Valve’s celebration of the Steam Deck OLED launch involved the creation of an orb constructed from 100 OLED prototypes that were available in their office. Instead of relying on computer-generated imagery, Valve decided to use practical photography to showcase the capabilities of the new handheld device. To document this endeavor, Valve released a timelapse video and a blog post detailing the process of building the orb and synchronizing the 100 OLED prototypes to illuminate the scene.
The idea of producing a launch trailer for the Steam Deck OLED in-house was conceived early on by Valve. However, it was the remarkable brightness of the new OLED screens that inspired the team to explore the possibility of using the actual Steam Deck OLEDs as the sole light sources for the trailer. The challenge was to utilize the 100 prototype units available to illuminate a central “hero” device and to construct a structure to surround it, leading to the creation of a large, metal orb.
Valve’s unique shopping list for the project included a variety of items such as 100 “old OLED prototypes laying around the office,” a custom-milled and prefabricated aluminum frame, two bonded network switches from Steam, a mobile networking rack from an old The International event, spare network cables, Deckmate Steam Deck mounts, and various 3D printed clips, mounts, and brackets. This eclectic mix of components highlights Valve’s innovative approach to building the orb.
Controlling all the screens in the orb posed technical challenges for Valve. Leveraging the Steam Deck’s Linux PC capabilities, Valve used OBS with a plugin called NDI to facilitate low-latency streaming of video across a local area network. To address the distortion caused by projecting video onto a curved surface, Valve flattened the CAD files of the orb frame to create a video template that accurately mapped the locations of each OLED prototype screen. The results, both during editing and in the final footage, were visually stunning.
Following the completion of the launch trailer, Valve decided to preserve the orb and display it in the lobby of their offices. The orb serves as a captivating installation for visitors and employees alike, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity behind the Steam Deck OLED project. However, the continuous operation of the OLED panels at peak brightness may necessitate periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Valve’s innovative approach to celebrating the Steam Deck OLED launch with the creation of the orb demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity. The behind-the-scenes process of building and illuminating the orb showcases the meticulous planning and technical prowess of the Valve team. As the orb continues to captivate audiences in the lobby, it stands as a testament to the potential of practical photography and collaborative ingenuity in the realm of gaming technology.
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