Last month, I saw a Shapeways Magazine article from my editor talking of a partnership between Shapeways and gaming industry behemoth Valve.
This was me:
In one of my first articles about a game-inspired property, I remember a comment from a creator asking if this coverage meant that they could make pieces from others’ IP without worry of nasty copyright infringement repercussions. Well Cynthia, if you’re a Valve fan, your prayers have been answered.
If you somehow don’t know, Valve owns Steam, the largest PC gaming retailer on the planet. The company has earned legendary status. That’s because not only does Valve own Steam, but they’re behind some of the most iconic titles in video games: Dota® 2, Half-Life®, and Portal®, just to name a few. And now, any Shapeways member can create their own version of those beloved properties and set it for sale in their Shapeways store. That means that the floodgates are now open for our legions of talented creators to design whatever their hearts desire.
Here’s how that makes me feel:
I know first-hand how awesome the things this community creates are. Seeing this partnership that give free rein to our members to make things makes me so excited to see what’s to come. So, to show everyone else that might not be as big of a video game nerd as myself or some of our other creators, here’s just a taste of what we can expect from our community.
Portal® Companion Cube Ring Box by Sandman Artistry
Have you ever wanted to propose to your significant other in a manner compliant with the Aperture Science Code of Conduct? Then check out this ring box, modeled after the Companion Cube from Portal®. This piece from Sandman Artistry is of course richly detailed — and a dead ringer for the actual piece in-game. Seeing stuff like this is a great harbinger for things to come. I’d love to see things like Portal®-inspired Meeples, matching orange and blue coasters, and something like a full-scale portal gun. Oh, the possibilities — and that’s just the first property! What about something like…
This Dota® 2 Kunkka Ghostship by PrintMyScale
You know, I’ve never played Dota® 2 in my life — MOBAs and I don’t really get along— but I can’t knock the effect the character designs have had in the realms of cosplay, fan art, and of course, 3D printing. With our new partnership, pieces like this one and so many more are possible. Can you imagine the sheer insanity that would be a Dota® 2 chessboard? I can, and I want someone to make it happen. And while they’re at it, maybe they can try their hand at something like…
All of Baldurs_Tod’s Awesome TF2 Statues
Again, holy crap. The detail! Team Fortress® 2 may have had its formula “paid homage to” by other, more popular games, but the appeal of these characters is lasting to this day. Just wait until our creators start making more of these pieces. Can you imagine a whole line of hats for these characters (Needful Things has already gotten started), or even just more statues of alternate costumes? I’m waiting for a Mentlegen bust, personally.
That’s just a taste, everyone! And to help you all get started on bringing your Valve-styled dreams into reality, we’re looking to find the best among you and reward you with awesome prizes! Check out our Valve Design Contest for your chance to create some of the first killer Valve creations on Shapeways. Are you going to make a Steam Link controller mod no one can live without? The absolute best use of the Aperture Science logo we’ve ever seen? It’s all up to you guys. You’ve got until November 12. Make yourselves proud!
So as you can see, folks, the future is bright over here at Shapeways, and — dare I say it — “steaming” hot? Pardon my pun, but I get that way when I’m stoked about things. And even if you don’t make things here, remember that Shapeways has always been a premier place to blow your paycheck. Now that it’s joined forces with Valve, it’s exponentially more amazing.
My body is so ready.