When a new piece of hardware hits the market, the immediate question for many enthusiasts isn’t just its performance—it’s the potential for personalization. For the recently unveiled Steam Machine, that focus immediately turned to the customizable aesthetics, specifically those iconic faceplates.
While we all love tinkering and tweaking, when it comes to custom hardware, there are clear lines drawn between hobbyist fun and commercial enterprise. Valve, the creators of the Steam Machine, has offered a fascinating glimpse into where they draw that line regarding their hardware design.
Speaking with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais about the customization options revealed a pragmatic approach to open source hardware. Currently, the 2TB model comes with standard faceplates—the familiar red fabric and solid walnut finish. However, this doesn’t mean creative expression is locked away; in fact, Valve has stepped up the game by providing the necessary blueprints for anyone who wants to design their own look.
The key to unlocking custom creativity lies in Valve’s decision to release detailed CAD files. These files include all the dimensions, attachment points for magnets, and sizing information needed for users to manufacture their own faceplates and casings. This move successfully empowers the community, allowing people tinkering at home to design exactly what they want without needing direct input from the original developers.
This philosophy of open design is crucial, especially when considering third-party accessory makers. For example, peripheral company Dbrand had attempted to commercialize custom housing for the Steam Machine, teasing a concept like the Companion Cube case. However, this venture ultimately had to be pulled back.
The reason for the retraction was simple: Dbrand had not obtained Valve’s permission to manufacture and sell these custom items commercially. This established a clear boundary—while personal projects and non-profit modifications are welcome, turning customization into a profitable business requires official clearance from the hardware creators.
So, while commercial entities cannot profit from designing proprietary hardware accessories, the door remains wide open for enthusiasts to experiment. If you dream of making your own custom companion cube or unique faceplate inspired by the Steam Machine, the tools are there. The focus shifts from selling finished goods to fostering a vibrant, creative ecosystem built on shared designs and open specifications.
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Credit: PC Gamer
