Why Half-Life 3 Could Be Valve’s Game-Changer for Dominating SteamOS Over Windows

Many gamers are already experiencing SteamOS, especially through the Steam Deck. While older Steam Deck models may struggle to run a game like Half-Life 3 at top settings, Valve’s titles are known for their ability to perform well on lower-end hardware. This flexibility can be a big plus.

There’s also buzz around Valve’s leaked initiative, “Powered by SteamOS,” which plans to allow other hardware manufacturers to create more powerful desktops, laptops, and handhelds with SteamOS pre-installed. We can’t ignore the potential impact of a stronger “Steam Deck 2.” Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais hinted in 2023 that we might see it in just a few years.

Ready for a bold step?

Releasing a major title like Half-Life 3 on a largely untested operating system could ruffle some feathers among gamers who prefer the familiar Windows setup. An exclusive launch might face backlash, especially if SteamOS encounters any technical hiccups as it expands beyond the Steam Deck (Linux has had its share of compatibility issues in the past).

The Lenovo Legion Go S is set to be the first non-Valve hardware featuring “Powered by SteamOS.” Expect higher prices for the Windows version.

Still, we believe most gamers waiting for Half-Life 3 would be willing to navigate a few OS challenges just to play it. Many might even choose to stick with Valve’s gaming-optimized operating system instead of buying another Windows license.

A limited-time exclusivity for Half-Life 3 on SteamOS could encourage players to explore this new system without cutting off those who prefer Windows. If not, perhaps a non-exclusive version of Half-Life 3 could come bundled as a freebie with future SteamOS releases, enticing others to give it a try.

As SteamOS prepares for a wider launch, Valve has a rare chance to shake up the dominance Microsoft has held over PC gaming for so long. A game like Half-Life 3 could be the key to shifting gamers away from their long-term reliance on Windows.