Skip to main content

Valve joins forces with the Linux Foundation

valve joins forces linux foundation
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Valve is very pro-Linux these days, what with its upcoming SteamOS being built on the foundation of the open-source operating system. And now the Steam gatekeeper is actively involved with preaching the glory of Linux, thanks to its into the ranks of the Linux Foundation. The non-profit organization exists to help Linux grow into a more widely used competitor to Mac OS and Windows. 

“Joining the Linux Foundation is one of many ways Valve is investing in the advancement of Linux gaming,” Valve’s Mike Sartain said in a statement. “Through these efforts, we hope to contribute tools for developers building new experiences on Linux, compel hardware manufacturers to prioritize support for Linux, and ultimately deliver an elegant and open platform for Linux users.”

Valve’s entrance into the Linux Foundation member ranks is about more than just gaming. The non-profit exists to foster collaboration between all members in an effort to “solve harder problems, innovate faster than ever, and change the way the world works together” using Linux. It seems to be about educating within as well as without. It doesn’t necessarily have any practical implications on the SteamOS side, though Valve’s programmers having access to LF resources will only strengthen their knowledgebase as the operating system grows and evolves over time.

Adam Rosenberg
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…
The Steam Deck won’t have any exclusive games, says Valve
Steam's new handheld console, the Steam Deck.

When it launches next year, Valve's Steam Deck will be able to run a suite of PC games, none of which will be exclusive to it. The mobile console, which is really more of a handheld Steam machine, won't have any exclusive games according to Valve.

In a beefy FAQ section for developers, Valve says it won't support exclusive games on its upcoming console. "No, that doesn't make much sense to us," reads an FAQ answer. "It's a PC and it should just play games like a PC." In short, don't expect a "killer app" that's only available on the device.

Read more
Valve delays Steam Deck to next year, cites component shortages
Someone playing the Steam Deck.

Valve's Steam Deck has been delayed until February 2022, according to an email sent to people who placed a reservation on the handheld device. In the email, Valve apologizes for the delay and cites the global supply chain issues and material shortages that have been plaguing both consoles and GPUs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Due to material shortages, components aren't reaching our manufacturing facilities in time for us to meet our initial launch dates," states the email sent to those with a reservation. The email did not provide information for those who want to purchase a Steam Deck but don't want to place a reservation. The current backups in the global supply chain and issues with part sourcing and manufacturing will likely also push back the date of widespread availability for the handheld.

Read more
Valve is reviewing every game on Steam for the Steam Deck
Two players using Steam Decks to play Stardew Valley.

To make sure that players aren't disappointed once they finally have their Steam Decks, Valve has said it would test every single game on Steam for the handheld console. The statement comes as part of a larger post regarding the Steam Deck's verification process, which grades games based on their performance on Valve's console.

There are four grades that games can get, ranging from Verified, which means a game can simply be played on a Steam Deck with no issue, to Unsupported. While a large number of games will either be Verified or at least Playable, which means users can play the game after some tooling around with controller configuration, a solid chunk of Steam games will be completely unsupported. Specifically, Steam Deck users won't be able to tape the console to their heads and play VR titles, although that should be a given.

Read more