BBC News reports that Valve software is just "days away" from releasing a VR software development kit that will set the standard in how an interface is provided for VR controllers.
The news arrives after Valve Software revealed hardware partners that are building Steam Machines for release this year. These include Alienware, CyberPowerPC, Digital Storm, Gigabyte, iBuyPower, Maingear, Origin PC and a number of others. Pricing will reportedly start at $499 and extend on up into the thousands.
"The first generation Steam Machines offers something for every gamer, which is a critical part of extending Steam into the living room," said Gabe Newell of Valve. "With over 3,000 games and more than 65 million gamers on Steam, it's important to offer gamers a variety of Steam Machines that allow them to select what makes the most sense for them."
According to the BBC News report, Valve's SDK will be part of a larger software tool chest that will define the standard on how to control games on Steam Machines. The kit will be released at Valve's upcoming Steam Dev Days conference taking place in Seattle from January 14 to January 15.
"There's also technology in development at Valve based around head-tracking and headset manufacture and design," says Valve designer Brian Coomer. "We are working with other companies right now but we have not made any specific announcements."
He went on to say that Steam is in a unique position to be an intermediary between hardware and software and users. Without that, getting "serious traction" will be extremely difficult for any device.
Between the Steam Machines, Battleboxes, AMD's Mantle and Oculus Rift, 2014 is definitely shaping up to be an exciting year for PC gaming…. Finally.
