Former Xbox & Blizzard Exec Urges Valve to Open SteamOS for Wider Hardware Adoption
A former executive from both Xbox and Blizzard Entertainment is publicly calling on Valve to allow third-party manufacturers to utilize SteamOS, believing it would unlock meaningful growth for both the operating system and Valve’s digital storefront. Mike Ybarra, currently the CEO of Positive Sum, argues that opening SteamOS would enable the creation of a broader range of “Steam Machines” – pre-built gaming PCs optimized for the platform – and ultimately increase revenue for Valve.
Ybarra’s appeal centers on the potential for a thriving ecosystem similar to the PC gaming market,but with the streamlined experience of SteamOS. He acknowledges Microsoft’s potential path to integrate Windows more deeply with its own services like Teams and Copilot, a move he believes would detract from a dedicated gaming focus and diminish the appeal of a potential “open Xbox OS.” He posits that a more open SteamOS, free from such corporate pressures, could fill a crucial niche for gamers and hardware manufacturers seeking a focused, gaming-centric experience.
According to Ybarra, the key to SteamOS’s success lies in its accessibility. Allowing third parties to build and sell Steam Machines would expand the platform’s reach beyond Valve’s own hardware efforts, fostering competition and innovation. He believes this expansion would directly translate to increased store revenue for valve, as a larger user base would inevitably lead to more game purchases.
Recent developments suggest Valve is actively improving SteamOS, recently adding support for AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) technology for both SteamOS and Proton, paving the way for its inclusion in future Steam Machine iterations. Valve’s reaction to pricing suggestions for a potential Steam Machine – reportedly lukewarm to a $500 price point, according to one YouTuber – indicates the company is carefully considering the hardware aspect of the platform.
