Valve’s new pressure-sensing controller set the gaming community abuzz earlier this year, with its slick design, touch sensitive pads, and slight resemblance to Darth Vader. In a recent post to the Steam website, product designer Eric Hope has noted that despite substantial progress and testing, the Steam controller will not likely be complete until 2015, despite earlier claims of a release this year.
We’re now using wireless prototype controllers to conduct live playtests, with everyone from industry professionals to die-hard gamers to casual gamers. It’s generating a ton of useful feedback, and it means we’ll be able to make the controller a lot better. Of course, it’s also keeping us pretty busy making all those improvements. Realistically, we’re now looking at a release window of 2015, not 2014.
When it comes to Steam Machines themselves, Hope was a bit less specific, but all signs do seem to suggest a release coinciding with the controller itself. Will there be a Death Star Steam Machine to match the sinister black remote? So far, nobody’s asking.
Obviously we’re just as eager as you are to get a Steam Machine in your hands. But our number one priority is making sure that when you do, you’ll be getting the best gaming experience possible. We hope you’ll be patient with us while we get there. Until then, we’ll continue to post updates as we have more stories to share.
It’s not clear if the delay will dull folks’ excitement a bit, but in the end it probably doesn’t matter. The Steam controller sometimes feels like a bit of a pipe dream, albeit an achievable one, and though I certainly can’t wait to try it, pushing back its eventual release is something I can definitely deal with. Especially if it gives Valve more time to get it right.
