THE BUZZ: According to reports going around, Apple CEO Tim Cook was spotted today visiting the Bellevue, Washington headquarters of Valve Corporation. So, what does this mean? And why would this be a big deal?

EGM’s TAKE: Unfortunately at this point, we don’t know for certain. But, let’s consider a few things. The CEO of Apple coming to visit you is a pretty big deal—so such a trip wouldn’t make sense for some sort of smaller collaboration that could be handled by those lower on the Apple ladder.

Let’s start with an obvious guess—Steam on iOS. You never know, right? Initially it might seem to conflict a little with Apple’s own efforts to bring games to iOS devices, but maybe it’d be worth it in the long run.

If we want to go for wilded speculation, then think about this: Rumor has been going around that Valve may be doing some sort of Steam-based gaming console. Apple, meanwhile, has been rumored to possibly be making a bigger push for gaming by taking a device—such as the Apple TV—and opening it up to playing iOS games (via some new controller). What if the two companies were to go in together for making the device? Sure, the idea of a console with both Steam and the iTunes Store might not make total sense, but maybe Apple and Valve could come together to combine their efforts into one dedicated solution specifically created for this new console.

Or, we could get even crazier. Apple to buy Valve! Half-Life 3 exclusive to Mac OS!

If Apple and Valve are working on something together, what do you think it could be?

Source: Apple Insider