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Gamer Roulette: Valve Shows Some New Steam

Jordan Austin |
September 8, 2012 | 2:34 p.m. PDT

Contributor

 

Can we overcome the tragedy that is primitive hardware? Valve seems to think so (PCdistrict)
Can we overcome the tragedy that is primitive hardware? Valve seems to think so (PCdistrict)
The incredibly popular software company, Valve, known for their reputable games and the creation of Steam (“the pioneering game platform that distributes and manages over 1,800 games directly to a community of more than 40 million players around the world”) is getting into the hardware business.  There has been plenty of speculation for months, but a recent job listing on Valve’s website has finally made it official.  

According to the listing, Valve is “frustrated by the lack of innovation in the computer hardware space. Even basic input, the keyboard and mouse, haven't really changed in any meaningful way over the years. There's a real void in the marketplace, and opportunities to create compelling user experiences are being overlooked.”

Although the company has no true experience in the hardware market, they definitely have a unique and determined approach to innovation.  Their online gaming service, Steam, is incredibly popular and installed on every self-respecting gamer’s computer, not to mention their stylistically thought-provoking games, Left 4 DeadPortal , Half-Life, and a few others have sold millions of copies and won plenty of awards.  

Ever notice how turning a valve leads to steam coming out? Food for thought. (Steam)
Ever notice how turning a valve leads to steam coming out? Food for thought. (Steam)
Not only has Valve been vocal about the lack of PC innovation, but they have also gone on record stating that the current generation of consoles has gone on far too long and that new consoles are sorely needed.  Co-founder and managing director of Valve, Gabe Newell, even refused to work on the Playstation 3 when it first launched. Their games have been ported from PC to Xbox and Playstation consoles though, so there is some recognition of today’s hardware, even if it is not of the highest opinion.  Valve has experienced firsthand the limitations of the current generation of consoles and the lack of innovation in the PC market is holding them back.  

Valve knows exactly what needs to be done with hardware so that they can bring their ambitious ideas to life, and this approach may lead us to some great new changes in the industry.  What exactly Valve will be creating remains to be seen, however, according to a statement from Valve Marketing director Doug Lombardi, they won’t be creating a gaming console.  Sorry guys, no Steam-integrated console like many had hoped, at least for now.  No matter what the company decides to focus on (most likely high end gaming computers), you can expect something grand that may even change the way you play games for good.  That comment about mouse and keyboard not changing much at all? Maybe we should read into that as a sign of things to come.

 

You can contact contributor Jordan Austin here. 



 

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