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-Batman]

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.

[Jinkies]

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-Batman]

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.

[Godmars290]

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.

[BattleAxe]

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.

[dboyc310]

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.

[rawshack]

@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_Galore]

@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-hung]

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 ButIer]

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

[MikeMyers]

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.

[StanSmith]

@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!

[Tvensky]

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...

[Jazz4108]

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

[ABizzel1]

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

[iNFAMOUZ1]

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

[darthv72]

what can be said....
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.

[Welshy]

@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.

[TronEOL]

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.

[ceballos77mx]

@ 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_Crawler]

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.

[Kratos_Kills]

I'm pretty much with you on what you said. I'm so exited to see what it looks like. I wonder when and where they will officially announce their console?

[the worst]

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

[modesign]

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,

[Tr10wn]

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.

[dboyc310]

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.

[hobohunterz]

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?

[MariaHelFutura]

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

[iamnsuperman]

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

[bumnut]

@the worst

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

[Bigpappy]

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.

[Ju]

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.

[Kratos_Kills]

I believe it isn't a mistake but instead it's a way to get gamers who don't want to build a PC, isn't smart enough, or just wants a turnkey solution to get on Steam just like Xbox 360 or PS3. They buy the Steam console turn it on and play. Believe it or not it will pull in millions of gamers probably. If they charge a good price and its very comparable to Xbox 720 I couldn't see why anyone wouldn't want it. I mean your talking an add free interface, free online, and a huge indie library. PS3 would be more of a threat than MS I think but they're both so damn slow to get their consoles out it looks like Steam is going to get a head start.

[AKS]

It's more of a risk for Microsoft and Sony, so they have to be cautious. Their video games divisions depend on these machines doing well. Valve already has 40 million customers even if they didn't bother with the SteamBox. They are just trying to use the SteamBox to get additional customers, but you can certainly use Steam without the SteamBox. You're not going to be playing any 720 or PS4 games without those machines.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

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...

[hobohunterz]

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

[iamnsuperman]

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

[FlyingFoxy]

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.

[Ashunderfire86]

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

[liquidhalos]

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_SHREDDER]

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.

[Bladesfist]

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

[Old McGroin]

"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!

[GREW50ME]

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

[josephayal]

Definition of days are numbered
agreed, Valve has no chance

[teamevilbunny]

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

[bozebo]

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.

[Wigriff]

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

[BLUElightCory]

Whoa whoa whoa wait a minute.

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

Their loss, I guess.

[Steadyhndz]

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.

[Kamikaze135]

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.

[ZombieKiller]

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

[Mounce]

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.

[DomceM]

"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.

[otherZinc]

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.

[DeadlyFire]

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?

[3-4-5]

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

[FanboyPunisher]

Evolutionary, not Revolutionary
HTCPs have been around for well over 20+ years.
Steam console = HTCP.

[Wikki]

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_Gamer]

"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.

[FlyingFoxy]

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.

[Truthandreason]

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.

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

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

[Lord_Sloth]

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

[bozebo]

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.

[DeadlyFire]

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.

[bozebo]

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.

[manman6]

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-Batman]

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.

[Jadedz]

3rd party dependencies
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_Gamer]

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....

[tehpees3]

"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.

[stage88]

@tehpees3

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

[TemplarDante]

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?

[Kratos_Kills]

I'm sure what Valve does will be good and if they buy in bulk we don't know how cheap they get things. I'd say Valve will be the only company capable of truly competing with Microsoft an Sony. They done have a 50+ million userbase from day one with a console launch and that's something the next Xbox or Playstation want have.

[kaozgamer]

your assuming that all of valve's current 50+ million users will go buy the steam box...

[GREW50ME]

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!

[Truthandreason]

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.

[aliengmr]

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.

[DeadlyFire]

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.

[kagamer79]

Im optimistic for valves new console. I mean we've had the same consoles for years. Nintendos been around for 30 years and playstation has been a long time as well. Why not be happy its a new competitor to a market thats had the same consoles for years. I think a new console is what gamers need it gives us more variety and choice and if you love gaming ad much as i do variety and new experiences is always welcome.

[aviator189]

I don't really see the need to get one if I already have a decent pc to run the games I've got and a few cables to hook it up to the big screen....but I guess this thing is probably not going to be targeted to me.

[FlyingFoxy]

That's true if you already own a good PC there is little point in this, that is of course unless Valve can somehow make the hardware for people cheaper than you can build it for yourself..

highly doubtful.

[AKS]

The proportion of people who are comfortable assembling a gaming PC is rather small. It's easy to overestimate how most people feel about assembling a PC if you are comfortable doing it yourself and have friends who built gaming rigs. I'm very happy with the rig I built and wish more people would build their own, but the idea of assembling hardware is very intimidating to most people. Some of the reactions I've got from people just staring into the glass window on the side of my case has been pretty amusing (they seem mesmerized as though they are staring into a portal into another world or something; LOL), and it's was very clear to me that they did not feel confident in building a PC themselves.

[playnextgames]

I predict we'll see a top X list of failed video game systems, Why Competitors Should be Worried About Steam Box, and of course the obvious Pach Attack video predicting Half-life 3 by the end of the year all on N4G.

[2pacalypsenow]

Good luck

[PS4isKing_82]

Wow Q1?? Isn't that a little early? It hasn't even been unveiled yet.

[sdozzo]

Agreed. It needs the hype machine going. TV ads etc.

[PS4isKing_82]

This reminds back to the original playstion. Sega tried launching early with the Saturn in the summer of 95 to beat Sony to launch. But it backfired greatly, causing lots of confusion for customers and retailers alike. They didn't have enough time to market it and had very little stock to begin with. Now valve is trying the same thing. I doubt it'll work any better for them.

[That-Guy]

Yeah, this would be like shooting themselves in the foot, releasing far too soon to get any hype going.

[bozebo]

All they have to do is get PC manufacturers to stick Linux and Steam on standard hardware (takes like an hour for 1). It's not like they've warehouses full of hundreds of thousands of them.

I think it'll only have about... 10 games though. Maybe less (haven't logged into Steam on Linux in a few days).

You can use a PS3 or 360 controller if you want... mods... not a bad console really, but it'd suck as an only/main gaming device.

[3GenGames]

Developers who don't release Linux versions of their games won't be on Steam box OR Steam for Linux. That's 2 BIG (And growing) platforms that they won't get money from. They would be idiots not to support Linux. Especially when on the same hardware you will get 15% more performance, along with a FREE OS so you can invest in better hardware from the go. If this doesn't make Linux the most popular Desktop OS out there for PC gamers, nothing will.

[Bladesfist]

Unity have just updated their game engine to support Linux and I can only see UE4 and CE4 doing the same.

[Ulf]

It is NOT competing with consoles. These kinds of articles are setting it up to look like a FAILURE, when it sells a realistic number of units.

Don't take the lame media bait, folks.

[sdozzo]

Just a note, you can't really say Steam has 40 million users. Someone buys one game on steam and they become a user. That same logic means Amazon can release a console and rule the world because they have 100 million users.

[liquidhalos]

Very true, i myself have 2 steam accounts, 1 for counter strike, Half Life and and everything related to those games (tf:2 and what not) and the other is for regular games. But saying that i have only logged into my steam accounts twice this year just to make sure that they were still there. None of my old clan mates from cs 1.6 and cs:s days use steam anymore so there must be a fair whack of the 40 million stated that are inactive accounts. But that said, i wish all the best to Steam and i hope they bring something new to the table that forces changes in both Sony and MS

[GREW50ME]

So... you used Steam, but you're not a Steam user? I don't quite think you understand how marketing works. It only takes one login for their advertisement splash to come up.. and that is what they mean when they say 40 million "users." They don't give a crap how active you are or are not. That's a completelyunrelated, and frankly unimportant, issue.

[liquidhalos]

What im saying is that you cant say there are 40 million users out there who will buy a steam box as some people, myself included have multiple accounts therefore some of those 40 million in the projected client base are doubles. I made that quite clear

[DomceM]

so many comments saying steambox will fail simply because its the "new kid in town" and because it has no brand recognition. That is the dumbest argument anyone can make.

How did Sony first get started out? Back when other big boys like Nintendo ruled the industry? How did microsoft get started out? Same way steambox is coming to a store near you.

You make a better product, offer a better service, dont charge too much and people notice.

Not everyone is a fanboy like 100% of you people on N4G worshipping your gaming machines. When average joe shmo finds out he doesnt need to pay xbox live fees, and doesnt need to pay $60 for new video games, doesnt need to wait in line for midnight purchases, He will be buying the steambox.

[RuleofOne343]

When average Joe schmo finds out he doesn't need to pay xbox live fees, and doesn't need to pay $60 for new video games, doesn't need to wait in line for midnight purchases, Average Joe schmo never need to do any of those thing, they are options & he chose too.

[DomceM]

Yeah? there are options on consoles to not overpay for games? Show me a console that offers steam like prices.

Oh right there isnt one. Hence the point i was making in my original post.

[RuleofOne343]

@DomceM Onlive still in Business & still a console .

[Bobertt]

Who is this made for tho? The people who love steam the most are pc gamers but this can't be as good as a high end pc without costing a lot. Since it probably won't be a high end pc like console then its probably closer to what the normal pc gamer has, so why buy it if your a pc gamer? That leaves ps3 and xbox gamers. It might be a way for them to get better looking games and pc games for a cheaper price but i would say most of those gamers don't know valve enough to buy a new console from them. But we still don't know enough about it, but i am intrigued by the ability to play pc games on a tv. Will they look as good?

[aliengmr]

Little soon, considering we don't even know what it is yet.

I suspect they are targeting those who want to play PC games and don't want to buy a PC (or see getting a PC as a complicated hurdle that's not worth it). It could be a lot of gamers or a little.

I can't see it being released Q1. Though, Valve runs a VERY tight ship, this could have been in the works for years.

[llMurcielagoll]

Well, if they release the steam box and have some games available only on Steam box, as a PC gamer, I will be very upset.

[aliengmr]

That is definitely not Valve's style. I could be wrong, but I really don't think we would have to worry about that.

[TemplarDante]

Valve is not famous outside of the PC Crowd and the shooter crowd. I think the scary assumption we're making however is that its launching as a Valve product. Remember the articles stating visits by Apple execs to Valve HQ?
If they launch it as a Apple-Valve venture.. you know the sheep are going to eat it up. Even if they make it $1000. If it has an Apple logo, Apple sheep always think its worth buying. Their awefully delusional and mostly fake.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Told people about this months ago.

Try and keep up.

[Rumor]

Sorry I thought this was news for gamers not news for hipsters...

[ATi_Elite]

SteamBox = Gateway to the Glorious PC Gaming Master Race!
I see SteamBox as a Gateway to the world of PC Gaming!!

I really don't see Steam trying to compete with Xbox720 or PS4.....Seriously Steam has a Gazillion games that the Consoles don't have and PC Gaming is something completely DIFFERENT than console gaming.

You can have your console and SteamBox too but i just see the SteamBox being that tool that just allows those who want to get into PC Gaming as a simple way to do it!! Also Low end or Mid Range PC Gamers may wanna upgrade to a SteamBox if it will let them play their games at a higher setting than their old PC.

Also No Valve game will be Exclusive to SteamBox cause that would cause a FRIGGIN riot from those of us with Gaming PC's with no need to buy a SteamBox!

SteamBox seems good and is just a way to get STEAM more customers, allows Valve to not have to deal with Microsoft, and allows consolers an easy transition to PC Gaming.

[grassyknoll]

I imagine Stream Box will be more Steam certified PC's that come with a controller. The traditional console space is incredibly expensive to enter, even for a company the size of Valve.

[blue_flowers]

hey if the steambox hovers around $200 count me in i'd love to have a pc light gaming system!

[BanBrother]

Agreed. I keep hearing that Steam is so wonderful, granted, from what I have seen of it it is amazing.

I HATE PC gaming. The last game I tried to play was Gears of War for Windows, and it is the ugliest mess of a setup I have ever seen. You have to update drivers, download the RIGHT patch, and still, the menu is glitchy. Granted, that is more People Can Fly and Microsofts fault.

If I can use Steam on a affordable console on my big TV, I'd be very happy. I think all of us console gamers would like to play some games from Steam, but just can't be rooted installing, patching etc. So if they eliminate that BS from all of it, and it is as simple as a home console, then count me in.

[aliengmr]

It will be nice to finally dispel the myth that it takes PhD in computer science to install games on PC.

GFWL is horrible, I hate having to install games that use it.

[USEYOURFIST]

Ironically many of the arguments saying steam box will fail were said to be the case against PlayStation and then Xbox...the console wars or whatever you like to call them are so unpredictable, I mean I remember gaming on my nes and the ensuing 'war' with Sega gamers and fast forward many years and neither of these companies are the core gamers console of choice and to be fair the Wiis success came out of nowhere...sooo my long winded point is you can't predict well in the gaming industry because you don't know what the common consumer will choose to buy

[BitbyDeath]

How'd they get -

"All of that is stuff that we're working on, but it's a long way from Valve shipping any sort of hardware."

To it being released in Q1 2013?

[Kennytaur]

If it's coming out so soon, why hasn't here been any reveal?

[lfclee]

Very interesting and who says it will stream straight from steam, i like it, it means the others have too up there game big time or face ruin, i think it will be ...................... to be continued.

[skyrimer]

I really want the steambox to succeed. PC games are cheaper than consoles, not counting with the mindblowing sales on Steam, and I'm sure they can build a great computer to play everything with just stock components at a great price.

The big problem with the PC gaming industry has always been digregation. It has way too many configurations, cards, cpus, etc, so it's a customer support hell. Steambox will help unify this so that developers have a single platform to target at and will make it easier to develop, together with non-existant barrier of entry like other platform royalties to develop for their console, maybe this could be the real comeback of PC gaming.

Why this is good? Because consoles fixed hardware slows down to a crawl gaming advances. They are ahead of the market techonologically for one or two years, but after that they slowing get behind on hardware, and games become limited dor this reason. With an upgradeable steambox, you could get the best hardware on a fixed platform that will allow developers to focus specifically what they can do.

[chukamachine]

It's not really needed.

With what PS4/720 will come with, both consoles are very good with a big following, networks are good.

As for hl3.

As decent has halflife games were, they have been overtaken in most respects. the only thing left is the story & characters.

Valves engine needs a complete overhaul anyway.

[aliengmr]

You think HL3 will look and play like HL2?

You realize that the first HL pioneered the modern FPS right?

Not sure why you think that Valve can't make a modern FPS.

[fermcr]

"As decent has halflife games were"

LOL.... decent ???

Half-Life series are among the best games ever made.

[gamern4g]

Waiting for steam console so much! I am tired of 7 years old consoles, i have them all (wii, xbox360 and ps3).

[MYSTERIO360]

I think valve are using this as backup, in case MS's new windows 8 restricts steam from being operational on their new OS. Valve are just thinking ahead of what MS could possible do seeing as though the majority of systems run windows.