Valve recently introduced the new Steam Machine, known as the “Gabecube.” While some may question its design—specifically, the choice to include only 8GB of VRAM—it’s clear that this device could reshape PC gaming, perhaps more than any other console over the last decade.
One exciting aspect of the Steam Machine is SteamOS. Valve has streamlined the user experience, making it much more accessible. Users can easily set frame limits to save battery life on devices like the Steam Deck, or suspend games with just a few clicks. This focus on simplicity could invite more console gamers to explore PC gaming.
Despite my skepticism about purchasing one, I hope the Steam Machine succeeds. Many PC gamers, including myself, are eager to move away from Windows. Microsoft has had trouble managing its platform lately, often prioritizing AI features over addressing longstanding issues, like shader stutter in AAA games. Solutions for these problems may take years to materialize.
For the Steam Machine to really take off, Valve needs to tackle a major issue: cheating on Linux. The Steam Deck covers indie titles and single-player AAA games well, but it falls short for competitive games. Many popular titles, like Fortnite and Valorant, are missing from the platform due to problems with cheat detection.
Riot Games’ Phillip Koskinas explained the challenge succinctly in a recent interview: manipulating the Linux kernel for cheating is too easy. In 2024, Valve did make strides by ensuring support for some anti-cheat solutions like BattlEye and Easy Anti-Cheat. However, major studios still hesitate to bring competitive games to SteamOS, fearing rampant cheating.
A case in point: EA recently pulled support for Apex Legends on Linux. They stated that they discovered Linux posed significant risks for exploits and cheats, prompting their decision to block Linux access. For developers, the need to allocate resources for a small Linux player base often outweighs the benefits.
Surprisingly, there are over 680 games that require anti-cheat software, but many can’t be played on SteamOS. According to Are We Anti-Cheat Yet, only about half of these games are compatible. Without a robust anti-cheat solution, studios may continue to look elsewhere.
If Valve can create a safer environment for developers, we may see a shift. Popular titles like Valorant could eventually make their way to SteamOS. The success of the Steam Machine could open doors for significant changes in the gaming landscape, but only if Valve addresses these crucial issues.
In summary, the Steam Machine presents a promising opportunity for both Valve and gamers. As it stands, the challenge lies in enhancing the platform’s security and appeal to developers. If Valve manages to do this, the future of PC gaming could look very different—more diverse and inclusive for all kinds of players.
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Steam Machine, Steam Deck, Linux distribution, PC gaming, Valve, AAA games, Linux, SteamOS
