Unauthorized Steam Machine Companion Cubes Destroyed After Release

The unlicensed Companion Cube engineered, illegally, for Valve's Steam Machine will never go on sale again, with those who preordered already being refunded.

The fate of the existing Companion Cubes, unauthorized accessories for Valve's Steam Machine, is sealed as they are being destroyed following a release fiasco. Manufacturer Dbrand, after a public statement acknowledging the mistake, is now collecting and disposing of the few units that made it into circulation. The company's attempt to profit from Valve's IP without permission led to the production of these cubes, which are now being recalled and destroyed.

Dbrand's decision to recall and destroy the unauthorized Companion Cubes, which bear resemblance to the iconic Portal game items, comes after facing backlash for attempting to sell them without Valve's approval. The company's marketing tactics, including references to the nonexistent Half-Life 3, further aggravated the situation, prompting the swift action of recalling and eliminating the remaining units.

Valve's Steam Machine is set to launch soon, with the base model priced at $1,050, significantly higher than the company's initial plans. The future pricing of the compact computer remains uncertain, raising concerns among potential buyers about the affordability of the device.