Valve shifts focus to Steam Frame while S&box reverts strategies and plans for free-to-play pivot.
Today’s PC gaming news revolves around major shifts for two significant players in the industry: Valve and Facepunch Studios. Valve is phasing out its Index VR kit in favor of the newer Steam Frame, while S&box, the supposed spiritual successor to Garry’s Mod, is undergoing major changes after failing to capture the expected audience.
Valve’s VR Shift
Valve has officially discontinued the Valve Index VR kit, launching a discount sale as it clears out remaining stock. This turn of events, reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, comes in the wake of the release of the more advanced Steam Frame VR headset. The Steam Frame, despite suffering from a memory-shortage-induced price hike, remains in high demand—so much so that a purchase might not arrive until 2027. Though the supposed 20% discount on the Index is less appealing when factoring in the total cost with additional required components, Valve’s clear direction is towards the more promising Steam Frame platform.
S&box Strategic Overhaul
Facepunch Studios’ anticipated Garry’s Mod successor, S&box, has faced a rocky start since its launch in April. As reported by both PCGamesN and PC Gamer, the platform struggled with negative reviews, a deluge of low-quality content, and dwindling user engagement. In response, Garry Newman announced significant changes: S&box will pivot from its original concept, align more closely with a user-focused content system, and importantly, transition to a free-to-play model sooner than initially planned. This decision reflects the studio’s need to recalibrate its approach to better engage with its audience and correct the initial missteps associated with its release.
Other Industry Tidbits
In other news, the excitement for the long-awaited GTA 6 inches closer to a climax with Rockstar releasing console dates. However, specific details on a PC launch remain elusive, as suggested by PCGamesN. Meanwhile, Frank Klepacki, a legendary game composer, insists to PC Gamer that the RTS genre isn’t dead, although it could benefit from more creative exploration.
Overall, the landscape shifts for both Valve and Facepunch Studios could have long-term effects on the VR and sandbox gaming niches, while whispers of GTA 6’s eventual PC release keep the community on edge.
