Dbrand has banned the Companion Cube because it didn’t ask for Valve’s permission

Dbrand he announced on Monday that it is refunding anyone who bought the Steam Machine Companion Cube, which it said was made “without permission from Valve.” Dbrand announced Portal-Steam Machine extensions in November and took preorders for it Last Monday. But after a few days, medicine he had disappeared from the company’s website and a promotional music video was made privately after Valve contacted the company.

Dbrand says the Companion Cube became “the second fastest selling product in our 15-year history, behind the Switch 2 Killswitch” when it opened for preorders on June 22nd. However, Valve’s legal team reached out to Dbrand and “requested that we remove the ad and launch the film immediately. This was within their rights, and they were direct, fair, and respectful throughout.”

Dbrand says it listened and made an appeal so they could make an official version, but Valve said no. “Based on our previous approach of building first and applying for permits later, it was a good solution,” Dbrand said.

Refunds will be issued starting today. “To Valve: thank you for Portal, and sorry for the title,” says Dbrand. “We should have asked first.”