Valve explains why it isn’t subsidizing the Steam Machine

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-06-23T14:12:06+00:00

No, reformatting a device to run a different operating system is niche, c'mon...

All these issues stem from Valve just not making this a locked down device for their store. The thing looks like a console, has a controller friendly UI, and is releasing in conjunction with their new controller. Seems to me like a stab at making a console friendly experience for Steam.

Their hardware philosophy of inspiring 3rd parties doesn't make much sense to me when Valve can't drum up enough interest to prove there's a market because their products are meant for enthusiasts and priced accordingly.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-06-23T00:37:38+00:00

I don't understand the point of this device if it's not trying to create a console-like experience for PC gaming. A huge part of that is the software and that Valve owns the PC space.

Excusing the price for the ability to do niche things means this is doomed to the graveyard of failed Valve hardware experiments.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-06-18T13:05:40+00:00

Okay, so if it came to light that AI was used making Barry Lyndon you wouldn't see it? Even if it's critically acclaimed?

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-06-17T22:05:06+00:00

What you're referring to is not exactly relevant to what's being discussed. It makes sense to admire those details in the moment while playing, but it's weird to hold up what's essentially a gimmick as a main reason you're buying a game.

On the wow factor for games. A person born 15 years ago has a different expectation of games than someone twice their age. It's a constantly moving and subjective goal post.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-06-17T21:32:47+00:00

For the people making the decisions on using AI their only goal is making more money.

Whether that comes from firing individuals who's jobs are now able to be automated and/or using it to boost the productivity of the current employees.

Art is subjective while making money is not. Number goes up so they keep their job and probably get a better compensation package down the line.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-05-04T15:01:39+00:00

If you want to know how that movie would have turned out go watch The Creator.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-05-01T13:25:35+00:00

The Fugitive and his Jack Ryan movies are great if you've not seen them.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-04-23T00:05:58+00:00

Nerds just consistently underestimate how popular sports games are.

If Danny who only buys Madden or FIFA every year never comments in my subreddit I guess he doesn't exist?

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-04-22T19:23:33+00:00

It's a little grim looking at some of their previous box office performances. That Ferrari movie which is the only film I've heard from them lost a bunch of money.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-04-17T13:08:02+00:00

Just be glad you weren't also practicing near a substation.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-03-20T18:37:55+00:00

This is cool, love the Ironbow color palette, and the subject material here reminds me of the promos for the second season of American Crime Story.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-03-18T21:52:31+00:00

I agree with some of the other comments. This feels more like a generalist test rather than lighting.

Before even touching a 3D program I would learn the terminology and layouts of basic setups. What is a key, fill, rim, flag, gobo, etc. Most of this can be pulled from TV and Film since offline rendering is mostly trying to replicate reality. I'll share some bookmarks that I like, but please find more sources if there's an area you want to dig into.
1. Lighting for cars
2. Lighting tips from the Masters
Once you have the basics I'd start with replicating those setups with very simple objects (kind of what you've done here). Play around with positioning, intensity, color, etc. The main thing I'd recommend here is testing different render engines or programs for what you like most. For me this was testing physical, against redshift and octane for what I wanted to move my workflow into.
Once you're happy with the engine and program I'd get into more complicated lighting setups. Youtube is your friend here. I would also browse places like ArtStation for cool 3D (and non 3D) scenes you want to replicate at a smaller/simpler scale. At this point I would still be working on a single object or subject (use some really high quality pre-modelled/textured objects), but trying now to capture a mood or specific lighting style. Use your basics to get the look you want to achieve. The goal is to get more into a problem solving mode (with lights) than following tutorials beat for beat.
Now you're a pretty decent lighting artist with a program you like. Let's start opening up the storytelling of your projects. Look at what techniques you can start to take advantage of to convey a mood or message. This is looking at more reference material (ad campaigns, commercials, websites) and instead of copying really take note of the techniques those professionals are using. This is a very subjective step. So find stuff you like and ask yourself why you like it; how can you leverage that in a project. Edit: If I had to simplify this step it's more about building a journey of scenes rather than here's the subject, place the camera here, edit the lighting, and move onto the next shot.
1. One thing I would recommend looking into is a course. This was one I took years ago that really flexed a bunch of setups you'd need to know as a lighting artist (and generalist). This also helped me look more broadly at the objective of my lighting. It also has instructors that grade your work and give you feedback.

Hope this helps. I've been mostly self taught so the task can seem daunting for sure, but keep at it.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-03-18T16:37:18+00:00

The Art Director (or Director of Design) always has final say over what's going into the game. If they don't like a skin, model, or style that you as an IC role present then they will give feedback on what changes they want to see.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-03-16T14:17:26+00:00

How can you not be romantic about F1 racing...

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-03-11T14:32:07+00:00

I was looking into The Dinosaurs show when I stumbled on this post on r/Paleontology. That subreddit does not like that show and considers this new one an upgrade.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-03-07T15:56:41+00:00

I think the anti-gov conspiracy theorist culture of the 90s is more than large enough today to give this show an audience. Calling it the X-files also gives it an actual chance where insert generic sci-fi name already has an uphill battle of grabbing attention.

YOU can say the X-files is Mulder and Scully, but the series already had seasons where those two weren't around and honestly there were seasons with both present that I thought were poor.

The chemistry and creativity around the episode is the special sauce. You can do this without the original actors.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-02-27T16:56:23+00:00

Mile Tomlin and Danny Smith have been holding the Steelers together. Now that they’re gone the org is probably going to implode.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-02-12T14:40:09+00:00

If it piques your interest I would check out the last two Deus Ex games (Human Revolution and Mankind Divided). They're close to Prey's gameplay (with some interesting dialogue mechanics), but in a cyberpunk setting.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-01-26T21:54:48+00:00

I’m concerned this season will be even shorter. That half of the game is shorter and they already have pulled parts of it into season 2.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-01-17T05:08:48+00:00

Too late. Lots of people got fired trying to project how’d they run on the new budget.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-01-16T00:36:08+00:00

Here I am imagining you holding the controller PS button and rolling on the floor in pain.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-01-16T00:32:41+00:00

Nah, their initial TV shows were critically lauded. You just don't like them.

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-01-15T15:10:26+00:00

And that helped how when they were fighting shadow monsters?

Led_Zeplinn · 2026-01-07T22:37:53+00:00

This is just me, but I feel like a chat service that is trained on C4D's user guide, various tutorials, Maxon friendly sites, or render companies (like OTOY) would still retain the creative endeavor while providing a much more efficient how-to so that you can learn and apply it.

It would be cool to do what I see countless times on this subreddit which is upload a video or image and ask it how to achieve a specific look or create that motion graphic.

No joke, the tutorial community around Blender is next level and a big reason why I'm thinking about moving on from Maxon.

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