Valve tells us how they made the Steam Deck (and what's next) | Friends Per Second Ep 6

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!
#FriendsPerSecond #GamingPodcast #steamdeck
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Welcome back to Friends Per Second! This week we're joined by one of Valve's senior designers, Lawrence Yang, who has played a pivotal role in the design and launch of the Steam Deck. We learn about the origins of the project, the roadblocks they had to overcome and what Valve are planning next for their breakthrough device. Also, how about those Embracer acquisitions? Turns out they own Gandalf now :/ We finish up with a look at the biggest games from the past fortnight including top-tier offerings like Rollerdrome and...not top tier stuff, like Saints Row :/
Shoot us an email! We'd love to answer your questions. Hit up [e-mail]. Make em weird but not too weird. You know what I'm talking about.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:35 - Embracer
00:19:51 - Knights of the Old Republic Remake
00:22:16 - Opening Night Live announcements
01:00:58 - Steam Deck interview
01:50:29 - Rollerdrome
01:59:33 - Kirby’s Dream Buffet, Cursed Golf, Midnight Fight Express
02:07:01 - New Super Mario Bros, Quest 64
02:11:04 - Saints Row
02:27:30 - QnA section
02:32:09 - Game Anniversaries
02:35:36 - God of Work
02:42:32 - Outro
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Let's meet our hosts:
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on KZbin across both Gameranx and his personal channel ( / jakebaldino . If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino
- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: / lucyjamesgames
- Jirard (aka The Completionist: / thatonevideogamer ) has been doing KZbin since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel ( / superbeardbros . He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play ( / xplay ) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist
- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since.
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Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: linktr.ee/friendspersecond
Follow on Twitter: / thefpspodcast
Follow on Instagram: / friendspersecondpodcast
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[@SkillUp]

Sorry for my recording quality during the interview. It's apparently a zoom server thing, where everyone else is fine but I struggle due to being VERY FAR AWAY from everyone else. We'll have it fixed in future episodes.

[@TMV420]

honestly the content is what matters and this was such an entertaining and insightful interview that it could have been a blank screen and we would have been ok. thanks a lot, mate!

[@canniballistic555]

Just record your own perspectives no?

[@hikaruyoroi]

I mean it's a podcast first, as long as the audio is good it's fine!

[@mattys3248]

No one is looking at your 1/4 Ralph relax, you know we all staring at Jakes new haircut! As long as his bitrate is mint we’re all good…

[@8butsideways295]

Will watch god of work today 😎👍

[@half_real]

Skill Up running at 1 friend per second in that interview.

[@latima123ify]

Lol I think that's just how they set it up because you notice how every podcast its someone different hosting. Its like the Geoff interview last time , Lucy asked the most questions and hosted that interview. Its still funny though

[@ahan0602]

Yeah man

[@Senyuno]

They're recorded separately, right?

[@nathangillmore5064]

Lmao 😂

[@ashthegeek7400]

@@latima123ify i think he’s talking about Ralph’s framerate lol

[@malcolmholliday9710]

I love how silent Jake was during the Sonic talk, then "What about the people who wanna have sex with Sonic"

[@Beatness121]

He gives the best one-liners out of nowhere, also "I didn't know Kirby ate food, I thought he only ate the innocent..."

[@marceldominic]

You said it and I still didn't see it coming. That moment was hilarious

[@secondubly]

I read this comment before hitting play and it still hit me like a freight train. Lucy's absolute shock was the nail in the coffin.

[@streven1331]

Jake is now my spirit animal

[@Road_to_Dawn]

Everybody's distinct reactions to it capped it off even better. You got Jirard's facepalm, Ralph's silent laugh, and Lucy's sheer incredulity. If ever there was a piece of KZbin history worthy of being clipped...

[@hikaruyoroi]

46:37 - "Jake: What about all the people who want to have sex with Sonic?" Jake you're a real one. The fact that you said that with a straight face.

[@thingsiplay]

That was hilarious! Jake is a national treasure.

[@jake_a.lien_]

Thank you for the time stamp

[@Dubtoy94]

Is that really true? People wanna fuck sonic? I never got into that side of the internet

[@bradhaines3142]

@@berryanimation whhy is that a demographic though? that sounds like a mental illness. its literally a cartoon hedgehog. so its somewhere between bestiality and having a thing for cartoons, and one of those is actually illegal. and should be.

[@katarjin]

almost fell out of my chair laughing at that one

[@thepneumanator]

I cannot accurately describe how much I look forward to this show every other week. This has easily, and rapidly, become my favourite gaming related show on "The Tubes" hands down. I am so very glad you all chose to do this and I wish you all the success you clearly deserve. Absolute banger of a job guys!

[@DV-ou1yu]

Definitely great podcast during work hours!

[@03a3.]

Throws me back to the cooptional podcast 😢

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

Jake’s confident “I LIKE IT!” and then seeing him try to course-correct was goddamn hilarious. He always cracks me up at the most random moments.

[@GambitRaps]

It’s funny to see everyone having a different drink of choice. Coffee, water, Red Bull, fuckin Moxie

[@DV-ou1yu]

I prefer H20!!!

[@chillhour6155]

@@DV-ou1yu gatoraaaade

[@AleksandrStrizhevskiy]

This group is really working well together. I love this podcast. They're all a lot more relaxed together and it's absolutely firing on all cylinders!

[@MyJ109]

This valve interview gives an incredible insight into Valve and more about the industry! I loved listening to every second!!!

[@Horrorz95]

From Keighley to Valve. God damn you guys are killing it with this podcast. Who's next? Kojima?

[@RyxxyRx]

Jokes on them, they’ll all be on Kojima’s podcast

[@themightyant.]

Depends if Geoff paid the dues

[@kreeaccola9407]

Brandon Sanderson may actually be interested in an interview, he does tons of KZbin stuff and is always talking to people about his books. I'm sure he'd love to get his name into the video game news world a bit

[@GreebusBleeb]

I second this, he seems like such a humble and passionate author

[@dougiedestructor1951]

I remember writing him an email thanking him for finishing The Wheel Of Time and he sent me a very lovely reply! He seems super lovely!

[@maxpountney6003]

I would LOVE this

[@hikaruyoroi]

Jerard has escaped the void and is now in the dopest setup.

[@DV-ou1yu]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 dead a** xplay lol

[@johnsmithson4479]

Out of the void and into the fire lol

[@sladewilson9741]

Mr. Frosk Urine cheerer? No, he's out of no void.

[@greyfivenine7005]

@@sladewilson9741 m8 wot r u on?

[@HappytreeLuis]

In turn Shill chose a stop motion potato to film the interview.

[@Archflip]

Hideo Kojima is definitely one of the Infinity Stones of the gaming industry. The Strand Stone.

[@sorenkair]

jake moments this episode: 21:43 46:37

[@Grumpy-Bollocks]

I love the bromance between Jake & Skill Up almost as much as this podcast! ❤

[@Nucleosynthese]

Valve really is a breath of fresh air... Very cool that you guys managed to get someone from there on the podcast. Well done!

[@findthestones]

I love Jakes' bow wrapping at 21:43 "Well, what are ya gonna do?" Another awesome episode guys :)

[@matthewfairchild3846]

The wholesome man crush between SkillUp and Jake is hilarious!

[@EmberSynth]

I'm so freakin happy that "Tie your shoes and go to bed" has been embraced as the catchphrase. It never fails to get a smile out of me.

[@giggyolly]

Man I didn't think I needed another podcast in my life, but I'm seriously loving this show.

[@jman2542]

I am excited to see how Embracer group leverages their new acquisitions. And I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed they successfully revive the Legacy of Kain series someday.

[@LuckyLuch1]

I need a blood omen remake SO BADLY!

[@00HoODBoy]

Them finishing Adam jensens story in a new deus ex would be my first and last pre order

[@hazycosmicjive9002]

Me and my brother, both in our 30s, reference "Who do you voodoo, bitch?" At least once a month. We weren't even big fans of Dead Island, but for some reason that stuck.

[@robdonnelly4995]

Jake Baldino is quite possibly the funniest man alive

[@TheMelMan]

Jake is hilarious.

[@salvation7362]

I just got mine yesterday, first impressions... pretty sweet! Have a 512 micro SD card coming today so I can put some big games on it and try them out.

[@seifenspender]

Have fun! Mine is shipping Monday too. Really excited for the emulators. Just the thought of having all of my childhood games at the fingertips on the go is amazing.

[@NoMansLand98]

Got mine a week ago its real fun while playing in bed.

[@Aribbonofsoundmen]

@@NoMansLand98 is it a comfortable handheld?

[@NoMansLand98]

@@Aribbonofsoundmen yeah I mean it's heavier than you'd think and I rest it against my legs when playing in bed so not bad. But overall feels sturdy and comfortable mind you it does get hot after long gaming sessions but as long as you don't hold it by the area it gets hot you'll be fine.

[@Aribbonofsoundmen]

@@NoMansLand98 cool thanks for telling me, I'll probably place an order for one

[@FandangoJon]

You finally got me to check the podcast out. Don't normally listen to podcasts, but this was great. I love hearing from Valve employees and their process. I feel like they're way more open than most companies when it comes to giving you a peek behind the curtain. Keep up the great work!

[@Nucleosynthese]

Yeah, Valve seems like such a breath of fresh air.

[@Balleeeen]

I cracked my neck just as Jake opened his Moxie, Ralphs "Wow that's a loud crack!" 10/10 immersion.

[@DanKaschel]

I cannot express how reluctant I was to add a podcast to my listening schedule but y'all are absolutely killing it. great chemistry.

[@RudeCanine]

Jake's really rubbing the funny bone this episode, loving it.

[@BB-pb3hv]

For those knowing Jake Lore, i highly believe on today's podcast was Jack Baldino his evil twin, not Jake

[@Podcir]

Man, your chemistry and sense of humour combined with your gaming knowledge makes up for the best gaming podcast there is! I'm so happy you guys are doing it and are even able to bring some really influential and knowledgeable guests from the industry! I love it!

[@11122X]

Would love to see Danny O'Dwyer on this in the future.

[@tamunotonyeabio-george3401]

YESSS

[@Multiply187]

Legendary suggestion

[@johnwrath3612]

Who that?

[@11122X]

@@johnwrath3612 Just some Irish dude who moved to the states and started making documentaries on videogame development and history.

[@johnwrath3612]

@@11122X oh he’s the Noclip dude. Didn’t know his name. He’s perfect for this podcast.

[@eisenhorn029]

If you all (whoever) think the little moments like Jirard's fire alarm and Jakes soda ruin the show, you are wrong. Those human moments in this 3 hour show are great, and will keep me coming back. Well what'ya gonna do? Lmao great.

[@oscarchavez8527]

I love those 6-10 seconds of Gerard trying to decide what to do before leaving his post. For a second I thought he had sharted and was deciding if he had enough to time to go and get a quick change of clothes.

[@TheGameBreakers]

This podcast is seriously so entertaining.

[@KABLAMMATS]

It is, but it makes me sad because i dont have friends

[@LuckyLuch1]

Mainer gamer here, love seeing Jake shout out moxie! Ppl really go hard for it here in the New England area with large events dedicated to this wierd tasting soda held annually.

[@bjwal6]

This just brings me so much joy, I only see the KZbin numbers, but I’m so glad to see it doing so well

[@FatControllerOfficial]

Love to hear anything from Valve. Best and most transparent company in the industry.

[@Harvey2Tall]

I’ve had a steam account for 10 years and have around 100 games but never really knew much about valve. Since preordering my deck, I have watched everything valve and deck and really like this company and fully support them.

[@mrsasshole]

Great interview with Lawrence Yang @ Steam. Seems like a really cool guy that totally gets what gamers want. Really enjoyed the interview, guys.

[@waynetec13]

I already listened to this episode on Spotify, and I love it, but now, I'm listening once more time, commenting, and liking for the algorithm. This show MUST remain. It's honestly the only podcast I listen to these days. Great job, ya'll! Keep it up!

[@paulinuss]

I didn't watch all episodes yet, but i'm pretty sure that every new episode is better than the last I dread where it will end ;D Thank you, you are doing great, and this episode was aaaawesooome! :)

[@Ryattt81]

All worth a watch. Enjoy

[@casey_sux]

The fact that the tie your shoes and go to bed thing stuck is so funny to me. What a catchphrase

[@tylercrispy3898]

Man what a great addition to my weekly routine. Love this podcast

[@dingus2k]

So glad Ralph mentioned Rollerdrome as a rhythm game. I played that game but listening to my own playlists and honestly it added a whole new layer to the gameplay.

[@brycerowley7743]

That interview was very well done and informative, thank you!

[@CyanPhoenix_]

the interview with Lawrence was awesome! He seems super knowledgeable and it was awesome to hear how much work really goes into making something like the steamdeck.

[@robertomejias5479]

So much chaotic-good energy on this one.

[@Genome320]

These interview sections of the podcast are so good

[@CollectiveNarrative]

there are only 2 podcast I follow religiously and this is one of them

[@aabenhus]

Cool Podcast. you guys have been killing it with the guests. Was cool to hear Keighley talk about his background and now Valve! Pretty cool.

[@scarletscarlet800]

This is my favorite episode so far, good job guys~ I laughed out loud so many times like a maniac.

[@carlosaugustoayresdesouzam8739]

The fact Jihard and Ralph stoped to talk about Lucy and Jake's new hairs is an statement about how good this podcast is. THE BEST!

[@lw8882]

Loved the episode. Wasn't listening during a work commute. Instead listened while I did some keyboard hobby stuff. Great episode.

[@rlifberg5858]

Great SteamDeck interview, really appreciated the origin story of this thing. I too love the flexibility. I think this might also be the first time in history a company has partnered with iFixit?

[@Brandon_Watson]

Brandon Sanderson... One of the infinity stones of writers gauntlet

[@Alex_Destiny]

You got me cheack the quality video when the interview started :D

[@DavMCycle]

Awesome podcast, great to see the process behind the steam deck, also it is great when I am working, keep the good job guys.

[@koboldbiopellet]

Jake's casual drinking of a 1900s Maine-exclusive soda is the best thing ever

[@ea09]

Ralph looks like he's using 56k internet.

[@RajRoy-xr1vo]

Love how positive this group of people are. Genuinely love how they uplift each other so much!

[@revaniz1465]

I love these podcasts you guys have a lot of synergy, I was laughing a lot during this.

[@Spawn256]

I honestly enjoyed these for a nice Saturday walk or work out or just when you're bored or something.

[@alexi111]

These podcasts get better and better! Keep up the great work!

[@tenisviejos]

This podcast is getting better and better. Keep it up!!!

[@roscosmo]

the "underwater basket weaving" jab is a good insight into valves work culture

[@drone124]

This is becoming my favorite videogame podcast by a large margin

[@deedelta9263]

Jirard having a literal life crisis while Jake goes one of the most unexpected & interesting tangents is peak "gotta see the video" content for this podcast. Too good!

[@maineman5757]

Hearing Jake mention Aggressive Inline was something I was waiting for.

[@tijgerlil]

The talk with Valve was really interesting. The ergonomics is really interesting. I have tiny hands, so I have the opposite issue to Ralph, but I don't think it would be "better" if it was smaller. I do think they did a great job of figuring out what size would work best. So grateful to my Canadian family for allowing me to get one and I really hope my fellow Aussies can get it soon.

[@gctypo2838]

"Begun, the Acquisition Wars have" is now my notification sound.

[@c4sualcycl0ps48]

The Valve interview was really interesting to hear. After only a few days with mine I already feel like everything was designed to just WORK. I am surprised just how natural and GOOD it feels to navigate around the menu with a controller layout again. I have a Steam Controller and it just never clicked with me. I got a Steam Link and thought it was a cool idea. I occasionally use Steam Remote Play and like how the experience is(was) “good enough” the Steam Deck takes all those and makes it a single reality that is better than the sum of the previous parts.

[@daregoat]

Almost made me spit coffee at work. Thanks a lot Jake

[@SS-st5vf]

Really enjoy the repoire between the group. It's what keeps me watching.

[@toml8273]

My god I look forward to seeing this podcast whenever it's released :)

[@nickd7935]

Thank you so much for the shortened This Fortnight in Video Games. I’m very thankful I don’t have to skip like 5 straight minutes of just reading a Wikipedia list

[@johi9368]

Jake if you make a soda channel, I will watch. Your content is consistently uplifting and informative please keep it up. And stop being so anxious you're great.

[@HiPlayerProdigy]

So glad me and my friends finally got ours. SUPER HYPE. I'm absolutely loving this thing.

[@chronovan_]

Love this podcast! Consistently great insight from all of you!

[@MarianoTufro]

Epic Steam Deck interview guys. I’m loving mine. I’m playing 1080p games on my TV with zero issues and the games are not slouches: we’re talking Everspace 2 and Resident Evil 2 remake. This machine keeps surprising me. It not only became my main portable gaming console, it also became the only PC I use for gaming.

[@DrDiscourse]

As a long time fan of both Ralph and Jake, I really appreciate their genuine bromance. Love it!

[@Dia1Up]

The more I'm learning about people still waiting for their Decks, the more my mind is blown how quickly I managed to get mine. Mid-April

[@roadrash2005]

Yeah every minute you ordered after preorders opened is like an extra day of waiting

[@DJEpicness27]

My steam deck was literally delivered to my door last night at like 6pm 😂

[@BlameItOnYourFriend]

Dude you guys should definitely get Branden Sanderson on the show that would be amazing. He is one of my top 5 authors for sure.

[@speedracer2please]

Between this episode and my office switching to from remote work to hybrid, I've finally signed up for a Steam Deck. It just seems so cool, and now I'll need it to prevent a commute from eating into my game time.

[@Ryattt81]

This content was good...cant wait to continue with the project of the content 🙂

[@residentevil4onps2]

taking a shot every time skill up says “sure”

[@NickoTyn]

Lawrence described perfectly my experience with the Steam Deck at @1:22:00 I spend tens of hours playing every week and I rarely travel and if I do, I am not going to play games there so I wasn't sure if I would keep the Steam Deck. Now after 4 months I can say that I spend almost all my gaming time on the Steam Deck and it actually helped me rediscover and play games I would usually not play on the PC. I still have a beefy PC where I play more demanding games or VR, but during the week I actually enjoy picking up the Deck, sit down on the sofa and just continue playing where I left of the other day. I don't even have to close the game.

[@deyensi]

the mcelroy callout at 17:00 made me so happy lol

[@user-sq7ry5vx7t]

The podcast keeps getting better, keep it up guys/girl

[@maineman5757]

I wasn't expecting Mid 2000s Australian internet there Ralph.

[@diversityandcomicsbear2625]

This podcast series has done a lot to reveal how thoughtful Lucy is.

[@kmckone1825]

"They're used to being told what to do or they haven't done work in a while because they've been managing" Very short but insightful details on how valve operates day to day

[@siriansight]

Jake's random cut-away stories were legendary What soda is that again? Unbelievable.

[@ILostMyKeys]

Gotta say everyone's hair (and beard) are so on point this week damn

[@Gamedaughter1]

I really enjoy this show and watching all of you.

[@MrVidau]

Wow, what a glow up for Jirard. Loving the trim job!

[@huggybeats]

Dead Island was my favorite flawed video game. it felt like playing a B-Movie where everything was lacking but it completely was aware of it and was rockin it nonetheless. The Game had the pure Camp-Feel and didnt take itself so serious. It was a great experience and i hope DI 2 will continue in the same footsteps

[@hopefullyhigh]

It been many many years but i vaguely remember it being super fun in that like explore loot everything skyrim fallout kinda way

[@drk0]

This interviews gives us a very good sneak peak inside the gaming industry backstage and I love it! Geoff in the previous one was amazing, so keep it up guys! Awesome podcast

[@stoicleonhart]

Mainer here. It's been years since I've had a Moxie, you don't see them in every store. In fact, it isn't really a popular drink here at all and I recall it being very gross and tasting like cough syrup... Didn't know that fun fact about the "scary man" on the can being the inspiration for Uncle Sam.

[@Gartimus_Prime]

I’m laced up and tucked in, thank you

[@Tengokujin]

34:38 Potential pitch for Everywhere: "Yes, just like Roblox, but not built on exploitation of child labour."

[@zackbassett]

This is so dumb I know, but when you rearrange the order of your zoom boxes it messes me up so much 😂