Valve co-founder Gabe Newell teased upcoming news about Linux and it’s integration into the living room. As reported by Ars Technica, Gabe hinted at several interesting things while giving out a speech at LinuxCon in New Orleans earlier today.

He said: “It feels a little bit funny coming here and telling you guys that Linux and open source are the future of gaming. It’s sort of like going to Rome and teaching Catholicism to the pope.”  “Next week we’re going to be rolling out more information about how we get there and what are the hardware opportunities we see for bringing Linux into the living room.”

Gabe Newell is no stranger to Linux and has brought it to Valve’s popular PC service, Steam. He has been championing the open source service for quite some time now and it is now more apparent that the upcoming Steam Box will feature Linux.

Earlier this year Newell discussed and advocated how Linux can changed the future of gaming. Gabe noted that Linx helps Valve “make sure we have the freedom to innovate and pursue the opportunities all of us see.” “Linux is kind of a get out of jail free pass for our industry if we need it.” He then added: “…our company wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the openness of PC. Steam wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the openness of the internet. Our industry will be best in the long run if there’s an open platform for innovation and competition.”

Valve of course confirmed their future hardware plans and have discussed and teased their Steam Box project. The Steam Box had been rumored to cost upwards of $1000, but whether or this is true is something to hold our breath for. A highly speculated launch game that could be featured for the Steam Box is none other than Half-Life 3. The hardware would sell immensely if that were the case.

Check back here for upcoming news.

(Source: IGN)