his morning, a number of Web sites reported news that a Google buyout of Valve was imminent. According to those reports, the online giant was particularly interested in the company's Steam distribution system, which has fast become one of the most popular ways to distribute PC games. We contacted Valve to get its take on the story, and recieved word from company spokesperson Doug Lombardi that it wasn't happening, and that such talk was only a rumor.

Maybe next time.