Launched amidst controversy over its high price-to-performance ratio, the Steam Machine has nonetheless climbed to the top of the global sales charts.

Initially, the Steam Machine was anticipated as a cost-effective gaming PC, but due to various external factors, it launched at $1049 for the 512GB model and $1349 for the 2TB model—approximately 1.63 million and ₩2.09 million, respectively. Adding a Steam Controller increases the price even further. Since sales rankings are determined by revenue rather than unit volume, the high price tag is cited as a key reason for the Steam Machine's rise to the number one spot globally.

Despite this, fan interest in acquiring a Steam Machine shows no signs of waning. Valve opened reservations for the first batch of shipments on the 29th via a lottery system. Shortly after emails were sent to those selected and those on the waitlist, resale sites like eBay were flooded with listings at inflated prices. Some models even sold for nearly double their original price. Critics argue that the limited supply is only lining the pockets of professional scalpers.

Valve originally planned to sell the Steam Machine for around $750, but the AI boom, semiconductor shortages, and RAM supply issues forced them to pass the increased component costs on to the consumer. With no signs of component prices dropping, the launch proceeded at the higher price point. Despite its RTX 3060-level graphics performance and steep cost, interest is expected to remain high for the time being.

ISSUE | Today's News

■ Upcoming Releases | The Viral 'Suika Game' (Watermelon Game) Coming to Steam

'Suika Game,' which has sold 13 million units based on its simple rules, is officially coming to Steam. The game, previously released on Nintendo Switch and mobile, became a global phenomenon, but because it lacked an official Steam release, similar titles capitalized on its popularity first. Along with the original Suika Game, its sequel, Suika Game: Planet, is also slated for a Steam release.

NEW | Upcoming & Updates

■ Released | Supermarket Chaos

'Supermarket Chaos' is a relaxing organization simulator that, as the title suggests, deals with a total mess. Beyond small rooms or drawers, the core task is to sort 4668 items across a large supermarket into 16 designated zones. The game features a cheeky premise: a cleaning robot named GPT-9k, who declares that 'all displays are violence,' has turned the store upside down. As a small-scale indie game priced at ₩4,900, it has received mixed reviews regarding optimization and polish, but its unique atmosphere has earned it a spot among Steam's popular new releases.

■ Updates | Diablo 4 Season 14

'Diablo 4' has returned to the global sales charts after a long hiatus. The boost in revenue was driven by the launch of the new season, 'Awakening of Death,' on the 1st, combined with a promotional discount event. The Awakening of Death season begins with the end of the Age of Hatred and the emergence of a death cult. Cultists are blurring the lines between Sanctuary and the Chaos Realm through rifts, triggering 'Rift Events' across the world. Additionally, a collaboration with Overwatch is taking place during this season, allowing players to purchase character-themed Overwatch skins for a fresh gameplay experience.