this post was submitted on 27 Aug 2024
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"Escape hatch" specifically refers to the speculation that Valve is positioning themselves in a way that they can't be forced into paying fees for existing on the Windows platform, and that if push comes to shove they can say they only support Linux now. This hasn't happened yet, but it's a strategic stance which will likely prevent it from even beginning to happen. This doesn't have to do with the Steam Deck specifically; it was also part of their intentions with the Steam Machine and etc.
Huh. That's actually a pretty good take.
I would also wager that Valve was worried about Microsoft attempting to use "creative" methods to compete with Steam and chipping away at them, like hidden API. Its not like Valve knew that Microsoft's attempt would continue to flop so hard for decades that they couldn't even try that.
Yeah no, it makes heaps of sense. It just initially sounded to me like the person was implying the Steam Deck is Valve's escape hatch from running the Steam store. Which would be ridiculous, the two business sectors aren't even close to the same order of magnitude.
It's not a take, that was their actual reasoning behind it. Gabe knew Microsoft well, as a former employee.