Describe the bug
The native Linux build of Talos Principle VR is playable via Steam Link exactly once. Trying to start another session in SteamOS Game Mode reliably crashes SteamVR and/or SteamOS.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Connect to SteamOS Gaming Mode via Steam Link on an Oculus Quest 3
2. Play Talos Principle VR
3. Exit the game, turn off the system
4. Repeat these steps

Expected behavior
The game reliably starts and is playable.

Actual behavior

• SteamOS gets stuck on a screen with a message like "Starting launch…" or "Delaying launch…" or "Synchronizing from cloud…"
• Steam Link will say SteamVR crashed on the host device.
• The host will be unresponsive (e.g. to pushing the Steam button equivalent on a controller). Sometimes holding the power button down on the device will make it respond (spawning the Steam menu). Sometimes, it stays unresponsive until you force it to power down.

System Information (please complete the following information):
Please use the latest Steam beta client and SteamVR beta for your bug reports!

• Steam client version: 08-03-2026
• SteamVR version: 2.17.7
• Steam Link version: 2.0.22.2145
• Distribution: SteamOS 3.8.16
• Steam runtime diagnostics: systemreport-20260811.txt
• Steam and SteamVR logs: steam-logs.tar.gz
• Minidumps: steam-minidumps.tar.gz

Additional context

• The Midnight Walk is playable from Game Mode.
• This problem was first encountered in the SteamVR stable channel (June build).
• SteamVR crashing seems to make the device unresponsive no matter if you are in Game or Desktop mode. I think it's eating all the controller events, so there's no way to interact with the system UI.
• I was able to play the game in Desktop Mode, which made me think this was a gamescope issue. However, now I'm having a hard time getting Steam Link to connect to Desktop Mode at all.
• I've spent a frustrating number of nights trying to play this game and just wasting hours fighting the fragile system. Sorry if there are any missing details.