Valve would be in considerably benefit if the half-life 3 is the key to Steamos’ success. On the one hand, it would make steamos a viable alternative to windows for games. With more players adopting the platform, Valve would be able to wear from third-party operating systems and have complete control over its ecosystem.
Steamos’ success would also create innovation in Linux Gaming, with more developers making their games compatible for the platform. This would lead to more exclusive games for Steam Deck and Steamos, which is Valve’s grip on the game industry.
Steamos, for all its potential, is not yet a consumer operating system. To convince the wider game market to use it will require more than one game, even if it is a 3-life 3. Valve should make Steamos work more efficiently, execute many different types of games and have user-friendly features that compete with what exists.
The success of Half-Life 3 on Steamos would also depend on Valve’s ability to find a balance between the needs of occasional players and hard fans. The company must ensure that the game is not perceived as an advertising for the operating system while using Steamos’ capabilities.
