SubJeff on 22/1/2014 at 00:04
I can't see why I'd ever need one tbh. There must be an easier way of streaming Steam games to The lounge.
Yakoob on 22/1/2014 at 03:40
Oh wow... that's just adding to the confusion of what the steam machines are actually trying to accomplish.
... unless Valve is going for the "try every possible permutation of home-pc-console-thingy possible, see what sticks" which... kinda sounds like something they'd do, doesn't it?
Ostriig on 22/1/2014 at 10:07
I guess in the end it's just an attempt by Valve to tap into the console market alone with a system that they can slap their own OS on. Steam's enthusiast PC gamer crowd doesn't seem at play, not much value in the proposition there.
june gloom on 22/1/2014 at 14:19
Why is everyone assuming Valve has anything to do with this? Alienware just confirmed long-held suspicions that they're retarded and make retarded "gamer" PCs for retards. I don't even like to use the word "retard" but ffs these guys are a bunch of knobs who mostly cater to imbeciles that exclusively play Counterstrike, WoW or Call of Duty, depending on how far back you go.
Ostriig on 22/1/2014 at 15:17
I'm not suggesting that Valve is behind this move, but rather that they've taken a very laissez faire attitude towards their associated acts and each system builder is largely free to do as they please.
And that makes me think that Valve aren't envisioning Steam OS so much as an alternative to Windows gaming, where a certain form of standardisation would've given them a competitive angle, as they are for the console gaming space. All in all, as a PC gamer I don't see much of a reason now to get a Steambox or SteamOS. If you're looking for an alternative to your Xbox or Playstation, though, I could see it having the perk of cheaper, PC-priced games as opposed to the others' prices to weigh against a higher initial purchase cost.
Renzatic on 22/1/2014 at 16:10
Quote Posted by Ostriig
And that makes me think that Valve aren't envisioning Steam OS so much as an alternative to Windows gaming, where a certain form of standardisation would've given them a competitive angle, as they are for the console gaming space.
Actually, I'd say it's more a direct attack against Windows and OSX than the consoles. Since, by association with the platform, it could eventually make Linux a solid alternative to Windows for gaming. Provided it gets the game support, of course.
SteamOS is just Debian with a new UI built on top of it, and the only thing that's proprietary about it is Steam itself. Any distro that can install Steam (and that's most of them, if not all) can run any game that comes out for SteamOS.
faetal on 22/1/2014 at 16:26
Isn't the purpose of Steam OS a pre-emptive move by Valve to avoid PC gaming being tied into the Windows app store thing which MS are planning? If so, then their lack of standardisation requirements makes total sense. They don't want exclusivity or the console market, they just want their platform to remain under their control as content delivery for gaming. The only it would become exclusive is if MS try to invalidate Steam as a windows content delivery system.
Renzatic on 22/1/2014 at 17:07
Quote Posted by faetal
Isn't the purpose of Steam OS a pre-emptive move by Valve to avoid PC gaming being tied into the Windows app store thing which MS are planning? If so, then their lack of standardisation requirements makes total sense. They don't want exclusivity or the console market, they just want their platform to remain under their control as content delivery for gaming. The only it would become exclusive is if MS try to invalidate Steam as a windows content delivery system.
Yup. Valve wants to sell you games, and doesn't care from what computer you're buying your games from, or even if there are other competitors playing in their field. They're not even trying to take over a whole OS, just provide a tailored version that'll work better for certain use scenarios.
If MS and Apple were to tie their OSes directly to their own app store, then Steam would still have Linux to fall back on. And since Apple pretty much half asses the Mac App Store, and MS probably won't try to match Steam on their various game sales and deals, the Big 2 doing that would almost be an automatic win for Valve. Most people would flock to SteamOS and/or Linux just to continue being able to use what games they have (I have 80 of my 140 games available there), and to have access to the Steam sales.
The whole thing is a hedged bet that might grow into its own over time, so long as Valve continues to push support for it. No one's expecting it to be an instant hit the moment it hits store shelves. Least of all Valve. But who knows where it'll be 2-3 years from now.
Ostriig on 22/1/2014 at 17:10
faetal - That would make sense, I wasn't aware of any solid rumours that Microsoft were looking to gain exclusive control of games distribution on Windows. Links to any reading?
Quote Posted by Renzatic
Actually, I'd say it's more a direct attack against Windows and OSX than the consoles. Since, by association with the platform, it could eventually make Linux a solid alternative to Windows for gaming. Provided it gets the game support, of course.
But that's thing, I don't see a selling point at this time for anyone who doesn't "hate Windows." Sure, if featal's right and Microsoft try to get all territorial in the future, that's your selling point right there. But in the current climate there isn't much incentive for adoption among PC gamers, so anything short of SteamOS exclusives is unlikely to make it seriously take off.
Renzatic on 22/1/2014 at 18:32
Quote Posted by Ostriig
But that's thing, I don't see a selling point at this time for anyone who doesn't "hate Windows." Sure, if featal's right and Microsoft try to get all territorial in the future, that's your selling point right there. But in the current climate there isn't much incentive for adoption among PC gamers, so anything short of SteamOS exclusives is unlikely to make it seriously take off.
That's because right now there isn't. I can't think of a single good reason to jump ship for SteamOS other than "hey, try and support the little guys too". But beyond that, there's nothing appealing to the platform other than that simple fact it's an alternative. But if support continues for it, and somehow Linux starts seeing more and more AAA support, it'll one day become a good alternative on its own. That's why I hope it ultimately takes off. Not because I hate Windows, or somehow think it's gonna be better for one reason or another, just that I like having multiple options.
In other words, I don't see any huge perks to it at the moment, but I don't think it being around is that bad of a thing, either. It's got a lot of potential to do a lot of good things. At the very least, it's mere existence works as some slight assurance that we won't be forced off Windows to the Xbox if MS decides to abandon PC gaming altogether for a more centralized, controlled platform.
