Steam, The Ultimate Online Game Platform

[LQDSNK]

I guess the comments about Greece?

Gabe has always been outspoken though, i not seeing anything really out of place here.

I don't think I get what's the fuss about? Maybe it's the 'retarded and autistic' part?? Beats me, some people just want any reason to sling mud/start a flame war

I hope not, because it's true. In most single-player games the main character (you) rarely ever communicates but can still understand everything around him/her. Also they are blessed/cursed with very limited motor functions. Might be people really just looking for something to rage about.

[W1nTry]

Witcher 2 50% off @ $9.99: http://store.steampowered.com/app/20920/

[MessiaaH]

John Carmack: Linux is not the right platform for video games

http://www.guru3d.com/news_story/john_carmack_linux_is_not_the_right_platform_for_video_games.html

[TriniXaeno]

John Carmack should qualify that statement....in a way....he does.

He tried it....not once....but twice.

So they did think it could work at one point.

They couldn't make it happen. Difference with Steam, why they actually have a chance, is that they are tackling it from a much broader angle.

ID only had one game to offer at each outing....and no distribution system and no hardware platform.

Valve has many titles, steam to distribute and are pushing for hardware in the living room.

It is still a long shot.....but if ID had a 5% chance at success....it is easy to proffer that Valve has a 33% chance to succeed.

[Berzerk]

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186592/Several_out_of_work_as_Valve_makes_large_decisions_about_its_future.php#.URwfeBqsh8H

Several employees were let go from Steam and Half-Life maker Valve on Tuesday, Gamasutra can confirm.

We've been unable to determine an exact headcount, but phrases we've heard from affected employees describing the incident include "great cleansing" and "large decisions." We've seen the number "25" tossed around, but are unable to confirm this.

We can, however, confirm that the cuts have affected more than one department, namely hardware and Android development

[TriniXaeno]

Very interesting

[Berzerk]

http://www.destructoid.com/valve-sued-over-steam-s-inability-to-sell-pre-owned-games-243907.phtml

[Arcmanov]

Found this one while browsing the 'Greenlight' section of Steam: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=115947344




Yep, from the makers of Birds/Wings Of Prey, Birds Of Steel, and Apache Assault... Gaijin Entertainment.



"War Thunder is an MMO combat game dedicated to World War II military aviation, armored vehicles, and fleets. Take part in all of the major combat battles, fighting with real players all over the world!

Following numerous requests from the War Thunder community we decided to take part in Steam Greenlight to bring the game to more players who value massive online combat action, realistic and dynamic gameplay and hi-end graphics.

You can play the game and make your own impression now!
Download it from  http://warthunder.com/ "




It goes without saying that what's on offer here is of superior fidelity...that is, if you're into this sort of flight combat.
I was actually able to shoot down another player in a sprawling, epic dogfight.

This game is just my speed...and it's free-to play.
Soon, tank battles, and then naval warfare will be added.  WOW!!!  That's a LOT of free content.

Thank YOU Gaijin.  This could have easily been another retail game.

[shivadee]

http://kotaku.com/5989727/the-first-steam-box-will-launch-this-holiday-season-starting-at-1000


"OMG I CAN'T WAIT!" - said no one, ever.

[TriniXaeno]

Price problem.

Huge price problem!

They need to have an entry level box at US$500

They can offer a mid end for $750 and a high end for $1000

But to say out the gate, $1000.00

WTF

That is sticker shock galore.

Not even a $999.99 attempt?

I hope they adjust that pricing strategy before it comes to market.

Really want to see this gain steam (pun intended)

[shivadee]

I did a bit of research on Xi3. They are what you call a boutique manufacturer. Meaning they cater to specific needs. That odd person that wants something different, in this case an ubar compact computer. No where on their site do they talk about steam support per se.

They are selling a miniature computer that can (if need be) run Steam and PC games (hence the name UNOFFICIAL in the article).

Watch for them f*cking Kotaku men/women (I would like to have a word with some of them and their choice of ethics in their articles at times).

[TriniXaeno]

That's good news.

Let us hope the official steam box has more sensible pricing.

[shivadee]

http://kotaku.com/5990078/turns-out-that-1000-steam-box-may-have-nothing-to-do-with-valve

"In January, hardware manufacturer Xi3 announced the Piston, a living-room-friendly PC built to play Steam games in your living room. The Piston, Xi3 said at the time, had received a financial investment from Valve.

Just a few days ago, Xi3 said this unofficial 'Steam Box' would be out this holiday season for $1,000.

But according to a new report, Valve may have nothing to do with the Piston at all, despite Xi3's claims.

"Valve began some exploratory work with Xi3 last year," Valve's Doug Lombardi told Eurogamer, "but currently has no involvement in any product of theirs."

We have contacted both Valve and Xi3 for comment, and will update if we hear back."


Case and point.

[Arcmanov]

...but can it play Crysis?   




SwiftKey 3 | Samsung Galaxy Note 2 | Tapatalk 2

[shivadee]

...but can it play Crysis?   




SwiftKey 3 | Samsung Galaxy Note 2 | Tapatalk 2

people still play that?

[TriniXaeno]

Natural Selection 2 is on sale.

Space DOTA FPS

Very interesting multi genre game. Played it a few times.

Worth the low price for entry. $12.49

http://store.steampowered.com/app/4920/

Grab it while cheap

[Arcmanov]

Could this be your vaunted 'SteamBox'?

http://www.guru3d.com/news_story/razer_edge_gaming_tablet_goes_steam.html

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6858/the-razer-edge-review


At the prices for this thing with all the accessories...Razer will be keeping it for a little while longer. 
Trinidad ain't so big and inconvenient to the point where I would need this.

Still...it's a step in the right direction (kinda).

[TriniXaeno]

Far from it.

Although a tablet version with a screen would make sense for some people.

I think it would jack the price up to defeat the purpose.

The steambox needs to be a no brainer, cheap PC.

The ultimate Big Screen LCD companion. To replace all HTPCs and Gaming PCs that have been hacked  together and squeezed into some corner of the living room.

More importantly, to make those who haven't made the leap as yet feel comfortable and confident in placing a PC as the centerpiece of the home entertainment system.

[shivadee]

this tablet really feels like a device for a VERY specific gamer group. Which is fine, diversity is embraced. But for the everyday person I think this may be a bit much.

Being in Trini away from my rig is made up for just fine with my Alienware (last "gift" of discount I utilized before my last day at Activision).

It's really funny how people justify this as a "couch gaming device" to replace say, something like an ipad. Dude, I don't know anyone who plays games on their friggin couch with an ipad, they play when they ON THE TOILET....dont lie! You know you do.

[TriniXaeno]

lol @ toilet gamers.

I play casual games on my Android and the Kindle. The kids do the ipad sweatage.

If the Tablet runs steam....it can very well serve as a high end steam box. Not a bad thing but just not the entry level SKU that the world (and Valve) needs.

Check out this sweet little gem coming to a steam box near you.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/207930/



Sacred Citadel.

Has that old school golden axe vibe.

I love it already.