Valve introduces new Steam Controller

Source: Valve

While it's possible to use the new Steam Machine with a traditional Bluetooth controller, Valve introduced a new Steam Controller. The controller integrates the different control methods you get on a Steam Deck, including sticks, grip buttons, triggers, face buttons, and bumpers. There are also trackpads for mouse controls and gyro controls.

You can use the Steam Controller wired or through Bluetooth. The charging dongle acts as a wireless transmitter for faster potential connection. You can individually customize input for each game, with profiles that are shareable. The accessory isn't limited to use with the Steam Machine. It will also work with the Steam Deck and Steam Frame VR. Valve has yet to announce the price for the controller.

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Report: 'Half-Life 3' is being playtested in its entirety

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If the rumours are to be believed, Half-Life 3 might be coming soon. Leaker Tyler McVicker reported that the game, which is supposedly codenamed HLX, is supposedly playable from start to finish and is being extensively playtested.

Some of the leaked info claims that HLX isn't expected to be a virtual reality-based game like Half-Life: Alyx. The game will reportedly have procedural generation details but not related to terrain or roguelike elements. Instead, it will influence parts like doors, props, physics, NPCs, and enemy types, like with the Left 4 Dead Director. Valve has yet to confirm that the game is in the works. But hopefully, we hear something soon.

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Don't expect a Steam Deck 2 to come out anytime soon

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If you thought Valve would release a new Steam Deck every year, we're sorry to disappoint you that this might not happen. In an interview with Reviews.org, Steam Deck designers Lawrence Yang and Yazan Aldehayyat talked about the game console's future.

Despite more competition in the space, they don't plan on releasing new versions of the Steam Deck with only incremental updates. Yang said the team is looking for a "generational leap in compute without sacrificing battery life" before they launch a proper Steam Deck 2.

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Steam tightens refund policy for Early Access games

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Eight years ago, Valve introduced a generous refund policy for Steam users. You could get a refund on any game, no questions asked, within 14 days of purchase as long as you played for less than two hours. However, this policy didn't quite apply to Early Access and Advanced Access games. 

In these programs, players could enjoy a game early before its official release, but playtime during that period didn't count towards the two-hour limit. This meant some could essentially play most of the game and then request a refund before release. To address this loophole, Valve has updated its policy. Now, any playtime in Early Access or Advanced Access will count towards the two-hour refund limit.

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