Valve has provided an update on the Steam intrusion that occurred last November, notifying customers that new developments in the investigation suggest hackers obtained a copy of an old backup file – one that dates back to 2004.

While the file contained “user names, email addresses, encrypted billing addresses and encrypted credit card information,” it reassuringly did not include password data. No evidence suggests the encrypted contents were compromised either, which is good news. Transactions from 2004-2008 were listed in the file.

While Valve believes your credit card data is safe, it still suggests to remain cautious by keeping an eye on statements and activity. Turning Steam Guard on is recommended for added account protection.

Developer Remedy today narrowed down the release date for Alan Wake PC, revealing that it’ll hit Steam on February 16. Distribution will carry over to other e-tailers such as Origin “soon” after that, along with a boxed retail product.

The late debut carries a budget price, with the standard edition priced at $29.99, which includes downloadable content scenarios The Signal and The Writer. A Collector’s Edition will also be on offer for $34.99.

Key PC enhancements include a “wide selection of customizable graphics settings,” the ability to change field of view settings and hide on-screen HUD elements for more immersive gameplay, as well as AMD Eyefinity 3D and NVIDIA NVISION2 3D support.

That was quick. The Steam Mobile App, released in closed beta capacity last week, is now available to all.

Available on iOS and Android platforms, the app mimics functionality of the desktop Steam client, allowing gamers to chat with friends, browse community groups and user profiles, view screenshots and user-generated content for their favorite games, read the latest gaming news, stay up to date on unbeatable Steam sales, and more.’

With sales now always in arm’s reach, we fear for our wallets.

Once again, Valve has taken convenience a step further with the introduction of the mobile Steam app for Android and iOS platforms. Currently in closed beta, users can use the app to chat with friends, keep tabs on daily Steam deals, browse community groups and view user generated content such as screenshots.

This means you’ll never miss another Steam sale, which could potentially be bad for your wallet, but hey, we’re grateful anyway.

“The Steam app comes from many direct requests from our customers,” said Valve president Gabe Newell.

“Seeing which of your friends are online and playing a game, sending quick messages, looking at screenshots for an upcoming game, or catching a sale – these are all features customers have requested. Mobile is changing way people interact, play games and consume media, and the Steam app is part of our commitment to meet customer demands and expand the service functionality of Steam to make it richer and more accessible for everyone.”

Those who wish to join the beta can sign-up for possible inclusion by hitting up this link from their mobile device. The app is also now available in the associated iOS and Android markets.

The long-awaited PC release of Alan Wake is near, with Remedy community manager ADM revealing that its Steam bound in February 2012. Considering how patient we’ve been up until now, a few more weeks is nothing. While there’s no word on pricing yet, a run-down of the system requirements was provided. At minimum, you’ll need a dual core processor and GeForce 8600GT. Quite reasonable.

Hit the break for more details. more »

In what appears to be the start of a new initiative by Microsoft to publish old PC titles digitally, Age of Empires III: Complete Collection has turned up on Steam.

The asking price for this RTS oldie is $19.99 until January 9, representing a 50% discount. Otherwise, it’s $40. Fairly steep even when you factor in the deal, considering how long ago this was released.

Still, it’s nice to see Microsoft jumping on the Steam bandwagon. This, combined with the arrival of Fable 3, certainly bodes well for Steam availability of Alan Wake PC, which is due out in the coming months.

Valve’s digital distribution service Steam continues to go from strength to strength, reaching a peak of 5 million concurrent users during its holiday sale extravaganza last week. It’s simmered down a bit since, but the figure was held a day after the holiday sale as well, on January 2.

Impressive, to say the least. It’s unclear how this stacks up to PSN or Xbox Live, as neither Microsoft or Sony have shared recent usage data. Still, considering Steam was just shy of the 4 million mark not long ago — about 4 months, this represents a 25 percent growth since then. Well deserved, we’d say. Valve knows how to keep its customers happy. more »

It’s here, folks. Valve has launched its annual year-end holiday sale, offering deep discounts across its entire Steam catalog. Like previous sales, each day will highlight an assortment of time-limited deals.

Today, Metro 2033, Singularity, Portal 2, Bunch of Heroes, Just Cause 2, Fable III, and Max Payne are among the wallet-tempting daily deals.

Additionally, Valve has put together a Great Gift Pile, giving users the opportunity to win coupons and other gifts on Steam simply by playing games and completing listed achievements/objectives. A total of six will be offered each day, with more details offered here. Time to dig into that backcatalog!

Just as many PC faithful had begun to lose hope, developer Remedy made the surprise announcement today that its physiological thriller Alan Wake is receiving a belated release on PC in 2012. It’ll include both downloadable content scenarios, The Signal and The Writer.

This comes mere days after the announcement of Alan Wake: American Nightmare, which is an XBLA exclusive affair for now. Remedy says the PC version of Wake will be situated in the same release window, so expect it around first quarter of 2012.

“Coming in early 2012, the game will give PC gamers the Alan Wake experience they have been patiently waiting for. Remedy is a developer with deep roots in the PC space (Death Rally and Max Payne 1 and 2), so the game will have the high resolution polish that longtime fans will expect,” reads the announcement.

There’s no word on pricing. The title did show up in Steam registry files a few days ago, so it would appear it’s coming to Valve’s digital distribution service.

Offering more ways to save, Valve has quietly added the ability to use one-time use coupons on Steam. An FAQ on the matter notes that coupons apply to specific products and have a defined expiration date. more »