Valve Developer Claims SteamOS Not Aimed at Killing Windows

Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais recently sat down for an insightful interview, where he clarified that SteamOS is not intended to be a Windows killer. Dive deeper into the reasons behind Valve's stance and how it relates to their competition with Microsoft.

Valve Dev Shares Insights on SteamOS and Windows

In a recent interview with the French site Frandroid on January 9, 2025, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a key developer behind SteamOS, reassured that Valve's operating system is not designed to oust Windows. When asked directly if SteamOS is meant to be a "Windows killer," Griffais responded thoughtfully.

"I don't think the goal is to have a certain market share, or to push users away from Windows. If a user has a good experience on Windows, there's no problem," Griffais explained. "I think it's interesting to develop a system that has different goals and priorities, and if it becomes a good alternative for a typical desktop user, that's great. It gives them choice. But it's not a goal in itself to convert users who already have a good experience."

By introducing SteamOS to PCs and handheld devices, Valve aims to offer users more options, especially those who prioritize gaming experiences.

Lenovo’s New Steam-Powered Handheld Device Unveiled

Microsoft has long dominated the PC operating system market with its Windows series, with Windows 11 being the latest version. However, at CES 2025, Lenovo announced their new handheld device, the Lenovo Legion GO S, which will run on SteamOS. This move allows users to directly access Steam's extensive game library on a new platform.

This marks the first time SteamOS, known from the Steam Deck, is being utilized on another device. Although it's not yet a competitor to Microsoft's Windows in the digital market, Griffais hinted at future expansions, saying, "it’s going to continue to expand over time." As SteamOS gains compatibility with more devices, Microsoft may need to reassess its strategies.

Microsoft’s Strategy: Combining the Best of Windows and Xbox

In response to Valve’s developments, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of "Next Generation," shared at the same event how the company plans to merge "the best of Xbox and Windows together." With the handheld market being fiercely contested by the likes of the Switch and Steam Deck, Microsoft aims to put "the player and their library at the center of the experience." However, details on how Microsoft intends to achieve this remain sparse as their handheld device is still in development.

Stay tuned to our news section for more updates on Microsoft’s plans and how they might shape the future of gaming and operating systems.