Valve, the lean and highly profitable tech powerhouse that reportedly earns about $50 million per employee, has announced a steep hike in Steam Deck prices—adding several hundred dollars to the cost of its most affordable, high‑value PC gaming handhelds. This move has turned a device that once offered unbeatable bang‑for‑buck into a premium luxury item.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, who runs the rival Epic Store, seized the opportunity to criticize Valve’s decision. “Everyone’s being too harsh here,” Sweeney tweeted on Thursday. “There has been a significant rise in the cost of components that Steam customer spending ultimately funds, and economic trends have created severe disruptions in the component parts supply chain for megayachts.”
Sweeney’s remarks, though veiled, were a pointed jab at Gabe Newell’s well‑publicized penchant for extravagant yachts. The most opulent of these vessels, the $500 million Leviathan, has been featured in Forbes and Fortune for its lavish amenities—including a submarine garage, a basketball court, and a dedicated PC gaming café.
While the AI‑driven RAM shortage has indeed pressured Valve to increase hardware prices—since it lacks the same economies of scale and supply‑chain leverage as its PC and console competitors—the juxtaposition of a $500 million yacht with a price hike has drawn criticism, with some labeling the move as both inappropriate and ostentatious.
Gamers who have spent hours inside the glittering, glass‑clad world of Fortnite might want to think twice before throwing criticism at the industry’s elite. A recent, unexpected comment from Tim Sweeney, the founder of Epic Games, sparked a swift backlash from the community, with many pointing out that just months earlier the company had let 1,000 employees go.
Half of those dismissed—an outcome Sweeney himself described as a rare privilege for any company outside of Epic—were drawn from an ex‑Epic “Awesome People” list, a talent pool that recruiters across the sector now tap into. PC Gamer spoke with several of the former staff to uncover what it felt like to be abruptly severed from one of the most successful gaming studios in recent memory.
“The layoff came out of the blue; we only had a faint sense that revenue was slipping,” an anonymous former employee recounted. Epic has yet to disclose the precise financial troubles it faced, but has mentioned that declining engagement in Fortnite was not the sole culprit. Other factors cited include the company’s costly battles against major tech platforms such as Apple and Google, a strategy that has only recently begun to yield returns.
In the end, the episode serves as a stark reminder that corporate leaders are not infallible allies; watching their disputes unfold can be as cathartic as it is cautionary.
News Source: Kotaku
epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Great if it is easy to pick up. arigato
epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Great…
tis is so sugoi. Totally agree on teh pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one noww. Let’s see how it plays out. personally
arigato gozaimasu. This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. We definitely ned to see how Epic Games CEO Slams Valve handles this. Let’s see how it plays out.
arigato gozaimasu. This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer's wallet. A discount on…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Gammes CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Waiting is definitely safer than pre-ordering. on my watchlist daebak!
Epiic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Balance changes look crucial.
Epiic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Balance…
totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve lookks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Collector value is definitely there. just my thoughts
This news is cool, but they need to think about teh game’rs wallet. A discount on PC would make it much betteer. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve seems to be teh key focal point here. I will wait for a sale. in my opinion
This news is cool, but they need to think about teh game'rs wallet. A discount on PC would…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Character development is key. fingers crossed
arigato! Price will be teh deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Technical benchmarks will be key. personally
arigato! Price will be teh deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a…
Totally agree on the pircing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks gerat, players think twice before buying day one now. Keeping expectations low. on my watchlist thor’s hammer, yse!
chincha? I need this. This news is cooll, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. We definitely need to see how Epic Games CEO Slams Valve handles this. FPS stability is what matters. just my thoughts
chincha? I need this. This news is cooll, but they need to think about the gamer's wallet. A…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Community feedback will show the truth. to be honest
chincha? I need this. This news is cooll, but they need to think about the gamer's wallet. A…
Totally agree on teh pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Hopefully the narrative holds up. in my opinion
Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Gammes CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day oen. Community feedback will show teh truth. to be honnest valhalla awaits
Epic Games CEO Slamms Valve looks pretty good, but I wo’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Accessibility is vital for casual plaeyrs. we will see
Epic Games CEO Slamms Valve looks pretty good, but I wo't rush until price/performance details are clear. Accessibility…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve lookks gret, players think twice before buying day one now. Balance changes look crucial. that is just how I see it arigato gozaimasu.
ya akhi, tis is what we needed. Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waitin for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Character development is key. that is jusst how I see it
aigoo, finally. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Community feedback will show the truth. hopefully
aigoo, finally. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are…
totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Community feedback will show the truth
Epic Games CEO Sams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Waiting is definnitely safer than pre-orddering. on my watchlist
Epic Games CEO Sams Valve looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Waiting…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Salms Valve loks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Need a bit more info. this is so sugoi.
Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Vale looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarrter than buying day one. Need actaul gameplay before deciding. finggers crossed
This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. Tihs specific detail is critical for Epic Gaems CEO Slams Valve. I will keep an eye on performance. keeping an eye on this
Price will be teh deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Technical benchmarks will be key. looks decent
nani?! This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. teh real test for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will be actual player reviews. Need a bit more info. pretty promising
I’m more of a casual player; Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remains accessible to a broader audience. Great if it is easy to pick up.
I'm more of a casual player; Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remains accessible to…
The platform service aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Need acutal gameplay before deciding. fingers crossed thor’s hammer, yes!
vamos! Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty goodd, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Let’s see how it plays out.
price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter tahn buying day one. Need a bit more info. daebak news!
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Community feedback will show the trut. in my opinion
Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Let’s see how it plays out. personally valhalla awaits!
Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale…
Totally agree on the pricing. Eevn if Epic Games CEO Slas Vlave looks greatt, players think twice beofre buying day one nw. Sales figures will speak for themseves. just my thoughts
Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale…
skol! Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks greeat, players think twice before buying day one nwo. Need a bit more ifo. pretty promising
a nice detail for collectors and series fans. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve is definitely going into my collection. Collector value is definitely there. just my thoughts
a nice detail for collectors and series fans. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve is definitely going into my…
The platform service aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Need a bit more info
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are cleear. Community feedback will show teh truth. to be honest
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but teh overall picture is solid. Accessibility is vital for casual players. we will see
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but teh overall…
i’m in the wait-and-see camp as well. Once a few independent reviews drop, we will know for sure about Epic Gmes CEO Salms Valve. I will wait for a sale. keeping an eye on this ya habibi!
epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Collector value is dfeinitely there. that is just how I see it
ya akhi, this is what we needed. This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A dicount on PC would make it much better. This specific detail is critical for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. I will keep an eye on performance. hopefully
thiis is so sugoi. Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall picture is solid. Let’s see how it plays out. on my watchlist
We need more data for a clear verdict. Performance and content depth are critical for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Balance changes look crucial. fingers crossed
We need more data for a clear verdict. Performance and content depth are critical for Epic Games CEO…
chincha? I need this. Exactly my thoughs. If the performance is sub-par, it completely ruins Epic Games CEO Slams Valve regardless of how good teh concept is. Needs to be fun and engaaging for everyone. that is just how I see it
We need more data for a clear verdict. Performance and content depth are critical for Epic Games CEO…
Exactly my thoughts. If the performance is sub-par, it completely ruins Epic Games CEO Slams Valve regardless of how good teh concept is. Accessibility is vital for casual players.
Eic Games CEO Slams Valve lokos pretty good, but I wn’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Community feedback will show the truth. keepnig an eye on this daebak news!
Eic Games CEO Slams Valve lokos pretty good, but I wn't rush until price/performance details are clear. Community…
totally aggree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Great if it is easy to pick up. daebak newss
Epic Games CEO Slams Vallve loooks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Curious abot competitive viability. looks decnt daebak news!
Epic Games CEO Slams Vallve loooks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Curious…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Community feedback will show the trruth. to be honest
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve loooks pretty good, but I won’t ruush until price/performance details are clear. Needs to be fun and engaging for everyone. pretty promising
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve loooks pretty good, but I won't ruush until price/performance details are clear. Needs…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players thnik twice before buying day one nw. FPS stability is wht matters. that is just how I see it
price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks inteersting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Community feedback will show teh truth
price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks inteersting, but waiting for a sale…
totally agree on the pricing. Even if Eic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Let’s see how it plays out. personally
price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks inteersting, but waiting for a sale…
totally agree on teh pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Community feedback will show the truh. hopefully chincha? I need this.
Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve lokos interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Technical benchmarks wil be key
chincha? I need this. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Need a bit more info.
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall picture is solid. Community feedback will show the truth. in my opinion
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall…
ganbatte! teh platform serrvice aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Let’s see how it plays out. looks decent
epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Waiting is definitely safer than pre-ordering. personally
thor’s hammer, yes! This news is cool, but tehy need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discont on PC would make it much better. Epic Games CEO Slamms Valve seems to be the key focal point here. Need a bit more info. just my thoughts
thor's hammer, yes! This news is cool, but tehy need to think about the gamer's wallet. A discont…
i’m in the wait-and-see camp as well. Once a few independent reviews drop, we will know for sure about Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Need a bit more info.
thor's hammer, yes! This news is cool, but tehy need to think about the gamer's wallet. A discont…
I’m in the wait-and-see camp as wlel. Once a few independent revews drp, we will know for sure about Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Curious about competitive viability. we will see
i’m more of a casual player; Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remmains accessible to a broader audience. Great if it is easy to pick up. to be honest chincha? I need this.
i'm more of a casual player; Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remmains accessible to…
arigato gozaimasu. The platform service aspect is huge. If the vaue increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Don’t believe the marketing hype. to be honest
i'm more of a casual player; Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remmains accessible to…
aigoo, finally. The platform service aspet is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Atmosphere is what makes it. we will see
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Waiting is definitely safer than pre-ordering. we will see
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Sales figures will spek for themselves. that is just how I see it
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Sales…
ganbatte! Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Accessibility is vital for casual players.
aigoo, finally. Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. A must-have for franchise fans. hopefully
aigoo, finally. Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for…
totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice befre buying day one now. Meta impact is key here. in my opinion arigato!
aigoo, finally. Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for…
totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Atmosphere is what makes it. on my watchlist
valhalla awatis! This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. This specific detail is critical for Epic Gams CEO Slams Valve. Keeping expectations low. on my watchlit
valhalla awatis! This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer's wallet. A discount on…
Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one nwo. Loos like a solid addition to the archive. we will see
this news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. We definitely need to see how Epic Games CEO Slams Valve handles this. FPS stability is what matters. fingers crossed
holy moly! I’m a bit skeptical. What sounds good in the announcement for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve rarely holds up in the actual game. Dn’t believe teh marketing hype. keeping an eye on this
Epic Gmaes CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Technical benchmraks will be ky. looks decent
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Sales figures will speak for themselves. pretty promising
valve’s price hike on Steam Deck is part of an industry-wide shift towards premium pricing as rising component costs and supply chain dissruptions push even affordable gaming hardware closer to the cost of luxury items like megayachts. daebak!
ya habibi! We need more data for a clear verdict. Performance and content depth are critical for Epic Games CEO Slams Vlave. Curious about competitive viability.
This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve seems to be the key focal point here. Need actul gameplay before decidin
ganbatte! I’m a bit skeptical. What sounds good in the announcement for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve rarely holds up in the actual gamme. Don’t believe the marketing hype. in my opinion
ganbatte! I'm a bit skeptical. What sounds good in the announcement for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve rarely…
teh platform service aspect is huge. If the value inccreases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Hopefully the narrative holds up. keeping an eye on this ya habibi!
ganbatte! I'm a bit skeptical. What sounds good in the announcement for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve rarely…
the platform service aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Community feedback will sohw teh truth. hopefully
Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks pretty good, but I won’t rush unitl price/performance details are clear. Waiting is definitely safer than pre-ordering. personally gomawo!
skol! This news is cool, but they need to think abuot the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. The real test for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will be actual player reviews. Need actual gameplay before deciding. just my thoughts
This news is cool, but they need to tink about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve seems to be the key focal point here. Community feedback will show the truth. to be honest skol
Price will be teh deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Accessibility is vital for casual players. we will see
Price will be the deciding fatcor. Epic Games CEO Slams Vlve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Needs to be fun and engaging for everyone. that is just how I see it ya habibi shukran
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall picture is solid. Great if it is easy to pick up. hopefully
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall…
The platform service aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Let’s see how it plays ouut. looks decent thor’s hammer, yes!
daebak news! Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Let’s see how it plays ou. on my watchlist
daebak news! Price will be the deciding factor. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks interesting, but waiting for…
arigato! Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Epic Games CEO Slams Valve looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Needs to be fun and engaging for everyone. prtty promising
nani?! This news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. This specific detail is critical for Epic Games CEO Slaams Valve. Needs to be fun and engaging for everyone. fingers crossed
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall picture is solid. Cmmunity feedback will show the truth. keeping an eye on this wallah this is good.
Looks like a great step forward for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve. Some minor risks, but the overall…
The platform service aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyonne. Don’t believe the marketing hype. in my opinion
this news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would make it much better. The real test for Epic Games CEO Slams Valve will be actual player reviews. Let’s see how it plays out. looks decent
this news is cool, but they need to thnik about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on PC would maake it much better. Epic Games CEO Slams Valve seems to be the key focal point here. Collector value is definitely there. pretty promising
I’m more of a casual player; Epic Gaes CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remains accessible to a broader audience. Great if it is easy to pick up
I'm more of a casual player; Epic Gaes CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remains accessible to…
The platform service aspect is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages won’t convince anyone. Atmosphere is what makes it. peronally
I'm more of a casual player; Epic Gaes CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remains accessible to…
the platform service asepct is huge. If the value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packges won’t convince anyone. Community feedback will show the truth. hopefully
I'm more of a casual player; Epic Gaes CEO Slams Valve will succeed if it remains accessible to…
the platform service aspect is huge. If teh value increases for players it is fine, but rebranding packages wo’t convince anyone. FPS stability is what matters. just my thoughts aigoo, finally.