The PC gaming market has never been healthier, according to a report from the not-for-profit consortium PC Gaming Alliance (PCGA). The report claims that in 2011, the industry reached a global record $18.6 billion, a growth of 15 percent over the prior year. The report cites burgeoning foreign markets and social games as large factors in the findings.

Read more: Asian, social markets on the rise »

As the developer behind Steam and game series including Half-Life, Portal, Left 4 Dead and Counter-Strike, Valve is the de facto figurehead of modern PC gaming, and it's long been rumoured that it'll get into hardware. A fresh rumour is now circulating, saying Valve's planning a standardised PC platform dubbed the 'Steam Box,' which may be revealed at GDC this week.

Read more: Variety of companies to make hardware »