The Steam Deck stands out as one of the leading gaming devices today, often found to be out of stock online. This portable console allows players to enjoy their Steam titles while on the move, providing numerous features that make it more than simply a gaming device. It has even motivated rivals, some of which have launched handheld consoles that surpass the Steam Deck in power.
Like many electronic products, such as Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s smart TVs, the Steam Deck is produced in China. The nation’s low labor costs, combined with a shorter supply chain, decrease the time and expenses associated with assembling a device like a handheld gaming computer. Ironically, acquiring a Steam Deck in China is impossible due to strict regulations that mandate foreign firms to partner with a Chinese company for distribution. In this situation, Valve Corporation, the developer of the Steam Deck, has not signaled any intentions to collaborate with a Chinese entity. Nevertheless, Valve is involved in much more than just producing Steam Decks.
What to know about Valve, creator of the Steam Deck
Founded in 1996 by Gabe Newell (who continues to serve as president) and Mike Harrington, both former Microsoft employees, Valve began its journey. Two years later, the company launched its debut game, “Half-Life,” a first-person shooter recognized as one of the most significant games ever developed. In the ensuing years, Valve produced several more hits, including “Portal,” “Counter-Strike,” and “Left 4 Dead.”
In 2003, Valve introduced Steam, an online platform that would turn out to be its most profitable endeavor to date. Initially, Steam was designed as a means for Valve to distribute game updates and to incorporate anti-piracy and anti-cheat measures. However, within the first couple of years, the platform started to offer third-party games. Currently, it boasts 132 million active users each month and represents 75% of all digital game sales for PCs.
Although the Steam Deck may be Valve’s most triumphant hardware to date, it isn’t the company’s initial venture into this domain. In 2015, it unveiled the Steam Machine, a collection of gaming computers developed by third parties intended to provide users with a console-like experience. This was released alongside the Steam Controller and Steam Link—a device designed to stream content from a PC or Steam Machine to a television. However, the hardware failed to meet expectations and was phased out in 2018. Valve aims to launch a new Steam Machine this year, generating excitement among fans, despite concerns regarding potential delays and costs.
Since 2019, Valve has also participated in the VR market with the Valve Index. Sales figures for the device have not been disclosed, but it is known to have sold out globally in early 2020 in anticipation of “Half-Life: Alyx,” which is exclusive to VR. The Index is expected to have a successor this year named the Steam Frame.