Valve is getting into the VR headset game, and is preparing to demo its SteamVR system at Game Developers Conference 2015. This will be done alongside new hardware which includes, a new Steam Controller and living room devices. What the company is up to is not entirely certain, but it definitely looks like Half Life 3 is not on the books for this year.
A notice on the Steam Universe page simply announced what Valve is planning for GDC, but failed to provide any more teasers. There is, however, a signup form for demos with the SteamVR; which at least indicates that Valve will have a working unit available at the conference. What it plans to demo with the SteamVR is a mystery, as the company appears to still be soliciting content from developers and publishers.
On another note, there was no mention of Steam Machines. The PC gaming consoles were delayed until 2015, mainly due to issues with the Steam Controller. The notice failed to bring up the Steam Machine name, but did indicate new living room devices. What this means is anyone’s guess.
The new Steam Controller will also be making an appearance after being sent back to the drawing board multiple times. Initial beta units sent out to testers received large amounts of criticism, and Valve has been working to address concerns. Unlike other hardware manufacturers who have short development cycles, the game developer looks like its taking the Blizzard approach to building new products; which means that none of these machines will be appearing for sale within the near future.
GDC 2015 will take place from 2-5 March in San Francisco, California. Unlike other gaming conferences and expos, the GDC is mainly a place for developers and publishers to get together to discuss the business of making video games.
[Source: Steam Universe]
