Valve’s Gameplan Picks Up Steam

Valve’s Gameplan Picks Up Steam

Valve has big plans for your gaming entertainment, and they include playing games on a wide range of devices from multiple manufacturers that fall loosely under a spec the company is creating for something called the “Steam Machine.” Valve says consumers will see Steam Machines from several manufacturers next year, and it is collecting entries for a beta program where 300 lucky individuals will receive prototypes and be asked for their input on creating the final specs for retail products. 

Also on tap for gamers is a new type of input device for the boxes that Valve is calling the Steam Controller. The new gaming device uses dual trackpads in place of the usual analog thumbsticks, and the company says they offer a “higher-fidelity” gaming experience. (NOTE: For more information, see “Valve Opens The Floodgates” in this issue.)