Steam
- Thread starter Chief Legend
- Start date
Games need to be design for Stream OS, which runs on Linux.
Which is why I mention before that it is silly. Most people are going to install Windows anyway, & few developers design their games for Linux. Yes you need to re code for Stream OS like you would another platform, which beg the question, why not put the effort to port to consoles or tablet instead? I know I will.
Have they made it using DX with Windows, its just a matter of coding for the controller. I do not expect widespread support for the steam machine to be honest. You are better off to set up your PC for the living room instead, or maybe buy a stream machine, & run the original windowed stream instead. LOL.
Steam Machines are a solution in search of a problem. I give them credit for trying, but I don't see them making much of a impact.
If there was a standardized configuration for the machines, or even a tier configuration, it would have a better chance. Good, Better, Best.
As it stands the endless manufacturers and configurations defeat the purpose.
If there was a standardized configuration for the machines, or even a tier configuration, it would have a better chance. Good, Better, Best.
As it stands the endless manufacturers and configurations defeat the purpose.
I've been playing around with Ubuntu on my work MacBook Pro. It's a little rough around the edges but if more games were compatible with it or the eventual SteamOS I'd have no problem dropping Windows in a heartbeat.
Until legitimate productivity software is released for linux, I will never switch to it full time. There is nothing remotely comparable to Adobe software available for linux. There are decent applications that are suitable for most users, like Gimp , but Gimp is no photoshop. Not even close. Libre office or Open Office are decent, but aren't nearly as good as MS office. Especially considering how cheap Office is now.
I really like linux for a lot of things (mostly technical things), but as a day to day OS for being productive. No thanks, at least not yet.
I would think with Office 365 and cloud-based Office stuff you could use that on Linux. Not sure on pricing though.
Single User Office 365 is 6.99/month now.
I haven't even tried the web apps yet. And don't get me wrong, I really love Linux. Its just the days of it being a primary OS, for me, are still a ways off. And who knows, with MS shift to devices and services maybe they (and other software makers like adobe) will release linux version.
Yep and in the year or two if you get a lower end modal games will run like s*** as they're designed for more powerful hardware. The whole you can dual boot WTF if someone know knows to do that they will just build their own PC.
This steam stuff has no standards they can enforce on devs to make sure all of them run a game well unlike consoles. just build a PC and use the big picture steam interface and hook that bitch into your TV.
I never understood the point of these Steam boxes. It's not like they are drastically cheaper than a PC. And there's the whole Linux-based software limitation thing to it. Someone into PC gaming will just buy a PC. Someone who enjoys consoles will probably just save $100-200 at minimum at get a X1 or PS4.
There was an article months back where there were some quick hands on impressions of software being played on a Steam machine. Not sure which model, but despite much better specs than X1/PS4 the game ran mediocre. So it looks like games aren't simply PC quality games played on a Steam box, instead of a PC, but like consoles needs its own optimization to get it running well. I got the impression that if there was a PC and steam box with similar specs, the Steam version was running worse.... even though you'd think they should be similar or even better on Steam since the gadget doesn't have all the Windows and firewall and various overhead running in the background on people's normal PCs.
I think this is my biggest hang up. Consoles work because devs have one configuration they can work the crap out of over years. I can't imagine it would be viable for developers. Perhaps DX12 will be the answer.
I think they could have release it, & have 360 controller support.
Also, they should really make Half life 3 exclusive to Steam OS to drive sales.
At the moment, I do not see this as anything other than a niche machine. I bet it will be lucky to sell 20 millions in 5 years.
Lets just think for a moment: It like a console, minus the benefit of console gaming, that is standardization, & exclusives.
Its like a PC, minus to benefit of all in one machine, & will have less games to boot (as Stream games on PC are NOT compatible with Stream machine, & not all PC games are on stream to begin with).
In my opinion, they should really have just sell a unit, like apple TV, or the chrome USB stick, that allow content from Stream to be played on your TV.
Also, they should really make Half life 3 exclusive to Steam OS to drive sales.
At the moment, I do not see this as anything other than a niche machine. I bet it will be lucky to sell 20 millions in 5 years.
Lets just think for a moment: It like a console, minus the benefit of console gaming, that is standardization, & exclusives.
Its like a PC, minus to benefit of all in one machine, & will have less games to boot (as Stream games on PC are NOT compatible with Stream machine, & not all PC games are on stream to begin with).
In my opinion, they should really have just sell a unit, like apple TV, or the chrome USB stick, that allow content from Stream to be played on your TV.
Last edited:
Steam OS is free to anybody who wants, so making Half-life-or any game- exclusive to the OS is not going to drive sales of the hardware. I think Valve know this is not going to take off. This is why the hardware is not specific to Valve. It is why the OS is free to all.
The controller is the only real interesting thing about this whole Idea.
Yap, but its good I guess mainly for traditionally mouse base games, like RTS, MOBA, Top down RPG. But people who players these would most likely prefer on Keyboard/mouse, faster responses, & you can hotkeys/marcos etc. Never mind many of these are not available on Stream anyway, so whats the real draw. Its not like its that hard to make a PC set up for the living room.
1) Plug HDMI cable to TV
2) Set up with wireless keyboard & mouse, & 360 wireless.
Ok the KB/mouse part is the messy part. But thats about it I guess.
Only some games will you need the KB and mouse. maybe I'm wrong but don't most games that you also see on consoles have the 360 PC controller controls built into the game on PC?
Doesn't having to install windows to play the other whatever percentage of games kinda defeat the purpose of Steam Box though? If the purpose of Steam Machines is to have a pre-config'd hardware with a low overhead OS to optimally run games? Having to dual boot Win, kills that, just seems like any other "gaming" oriented PC rig in different clothes at that point.
To bad Valve couldn't have had a stripped down WinOS(X), trimmed for "gaming"...though nobody likes sleeping with the enemy.
Sure it does, but that wasn't the point. The point is that you can, if you want the hassle, play every game available on Steam.
Still, we don't know how far along they are in porting steam games to this new OS. I doubt a large part of their library is ready, but there could be enough games at launch to make it viable. Hell, if the PS4 and X1 can launch with roughly a dozen games then that's all they really need on day 1, right?
Still, we don't know how far along they are in porting steam games to this new OS. I doubt a large part of their library is ready, but there could be enough games at launch to make it viable. Hell, if the PS4 and X1 can launch with roughly a dozen games then that's all they really need on day 1, right?
There's no comparing an eight year old console generation/new generation and an fluid PC platform.
I do not think that many games, beside, don"t they need to code for the steam controller, which is yet to be finalize no less.
I know that the Console vs. PC thread was locked before it took off. But one reason I can't totally go PC is because these digital services are not secure enough.
So far I've had both My Origin and Steam accounts hacked. I'm really tired of it, and it's really turning me off to PC gaming.
Also, why does a game like Skyrim even have to be tied to any service in the first place? I know Steam has the Workshop and it's a cool setup for mods. But why can't I just download the game and play without being tied to a service?
So far I've had both My Origin and Steam accounts hacked. I'm really tired of it, and it's really turning me off to PC gaming.
Also, why does a game like Skyrim even have to be tied to any service in the first place? I know Steam has the Workshop and it's a cool setup for mods. But why can't I just download the game and play without being tied to a service?
Steam could use an authenticator device like battle.net has, but still...
I've been on the internet since 1998 and been using steam off and on since Half-Life 2 released on PC and I've never had a virus or had an account hacked. I'm not saying it's your fault because obviously no one sets out to get hacked but on the other hand you're obviously doing something most other people aren't as hacked steam and origin accounts are in the minority.
I keep all my passwords in an encrypted notepad file on a thumb drive that I only plug in if I need to enter a password (all my account auto-sign in) so that I can copy/paste them if needed. These passwords are created on an old as dirt laptop I never connect to the internet, it's basically a mobile dvd player. This helps product against basic keyloggers. I never go to sites I don't fully trust and if I see a link to a site I've never heard of before the first thing I do is google search the URL to see if it's legit. Same goes for e-mail. I have one account I use for all my important stuff, with everything except emails from those companies blocked so I don't accidentally open the wrong email. I then have a couple junk emails for other stuff and only open those email accounts on my ipad. Every account I have has different login/userID and passwords.
Those are the main steps I take to protect myself, there are other smaller steps I take but I've rambled on long enough.
In the end it's not Valve/EA's fault if you get hacked. While they could do with better security like authenticators and onscreen password inputs (difficult if not impossible to track mouse movement/clicks on a randomized on-screen keyboard) the burden of account security falls mostly on the user and as such the user needs to take proper steps to keep their accounts safe.
I've been on the internet since 1998 and been using steam off and on since Half-Life 2 released on PC and I've never had a virus or had an account hacked. I'm not saying it's your fault because obviously no one sets out to get hacked but on the other hand you're obviously doing something most other people aren't as hacked steam and origin accounts are in the minority.
I keep all my passwords in an encrypted notepad file on a thumb drive that I only plug in if I need to enter a password (all my account auto-sign in) so that I can copy/paste them if needed. These passwords are created on an old as dirt laptop I never connect to the internet, it's basically a mobile dvd player. This helps product against basic keyloggers. I never go to sites I don't fully trust and if I see a link to a site I've never heard of before the first thing I do is google search the URL to see if it's legit. Same goes for e-mail. I have one account I use for all my important stuff, with everything except emails from those companies blocked so I don't accidentally open the wrong email. I then have a couple junk emails for other stuff and only open those email accounts on my ipad. Every account I have has different login/userID and passwords.
Those are the main steps I take to protect myself, there are other smaller steps I take but I've rambled on long enough.
In the end it's not Valve/EA's fault if you get hacked. While they could do with better security like authenticators and onscreen password inputs (difficult if not impossible to track mouse movement/clicks on a randomized on-screen keyboard) the burden of account security falls mostly on the user and as such the user needs to take proper steps to keep their accounts safe.
My Steam account was actually hacked by two different people. One in Dallas and one in South America. It's just not worth the effort.
But to my second point Idle, why even have these games tied to a service? Games that are bought at retail and not from the service.
But to my second point Idle, why even have these games tied to a service? Games that are bought at retail and not from the service.
There's easy ways to protect your Steam account:
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=1266-OAFV-8478
Xbox live has a similar thing (no idea on PS). All you need to do is turn them on.
It sucks, but this is the world we live in now.
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=1266-OAFV-8478
Xbox live has a similar thing (no idea on PS). All you need to do is turn them on.
It sucks, but this is the world we live in now.