710°

The Steam Box: Potentially Revolutionary

Somewhat of a holiday gift from head honcho and centerpiece for internet trolling Gabe Newell, the Steam Box has indeed been announced and has a release date set for roughly Q1 2013. Despite no real solid details being given regarding set-in-stone plans or structural context of the project, the future looks extremely bright.

The-Batman4138d ago

I personally believe that the "Steam Box" is a major mistake. I don't see many people purchasing this unknown relic over the other big name platforms.

Jinkies4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Well it is Valve and Steam is a pretty well known "thing" so them coming out with this is going to grab peoples attention

It just depends on what it can do at the end of the day and if they want to lure people in they better start revealing it soon since it would be coming out this Summer.

I mean it's really for console gamers who would want to play on there PC with games but can't because of how much gaming PCs cost and I mean good PCs the ones which will last you for a few years without upgrading.

If the Steam box has great storage for downloable games and has a place to store mods then it's a buy from me. Playing L4D like you would on the 360, controler and all, BUT with mods...it would be amazing. Hell imagine TF2...the FULL game like on the PC, all the updates and new features for it, lets not forget all the FREE DLC for games. I could finaly play Skyrim but with all the great mods out there.

I personaly believe this is a proper console, they're trying to say it's some PC/Hybrid but I think there just saying that incase some PC gamers thinking they are "abandoning" that audience when there not...they are just trying to expand and widen there audience. I mean it is there first console...anything after could be easily improved or added with a Steam update

The-Batman4138d ago

Those were some really good points. Though I am also a PC gamer with a decently high quality gaming rig. I honestly believe that any PC gamer or someone that wants a PC gaming experience should just build a gaming PC. There are far too many console releases just over the hill, and one already out in stores.

Too many consoles will probably force one of the players out of the game early, and I believe that casualty will be the Steam Box.

-Mika-4138d ago Show
Godmars2904138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Valve is pretty well known among PC gamers, not the general public. I don't understand why PC gamers don't understand this - that they are no the general public or that the general public does not have basic understanding of PCs.

This is probably not going to matter since the Steam box is being aimed at PC gamers, but still.

@BattleAxe:
While already having a 40 million user base is a very good point, still have to ask how many those -

Wait: Half-Life 2 Episode 3. Sh*t, that's probably 10 million sales first month if not day one which then gives them tons of credit with 3rd party devs. Again - sh*t.

Question is will there be any backlash if its a Steam box exclusive? Not on PC.

BattleAxe4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Steam has over 40 Million users, so that alone should give them a better launch than the first Xbox had. Steam is also getting exposure with their deal with GameStop to distribute Steam Cards, similar to Microsoft Points Cards or PSN Cards. More and more PC games like MW3 and Black Ops 2 are being released at retail with Steamworks, which means people have to use the Steam Client to play the game.

Now if you look at the games that Valve has which they can make exclusive to Steam...Portal, Left 4 Dead, Counter Strike, Team Fortress and Half Life. While I'm not a fan of a couple of these games, these are huge titles that will entice people to buy the Steam Box. The last point I'll make, is that when console gamers see the huge sales that Steam offers as compared to the price of console games, gamers will see a huge opportunity just like I did, to save alot of money.

The business case for Steam to move into the livingroom is simple, just look at how many copies of a game like CoD sells on consoles as compared to PC....its obvious. If Steam moves into the livingroom, it becomes more maistream than it already is. Because of the Steam User Interface, it makes PC gaming user friendly. I used to be a hardcore Sonydroid (and I still am :), but Steam has opened my eyes to PC gaming to the point where 50% of my time is spent on my PC these days. Steam is essentially already a console on your PC, so in my opinion the move to a dedicated console for the livingroom is a natural evolution for the Steam service.

Thatguy-3104138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

The common person has no idea what steam or valve are. You will be surprised how many people don't pay attention to what studio makes what. It entering the console market it will be seen as a new kid in town. It will have trouble establishing itself since a lot of ppl are waiting for the next xbox and ps system. Valve has stated that the console won't be aim towards the pc crowed they are basically trying to bring in more people into pc gaming with the console by offering a similar experience.

rawshack4138d ago

@mika whats the point of having Comments if people cant say what they what to say everyone has there own view long or short. im sure your just a troll

Sketchy_Galore4138d ago

@Mika

"Can you plz keep your post short and simple. Like a paragraph or less should honestly be the maximum. You need to learn how to get your point across with only a few sentences because if you go on. Your post becomes boring and confusing. Most of the time, I honestly don't read your post because it so long and because it so much. Im srry for the mini rant but I just had to get that off my chest. You have really been annoying me lately. "

So basically what you're saying is keep it short and simple?

fei-hung4138d ago

My question would be this, considering all I hear from many pc fans on this site is the talk of amazing graphics and super systems, will the Steambox allow them to upgrade?

What other PC perks will it allow? E.g. Can I watch anything on it and download any game, film and music on it?

Will you be able to install Office or other essentials on there?

In other words, will the price of the Steambox justify the purchase over a dedicated entertainment pc that can do everything.

Kevin ButIer4138d ago

I don't see it as a mistake, but it sure can get messy, specially for costumers. Why? We'll have 3 options with almost the same capabilities. One will try to outshine others with premium 1st party devs support, the other with PC exclusives and the 720... with kinect

MikeMyers4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

This is what it has (potentially) going for them

1. Potentially cheaper software
2. Better platform for indie developers
3. Faster updates and patch approvals
4. Primarily just a game machine (Netflix, cable/movie provider, etc. will not be offered) Some may see this as a negative.
5. Free online service that also supports dedicated servers and mod support
6. The ability to gift and trade online content
7. More powerful hardware than current consoles

This is what it has (potentially) going against it

1. Digital content only
2. Lack of AAA exclusives
3. Marketing and retail outlets
4. High price
5. Not as upgradeable as a PC

What is clear is out of all the other players Valve is the best for partnering itself with actual gamers. They don't have other hardware or other divisions to cater to. They are not overwhelmed with management. They are the less restrictive.

StanSmith4138d ago

@mika

I'd rather read one of Jinkies' well thought out posts than one of your trolling, fanboyish posts.

It annoys me that you haven't been banned yet!

Jinkies4138d ago Show
SolidStoner4138d ago

I believe that Steam Box is more of a problem for Microsoft than Sony... Most part of current ps3 gamers will stick with PS4... but I can see some Xbox gamers go for steam box since they both will have similar games and exclusives maybe.. meanwhile sony ps4 with its massive high quality exclusive count should stand out no problem... only reason this not to happen is price difference...

Jazz41084138d ago

Valve better find a good advertising team besides the pc if this thing even has a chance to become mainstream.

ABizzel14138d ago

I don't understand why they don't integrate it as an app like Netflix or something.

iNFAMOUZ14138d ago

no one i know or ever known knows about steam, what are you smoking?

darthv724138d ago

that hasnt been said before? Valve and Steam are well known in the PC gaming segment (as stated before).

The Pc gaming segment is a small percentage of total PC users in the world and it even pales in comparison to that of the home console market.

Ask a 40-60 year old person if they know who Valve is (let alone Steam) and see if they are as aware as asking them if they know who Mario is.

no doubt the steambox is the coming of age of ideas that have been tried before. only now, here we are at the right time and with a company that gamers can relate to. Unlike other attempts at bridging the PC gaming world with the console gaming world.

MS could be considered the runaway success in that before the xbox, most only related MS with windows and their office products. The gaming portion was very small by comparison. Them bringing the idea of a PC in a box to the living room...tried before but not as an actual entertainment platform (think webtv).

others had ideas of trying to do the PC convenience in traditional home electronics. Via and Apex had a unit that was to offer drop in play of PC games (at the time) but of course the names backing the project werent as widely known so the initial backing of others wasnt as strong.

We all know about the Phantom which was the elusive streaming platform that never was but the idea of stream-play went on to be used in services like Gaikai and on-live and a few others.

All good ideas eventually find their way back around. Its a matter time and place that determines success.

+ Show (14) more repliesLast reply 4138d ago
Welshy4138d ago

@TheBatman

I wouldn't call the steambox a "mistake", but i would question the market it is going for.

PC's exist to do one thing and consoles exist to do another.

I can't see the PC crowd being too interested, as they will probably have a PC anyway if they are fond of Valve.

But on the flipside, i can't imagine the majority of console players jumping ship over their more familiar brands of Playstation and Xbox as they initially picked console over Pc initially for a reason.

I have always seen PC and console as seperate entities, so the purpose of the SteamBox is lost on me as someone who currently owns a PC and have the consoles too.

All the best of luck and i hope it succeeds and pushes the next console gen to new heights, but it's not filling a market gap i personally see as necessary.

TronEOL4138d ago

The SteamBox does fill a purpose tho. There are tons of people like my brother who WANT to get into PC gaming, but don't want to put in the effort or money to do so.

Consoles have the upper hand to PC Gaming by being so easy to buy and use. All Valve is doing is making an incredibly accessible PC that runs Big Picture mode. They aren't trying to compete with Xbox and PlayStation, they're just trying to allow gamers to get into PC gaming easier.

By that I mean you won't see Valve making all their first party games (Half Life, Portal, Left 4 Dead, etc) exclusive to Steam. They'll still pop up on Xbox and PlayStation (possibly WiiU) regardless of SteamBox being released.

ceballos77mx4138d ago

@ Troeol.
I'm on the same boat as your brother, I want to get into PC gaming but I don't want to go thru building or paying for a high end PC so for me this is a day one for me, but I disagree on not making their games exclusives and being on the other consoles.

Knight_Crawler4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Batman - Do not underestimate the power of the following game if the were exclusive to the Steam Box:

Half Life Ep 3 or new Half Life game
Left for Dead 3
Portal 3
TF3
New Counter Strike Game
Dota 3
Day of Defeat 2
Alien Swarm 2
Orange Box 2

Imagine not being able to play Half Life on your PS4 or 720.

I will be buying a Steam Box day one and I am a hardcore console gamer.

4138d ago
the worst4138d ago

half life 1 and 2 is one of the most overrated game in history
counter strike is pure trash
the only game thats ok is portal

modesign4138d ago

if you have a pc you can play these, you going to waste shelve space for games that you can play on computer. you buy a ps3/360 because you CANT play some of those on PC, all those games are on pc,

Tr10wn4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Valve have and will always support the PC community, the steam box is just a PC for the living room nothing else, if valve release HL3, TF3 or anything made by Valve it will be out for PC for sure there is no doubt about it, i love the idea of the Steam Box tho.

Thatguy-3104138d ago

The only series you named that I've played is portal. Really could live with out them. Microsoft has their halo and gears and sony has all the other exclusives im into. Ill just wait and see when it comes out . No point in judging it since it hasn't been shown yet.

hobohunterz4138d ago

How would those games be exclusive to steam box when you can just get them for a regular pc, not to mention how are you going to compete with pc gamers using the quickness of a mouse for first person shooters when your using a steam box controller?

MariaHelFutura4138d ago

Am I the only one confused about the Orange Box 2?

iamnsuperman4138d ago

These games are only really big with people who already have gaming rigs and play them. To the general public it isn't such a big deal

bumnut4138d ago

@the worst

Are you serious? both games were ground breaking when released.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4138d ago
Bigpappy4138d ago

I am inclined to think that it is a solution looking for a problem. I could be proved wrong, but I don't see PC users leaving PC's and moving to this Linix box. They pretty much own the PC gaming market. I don't see how this venture would attract enough users to keep it viable. It will not use windows and therefore most PC games will not run on it. This will be pretty much like any console, but upgradable. I am sure it will get some 3rd party support (because they are Valve), but will they get enough. If they decide to use windows, the price point is going to be a major selling point.

Ju4138d ago

Wine runs quite a few Windows games on linux incl full DirectX support.Steam on linux already supports this. I would be so sure this won't be a success. It's quite tempting. At least this "box" will have a unified user interface which PC games just don't have. That alone will simplify the
access to PC gaming.

4138d ago Replies(1)
shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

All I can say is that Valve doesn't have a good record for failing. All your concerns I am 100% sure they are aware of already. They tend to think before they do.

Having a company like this( http://www.computerandvideo... ) make a console is a breath of fresh air.

"Valve has revealed that it has no interest in cashing in on its unique position by going public - because it couldn't handle the interference from shareholders."

why would anyone get a 720 over steam box? this?
http://www.cinemablend.com/...
http://www.ign.com/articles...
http://www.nowgamer.com/new...

plus it will cost $60 more than steam box or ps4 if at the same price.

Unless you only want to play off line in 2013.

http://themash.com/wp-conte...

hobohunterz4138d ago

So you know the prices of 3 consoles that aren't out yet, interesting.

iamnsuperman4138d ago

Ignoring what hobohunterz said (he is right in what he has said) there is a big difference between failing software wise and hardware wise. It is far easier to fail console wise. My big uncertainty is, is this box digital only. Big issue with being digital only (besides instal base connection issues) how are they going to ship it as retails will get crap future return. For that matter will retailers stock this as its big selling point is steam which is a major competition for retail

FlyingFoxy4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

it's a PC, which is my favorite and best gaming platform.

You do know FPS games were born on PC's and they control best on KB and mouse right?. Give me a mid-high end PC any day over a console for FPS games.

Consoles are ok for adventure/party games though.

Also Valve make much better games than other console games like Halo and COD and the same old crap, Half Life owns both.

Ashunderfire864138d ago

Well if they have Half Life 3 exclusive as a launch title, people would get it. That's their bread and butter man.

liquidhalos4138d ago

I just dont know who they will sell it too. Console casuals wont know it exists and as it doesnt come with kinect, move or the name doesnt end in "ii" they wont be interested. According to the console pc arguments here on N4G. PC users like to upgrade and run max stats with mods and what not, its always been the main point of argument here on N4G used by pc users to point out why consoles are not for them. Plus i dont see the console "fanboys" switching to steam when so many of them are completely blinded by brand, they will get the latest console from either sony or ms.

I hope im wrong because i think that the console market will benefit hugely from another solid contender. Hopefully the Steam Box will force Sony and Microsoft to up their game this time around which can only be a good thing, right?

DA_SHREDDER4138d ago

I would get a steam box over a gaming pc any day of the week, though in saying that, it better do everything a pc can do and more.

Bladesfist4134d ago

Everything a PC can do and more? What can't a PC do? Do you want it to grow arms or something?

Old McGroin4138d ago

"I personally believe that the "Steam Box" is a major mistake. I don't see many people purchasing this unknown relic over the other big name platforms."

Have to disagree man, if Valve's console launches with Half-Life 3, Left 4 Dead 3, Team Fortress 3 or Portal 3 I'll have to demand that Valve shut the hell up and take my money!

GREW50ME4138d ago

Unknown Relic? Steam has grossed nearly a Billion dollars this year. I think you have hem mixed up with that OUYA piece of crap!

josephayal4138d ago

agreed, Valve has no chance

teamevilbunny4138d ago

@ Mika you write a paragraph complaining about another man writing a paragraph. Wow your a winner bro! ugh

bozebo4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Hmmm... they don't have much at stake with it though. It's not a platform that can really fail, any game for steam+linux will work with it (I presume). And any Windows game with an OpenGL renderer or Mac game can be ported a lot better than to/from consoles (presuming that next-gen consoles have very unique hardware).

It also gives developers aiming at Steam a good benchmark for reasonable performance if they want. As the next console generation deepens, I'll wager that higher spec valve systems will be available - eventfully trouncing consoles on price/performance and being far more developer friendly. It'll also have way more exclusives (having the advantages of PC and console with no technical downsides). Might even be able to stick a new graphics card in (which in like 1 year will far outperform consoles for $150). If it also acts as an ordinary Linux machine, that could bring more to the table too.

I can't see it stealing much market share from other platforms. However, it doesn't need to. They announced other vendors will make the machines, so there's no big risk with special manufacturing or anything - most/all of the components will be standard, could even be built on order etc. Oh, and mods.

Wigriff4138d ago

People thought the same thing about the first Playstation when it came out, and said "How does Sony plan to compete with Nintendo?"

BLUElightCory4138d ago

Whoa whoa whoa wait a minute.

Are you saying Valve didn't call you guys for business advice?

Their loss, I guess.

Steadyhndz4138d ago

With the right advertising, it can sell well. Look at Battlefield...They only sold about 5 million copies of their previous game (within a reasonable time, now it's a total of ~10million) but with the right advertising they were able to sell more than 17million in less than a year.

Millions of people know Valve and Steam...all it takes is to advertise to them through the internet, and advertise a bit on television.

Kamikaze1354138d ago

I don't think it is. I know people who have been wanting to play games on PC, but are just too intimidated by the entry price of a gaming rig. If there is a decent amount of storage, decent hardware, and the price is right, I believe this is the start of something much, much bigger.

We might even see more higher quality games get released exclusively on PC if the thing sells well enough.

ZombieKiller4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Batman...with all do respect, please don't whoop my ass. But the first thing I thought about was buying this system. Not a valve or steam fan either, never really played their games. There are a couple reasons why though that I'VE learned this gen.
1. yes 1 NUMBER 1 on the market. giving devs alot more time to spend with it.

2. VALVE/STEAM box... a console VERY close if not CLOSEST to PC. These devs make these games on PC's. Not to mention the xbox/ps3 war about how the 360 has architecture similar to PC's. sorry to say, although I like my PS3 better, I can see the differences in certain games. Framerate/AA and shit like that.

3. Who knows PC's better than Valve/Steam? They MAKE these games for PC's. Through those years Im sure they got a pretty good idea as to what they wanted in a machine as for performance. Not to mention they could make their own launch titles. Left 4 Dead 3 anyone??

4. My personal favorite, and the reason I was about to buy a PC....MODS. Could you imagine enless L4D mods or even Call of Duty mods? Im a fan of COD zombies! But the endless PC mods are just insane and I would love to see them on a console. I bet if any, valve would do that.

My point is that all of this makes me want to buy this system. Not to mention they already have a handle in the console industry so I bet that once it DOES hit, it's going to be one hell of a system that I won't regret buying

Mounce4138d ago

I personally believe. . . .That peoples Beliefs won't mean diddly shit to the future reality.

This hasn't necessarily happened before....a competitor of Valves' nature.

People said the same bloody thing about Xbox 1 when it was just Sega, Nintendo and Sony, and then Nintendo and Sony....Xbox comes in am sure people are like OOHH NO, DOUBT IT'LL GO FARRR, Major mistake Microsoft! GO HOME YOU'RE DRUNK!

Now look at it....

Give or take, Valve makes good fucking decisions when it launches, it can probably mimic that success if they keep away from the mistakes Microsoft had done in their time.

It's a 50/50 chance to me of it could just come and go like Betamax as a format or it could be like Blu-ray as a format and slowly tread in and become a New norm. Anyone who seriously jumps the gun though and just says NOPE ITS GONNA SUCK....With zero evidence like you did Batman? I honestly find your kind opinionated jackasses, it's your opinion yes, but, under what bloody evidence or experience globally can you say your opinion is warranted with logic or common sense? None! It can't be determined until we see literally how they choose to advertise and make it and market it.

DomceM4138d ago

"I personally believe that the "Steam Box" is a major mistake. I don't see many people purchasing this unknown relic over the other big name platforms."

Could have been said for PS1 before it launched.
Could have been said about Xbox 1 and xbox 360 before they launched.

You dont see potential in Steambox which is fine. But that is the reason why you are not the one leading a multi billion dollar company. You dont have vision and you think that the status quo will be the same forever.

Do you think people thought PS1 would get so big? or the xbox brand, which has cannibalized half the marketshare from Sony?

Talk to the people in the past and they will be saying the same thing you are saying here. "I dont see that working".

Depending how valve plays this, this thing has the potential to slaughter other consoles. Doesnt matter if you realize it or not.

otherZinc4138d ago

Valve has a massive mountain to climb. If they think the SteamBox is going to challenge the big boys without Mrs. Soccer Mom, Valve is nuts! Just us hardcore buyers aren't enough to sustain a console.

This will hurt SONY more than anyone. M$ with XBOX Live is established & well connected: Kinect, SmartGlass, and the core games Halo, Gears, Fable, Forza & others is something to be reckoned with.

SONY doesnt have the online community M$ & Valve have and both of them are well established. SONY also failed with motion controls. The only reason they have motion sales is because they packed it into the console box. For proof, see game sales using SONY motion that isn't packed in...

Nintendo will have the 4 to 10year old market and nothing else with this Wii U, I think their hardcore is going to drop them soon.

DeadlyFire4137d ago

Sony has a great online community for games I have seen and played. Move works as well or better than Kinect. There has not been any appealing Move or Kinect motion titles ever released from what I have seen.

Steambox has potential to punch all three big console competitors in the gut and take their market share. Some more than others, but I don't expect Sony to take as big of a hit as Microsoft. Valve could hold HL3 away from other consoles and even the PC platform for a timed period to see it on its own platform first.

Steambox could turn the tide in console over PC development as well. If developers see it as easiest to build a game on then it will become the base platform for ports to other consoles and even the PC. Less PC port problems maybe?

3-4-54137d ago

I'll buy one and get to play 50+ games that cost $5-10

FanboyPunisher4133d ago

HTCPs have been around for well over 20+ years.
Steam console = HTCP.

+ Show (22) more repliesLast reply 4133d ago
Wikki4138d ago

They already make a fortune off of PC gamers... if they can sway ever a few thousand console gamers, they win. They have nothing to lose by trying to entice console games to their platform.

Trekster_Gamer4138d ago

"if they can sway ever a few thousand console gamers, they win"

That is a drop in the bucket whereas revenue is concerned. 3 million to start making a dent towards profit. I don't think they can compete with the Next XBOX or PS.

There are more than enough consoles out there now.

FlyingFoxy4138d ago

Personally i don't care if they don't, the games they make are way better than others.

I can't wait for Source 2 and HL3, L4D3 to come, hopefully this means it will come next year to PC.

Truthandreason4138d ago

as long as they dont sell "consoles" at a loss they dont have much to lose. At worst they break even and walk away. This is the benefit of building a console out of 100% pc stuff. Nothing is custom made and has unforeseen costs. This is why all the next gen consoles will use basic pc parts too.

DEATHxTHExKIDx4138d ago

ill stick with PS4 and 720. Having a 360 and PS3 this gen worked out pretty well for me.

Lord_Sloth4138d ago

Agreed. I'm not adding another console to follow to my list!

bozebo4138d ago

Yeah I think all the games for it will be playable on Steam on PC or Linux (and probably Mac) anyway. I can't see it having many exclusives. So people are only going to buy it if they wanted a PC under the TV. It doesn't enable anything new, but it'd be good to have if spending the money seemed fined.

I don't think it's really going to compete with Sony/MS's platforms. But it doesn't really need to in order to survive as a product.

DeadlyFire4137d ago

I personally don't see a TV as a gaming device. I use monitors for my consoles One for PS3/X360 and one for my PC of course.

bozebo4137d ago

Wow, do you really think the specifics of whether it's a monitor or TV matters that much? Sure, they do when looking at something. But it makes no difference in this discussion at all.

manman64138d ago

I curious why all articles are talking about how this Steam Box supposed to compete with the PS4 and Xbox 720 but did everyone forget that the Wii U, Nintendo console, is still in this so call console war or is the Wii U is not on the same level as them.

The-Batman4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

The Wii U is a fantastic system, but if any rumors are true it will not be on the same level as later released consoles graphically. Nintendo seems to have gone for a more unique approach with the touch screen and MiiVerse stuff. Hopefully Japan catches on with the Wii U so there could be some jrpg support somewhere down the line.

I just got done playing Crysis 2 on PC and the Wii U wont be able to produce visuals on that type of level. Though it will likely make up for the lack of visuals with good Nintendo exclusives. I wont be surprised if the PS4 and 720 come close to mid to high level PC specs.

Jadedz4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

Nintendo doesn't have 3rd party support to the level of Microsoft and Sony. Their (Nintendo) 1st/2nd party software content is usually enough of a reason for consumers to buy their (Nintendo) hardware.

If the ''Steambox'' is as powerful as the 720/PS4, consumers might buy into what Valve might be advertizing, and they also have the exclusives gamers want to play.

Nintendo isn't exempt from the competition - it's just that they choose to stay clear of the technical gaming warfare, and focus more on the entertainment aspect.

Trekster_Gamer4138d ago

Wii-U will be an afterthought when the next XBOX and PS hit the market. Wii-U too little too late except for the diehard fans that want more of the same....

tehpees34138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

"except for the diehard fans that want more of the same...."

Yes because its not like Halo 5 or Uncharted 4 won't be more of the same is it? >_>

Sequels are always "more of the same".

Honestly can people go one day without throwing bias at Nintendo?

OT: I think this will do well among the Valve lovers. It has a lot of potential.

stage884138d ago

@tehpees3

Yes, except Uncharted and Halo still haven't lost their charm unlike Mario version 56 which is the same game yet again.

TemplarDante4138d ago (Edited 4138d ago )

I just dont see how Newell is going to compete..
Right out the box, they dont have EA supporting this ( EA= Origin)
Then, cost. Msft and Sony are both running AMD components next gen. Msft may run 1-2APUs and a GPU. Sony 1-2 APUs and a GPU also, their both aiming at 400-500dollars launch price.
If Newell went and built a living room PC, his Intel options are pricey.. up to $300 for a CPU alone?
Also, he could go with AMD.. though we all know they arent the greatest for gaming. Msft and Sony can get the most out of AMD chips due to console optimisation, but if Gabe wants to put steam in this box, play steam games,I just dont see the point of it.
Im not even sure who their aiming this at. I mean, I am not a pc gamer, but I have a mid range gaming pc. Why would I buy this if I could just play it on pc and have the freedom to upgrade my pc?

4138d ago Replies(1)
GREW50ME4138d ago

Yeah.. because lack of EA support is killing Steam? Yeah, no... Steam made more profits than EA this year.. and Origin is giving games out for free and trying not to shut down. EA should consider suppprting the Steam Box befoee it kills them off completely!

Truthandreason4138d ago

EA may easily change their minds if they put out hardware. Withholding some of your games so people will use your client is one thing but if the steam box is successful, shareholders will probably demand the extra revenue that a steam console would produce.

aliengmr4137d ago

1. Valve has seen 100% growth every year since its launch. EA has been on a downward slope for a couple years now. Losing "some" of EA's titles hasn't hurt Valve one bit.

2. Gabe isn't stupid. After Steam's success, Valve has more than earned the benefit of the doubt.

I have no earthly idea what they plan with the "Steam-box", but Valve has shown its pretty good at building something that people think will fail.

DeadlyFire4137d ago (Edited 4137d ago )

AMD might not be top dog for gaming, but AMD's high end line-up is a great mid-range setup.

Intel has raised the bar. Hopefully AMD can catch up to them one day. I see lackluster K10 as the problem. Everything they have at the moment is built around updated variables of K10 without a real successor to it anywhere just yet.

Intel options are not always expensive.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4137d ago
Show all comments (158)
70°

Why Are Steam's Recommendations Dogpoop?

Blindfolding myself and clicking a Steam page at random would serve me better recommendations than Steam’s algorithm

Read Full Story >>
thegamer.com
UltimateOwnage6d ago

Hmm, not sure I agree with that. The recommendations I get are usually pretty good, but then again I have pretty large library of games on Steam and hundreds of them in my wish list, along with lots of curators I follow for it to build recommendations off of. On occasion it will throw me a random FIFA game or something I've never bought or shown interest in, but mostly its decent IMO.

80°

5 Best Metroidvania Games on Steam (March 2024)

Dive into the best Metroidvania games on Steam, from hidden gems to top-rated classics, and embark on unforgettable adventures!

jznrpg16d ago

Skul is a metroidvania ? It’s on PS+ soon I’ll check it out. If it’s good I’ll buy a copy physically if they have one

Nacho_Z16d ago

If Pseudoregalia is one of the best I'd hate to see what the worst look like.

330°

Dragon’s Dogma 2 releases to mixed user reviews, as microtransactions criticised

Players can pay to edit their character, resurrect the dead and other actions.

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
AdonisIsBeast25d ago

Who cares as long as it’s optional

phoenixwing25d ago

paying to edit your character is kind of crap as far as microtransactions go

Xristo24d ago (Edited 24d ago )

I hate any/all MTX in a paid game (especially a full-price game)... but know that you can spend in-game currency (RC), which you get from killing mobs, to completely remake your character.

phoenixwing24d ago

@xRisto how much did it change the gameplay though? Changing your character would have probably not cost any rc if they weren't hellbent on getting money by making it inconvenient

koga8824d ago

You can literally edit your character using in-game gold, dropped from monsters or obtained from selling items, as soon as you reach the first main town. You can even use Rift Crystals obtained from other people using your pawn or dropped from monsters to change your entire character or Pawn. It's paying to avoid doing something that is literally in the game.

PRIMORDUS24d ago

They are lucky there using Denuvo or their game and all future DLC etc. would be for free. 🤣

phoenixwing24d ago

@koga you completely missed the point i was making but go ahead and act like i'm being the wrong one

lucian22924d ago

you can pay ingame currency though; why are ya so derp

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
Crows9025d ago (Edited 25d ago )

Capcom cares quite a bit....hence why it was kept from reviewers and initial impressions.

As far as optional...yeah...ALL mtx are optional. That's not the problem. The miss the mark entirely.

Heck buying the game is "optional" too.

The fact that they were hiding this is scummy as hell. I was going to buy this day 1 or day 3. Now I'm reconsidering the purchase entirely because as the reviews point out...there are certain design decisions which have not changed but funnily enough seem to be remedied by these mtx...

In other words they may have left certain features in the game in order to monetize them. So the mtx affected the development of the game in a negative way.

garos8224d ago

I'm certainly not buying it anymore. It has affected at least one sale from me. I'll pick it up second hand

peppeaccardo24d ago

Very close to buy the game at a discounted price but not anymore.
Bad business practice and hence they do not get my support/money !

warriorcase24d ago

It wasn't kept fromreviewers s though. Twitter reviewers are saying there was mention of mtx's in the reviewers guide

-Foxtrot25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

STOP. USING. THAT. SHITTY. EXCUSE

God damn man

Look how DLC changed after Oblivions horse armour, within 10 years most developers took the absolute p***. What was said then aswell? “It’s only optional who cares?” Now look where we all are.

There’s no half measures with these things, when will people realise this.

jwillj2k424d ago (Edited 24d ago )

Oh it’s gonna get worse. Ng+ locked behind mtx, “cool downs” preventing you from playing for more than 3 hours at a time unless u pay the mtx for unlimited access, main campaign bosses, in-game music, certain dialog, difficulty modes, certain npc interactions, all locked behind mtx, etc.. etc. gonna end up being like the NBA 2k games eventually paying for cross overs and shit… They gon get mid-evil on our asses.

OMGitzThatGuy24d ago

I can guarantee most of the items you can buy with mtx and ingame currency wouldn’t exist in ANY paid form if the main goal wasn't monetization. If the goal is to give idiots who are willing to pay for basic game features as mtx a way to do things faster then the only ones the mtx hurt are the non paying players as you are now locking features behind a grind that you chose to put in the game that you are essentially admitting to creating some type of time sink. I have never heard of a game locking basic character editing behind a ingame paywall, it’s usually just an option.

Chard24d ago

Takes two to tango though - unfortunately people buy this garbage which incentivises the behaviour. It's an inevitable outcome of the profit motive

thorstein24d ago

@Mario

Yes. And so are resurrection "Wakestones." You can find them but they're rare.

victorMaje24d ago

Buying the game is now very optional too. If you don’t know why then you don’t get it.

shinoff218324d ago

Because it's only a door way. That's why we care. We've already seen some shit since Mtx was introduced.

Rimeskeem24d ago

1. DD2 is an ARPG with 8 different playable classes
2. There is no multiplayer aspect to the game
3. You can only have one character (have to pay for more)
4. You cannot delete the character unless you go into the game files
5. The game is $70 dollars upfront

Having to pay for more character slots in a game that *features* 8 playable classes is pretty much not optional for an ARPG.

Angyobangyo24d ago

Judging from steam reviews, gamers care. Not plastic gamers. Why didn’t Itsuno mention such MTX would be available in-game? Why weren’t the MTXs there for review copies?

Kiryu199224d ago

Who cares is how all this started. The many many excuses. Please keep defending these greedy publishers and unfair tactics. We be gamers are the problem

Horse armor

$10 online passes if buying a used copy

Cheat codes gone and are replaced by micro transactions

Unlocking stuff by playing games behind micro transactions and XP boosters

It’s only cosmetic

No one is being forced to spend even though publishers are literally making their games more grindy to force people to play

Full priced games have mobile game type micro transactions

$70 priced games because higher development costs while making record profits and laying off record number of employees

And to play the game early pay us extra $20-30 on top of full price

Release games now and promise to maybe fix them later only to abandon the game

Day one patches that make the games worst

If it’s your favorite game defend the publisher if it’s not hate on another publisher for similar content

SixFrvgz24d ago Show
+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
kenpachi25d ago

Must have picked up some EA crew to put this in the game

robtion24d ago

Yeah these are really bad ones. Directly impacting gameplay too. Super scummy move. I hope nobody buys them.

CrimsonWing6925d ago

Yet Helldivers 2 gets a pass? Y’know a GotY contender by the name of RE4 had them and so does Devil May Cry V. The funny thing is I enjoyed both of those games thoroughly without having to buy a single microtransaction.

What I do consider a valid complaint is not being able to start a new game or being able to edit your character. That’s kind of a seriously baffling decision, but then I think how I played Dragon’s Dogma 1 and I never edited my character and I just did a 100% playthrough on a single file and didn’t start a NG since. So, I don’t think these are really going to impact me, but I can see how it will others.

Crows9025d ago

Helldivers 2 is a live service game where everything is obtainable in game with incredible ease.

Not sure about re4 or DMC but nobody is giving anyone a pass ...this article is about dragons dogma 2...not those games.

What is valid are in game features made to supposedly force you to think carefully only to have a surprise online store offer solutions to built in problems for more money.

Goosejuice24d ago

Those same things they are selling can be found Ingame as well. U can buy the character editor through merchants with gold. Don't get me wrong..I dislike these mtx they are doing but you don't need to buy them to be able to get them.

CrimsonWing6924d ago (Edited 24d ago )

Oh my bad, I can’t bring up games with microtransactions that nobody had a sh*t fit over. My mistake.

I love how people move the goalpost.

Crows9024d ago

@goose
@crimson

All mtx sucks. I'd rather helldiver's not have them because it makes me wonder if the rate at which you collect materials. That said. The games features are all fully enjoyable and aren't affected by the mtx.

That's not the case with dragons dogma 2...they left in place features that are supposedly part of the challenge of the game only to let you buy your way out very conveniently. I didn't look through all of them but I've heard some are rare but can be purchased with more money now. Even more so in a game about managing weight load there's a tent, I believe, that you can pay more money for that weighs less than your typical tent...not all sure on all the mtx and I'm aware that you can purchase many through in game vendor but they're incredibly useful mtx that are obtained much more slowly in game...or even a limited amount of them.

Instead is selling fast travel...just let us don't for free....or instead of selling cosmetic changes...how about letting us do it for free...

Nothing in helldivers comes close to this abomination

Angyobangyo24d ago

One is a single player game and one is a live service game. One is $40 vs$70. And most importantly, one game is there to spread democracy.

Ironmike24d ago

It's not incredibly easy for certain things in helldivers though u still have grind quite bit but u ate correct in saying u can eventually get enough medals to purchase stuff

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
Moegooner25d ago

Read your comment again and maybe, just maybe you might realise how dumb it was.

CrimsonWing6924d ago (Edited 24d ago )

What was dumb about it? That I pointed out the hypocrisy?

garos8224d ago

It was extremely scummy that capcom hid this from reviewers. I have no doubt this game is good but these type of microtransactions don't sit well with me. They've lost a sale from me

Lionsguard25d ago

I was going to pay full price to support this game because I've been waiting for it for forever but I think I'll wait until I get it for free from Epic or a Humblebundle monthly.

Redemption-6425d ago

I am not defending Capcom, as I am not a fan of MTX in single player games. I do however belive they were open to reviewers about having MTX in their game. The reviewers just decided to leave that part out. Which is very disingenuous. There are some companies that get away with these things. Image if this was done by EA, Ubisoft, or even Activision? I am positive those defending Capcom, would have had their pitchforks ready if the companies listed above did this

anast24d ago

That's why reviewers can't be trusted. In fact, they are not reviewers at all. They get free codes to talk about stuff they don't understand nor care about.

Sanctusone24d ago

I mean it was pretty obvious to anyone with eyes...one of the items you get from deluxe edition was in game items.
1500 Rift Crystals - Points to Spend Beyond the Rift (A)
Which honestly I figured they kept a similar mtx system like DMC5 and the optional red orbs.

Lionsguard24d ago

1500 Rift Crystals doesn't mean anything. The first game had Rift crystals too, you just earned them by people hiring your Pawn and you get it from certain quests.

anast24d ago (Edited 24d ago )

A reviewer's job is to point out the obvious of a product as though they were the consumer. This means reviewers, to do their actual job, would need to review the complete game: the edition they are reviewing, how they got the game, technical aspects, story, and monetization scheme. Since, it is obvious that MT's are a part of the game, it would need to be reviewed. This way people can be informed, so they can decide if they want to play this style of game/monetization scheme.

For example, AC Origins was bad with Mt's. I had to farm side missions or pay to advance the story. This was after I already did close to 25 or more side missions. While I was grinding there were constant reminders that I could pay to ease the grind. I would have never bought the game if it were reviewed properly.

Show all comments (78)