Opening the (ahem) Valve on Linux gaming..

[dv8tion242]

Could be an interesting swing at one of the latest claims of Linux's 'inability' to play games.

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2014/01/valve-announce-12-steam-machines-partners-ces

 

[Grimezy]

I can't see the valve consoles appealing to anybody who is really into PC gaming unless they just want a new toy. Most people would rather build their own for a much cheaper price and console fanboys aren't going to convert over to PC just because of one of these new fancy boxes.

The only thing I can think of is that when I was looking at PC's initially, I almost bought an Alienware X51 as it was fairly small yet seemed to offer a solid package. I realised these were really overpriced for the hardware inside them though and decided to hunt down a proper pc website. The only thing that would swing me to a steamOS box is if they came up with a nice compact Mouse and Keyboard setup that could easily be used on your lap while sitting on the couch... I really don't want to use some naff controller that looks bloomin' weird.

Between SteamOS or a next gen console, I'd go console everytime.

 

[Deklore]

I can't see the valve consoles appealing to anybody who is really into PC gaming unless they just want a new toy. Most people would rather build their own for a much cheaper price and console fanboys aren't going to convert over to PC just because of one of these new fancy boxes.

The only thing I can think of is that when I was looking at PC's initially, I almost bought an Alienware X51 as it was fairly small yet seemed to offer a solid package. I realised these were really overpriced for the hardware inside them though and decided to hunt down a proper pc website. The only thing that would swing me to a steamOS box is if they came up with a nice compact Mouse and Keyboard setup that could easily be used on your lap while sitting on the couch... I really don't want to use some naff controller that looks bloomin' weird.

Between SteamOS or a next gen console, I'd go console everytime.

Yeah, i cant see who those Steam Boxes are aimed at. If i was considering one then i would want a k&m as well. but then if i go that far i would probably want Win7 on it too. Heck, at the prices some of these boxes are going for i might as well get a proper pc.
There is one possible niche market and that is for those who want more than what a console is (and is willing to spend the extra money). But doesnt know much about pc components and just wants to play games. But in my experience, most pc gaming enthusiasts know about GPUs, CPUs, RAM, HDDs etc - even if it is a basic knowledge.


Nice designs on some of those boxes though. Much better than the xbone and even ps4 IMO.

 

[Grimezy]

Yeah, i cant see who those Steam Boxes are aimed at. If i was considering one then i would want a k&m as well. but then if i go that far i would probably want Win7 on it too. Heck, at the prices some of these boxes are going for i might as well get a proper pc.
There is one possible niche market and that is for those who want more than what a console is (and is willing to spend the extra money). But doesnt know much about pc components and just wants to play games. But in my experience, most pc gaming enthusiasts know about GPUs, CPUs, RAM, HDDs etc - even if it is a basic knowledge.


Nice designs on some of those boxes though. Much better than the xbone and even ps4 IMO.

Yea I agree, they do seem like a simple way to get into PC's but again, without that m+k combo it's a bit of a waste of space to me. I have seen a few of these boxes being sold with SteamOS and Win8 in dual boot so that's promising as I'm fairly sure most the games I play aren't even through Steam like BF4, etc and I don't even think all Steam games are SteamOS compatible (I haven't really read into the subject that much to be fair).

The only way I could see it in my house is downstairs in the living room where we have an Xbox 360. I'd love to have a little PC in there for when friends are over and stuff but I really think I'd get more for my money out of an Xbone or PS4 seeing as they have things like youtube, etc now anyway.

 

[Deklore]

Yea I agree, they do seem like a simple way to get into PC's but again, without that m+k combo it's a bit of a waste of space to me. I have seen a few of these boxes being sold with SteamOS and Win8 in dual boot so that's promising as I'm fairly sure most the games I play aren't even through Steam like BF4, etc and I don't even think all Steam games are SteamOS compatible (I haven't really read into the subject that much to be fair).

The only way I could see it in my house is downstairs in the living room where we have an Xbox 360. I'd love to have a little PC in there for when friends are over and stuff but I really think I'd get more for my money out of an Xbone or PS4 seeing as they have things like youtube, etc now anyway.

Exactly, and i think it is trying to hit the livingroom market with their new controller. But is it ONLY meant to play games (and do other stuff the other consoles can do)? Certainly seems like it due to them not having mouse & keyboard. But if this is their intention then isnt it a bit of a waste spending £1000+ on what amounts to being a pc without being able to do all the functions a pc can do?
If i want a machine that can play games, watch netflix etc then i would get an xbone or ps4 and spend the rest of the money on games.

Getting a Steam box to me is like buying a BMW M5 and never going past 30mph. It looks good and does everything a Nissan Micra can do, but never will use its full potential because the cpu, gpu is designed to do alot more than be "in a console".
Also on the GPU front, yes you will get 1080p 60fps on your games (games as you said that are designed to work on Steam OS), but when your sitting at least 6ft away from a 42" flatscreen on your couch, is the extra £100s you paid for a Steam box worth it?
Or am i missing something?

EDIT - also what if all game publishers/developers decide that their pc platform is Windows and chose not to support Steam OS on their game then are they really going to miss out? I think not as they will still get the majority of the pc market with a windows release.
One thing Valve could do is come out with Half Life 3, L4D 3, Portal 3, Dota 3 and TF3 and make them ALL exclusive to Steam OS. But they already said they wont be doing Steam OS exclusives, which to me is an odd business decision. If your going to enter the console market then you need exclusives...

 

[Tallpaulos]

I need to post some piccies of my set up - lots of people are already gaming on a PC in the living room. I have a GIANT rig hidden behind the sofa, with lots of breathing space. When I want to use it (every night) I trail all of the 2 metre cables around the side (USB extensions, long HDMI, audio), get the monitor from behind the sofa, put it on a small foldable TV dinner table, plug it all in, sit my arse down and away I go.

I'm left handed, so keyboard on the right arm of the sofa, mouse mat on a 'Peter Rabbit' book and rested on a pillow. I admit I do a bit better in FPSs when I use the dining room table but not much better.

For the sake of 3 mins to set up and put it down every day, it keeps the Mrs quiet.

So Valve, I solved your problem with approximately ten pounds worth of cables....only problem is the Homer Simpson style hole in the sofa where I sit.

 

[Deklore]

Would be interested to see your setup Tall

Not only do alot of people game on a pc in their living room, you also get alot of people who watch tv in their bedroom. Will definately be interested to see how the Steam boxes do, but i really dont think the outlook is very good. But on the otherhand they have the support of major manufacturers of pcs and pc components. All they need now is for games developers to support Steam OS.