Valve job listing suggests hardware development

A job listing on Valve's website has added more weight to rumours the publisher is looking to expand into hardware.

The job post asks for Electronic Engineer applicants but they won't be concentrating on just mice and keyboards.

"For years, Valve has been all about writing software that provides great gameplay experiences. Now we’re developing hardware to enhance those experiences, and you can be a key part of making that happen," said the ad.

"Join our highly motivated team that’s doing hardware design, prototyping, testing, and production across a wide range of platforms. We’re not talking about me-too mice and gamepads here – help us invent whole new gaming experiences."

There has also been rumours of a Steam Box, which The Verge reported on last month. This would be a dedicated console with proprietary controllers which reportedly would allow for customisation of buttons and sticks. This was after Valve filed for a patent last year for this device - the controller.

Doug Lombardi, Valve's marketeer extraordinaire, has also said to Kotaku the console would be PC based and would connect directly to a TV.

"Whether we're talking about Valve making hardware or partnering with others, nothing like that is happening any time soon," said Lombardi.