Xi3 reaffirm Valve’s involvement in Piston

Following on from Valve’s claim of dissociation with the Piston console, Piston maker Xi3 has hit back, saying that it was instructed to create the product with Valve’s backing.

This is the response to Valve’s statement, saying that Valve has “no involvement” in Xi3 and its products.

“We reaffirm the fact that we received an investment from Valve Corporation (as we previously disclosed during the 2013 International CES trade show), and we did so with Valve’s written permission,” said Jason A. Sullivan, founder, president and CEO of Xi3 Corporation.

“Second, we were asked to build a product specifically for Valve, and both companies showcased this product—the Piston Console—in their respective booths at CES 2013,” added Sullivan.

The CEO also explained that Valve wanted details about the Valve/Xi3 team-up to remain confidential.

“Gabe Newell personally asked me that we not disclose additional information about our relationship with Valve. We have honored that request and will continue to do so,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan also added that, despite all this back and forth with Valve, the Piston will have Steam availability; and Sullivan also added a little punch back at Valve.

“It’s also important to note that the Piston Console will allow gamers to access Steam regardless of what our relationship is or isn’t with Valve,” confirmed Sullivan. “Additionally, Piston will also support a raft of other Internet-based gaming and entertainment platforms, which is more than what Valve apparently has planned for its official Steam Box.”

Seems like there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that’s causing all this hullabaloo with the Xi3 Piston. What’s your take on it? Will you be picking up a Piston, or waiting to see what Valve has to offer?