Dbrand Refunds All Companion Cube Preorders After Valve Blocks Unlicensed Steam Machine Accessory
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 29
Dbrand Refunds All Companion Cube Preorders After Valve Blocks Unlicensed Steam Machine Accessory
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jun 29
Summary
Refunds began Monday for every Steam Machine Companion Cube preorder after Dbrand said it built the Portal-themed accessory without a Valve license.
Valve’s legal team contacted Dbrand days after preorders opened on June 22, asking it to remove the product page and launch video; Dbrand complied and said the request was within Valve’s rights.
Dbrand said the Companion Cube was its second-fastest-selling product in 15 years, trailing only the Switch 2 Killswitch, before the takedown.
An appeal to turn the device into an officially licensed product was rejected by Valve, leaving refunds as the only path and underscoring the risk of Dbrand’s 'build first, ask later' approach.