the Steam Deck 2 Leak is Actually Too Good to be True

Summary

The video delves into the recent leaks and speculation surrounding the Steam Deck 2, highlighting the inaccuracies and misreporting by various news outlets. It critiques how information from podcasts and sources like Moore's Law is Dead was distorted by other media, emphasizing the importance of verifying quotes and facts. The discussion then shifts to content moderation challenges on platforms like Ichio and Steam, illustrating the influence of payment processors on game availability. Finally, the video features insights from a rare interview with Gabe Newell, covering his early programming, Valve's history, advice on creating value, and the significant impact of AI, alongside updates on Steam's new UI.

Takeaways

• 😀 Valve's Steam Deck 2 rumors have been reignited, with leaks, speculation, and reporting taking center stage in the media, although many of the reports seem misleading.
• 🤔 A YouTube channel, Moores Law is Dead, and its podcast, Broken Silicon, are central to the latest speculations on Steam Deck 2 and other gaming hardware, but some outlets are misinterpreting or fabricating quotes from the podcast.
• 📰 Major outlets like Notebook Check, Tom's Guide, and Kotaku have been caught in a cycle of copying each other’s reporting without fact-checking or sourcing the original quotes correctly.
• 🔍 One misreported claim suggested Valve was working on a powerful next-gen Steam Deck based on AMD's upcoming Zen6 Magnus APU, but the actual podcast mentions multiple possible uses of the APU, including for next-gen Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
• 💡 Tom, the host of Moores Law is Dead, never definitively confirmed a Steam Deck 2, but indicated it’s a likely development, reflecting Valve's commitment to evolving the handheld gaming market.
• 🎮 The podcast touches on the potential for a Steam home console, but again, the media coverage has conflated these possibilities, implying much more certainty than actually exists in the conversation.
• 💬 The term 'significantly more power' used in reports about the Steam Deck 2 is mostly just a given, as any next-gen handheld will likely have more power than current devices like the Steam Deck.
• 🔌 The media misinterprets some podcast discussions by presenting rumors of Valve's secret partnerships with Sony or Microsoft, which were not confirmed on the podcast.
• 📊 The impact of pressure from payment processors like PayPal and Mastercard on platforms like Steam and Ichio is discussed, leading to the removal of adult-themed content from these stores due to their need to comply with payment regulations.
• 💼 Gabe Newell’s interview with a young college student revealed insights into his early career, his advice on tech and business, and how AI will dramatically change various industries, particularly in film and gaming.

Q & A

What is the main concern the speaker has about recent Steam Deck 2 leaks?

The speaker is frustrated that news outlets are misreporting or copying information from each other without verifying facts or providing direct quotes, making speculation seem like confirmed leaks.

Who are the primary figures mentioned in the discussion about Steam Deck 2 and gaming hardware?

Tom from the YouTube channel 'Moore's Law is Dead' and Jimmy Champagne from 'Deck Ready and PS Ready' are the main figures, discussing potential gaming hardware in the podcast 'Broken Silicon'.

How did Notebook Check reportedly misrepresent the podcast content?

Notebook Check claimed that internal leaks suggested Valve was working on next-gen devices with AMD's Zen6-based Magnus APU, potentially for Steam Deck 2 and next-gen consoles, which exaggerates and misinterprets what was actually said on the podcast.

What is Magnus, according to Tom's videos?

Magnus is a rumored AMD APU with 11 cores and a powerful GPU portion, likely intended for dedicated gaming hardware, specifically next-gen Xbox according to Tom's internal sources.

What is the difference between Steam Deck 2 and the rumored Steam home console discussed in the podcast?

Steam Deck 2 is a next-gen handheld successor to the original Steam Deck, while the Steam home console is a potential new device intended for home use. Tom speculates on its power and developer support but does not confirm details.

What issue is Ichio facing regarding adult-themed games on its platform?

Ichio had to de-index adult or 'not safer' content from its store to comply with payment processors like PayPal and Mastercard, who were pressured by campaigns from groups such as Collective Shout.

What concerns did Yoko Taro raise about payment processors controlling access to content?

Yoko Taro warned that payment processors have significant power over content distribution and could effectively control speech, posing risks to freedom of expression and even democracy if abused.

What insights about Gabe Newell were revealed in his interview with Zalkar Salv?

Gabe discussed his early programming in high school, career at Microsoft, starting Valve, his advice to focus on creating value for customers, the importance of AI in future jobs, and his involvement with ventures like Inkfish and Starfish Neuroscience.

What advice did Gabe Newell give regarding AI?

He emphasized the importance of understanding both the technical and practical aspects of AI, noting that leveraging AI tools provides significant advantages over those who do not, predicting AI’s impact to surpass that of CGI in film.

What improvements have been made to the Steam store UI in the beta client?

The new UI removes the sidebar, improves search functionality, and redesigns the top bar for easier navigation with a controller or on a Steam Deck, making the interface more consistent and user-friendly.

How did the speaker verify the details about Magnus and next-gen Xbox?

The speaker reached out directly to Tom, who confirmed via his latest video and pinned comment that Magnus is intended for a next-gen Xbox, illustrating proper reporting practices.

What pattern of reporting does the speaker criticize in gaming news outlets?

The speaker criticizes the tendency of outlets to copy each other without verification, creating misleading stories, and emphasizes the need for direct quotes and checking primary sources.