deadlock” Leaked, Rivaling CS and Dota

    Valve’s New Multiplayer Game “Deadlock” Leaked, Rivaling CS and Dota

    Valve fans have a new reason to celebrate, although it's not Half-Life 3. A recent leak has potentially unveiled Valve’s next significant competitive multiplayer game: Deadlock.

    Shared by @PlayerIGN on Twitter (see video here), the leaked gameplay footage introduces this 6v6 third-person shooter. According to renowned Valve enthusiast Tyler McVicker, hundreds of players are currently testing Deadlock in a closed alpha phase, indicating that the game is well into development.

    Competitive Impact

    McVicker positions Deadlock as Valve’s next major competitive title, aiming to be as impactful as Counter-Strike or Dota. He describes it as a hero-based, level-based shooter with a focus on individual skill, possibly integrating elements that made Valve’s previous games successful. The footage also reveals character customization options, showcasing a selection screen with 19 playable heroes.

    Unique Mechanics and Aesthetics

    McVicker notes that Deadlock’s development began in 2018 and features tower defense mechanics, merging fantasy and steampunk aesthetics into a unique blend.

    While the leak gives a preview of what Deadlock might offer, it’s crucial to remember that the game is likely still in early stages. Keep an eye out for official announcements from Valve for more information about Deadlock and its possible release date.