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| Valve’s Steam Machine hardware, shown ahead of its upcoming platform rollout. |
By Jon Scarr
Valve has shared new details about how its upcoming Steam Machine Verified program will work, and the requirements appear to be more flexible than the existing Steam Deck verification process.
In an interview with Game Developer, Valve designer Lawrence Yang said developers can expect “fewer constraints” when targeting Steam Machine Verified status.
One key takeaway is simple: if your game is already verified for Steam Deck, it will also qualify as Steam Machine Verified. That removes a lot of uncertainty for developers who have already done the work to support Valve’s handheld.
Steam Machine Verification Aims to Stay Developer-Friendly
Yang noted that Valve hasn’t finalized or published a full list of technical requirements yet, but the goal is to keep the process familiar. Developers should expect similar testing rounds and feedback loops to what Valve already uses for Steam Deck and other verification programs.
VR titles may go through a different evaluation path, but Valve says it will still provide hands-on testing and clear feedback during the process.
The Steam Deck Verified badge has proven to be more than just a compatibility check. It’s become a visibility tool, helping games surface in areas like the “Great on Deck” section of the Steam Store and serving as a marketing callout for both new and legacy releases.
Valve’s “It Just Works” Philosophy Extends Beyond Verification
Valve also used the interview to explain why it created the new Steam Controller Puck, which handles both charging and pairing for the Steam Controller.
According to Valve engineer Steve Cardinali, Bluetooth performance can vary widely depending on a player’s home setup. Network congestion, wireless interference, and latency issues become more noticeable when multiple Bluetooth devices are in use.
The puck is designed to sidestep those issues by encouraging placement away from crowded USB ports and interference-heavy areas, while also simplifying charging.
Valve describes this approach as part of its broader “it just works” philosophy. The company is continuing to push toward a PC gaming experience that feels closer to traditional consoles, with fewer setup headaches and more plug-and-play reliability.
As Steam Machine development continues, Valve says more details about verification and hardware support will be shared closer to launch.
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