We don't really know when the RAM and SSD prices will stabilize, that's a fact. Chances are Steam Machine might be getting released in a time when it is very hard to give it a fixed price and not risk needing to subsidize every unit or changing the price constantly despite the outrage. What is worse, Valve would definitely be getting a huge reputation hit because of the inevitable high price of components caused by a third party's AI greed - especially because our expectations of low price will surely be shattered. They are in a lose-lose situation.


Thus, as a consumer, I would be completely content, if not happy, if VALVE decided to announce the price as follows:




- It would give me, a random consumer, a sense of some clarity when spending my money.
- It would point the consumer's anger at the actually responsible parties or mechanisms beyond VALVE's control.
- It would give VALVE more space to adjust the prices quicker (to lower or higher) with more credibility.
- It would stand in contrast to other hardware manufacturers who make use of the fluctuating prices of components to increase their margins beyond any sensible levels.
- It would help us remember long term about what could have been and how we are getting f'ed by the corporate greed.

*It doesn't need to be called AI GREED TAX, it doesn't really matter what it's called unless there is a legal issue (I'm not a solicitor so I don't know).


Yes, this is just a simple psychological trick, a way to rationalize buying Steam Machine due to having more information and some more control in exchange for the higher price.

We need to remember that in this screwed up situation VALVE became a victim of circumstances as much as us, gamers, and they should be able to somehow protect themselves from being painted a villain, because, at the end of the day, it is us who would be paying for that in one way or another. Yes, this sounds parasocial, but so does having a Vtuber hugging pillow, chill out.