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Valve: 'If We Have To Sell Hardware We Will'

The makers of Half Life and Team Fortress are opening to the idea of creating more than just software experiences. Speaking in an interview with Penny Arcade, Valve boss Gabe Newell explains that while creating hardware isn't necessarily a first option, the company isn't shy about doing so if it needs to be done.

"If we have to sell hardware we will," he said. "We have no reason to believe we’re any good at it, it’s more we think that we need to continue to have innovation and if the only way to get these kind of projects started is by us going and developing and selling the hardware directly then that’s what we’ll do.

"It’s definitely not the first thought that crosses our mind; we’d rather hardware people that are good at manufacturing and distributing hardware do that. We think it’s important enough that if that’s what we end up having to do then that’s what we end up having to do."

For more from the interview with Gabe, head over to Penny Arcade.

Comments
  • I don't care for consoles, no matter who makes them. As long as Steam in it's current form stays I'm content. I'd rather play HL3 >:|

  • They shouldn't have to sell hardware, and they won't.

  • They shouldn't have to sell hardware, and they won't.
  • The more and more I think about this, the more and more I see the idea possibly becoming a reality. Its a great opportunity, seeing how Sony is very unfocused on next-gen. It could be a Sony killer! Think about it, who's gonna want a PS4 if they already have Valve Console. Unless Sony comes out tough with some crazy new hardware that everyone can love, Valve Console could very well be in the households that love having the "latest-and-greatest"
  • Half-Life the console

  • How about half life 3 **BRAAAHHHH** >:0

  • sweet.

  • Or do the next best thing, license your name out.

  • Innovate because it's a good idea, not for the sake of innovation.

  • interesting. whatever they do Im sure it'll be successful

  • dedicated steam support for a console crowd, opens up an enormous market for those wishing for a slightly less... traditional console. As long as steam workshop, sales, and updates are there. It could capitalize on indie game developers and developers wanting to get dlc to the customers for free. And that would be a great advertising point against microsoft. Only issue would be getting the hardware in time to not be late to the microsoft/sony next-gen party. If they beat that, it could do fantastically.

    tl;dr      I'd f***ing get it

  • Yes go into competition with the XBOX, PS3, and the Wii/Wii-U, see how far you get. Even the handheld market is dominated by the 3DS and upcoming Vita...those three companies have the game console market locked down. Stick with software, that's what you do and you do it good. I'd hate to see a crappy console come to market at the expense of Valve's games, it would be a loss for everyone!
  • How did this conversation come up? Why mention you'd make hardware if you're not already a manufacturer and acknowledge you have no experience in it?

  • With computer gaming power, what more do they need? A glorified console? Or are they talking about peripherals we would not expect? Head mounted displays? VIrtual reality! Robots who make love to you? Toilets to game on?

  • Valve, take my money now

  • I only clicked on this because I saw a picture of a valve

  • Uh... what kind of hardware?

  • Maybe a gaming computer but as for consoles, I think the market is too crowded already
  • I wouldnt mind seeing it. id rather have sega back as a console warrior

  • A Valve-designed tablet might be interesting, or at the very least Valve software on tablets. Could convince me to shell out for one if I was able to seamlessly transition from mouse and keyboard to touchscreen gameplay on any game that supports both.