Valve went above and beyond to celebrate the launch of the Steam Deck OLED by constructing an orb made from 100 OLED prototypes that were just lying around the office. This impressive feat was not just to celebrate the launch, but also to create the launch trailer using practical photography instead of computer-generated imagery. The decision to use the OLED screens as the primary light source for the trailer was sparked by the realization of how incredibly bright and vibrant these panels were. This led to the team’s decision to utilize the 100 prototype units to create a central “hero” device surrounded by light.
The process of constructing the orb to showcase the Steam Deck OLED prototypes was no small task. Valve had to carefully plan and gather all the necessary materials for this undertaking. The shopping list for the shoot included a combination of custom-milled and prefabricated aluminum frames, network switches retired from Steam servers, a mobile networking rack from a past event, spare network cables, Deckmate Steam Deck mounts, and various 3D printed clips, mounts, and brackets to hold everything together. This unique combination of materials and components highlights Valve’s creativity and resourcefulness in bringing their vision to life.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the project was how Valve managed to control and synchronize all the OLED screens within the orb. Leveraging the Deck’s Linux PC capabilities, Valve used OBS with a specific plugin called NDI to seamlessly stream video content across the networked devices with low latency. To address the challenge of projecting video onto a spherical surface without distortion, Valve created a video template using CAD files from the original orb frame. This meticulous process involved mapping out the exact locations of each OLED screen in flat space and generating a high-resolution After Effects file for animation. The results were visually stunning, both in the editing process and the final trailer footage.
While the orb was initially built for the launch trailer, Valve decided to repurpose it as a permanent installation in the lobby of their offices. The captivating display of the illuminated orb is expected to draw visitors from around the world to experience its mesmerizing glow. However, the team acknowledges the importance of managing the OLED panels’ peak brightness to ensure their longevity and performance. Maintaining the orb’s functionality and visual impact will be crucial in preserving its allure for future visitors.
Valve’s innovative approach to showcasing the Steam Deck OLED through the construction of the orb exemplifies their commitment to creativity and craftsmanship. The behind-the-scenes process of designing, building, and implementing the orb provides valuable insights into the technical and artistic considerations involved in such a project. By pushing the boundaries of practical photography and utilizing existing resources in new ways, Valve has created a visually striking and memorable installation that showcases the capabilities of the Steam Deck OLED in a truly unique manner.
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