Valve developing steam box console

al28283 · 09-03-2012 10:48am

al28283 wrote: »

http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/121/1219072p1.html

Here's an interview with Gabe Newell from 2 weeks ago, it sounds like The Verge jumped the gun with whatever info they had. Certainly doesnt sound like something that will be happeninga anytime soon

told ya

Bubblefett · 09-03-2012 3:12pm

Someday people will learn not to believe the valve rumour mill

Overheal · 09-03-2012 3:32pm

Like I said, Valve are the last people I would expect to kill PC Gaming. Story smelled funny from the get-go.

edit: look at Gabe though, he looks so much more Boss with a beard

valve-well-make-hardware-if-we-have-to-20120220052936856.jpg

valve-well-make-hardware-if-we-have-to-20120220052936856.jpg

fantastic interview by the by.

We tend to try to avoid being super dictatorial to either customers or partners. Recently I was in a meeting and there’s a company that had a third party DRM solution and we showed them look, this is what happens, at this point in your life cycle your DRM got hacked, right? Now let’s look at the data, did your sales change at all? No, your sales didn’t change one bit. Right? So here’s before and after, here’s where you have DRM that annoys your customers and causing huge numbers of support calls and in theory you would think that you would see a huge drop off in sales after that got hacked, and instead there was absolutely no difference in sales before or after. You know, and then we tell them you actually probably lost a whole bunch of sales as near as we can tell, here’s how much money you lost by bundling that with your product. So we do that all the time, we’re just – you know, I wouldn’t be super happy if some other third party tried to tell me how to have relationships with our customers and I expect other people feel the same way, and I also tend to think that customers don’t really like it when you try to impose rigid rules on them as well, so we tend to think and hope that over time people will move towards doing the things that are in the best interests of both the customers and the content developers.

You know, it’s a really bad idea to start off on the assumption that your customers are on the other side of some sort of battle with you. I really don’t think that is either accurate or a really good business strategy, and so we just sort of keep trying to show – you know, I think that we have a lot more credibility now with developers on issues like this simply because there’s so much data that we can show them where we say look, we’ve run all of these experiments, you know, this has been going on for many years now and we all can look at what the outcomes are and there really isn’t – there are lots of compelling instances where making customers – you know, giving customers a great experience and thinking of ways to create value for them is way more important than making it incredibly hard for the customers to move their products from one machine to another.

The Sparrow · 09-03-2012 4:46pm

Overheal wrote: »

Like I said, Valve are the last people I would expect to kill PC Gaming. Story smelled funny from the get-go.

edit: look at Gabe though, he looks so much more Boss with a beard

fantastic interview by the by.

Dude says 'you know' A LOT.

Overheal · 09-03-2012 5:25pm

and starts new sentences in the middle of existing sentences, sure. Its just part of his philosophy about iterative improvement...

Bubblefett · 09-03-2012 5:37pm

Overheal wrote: »

edit: look at Gabe though, he looks so much more Boss with a beard

I'd say he looks like santa now but santa would have brought HL 3 already

gizmo · 10-03-2012 4:12am

"The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think It's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted," Newell reportedly said in an interview with Game Informer.

No Steam box? We'll see...

Bubblefett · 10-03-2012 12:04pm

gizmo wrote: »

The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think It's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted

No Steam box? We'll see...

Considering that quote is from 5 years ago and was before he appeared as a keynote speaker for Sony at E3 10, still wouldn't hold my breath

gizmo · 10-03-2012 12:47pm

bubblefett wrote: »

Considering that quote is from 5 years ago and was before he appeared as a keynote speaker for Sony at E3 10, still wouldn't hold my breath

It was meant to be more of a humorous example.

Point being, just because they say they're not working on it or a project similar to it, doesn't mean they're not.

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar · 10-03-2012 3:31pm

you're not suggesting that corporations lie to the public are you?

Skerries · 10-03-2012 3:52pm

heaven forbid!

Overheal · 10-03-2012 4:21pm

Does Valve have that kind of reputation for lying though? And I mean about things other than release dates or development cycles.

richymcdermott · 10-12-2012 12:40pm

Looks like the rumour is true

Gabe newell has confirmed valve are releasing a console to compete with 360/ps3

http://asia.cnet.com/valve-to-offer-pc-based-console-for-the-living-room-62219734.htm

saiint · 10-12-2012 12:45pm

if they can pull it off
it will be a market leader id say

a console type for steam for people who dont have super powered pcs :P haha and downloaded games at cheap prices
my god id buy 10 of them :L

super_furry · 10-12-2012 12:56pm

Depends on what kind of grunt it's going to have. To be a success it'll have to be at least on a par with the new Xbox/Playstation, anything less and it'll struggle to gain a foothold in my opinion.

Nody · 10-12-2012 1:13pm

super_furry wrote: »

Depends on what kind of grunt it's going to have. To be a success it'll have to be at least on a par with the new Xbox/Playstation, anything less and it'll struggle to gain a foothold in my opinion.

As the Wii had problems selling consoles compared to the PS3 or Xbox360?

I think this has huge potential for cross selling to existing PC gamers; fire up any of the multitude of games that has a year or two on it's neck (Killfloor etc.) and play it on a big screen rather than over the internet? Heck yes! And that will not require any super duper dual GTX680 card to pull it off; if they took it a step further to a cloud running version I'd be even more happy...

I'd say it is VERY likely I'll be buying one when it comes out and that's coming from someone with a top of the line gaming PC today that will surely beat what ever is in it. Why? Because I can fire it up as a party gaming machine, I can break out racing games with controllers etc. easily and if I'm alone I can play it on my PC. The simple fact I'm not going to need to buy new games (have plenty already on my steam account) is a huge boon in my book and I was not even planning on getting a console previously.

richymcdermott · 10-12-2012 1:18pm

I think in terms of of digital marketplace , steam destroys xbla and psn hands down.

I dont have A gaming oc but have 53 games bought on steam so if this means i can take my account and play the likes of the witcher or left 4 dead and play it on this console then im all over it.

super_furry · 10-12-2012 1:19pm

You can't compare the one off success of the Wii to trying to sell an out of the box PC. The Wii offered a new way to play videogames and new experiences that drew in an entirely new audience. Those people, people who bought the Wii solely for Wii Sports, may not even be still here for the Wii U but they certainly wouldn't be jumping in to buy a PC gaming box.

For the most part this Steam box will be offering the same games and same experiences that the new Xbox and Playstation will and if games on it don't look as good as on the consoles, they'll struggle.

jumbobreakfast · 10-12-2012 1:25pm

As long as you can use your existing consoley Steam games on it while playing other games on your main PC then it could be cool. I guess it will run linux to make it cheap but hopefully it wont need lots of noisy fans or large power requirements. If it runs Source games such as Portal 2 (L4D 2 will be the first Steam on Linux game) then it should be reasonably powerful but other game makers will have to support OpenGl and Linux before they can be ported over....unless it runs Windows of course

richymcdermott · 10-12-2012 1:25pm

super_furry wrote: »

You can't compare the one off success of the Wii to trying to sell an out of the box PC. The Wii offered a new way to play videogames and new experiences that drew in an entirely new audience. Those people, people who bought the Wii solely for Wii Sports, may not even be still here for the Wii U but they certainly wouldn't be jumping in to buy a PC gaming box.

The weaker consoles always sold the most

Gameboy sold more than the game gear
Ps1 sold more than the N64
Ps2 sold more than the xbox
Wii sold more than the ps3/360

Ds sold more than the psp

Retr0gamer · 10-12-2012 2:03pm

Not necessarily true. C64 sold more than any 8-bit home micro, the NES on release was a very powerful machine. The PS1 was really competing with the Saturn and it outsold it and was more powerful. The SNES also outsold the Megadrive.

It depends on a lot of factors. Third party support, timing, price and maybe that special game that forces people to take notice of the machine. The GB succeeded because it had Tetris and a very reasonable price. The PS1 succeeded despite being an unknown because it was cheaper, more powerful and ridge racer was incredible and better than the Saturns poor Daytona port. The Xbox should have been a total flop if not for Halo. The PS2 sold on brand name because lets face it there was nothing worth buying on it for a few months. The DS looked like it would be a dud until the market exploded after nintendogs was released and the PSP was doing rubbish until FFVII crisis core and monster hunter saved it from obscurity in japan.

You just can't predict these things but as Sony and Apple have shown in the past there's room for a newcomer to arrive and shake things up and this steam box is looked very attractive.

ScumLord · 10-12-2012 2:05pm

I don't see how this would appeal to PC gamers. If they're trying to steal away xbox and PS gamers I think they're running out of time, once the majority of people have chosen their platform I don't see them spending more again for a while.

If I want a console experience with multi player I just plug in the other xbox controller.

ShadowHearth · 10-12-2012 2:37pm

i dont know how i feel about it. i guess more choice is always better.

i would like to know a bit more on its spec and the product itself. As a pc gamer i dont know if i will need it at all, but for console gamers it might be a great thing.

Nody · 10-12-2012 2:40pm

ScumLord wrote: »

I don't see how this would appeal to PC gamers. If they're trying to steal away xbox and PS gamers I think they're running out of time, once the majority of people have chosen their platform I don't see them spending more again for a while.

If I want a console experience with multi player I just plug in the other xbox controller.

I see it exactly the opposite SL; as a non console owner this tempts me far more then any other console because I can use it on my PC as well. I know I will get regular sales AND I don't need to go on worry about future compitability as it's a PC base (compare to PS3 now not supporting PS2 games for example yet I can fire up a game from the 90s on my PC using Dosbox or stuff that's 10 year old in Windows).

If you own a console it may be a bit of a meh; but if you don't own a console OR if you're considering which one to get next (the PS4 or the Steam PC console with all those games you've already bought ready and waiting for you) I think they can make a very solid case for the Steam console to a PC gamer. If anything I'd say the Xbox/PS3 only owners are the once they would have problem with getting in on the deal.

All of this of course depends on the cost and ability of the console but if I'm looking at three equalish choices from Valve, Microsoft or Sony the choice is easy, only one of those consistently delivery quality products, extends free support AND builds a larger network and seeing the hardware issues on this generation (Red ring Xbox or CD chewing PS3) I'll go with Valve thank you very much.

10-12-2012 2:45pm

I don't see this taking off or even being any major competition for PS or Xbox. Most of us with high end PCs and Steam accounts are already connecting our PC to our HD TV and playing some titles with a controller. Steam's big TV has made doing do a hell of a lot more straight forward and the only people I can see going for this console are PC gamers who don't keep their PC in the same room as their TV.

K.O.Kiki · 10-12-2012 4:34pm

As long as the Steambox has support for arcade sticks, I'm in.

Couldn't be bothered building a gaming PC, can't get excited over the next console generation.

If Valve are being smart (and they probably are) this box will be small, quiet & frugal on power consumption. More of a Wii/U than a 360 storage heater.

Turtwig · 10-12-2012 5:10pm

Didn't Valve do a hardware survey a few months back of the type of users who used Steam? Iirc, the majority of players were medium range laptops and PC gamers. So they obviously think there's a market there, these people might not have the time or money to invest in a top end PC, but a suitably priced Steam Box might just fit the bill.

Varik · 10-12-2012 5:11pm

Don't see this increasing the couch PC users population too much from those who are already doing so, the main difference between a console and a PC isn't hardware or exclusives it's the marketing push. Especially at Christmas you can see Nintendo, MS, Sony, and retailers filling every available space for a ad with their stuff, when's the last time Valve even needed to advertise something.

I was reading a comment from Ken Levine about the Bioshock infinity box art on how it's not for those who were watching him speak at E3 and have know about this game since it was announced, it's for the uninformed who may not have heard of the series or knew a new game was coming out.

Magill · 10-12-2012 5:20pm

I'll probably buy one depending on the price/performance, love the idea of having my PC library in a console.

Lot of info still needed tho.. so many questions !

One thing im predicting.. is that they'll launch a certain big valve title with it... it probably ends with 3. Maybe have a period of exclusivity on steam systems before releasing it on the other consoles.

ScumLord · 10-12-2012 6:20pm

Jernal wrote: »

Didn't Valve do a hardware survey a few months back of the type of users who used Steam? Iirc, the majority of players were medium range laptops and PC gamers. So they obviously think there's a market there, these people might not have the time or money to invest in a top end PC, but a suitably priced Steam Box might just fit the bill.

I guess it'll depend on what OS they're running. If it's a cut down version of windows 8 or they're own OS. I'd assume it'll be windows 8 if it's going to be cross compatible with PC games.

They'll be able to get much more out of their hardware by having a slim OS, so it might not be so middle of the road. Most gaming PCs these days are over powered.

ShadowHearth · 10-12-2012 6:26pm

ScumLord wrote: »

I guess it'll depend on what OS they're running. If it's a cut down version of windows 8 or they're own OS. I'd assume it'll be windows 8 if it's going to be cross compatible with PC games.

They'll be able to get much more out of their hardware by having a slim OS, so it might not be so middle of the road. Most gaming PCs these days are over powered.

if steam will make their own OS for games i might just run that away from windows. or if they make linux fully workable with linux, then same thing - ill be gone.
Gabe would not pulled all this stunt, if he did not had something up his sleeves.

i like what TB had to say about this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84i3Op-LQI

Sarky · 10-12-2012 6:30pm

It will come bundled with Half Life 3, and it will sell more units than there are people on the planet.

Genghiz Cohen · 10-12-2012 6:31pm

After all their effort porting Source to Linux?

EDIT: What I meant was it seems they ported to Linux as a step towards their own platform.

Tij da feen · 10-12-2012 6:49pm

Genghiz Cohen wrote: »

After all their effort porting Source to Linux?

Surely it's a step in that direction for them. If they were going to create a Steam OS it will more than likely be based on the Linux kernel.

ShadowHearth · 10-12-2012 6:51pm

Tij da feen wrote: »

Surely it's a step in that direction for them. If they were going to create a Steam OS it will more than likely be based on the Linux kernel.

this. Its like putting all those pieces together now. what are the chances of the new valve box running on linux? 99% if you ask me.

titan18 · 10-12-2012 6:55pm

Oh my!

If this is priced right on release, I'm totally buying it

Baked.noodle · 10-12-2012 7:54pm

The one thing that concerns me is it may stifle the development of games requiring the latest hardware, just as consoles hold back console ports to pc.

Myrddin · 10-12-2012 7:55pm

When Sega & Nintendo were wallowing in untouchable brilliance, the PS1 snook onto the scene & destroyed them hands down. A newcomer to the console market, Sony went up against huge figureheads that nobody in their right mind would have thought it could compete with, let alone beat.

I think, given the right circumstances, something like this could throw the cat amongst the pigeons of todays console giants. The possibilities are huge

wandatowell · 10-12-2012 7:58pm

Throw is some HTPC elements and you have quite a little power house here.

I know i'd be first in line to snap one up.

Grumpypants · 10-12-2012 8:05pm

If they get a decent mid range pc stuffed into a tidy box that will look good in the sitting room then they have a hit on their hands if they beat Sony and Microsoft to the market and undercut them then they will corner a good chunk of that market.

I will buy it but then I will buy both consoles too I got to have them all !

Sierra Oscar · 10-12-2012 8:05pm

I suspect that whatever it is will be closer to a home theatre type system rather than a traditional console. I would imagine it will use Windows and just have an advanced version of the Steam Big Picture mode. Basically just a guarantee that Steam, and your library of games, will work out of the box.

Valve have already hinted that they do not want to get hugely involved in the mass production of peripherals and the likes, which tends to go hand in hand with console production. Although in saying that Valve could have recognised a niche in the market when they started looking into this seriously and they might be bold and brave.

5uspect · 10-12-2012 8:52pm

I see my Steam Library as split somewhat between sit down with a mouse and keyboard games (shooters etc) and those I'd rather just blow a few mins with a controller with from the sofa. Platformers, racers etc.

I was considering putting together a HTPC with my old GTX275 which is gathering dust, but a ready build steam box...

K.O.Kiki · 10-12-2012 9:37pm

ScumLord wrote: »

I guess it'll depend on what OS they're running. If it's a cut down version of windows 8 or they're own OS. I'd assume it'll be windows 8 if it's going to be cross compatible with PC games.

They'll be able to get much more out of their hardware by having a slim OS, so it might not be so middle of the road. Most gaming PCs these days are over powered.

No way it's going to be Windows 8, it would increase the price too much -- and Gabe already hates it.

hooradiation · 10-12-2012 9:48pm

ShadowHearth wrote: »

this. Its like putting all those pieces together now. what are the chances of the new valve box running on linux? 99% if you ask me.

I don't think you know what you're talking about.

Why would valve put together a box that running on an operating system that only a tiny fraction of the games available on steam will support?

Retr0gamer · 10-12-2012 9:59pm

Might not be too far from fantasy than you think. Running Linux will be very cost effective considering you save on licensing costs to Microsoft who also might not be too happy with giving a license to a Xbox competitor. Most Valve games support linux to my knowledge and getting your game on the console store by making a linux version would be a good incentive for developers to create one if it's popular.

Skerries · 10-12-2012 10:21pm

so what do we think it will be called?

Genghiz Cohen · 10-12-2012 10:25pm

Gasket.

ShadowHearth · 10-12-2012 10:36pm

hooradiation wrote: »

I don't think you know what you're talking about.

Why would valve put together a box that running on an operating system that only a tiny fraction of the games available on steam will support?

Why not?

Valve already working on proper support on Linux. Trust me, if valve will work on it and use its recourses it can make easily developers to support Linux and switch to openGL.
It minght not be a pure Linux as we know it, it can be some special Frankenstein OS.

GreenWolfe · 10-12-2012 10:46pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Might not be too far from fantasy than you think. Running Linux will be very cost effective considering you save on licensing costs to Microsoft who also might not be too happy with giving a license to a Xbox competitor. Most Valve games support linux to my knowledge and getting your game on the console store by making a linux version would be a good incentive for developers to create one if it's popular.

If it is Linux-based, Microsoft might claim that that Valve are infringing Microsoft's IP and then attempt to get money out of them through the legal system.

gizmo · 11-12-2012 1:36am

There's some serious misconceptions about the OS-side of things here...

ShadowHearth wrote: »

Why not?
Valve already working on proper support on Linux. Trust me, if valve will work on it and use its recourses it can make easily developers to support Linux and switch to openGL.
It minght not be a pure Linux as we know it, it can be some special Frankenstein OS.

Valve adding Linux support to Steam and the Source engine has nothing to do with making it easier for other developers to do it to their own games. There's a reason the Source engine hasn't been licensed by many third parties, it's just flat out not as good as the competitions and Linux support isn't going to change this.

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Might not be too far from fantasy than you think. Running Linux will be very cost effective considering you save on licensing costs to Microsoft who also might not be too happy with giving a license to a Xbox competitor. Most Valve games support linux to my knowledge and getting your game on the console store by making a linux version would be a good incentive for developers to create one if it's popular.

Given Valve's work on porting Steam/Source to Linux and now shifting resources to get big picture mode working on it, I wouldn't be that surprised if it was a Linux-based OS at some point. That being said, if it was due for release any time soon (which I doubt) then they'd have to go with Windows, there simply isn't enough support from third party devs for a Linux-powered console yet. As for MS, if Valve did want to go the Windows route there's not a chance in hell MS would do anything to stop them.

EarthlyPangaea wrote: »

If it is Linux-based, Microsoft might claim that that Valve are infringing Microsoft's IP and then attempt to get money out of them through the legal system.

What Microsoft IP could Valve possibly be infringing?

Valve developing steam box console

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