IGN - Is a PC Games Console Really Happening?

IGN - GDC came and went without the predicted "SteamBox'. But Valve may still have plans.

[chak_]

They said no. And I trully doubt it. Mainly because MS wouldn't let Valve get some windows on a box

[Are_The_MaDNess]

why would they EVER need Windows?

I think they got the manpower to make it steam only, or better yet. Make a linux Version for Steam (that's a free OS for Valve/everyone) Like they have been hinting about for some time now

[thehitman]

Problem with linux you cant run games on it. So Yes they WOULD need windows unless they just develop their own O/S from the ground up that supports directX. But also I dont see why valve couldnt use windows as long as each system they sell has been verified by MS with their own windows key like a normal computer.

[aquamala]

Making a steam Linux client is one thing, how are they going to make the games run in Linux? 99% of games in steam only run in windows

[Are_The_MaDNess]

@thehitman
didn't read my comment at all did you. They have been hinting for a linux version for steam for a few years now.
+ They can make it run with WINE and POL.

@aquamala
they can add POL ( https://developer.valvesoft... into their code somehow (in the steam.exe)

[thehitman]

@Are the madness

You didnt get what I said at all. Doesn't matter if they have a steam version for linux the GAMES that run on steam cant run on linux. The GFX drivers for your cards dont run on linux well. Linux is software meant for server things mostly not for gaming.

[LightofDarkness]

The games depend on Windows libraries and Direct X to run. WINE can only get you so far and does NOT guarantee compatibility in the slightest, especially with games. New releases often do not work with Wine, either. Plus, framerates tend to take anywhere from a 20% to a 90% drop in performance under Wine. It would be a tech support nightmare and simply wouldn't be worth the hassle.

[aquamala]

Exactly, $90 for a windows license, how can they make this console affordable? Unless its going to be priced more like a $500 pc

[arjman]

It's not going to cost them $90 if they're making millions of these things

[Bobby Kotex]

Windows OEM licenses don't work that way, genius.

[Persistantthug]

What VALVE is looking to build and hopefully get into retail stores is a SPECIAL EDITION PC.

[Moncole]

If you want to play PC games get a f* cken gaming PC

[Are_The_MaDNess]

one thing is for sure. I can't agree more with That.

[Getowned]

Agreed, just hook up a gaming pc to your tv and get a wireless mouse and keyboard or a wireless 360 controller, or if you have bluetooth you can always get drivers for a DS3.

[catfrog]

if valve wants to make their own pcs, why not? they have enough money on hand to invest in a valve branded pc. just like dell makes alienware, valve can make their own line of pcs

btw, a pc is implicitly defined as having dynamic hardware, while a console is implicitly defined as having static hardware, its the difference between the two - you cant have a "pc console" thats like saying youre going to listen to a paper book - you cant listen to a paper book, it makes no sense - you read a paper book.

valve isnt going to segment its userbase by creating a seperate hardware platform independent of steam, if anything they'll create a pc line, just like alienware except branded differently with the standard windows os

[StayStatic]

No ...

However theirs nothing stopping Valve integrating hardware sales into Steam, possibly allowing users to provide reviews of X hardware against Y game to assist with component choices + anything else you could think of.

Also some pre-built Valve Rigs wouldn't go a miss :D