Tag: Valve

The Steam operating system could arrive very soon on desktop computers

The installation of Windows often comes with pre-installed applications that users consider unnecessary, commonly known as bloatware. This fact has led many gamers to seek cleaner alternatives, such as the LTSC version of Windows, designed for business environments and free of most of these superfluous applications. However, this may not be the only path available in the near future. A simple and high-performance operating system Recently, rumors have emerged about the possibility of Valve releasing a version of SteamOS specifically for PC. This operating system, which originally […]

The installation of Windows often comes with pre-installed applications that users consider unnecessary, commonly known as bloatware. This fact has led many gamers to seek cleaner alternatives, such as the LTSC version of Windows, designed for business environments and free of most of these superfluous applications. However, this may not be the only path available in the near future.

A simple and high-performance operating system

Recently, rumors have emerged regarding the possibility of Valve launching a PC-specific version of SteamOS. This operating system, which originally powers the portable Steam Deck console, has proven to be effective in terms of performance as it is based on Arch Linux and consumes very few resources. The next iteration of SteamOS could be appealing to those looking for an optimized environment for gaming without the distractions and disk consumption that bloatware entails.

Although SteamOS promises outstanding performance and a simplified interface, it also faces challenges. Particularly, its compatibility with NVIDIA graphics could present issues, as it is primarily designed for AMD hardware, such as that of the Steam Deck. Additionally, for it to work properly across a wide range of PC components, Valve needs to improve support for all the peripherals that users might incorporate.

Another aspect to consider is the option of dual booting with Windows and SteamOS, which would require partitioning the hard drive. This is essential to avoid space issues, as both operating systems use different types of file systems that can cause conflicts. With the end of support for Windows 10 in sight, those who need to upgrade their system for gaming will find SteamOS a viable alternative, focused on the needs of the player.

In conclusion, if the speculations are confirmed, this option could mark a new direction for PC gamers looking to get rid of bloatware and optimize their gaming experience.

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Valve reveals the gaming hours on Steam Deck during 2024 and they are staggering

In an impressive year-end report, Valve has revealed that Steam Deck players accumulated 330 million hours of gameplay during 2024, representing a remarkable 64% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the potential of this portable device in a market that is still considered somewhat niche, but is beginning to attract the attention of major game developers. More and more studios are supporting the Steam proposal. Developers like Square Enix and Ubisoft have officially begun to endorse the compatibility of their titles with Steam […]

In an impressive year-end report, Valve has revealed that Steam Deck players accumulated 330 million hours of gameplay during 2024, representing a remarkable 64% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the potential of this portable device in a market that is still considered somewhat niche, but is beginning to attract the attention of major game developers.

More and more studies support Steam’s proposal

Developers like Square Enix and Ubisoft have officially begun to support the compatibility of their titles with Steam Deck, highlighting the importance of this platform. For example, Square Enix announced the compatibility of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, while Ubisoft confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be verified on the device. This move suggests a shift in publishers’ perception towards the growth of the portable PC market.

Valve also celebrated the arrival of SteamOS on the Lenovo Go S, a step that marks the beginning of a possible wave of third-party portable devices “powered by SteamOS.” Additionally, the company has mentioned the possibility of installing SteamOS on other portable devices such as the ROG Ally X or the latest version of the MSI Claw, which would further expand options for gamers. According to Valve, its investments in user interface, Linux compatibility, and input technology will benefit both developers and gamers.

Despite the expectations surrounding the Steam Deck 2, Valve continues to dominate the market thanks to its platform and game store. With an expanding ecosystem, future hardware developments look promising, and players will be able to enjoy their game libraries in a variety of contexts, whether at home, at the airport, or in the garden.

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A team of modders wants to bring back the classic Counter-Strike, but Steam doesn't seem to be on board

Valve has begun communicating with the Classic Offensive mod team over concerns about a possible violation of Steam’s guidelines. This mod, in development for eight years, aims to recreate the experience of the classic Counter-Strike 1.6, and was initially approved in 2017 by Steam’s now-defunct Greenlight program. However, in January 2025, the Classic Offensive team faced the discouraging news that their version was rejected without explanations by an automated support message from Steam. Valve banned them from publishing for no apparent reason. The team leader, known as ZooL, […]

Valve has begun communicating with the Classic Offensive mod team over concerns about a possible violation of Steam’s guidelines. This mod, in development for eight years, aims to recreate the experience of the classic Counter-Strike 1.6, and was initially approved in 2017 by Steam’s now-defunct Greenlight program. However, in January 2025, the Classic Offensive team faced the discouraging news that their version was rejected without explanations by an automated support message from Steam.

Valve banned them from publishing for no apparent reason

The team leader, known as ZooL, had been working on different Counter-Strike mods since 2015 and has faced a lack of communication with Valve for several years. The lack of clarification from the company generated frustration, as the team insisted that they had followed all the regulations and recommendations thoroughly. “No one at Valve told us to stop working on this all these years,” they commented, highlighting how confusing it was to receive a rejection without a clear justification.

Despite these obstacles, Valve’s recent contact has opened a path for dialogue and addressing concerns. In a message posted on X, the Classic Offensive team announced that they were conducting an audit to ensure that their mod complies with Steam’s guidelines and the Steam Subscription Agreement. This development, although still uncertain about the future of the mod, represents a glimmer of hope for developers and fans. The opportunities to find solutions and modify the mod to meet regulations could allow Classic Offensive to finally see the light.

For the moment, there are no additional updates on the status of the mod, and the team has indicated that there is no defined timeline for completing the audit. However, the possibility of maintaining open communication with Valve has revived hopes that this exciting project may materialize in the near future and we can return to the classic Counter-Strike.

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Assassin's Creed Shadows will work on Steam Deck at launch, although not without caveats

Ubisoft has confirmed that its upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will run on Steam Deck from its launch, an update that has surprised many, as last month the company had ruled out the possibility of support for Valve’s device, citing that it was “below our minimum PC specifications.” However, it seems that the studio has conducted tests and adjustments that have allowed the game to run satisfactorily on the platform, although it is warned that the visual quality may not reach the optimal standard. The Steam Deck, a console that still has a lot […]

Ubisoft has confirmed that its upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will run on Steam Deck from its launch, an update that has surprised many, as last month the company had ruled out the possibility of support for Valve’s device, citing that it was “below our minimum PC specifications.” However, it seems that the studio has conducted tests and adjustments that have allowed the game to run satisfactorily on the platform, although it is warned that the visual quality may not reach the optimal standard.

The Steam Deck, a console that still has a lot to say

The launch of the Steam Deck OLED in November 2023 has demonstrated the potential of this device, with impressive performance running demanding titles like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. These games have received the “Verified” rating on Steam Deck, highlighting the hardware’s ability to handle intensive gaming experiences, which raises expectations about the performance of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

However, doubts persist about the quality of the gaming experience on Steam Deck. Although the title may work, many large-scale games, like the ones mentioned, may present visual issues on smaller screens, which could affect the overall experience. The concern is that playing could make the graphic quality resemble more of a moving Claude Monet painting than a modern video game, presenting blurry images and an suboptimal frame rate.

On the other hand, the community of players who exclusively use Steam Deck as their primary device continues to grow. This highlights the importance of developers and studios catering to this expanding market. Although it has not yet been determined whether Assassin’s Creed Shadows will become one of the best games for Steam Deck, the availability of the title is a positive step towards including the portable audience in the offering of major titles. According to the author, the device is ideal for indie games, CRPGs, and titles like Vampire Survivors. And it seems that it will still allow us to use the hidden blade on it.

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Steam surpasses its peak number of concurrent players again, all thanks to Capcom

Steam, the premier platform for PC gaming, has reached an unprecedented milestone by surpassing 40 million players connected simultaneously. This record, achieved on Sunday, March 2 at 3:04 PM, has been primarily driven by the recent release of Monster Hunter Wilds. This new title from Capcom attracted over 1.3 million players at the time of its launch, highlighting the massive impact the series has on the gaming community. The figure of 40,236,608 concurrent players reflects not only the popularity of Monster Hunter Wilds but also the continuous growth […]

Steam, the premier platform for PC gaming, has reached an unprecedented milestone by surpassing 40 million players connected simultaneously. This record, achieved last Sunday, March 2 at 3:04 PM, has been primarily driven by the recent release of Monster Hunter Wilds. This new title from Capcom attracted over 1.3 million players at the time of its launch, highlighting the massive impact the series has on the gaming community.

The figure of 40,236,608 concurrent players reflects not only the popularity of Monster Hunter Wilds but also the continuous growth of the Steam platform and its ability to attract a large part of the gaming community. To put this figure into perspective, it is equivalent to approximately 80% of all PlayStation 5 owners being online at the same time, demonstrating the appeal of the PC/SteamOS system.

A joint effort among numerous games

However, Monster Hunter Wilds was not the only title that contributed to reaching this record figure. Other games that traditionally dominate player lists, such as CS:GO, PUBG, and DOTA 2, also played a crucial role by adding more than three million players combined during the same period. This phenomenon demonstrates that, although a new release may attract a crowd, the Steam user base remains active thanks to established titles.

The registration of more than 40 million concurrent players is not uncommon in the Steam ecosystem. As was the case with previous high-profile releases like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy, it is clear that interest in video games continues to grow steadily. With the ongoing rise of Steam and its expanding library, the future looks promising for the platform and its users.

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Team Fortress 2 reinvents itself in a way that fans have been asking for years

Team Fortress 2 Classic, a popular mod of the multiplayer shooter game Team Fortress 2, will be officially released on Steam later this year. Originally launched in 2020, this ambitious project aims to reimagine the post-launch era of the original game, combining nostalgia with modern innovations. The most notable update of this mod is the addition of a new special class, the Civilian, which recalls characters from Team Fortress Classic. Additionally, several iconic weapons, such as the nailgun and the dynamite pack, have been redesigned. Unlike the traditional format of two teams, Team Fortress 2 Classic offers support for […]

Team Fortress 2 Classic, a popular mod of the multiplayer shooting game Team Fortress 2, will officially launch on Steam later this year. Originally released in 2020, this ambitious project aims to reimagine the post-launch era of the original game, combining nostalgia with modern innovations.

The most notable update of this mod is the addition of a new special class, the Civilian, which recalls the characters from Team Fortress Classic. Additionally, several iconic weapons have been redesigned, such as the nailgun and the dynamite pack. Unlike the traditional format of two teams, Team Fortress 2 Classic supports up to four teams in game modes like Arena and King of the Hill, adding colors like yellow and green to distinguish the new teams.

A mod that aims to make everything just as you remember

Visually, the mod will restore the cartoon-style shading from the beta version of the game, reimplementing removed content and improving textures and models. New elements such as jump pads and flak cannons will also be introduced, significantly transforming gameplay. The extensive customization options allow players to modify the game’s appearance and servers to add custom weapon packs and maps.

Since its inception in 2014, the development of Team Fortress 2 Classic has had a dedicated team of contributors who have been constantly working on balance and bug fixes. The requirement to own Team Fortress 2 to play its mod will not be an obstacle, as the base game is free and accessible to everyone.

Additionally, the recent release of the source code of Team Fortress 2 by Valve may open new opportunities for future modifications, which could further enrich the ecosystem of Team Fortress 2 Classic and other upcoming mods.

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Activision confesses that it has used generative AI to develop Call of Duty

Activision has admitted to using generative artificial intelligence tools to develop assets within its popular franchise Call of Duty. This revelation, which came from a mandatory disclosure by Valve on the game’s Steam page, states: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some game assets.” This news comes amid growing discontent among players, who have suspected for months that AI-generated art pieces had been incorporated into the title. User complaints have intensified around elements such as the package […]

Activision has admitted to using generative artificial intelligence tools to develop assets within its popular Call of Duty franchise. This revelation, which came from a mandatory disclosure by Valve on the game’s Steam page, states: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some game assets”. This news comes amid growing discontent among players, who have suspected for months that AI-generated art pieces had been incorporated into the title.

User complaints have intensified regarding elements such as the Yokai’s Wrath package, released last year, which was criticized for its visual quality. Players have identified certain bugs and strange features in some images, such as a promotional loader with six-fingered zombies, raising doubts about the authenticity of these assets. Activision has not specifically indicated whether AI is used to create art in loading screens or in promotional calling cards, leaving an air of uncertainty among the gaming community.

One more of Activision Blizzard’s controversial measures

As concerns about the quality of AI-generated assets increase, the context of a recent restructuring at Activision-Blizzard, where 1,900 employees were laid off in 2023 adds to this. This raises questions about the future and the quality of the products the company can offer if it continues to bet on the use of automated technology instead of human talent.

Players are asking Activision for greater respect for their investment, especially in products that require an additional payment, arguing that AI-generated art pieces are not acceptable in this context. PC Gamer has contacted Activision for more details about the authenticity of the mentioned assets and is awaiting a response from the company.

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Valve introduces the biggest change in the history of Team Fortress 2 outside of Steam

Valve has taken a significant step in the evolution of Team Fortress 2 by releasing a new SDK, which allows creators to develop new games based on the popular FPS released in 2007. This software development kit is a massive update to the Source SDK, which now includes all the client and server game code, giving modders the ability to make extensive modifications, from small tweaks to complete conversions. A move that the community will know how to take advantage of The new tool also aims to respond to the growing demand from fans to improve the gameplay of TF2, […]

Valve has taken a significant step in the evolution of Team Fortress 2 by releasing a new SDK, which allows creators to develop new games based on the popular FPS released in 2007. This software development kit is a massive update to the Source SDK, which now includes all the client and server game code, giving modders the ability to make extensive modifications, from small tweaks to complete conversions.

A movement that the community will know how to take advantage of

The new tool also aims to respond to the growing demand from fans to improve the gameplay of TF2, which has been affected recently by the proliferation of bots that have diminished the player experience. By offering an environment where creators can publish mods on Steam for free, Valve hopes to encourage the creativity of the community. However, mods cannot be sold and must be free of charge, thus seeking to protect the contributions made by players in the development of content for TF2.

The company has made it clear that it greatly values the community’s investment in creating items for the game and has encouraged creators to avoid any attempts to profit from these efforts. Additionally, Valve announced that it is making a significant update for all its multiplayer titles using the Source engine, including 64-bit binary support and interface improvements. This move not only aims to revitalize TF2 but also reinforces Valve’s commitment to the continuous improvement of its game catalog.

With this new SDK and the recent update, Valve seems to acknowledge the concerns of its player base and provide tools that allow them to take control of the future of TF2. However, doubts remain about whether these initiatives are enough to mitigate the current issues and satisfy the concerns of the community that continues to expect more from the company.

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With this Steam update, players will be warned about games that have not received updates in a year

Valve has taken a new step towards transparency on the Steam platform, which is always appreciated. It has launched minor updates to protect and guide players, especially regarding early access games. From now on, titles that do not receive updates for a period of 12 months or more will have a clear notice on their page, allowing users to identify which games might not be receiving adequate support. / Transparency above all This measure aims to mitigate players’ disappointments when purchasing titles that abandon […]

Valve has taken a new step towards transparency on the Steam platform, which is always appreciated. It has released minor updates to protect and guide players, especially regarding early access games. From now on, titles that do not receive updates for a period of 12 months or more will have a clear notice on their page, allowing users to identify which games might not be receiving adequate support.

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Transparency Above All

This measure aims to mitigate players’ disappointments when purchasing titles that abandon development without prior notice. Through a visible message on each game’s page, the time elapsed since the last update will be specified, allowing users to make more informed decisions. For example, the game Lethal Beach, released in January 2024, has not had updates since then, making it a candidate to receive this warning.

Additionally, Valve has also implemented a new requirement in collaboration with the California government, which will notify players at the time of purchase that they are acquiring a license key instead of the full game. This initiative responds to the growing concern about the shutdown of online games and the uncertainty about the viability of numerous projects in an extremely competitive market.

With these improvements, Valve not only aims to reduce refund requests but also to facilitate a more transparent experience for players. This update adds to other recent measures, such as requiring developers to specify which anti-cheat systems their video games use and the implementation of a game recording system, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the integrity and security of its platform.

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Valve shows what Half-Life 2 Episode 3 was going to be like and explains why it was canceled

It is one of the great mysteries in the history of video games. After Episode 2 of Half-Life 2 was released in 2007, Valve seemed to have ended the franchise and left players without the promised Episode 3. A decade after the release of the first game, Gordon Freeman would not reappear on consoles until the prequel Alyx. The game was left on an eternal cliffhanger, and no fan petition would bring it back, even years later and in the midst of a nostalgic craze. Or maybe…? Well, Valve now, in 2024, has shown parts […]

It is one of the great mysteries in the history of video games. After episode 2 of Half-Life 2 was released in 2007, Valve seemed to consider the franchise finished and left players without the promised episode 3. A decade after the release of the first game, Gordon Freeman would not reappear on consoles until the prequel Alyx. The game was left in an eternal cliffhanger, and no fan request would bring it back, even years later, in the midst of a nostalgic fever. Or maybe…?

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Well, valve already

Now, in 2024, Valve has finally shown parts of the gameplay in a two-hour documentary telling the story of Half-Life 2, and explained why they had no choice but to cancel it even though, not so metaphorically, it would have drowned them in money. The documentary is free on YouTube and is very interesting, but what has caught the attention of both insiders and outsiders is that so much importance is given to this third chapter of which until now we knew only a few details.

According to reports, they only spent six months working on the development before stopping, during which time they managed to work on an ice gun to create frozen structures, a monster that could split into multiple parts (and, therefore, go through ventilation ducts) and many other things, but they didn’t even get to build it within the game itself.

In that half year, they had only made a “collection of playable levels in no particular order” with a couple of ideas about where the story would go, which would seek the Borealis ship that is talked about so much in Half-Life as well as in Portal. At that time, they estimated that they could make the game in a couple of years, depending on their own ambition…

But they couldn’t come up with new mechanics, so they set it aside to finish Left 4 Dead. And when it went on sale, they themselves said “Well, it’s too late, we would need to make a new engine to continue the saga.” Although fans would probably tell them no and to release everything as it is, the truth is that in 2024, there is still hype and excitement to see it finished. Will this documentary serve as a spur? Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

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