Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais recently sat down for an insightful interview, shedding light on the company's stance regarding SteamOS and its relationship with Microsoft's Windows. Dive in to discover why Valve isn't aiming to outcompete Microsoft directly.
Valve Dev Shares Insights on SteamOS and Windows
SteamOS: Not Out to Kill Windows
During an interview with the French tech site Frandroid on January 9, 2025, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a key developer behind SteamOS, made it clear that their goal is not to replace Windows. Addressing a question about whether SteamOS is meant to be a "Windows killer," Griffais clarified, "I don't think the goal is to have a certain market share, or to push users away from Windows. If a user has a good experience on Windows, there's no problem."
He further elaborated, "I think it's interesting to develop a system that has different goals and priorities, and if it becomes a good alternative for a typical desktop user, that's great. It gives them choice. But it's not a goal in itself to convert users who already have a good experience."
By integrating SteamOS into PCs and handheld devices, Valve aims to offer gamers an additional, game-focused option.
Lenovo Unveils Steam-Powered Handheld Device
Microsoft has long dominated the PC operating system market with its Windows series, the latest being Windows 11. However, a significant development was announced at CES 2025: Lenovo's new handheld device, the Lenovo Legion GO S, will run on SteamOS. This move allows users to directly access Steam and its vast library of games.
This marks the first instance of SteamOS, the operating system used by the Steam Deck, being adopted by another device. Although it's not yet a direct competitor to Windows in the digital market, Griffais stated that Valve's work on SteamOS is ongoing, and "it’s going to continue to expand over time." This development might prompt Microsoft to reassess its strategies as SteamOS gains compatibility with more devices.
Microsoft's Strategy: Combining Windows and Xbox
In response to Valve's moves, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of "Next Generation," shared plans during the same event to integrate "the best of Xbox and Windows together." With the handheld gaming market currently dominated by devices like the Switch and Steam Deck, Microsoft aims to focus on "the player and their library at the center of the experience." However, specifics on how Microsoft plans to achieve this are still under wraps, as their handheld device is still in development.
For more details on Microsoft's strategies, be sure to check out our latest news article!
