Valve has ordered dBrand to stop selling its unauthorized Companion Cube case for the Steam Machine. This directive ends a brief period where third-party hardware makers could sell unapproved accessories for Valve's console. Buyers looking for specific themed cases should expect fewer options in the immediate future.
Company shifts focus to skins and faceplates following Valve directive
The dispute centers on a custom case designed to resemble the Companion Cube from the Portal video game series. dBrand created the product without securing permission from Valve, which holds the intellectual property rights. Valve's response was to demand an immediate halt to all sales of the item.
dBrand has confirmed that it will continue to produce accessories for the Steam Machine despite the conflict. The company stated that future products will include skins and faceplates for the hardware. These items do not appear to infringe on Valve's specific character copyrights in the same way the cube case did.
The company clarified that its business model for the console will focus on protective and decorative add-ons. This shift allows dBrand to maintain a relationship with the Steam Machine ecosystem while respecting Valve's IP boundaries. Consumers can still expect third-party customization options for their devices.
We looked at the last steam machine update, several of the same balance and stability themes came up. The current situation highlights the strict boundaries Valve maintains around its hardware branding. dBrand's continued production of skins ensures that accessory support for the machine remains active.
Source: SteamDeckHQ
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