Aperture Desk Job

Overview

Aperture Desk Job is a free, short action game from Valve Corporation, released on March 1, 2022. Set in the Portal universe, it casts you as a new employee at Aperture Science whose first day at work revolves around sitting at a desk. Despite the office setting, it is a playable game rather than a conventional walking simulator.

Valve describes it as an introduction to Steam Deck controls and features. The premise turns that purpose into part of the joke: instead of escaping a sedentary real world through a game, you sit in the game too. It is explicitly not a Portal sequel, though it takes place in the series’ expanded universe and puts the player inside Aperture Science.

As a free playable short, Desk Job is a compact way to visit that setting, not a full-length follow-up. Valve is both its developer and publisher. For more from the same studio, see Games by Valve Corporation.

Key features

• Portal-universe setting: The story begins with an entry-level worker’s first day at Aperture Science.
• Steam Deck introduction: The game is designed to walk players through the handheld’s controls and features.
• Single-player: Steam lists single-player support.
• Controller support: It lists full controller support, Steam Input API support, and support for DualShock and DualSense controllers.
• Family Sharing and stereo sound: Both are listed among its Steam features.

Steam categorizes it as Action, Adventure, Casual and Free To Play, while the listed genre is action game. Those labels describe a small, unusual release more accurately than the familiar Portal sequel format: Desk Job is built around its desk-bound setup and hardware introduction.

Platforms

Aperture Desk Job is listed for Microsoft Windows and Linux, also shown on Steam as Windows and Linux. The game’s stated purpose is to introduce Steam Deck controls, but the supplied platform listing names these two operating systems.

Who it's for

Desk Job suits players curious about a brief return to the Portal universe, especially those interested in Valve’s playful take on workplace routine. Its short, introductory role also makes it relevant to Steam Deck owners looking for a game designed to demonstrate the handheld’s controls and features. Players seeking a substantial Portal sequel should note that Valve explicitly says this is not one.

For other Valve games, The Lab, Dota Underlords and Artifact are listed alternatives. Other options from the publisher include Dota 2, Alien Swarm, Left 4 Dead 2, Half-Life 2: Episode Two and Team Fortress 2.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free to play, with no listed price.
• Offers a distinct visit to Aperture Science in the Portal universe.
• Includes full controller support and Steam Input API support.
• Listed for both Windows and Linux.

Cons

• It is a short playable experience, not a full Portal sequel.
• Its stated design focus is introducing Steam Deck controls and features, which may not match the expectations of players looking for a larger standalone adventure.

Verdict

Aperture Desk Job is a focused, free Valve release that combines an introduction to Steam Deck controls with a comic first day at Aperture Science. Its strongest appeal is the specific combination of a Portal-universe setting and a desk-centered premise. Treat it as a short visit rather than a new Portal chapter, and its scope is clear.