When Valve announced first the SteamOS, followed by Steam Machines, and then the unveiling of a very futuristic-looking Steam controller, it became apparent that Valve really wants a piece of the dedicated gaming industry. It seems to be aiming for some of the audience from the PS4 and Xbox One audience in terms of next-gen gaming.

But with the new fully customisable system for both the companies rolling out hardware with it or the gamers who would want to personalise it based on their needs, the choice of hardware, and the truly unique controller--will these be enough to put Valve on the leader board of next-gen gaming?

Half-Life 3 new trademark teased for future Steam Machine killer game?

Half-Life 3 has been revived once more, this time with a more official leak in the form of a trademark application. Supposedly filed in Europe by Casalonga & Associés, Polygon reports that the Half-Life 3 trademark was filed in the European Union's trademark and designs registry, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market.

In the trademark, Half-Life 3 was listed as property of Valve Corporation, with mention of computer game software and "downloadable computer game software via a global computer network and wireless devices."

For now, sources have yet to confirm this new development for Half-Life 3, but one can see that the timing is very uncanny. With the criticisms that Valve is getting for the brilliant but half-baked idea, putting Half-Life 3 in the middle of the Steam System, can bring fans over to Steam's side.

Support from fans, publishers, and OEMs coming in?

So far, most of the feedback and reception coming in after Valve's new announcements have shown that a lot of people are expressing their interest in the future of Steam Machines.

It really feels as though Valve is pushing to create an entirely new system that brings customisation to a whole new level. Valve also feels like it is now giving PCs a fighting chance in dedicated gaming beyond better graphics and performance.

But the problem remains. Valve's system for the Steam Machines, though not yet detailed, seem to be banking on the OEMs and support that it will get. Everything seems to be in discussion, with Valve avoiding name-dropping partners who will be there to provide a platform for the system, reports Time.

True, the plans for the Steam Machines and SteamOS rollout would not be concrete until 2014, but it would be good to know the brands that will provide the 300 prototype Steam Machines giveaways to Steam users.

Where are the killer games and apps--and will there be any?

Both the PS4 and the Xbox One have aimed to take the living room experience to more than just gaming territory with TV and entertainment apps.

So far, Valve has pegged this on the SteamOS, the software that will allow gamers to stream content between a PC and a SteamOS machine, though details have been very hazy at best. Metro reports this as Valve's way of providing more than just gaming with the Steam System.

Just like the two consoles, music and TV content streaming will also be delivered as part of the SteamOS, though Valve would have to concretise all of its plans.

Valve's Steam OS is a vision at best and a dream at worst. The question now is, with 2014 being the date pegged for further information, will it be too late for Steam?

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