Someone has managed to run Zork on the Steam Controller’s internal hardware, but it’s risky business
A developer named Owen Feldman has successfully run the classic text adventure game Zork on the internal hardware of Valve’s Steam Controller, demonstrating the device’s potential as a hacking platform—though the process proved risky.
Feldman documented the project after discovering an internal tool within a Steam hardware updater folder that could be used to flash custom firmware onto the controller. However, the process temporarily bricked their device, requiring recovery efforts before continuing.
The successful execution involved creating a custom Rust-based program to interface with the Steam Controller’s hardware. The accomplishment highlights the device’s appeal to the DIY and hobbyist community, which has repeatedly targeted Valve’s hardware for experimental projects and modifications over the years.
The project underscores both the flexibility and fragility of firmware modification on consumer hardware. While Feldman ultimately succeeded, the temporary bricking incident demonstrates the real risks involved in using internal tools and custom software to alter device firmware. Such hardware hacking projects exemplify a segment of gaming culture where enthusiasts push commercial gaming devices beyond their original design parameters.