[Rumor] Is Valve entering the console market?
The Verge is reporting that Gabe Newell and the fine folks over at Valve could have their eyes set on the console market with the creation of a brand set top box unit allegedly dubbed the "Steam Box" and that it could be revealed to the public sometime during GDC, which takes place next week. But, this "announcement" could also be held over until E3.
According to the report's "unnamed sources", this would be a streamlined console, which would grant users access to Steam's vast gaming library. However, it is also being said that it could possibly be compatible with other platforms such as EA's Origin software as well (think about irony).
The "Steam Box" also supports a variety of USB peripherals, including it's own patented controller, which is said to be similar to Mad Catz's MLG Pro Circuit Controller, in the sense that users will be able to fully customize it, thanks to its swappable parts.
Here's an alleged picture of the controller's patented design (which I found on Destructoid):
As far as the system's hardware is concerned, it's said to boast an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA GPU and 8GBs of RAM.
If this console is real, it'll definitely serve as some major competition for likes Onlive and Apple TV. But could Valve honestly compete with Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony? That remains to be seen. However, if what the report says about Valve not charging software development fees is true, that's definitely going to give them an edge.
One thing is certain though, Valve is definitely going to be the developer to watch at GDC.
» Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/02/report-valve-developing-steam-box-console
» Tagged In: #console, #Rumor, #Ryan Conway, #steam, #valve
More wicked cool stories and video from around the web. Got tips for us? Tips@ScrewAttack.com
g1 DISCUSSIONS
Bonidex
One things for sure: if that's real, that is my next console.
darkhyrulelord
Valve making a console? As much as how awesome that might be, it's about as less likely to happen as Half Life 3 happening anytime soon.
Lordlundar
Nope, I'm going to stay cynical on this. There's far too much of this that screams fake out. This entire blowup is from one article on The Verge which is more of a tech enthusiast blog than a game journalist publication who makes the claim that an (unnamed) "Valve insider" says it's happening. Then the proof offered is a basic game controller patent (and I mean really basic. My interpretation of it is a modular analog stick design than a proper controller) and what can be labelled as 'wild speculation'.
Let's break this down shall we?
- One source for the article.
- Said article is at best a dabbler in the field
- An anonymous source
- No real validation on ANYTHING said
- A basic patent
- Said patent has no real relation to anything in the article
- A LOT of theory and conjecture.
I would also like to point out that Valve has and had tons of rumors floating around essentially everything they do and very few have come to fruition.
When it's announced, THEN I'll believe it. But right there's no real proof and way too much supposition floating around to trust the article.
usedgamer
So this would have no discs? Is that possible? If so I may have to get a new G1 name if it's a sucess :(
MaDdOg99
I'd buy a Steam Console, I'd just worry that GLADOS would take over the world
wenchsammas
NOOOOOO I think the only thing that would be useful for steam at this point is a hand held
JesterKris
I like the idea of this, it's essentially going to be PC dedicated to steam so will be nice for people who can't afford a beefy rig but still allow them to enjoy all the games on steam. Read somewhere that another rumour was HL3 would be exclusive to this but I don't think that would be true.
theentertainmentguy
Valve could make it work it has Steam support so it can succeed.
JBTheAnimator
Hmm... if they release the console (who knows when or if) is there a chance they are going to release Half Life 3 on it?
Heigen
Can Onlive and Apple Tv be considered to compete with anything? And those specs sound pretty good, for a console.