Valve could be making moves in 2025 Updated: Dec 5, 2024 8:50 am WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more Table of Contents Table of Contents Valve has revealed a new set of third-party hardware branding logos, signalling a potential shift in how the company plans to expand its ecosystem. These new logos, showcased in an X post, include labels like “Powered by SteamOS,” “Steam Compatible,” “Steam Included,” and even “Steam Link Compatible.” At first glance, they might seem like minor updates, but they could point to something much bigger brewing behind the scenes. An X user named Brad Lynch has pointed out some of the new changes (which can be found in full in this document) and speculated about what each may indicate. X screenshot showcasing Valve brand guideline changes Here’s what was posted, in case that screenshot is a little hard to read: Powered by SteamOS Steam Compatible (Valve-approved controller Inputs) Steam Included (Steam Client installed) Steam Play Here (PC Cafes using Steam) Steam Link Compatible (for VR headsets) Is Valve looking to introduce new hardware soon? Though we do not know anything officially, the Steam Deck has been a massive success since its launch, with demand consistently outstripping supply. So, in our opinion, Valve would be silly not to bring more hardware into the world. These new logos suggest Valve could explore partnerships with third-party manufacturers to release SteamOS devices. People on Reddit speculate that it could be a new headset, a new controller, or all of the above. Steam hardware hits pretty hard, and Valve usually gets it right, so the premise of new hardware is very exciting. We asked our head of marketing and partnerships, Roddy Burns, what it means when brands update their guidelines like this, and Roddy had this to say: “Either something new or they’re future proofing for a time when it does as it’s the public facing element of the brandSimilar to how the PS5 branding on adverts featured a PS5 pro before it was announced so they could future-proof some of the longer life-span adverts”Roddy Burns By opening its ecosystem to trusted partners, Valve could meet demand faster while ensuring compatibility with its software platform. Imagine a future where more companies produce devices similar to the Steam Deck, running SteamOS and seamlessly integrating into the Steam ecosystem. Gaming on the go has become much more popular, as the Steam Hardware Survey indicates, with laptop GPUs becoming ever more popular. Another possibility is tied to VR. One of the new logos mentions Steam Link compatibility, which is designed for VR headsets. This could mean Valve is gearing up for a new VR push, potentially with a next-generation headset. While still a solid piece of hardware, the Valve Index is starting to show its age compared to newer VR offerings. Could we see a new, more powerful headset announced in 2025? The inclusion of these VR-specific designations feels like a teaser for something bigger. It’s worth noting that Valve has always been known for playing its cards close to its chest. Whether this is about expanding the Steam Deck’s reach, preparing for a SteamOS revolution, or launching groundbreaking VR hardware, the company has a history of surprises. What does this mean for the future? Whatever the case, these branding updates show that Valve is laying the groundwork for something significant. As we move into 2025, all eyes will be on Valve to see what they have. Whether it’s more Steam Deck-style devices, a new VR headset, or a whole new initiative, the future of Valve’s hardware ecosystem just got much more interesting. I think it would be nice to see an all-in-one VR headset unit like the Meta Quest that costs less than $1,000. Keep that in mind, Valve.
Valve updates it’s brand guidelines: could we see new hardware in 2025?
