110°

Linux to compete against Windows as gaming OS?

With DICE's creative director, Lars Gustavsson, saying that "it only takes a "killer" game for the Linux platform to explode its way into mainstream gaming", I went ahead and asked the opinion of a Linux Specialist and gamer.

Could Linux compete against Microsoft Windows on the gaming scene?

Would it only take one "killer" game for Linux to do so?

Check out the details in here.

Read Full Story >>
johnheatz.com
OrangePowerz4268d ago (Edited 4268d ago )

The best shot Linux has is SteamOS.

Linux will not get a kiler game, because nobody would ever want to take the risk of doing a Linux only game on a bigger scale in the hopes that people will flock over to Linux.

JohnHeatz4268d ago

Making Linux only "AAA" games wouldn't be the case, though, maybe make those AAA games for both platforms at launch, that could get some of us to be able to not have Windows anymore and be able to do our daily tasks and game without having to be switching between Operating Systems, but indeed, I do agree that SteamOS might be what is needed for this to, at least, start happening

Spinal4268d ago

You guys live in imagination land if you think PC gamers would drop windows just for HL3 on Linux loooool.

Windows provides far too much other programs people need day to day including Steam an other services not one gamer would drop their windows for Linux just for one game even for all valve games it would make no difference.

If Valve was to make their IPs exclusive to Linux which they wouldn't but if they did the sales will be horrible an Most will not transfer over for those games only the very few elitist hardcore gamers would an even then they would return to windows. Services like Twitch tv for game steaming loads of software which people need windows for. Xsplit fraps etc.

And by the way most PC gamers have stuck to windows 7 and will not be upgrading to win 8 just like we skipped Vista. I'll wait to see what Win 9 has to offer.

UltimateMaster4267d ago (Edited 4267d ago )

Competing?
Yes and no.
Both are going for the "same market".
Yes, Steam is going to Linux, and it's free.
But at the same time, everyone has windows and everyone will be having both anyway.
So I really don't see how they can compete with one another since you can have both on the same machine.

@spinalc0rd
"Windows provides far too much other programs people need day to day including Steam an other services not one gamer would drop their windows for Linux just for one game even for all valve games it would make no difference. "

like he said.
Linux is free, it's just a means to have a different interface.

So, no, it doesn't compete.

pwnsause_returns4268d ago (Edited 4268d ago )

I think a game like half life 3 could push it. Then again valve can't count to 3, unless that what they're setting up half life 3 for.

I mean, when you think about it, with everything we heard from valve and their hatred for windows 8, and of course their financial stake at this, it only makes sense.

OrangePowerz4268d ago

I know Valve doesn`t like Windows, but I doubt they would do HL3 exclusive for SteamOS and Linux. I`m certain if he we ever get HL3 it will be for SteamOS, Linux, Windows and consoles for maximum profit.

Amazingmrbrock4268d ago

I could almost see them doing steam os and consoles only. It would be a huge gamble though but I think it would probably work if they made installing steam os fool proof enough. A lot of people wouldn't just not play halflife 3, they'd jump through whatever hoops they had to.

If they do HL3 L4D3 and Portal 3 on it they'll probably have most pc gamers switched over.

JohnHeatz4268d ago

@pwnsause There's already a valid-registered trademark for Portal 3, they might've already learned how to count to 3, there was also this leak about Left4Dead 3 some months ago...no HF3 confirmed...besides that leak of the development team

Details: Portal 3 Trademark = http://johnheatz.com/2013/1...
HF3 Dev Team = http://johnheatz.com/2013/1...
L4D3 = http://johnheatz.com/2013/0...

@OrangePowerz A "SteamOS/Linux" game would be a little...redundant, wouldn't it? But I agree that they wouldn't rule out Windows just to push SteamOS, it wouldn't be the best of the ideas...

OrangePowerz4268d ago

We know SteamOS is based on Linux, but not to what extend really. The best case scenario would be that any SteamOS game runs by default on Linux but that has not been confirmed yet and Valve wants to push Linux also outside of SteamOS.

DeadManIV4268d ago

People can always run dual-OS. SteamOS for gaming and Windows for everything else

DeadlyFire4267d ago

I could see Valve doing timed exclusive releases for their next set of games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4267d ago
JohnHeatz4268d ago

You know...I hadn't read about that one! Thanks for pointing to that information!

Bigpappy4268d ago

You all need to calm down those anti-M$ wet dreams.

First off: Steam can NOT survive without Windows.

Second: That linux box is DOA unless Valve releases it as a stand alone console with the same strong 3rd party support as PS4 and Xbox 1. As it is, there is no void for it to fill. So there is no reason for anyone to buy one. OH sorry, forgot that M$ haters will be first in line to waste that money on a dream. Good luck with that.

OrangePowerz4268d ago (Edited 4268d ago )

I won`t buy a Steam Machine because my PC is already connected to my TV, but I will gladly install SteamOS.

I will always need Windows as a second OS because of my work so I will never get rid of that.

Steam could survive without Windows. Keep in mind that SteamOS is free and can be installed on any PC, but there are two things. Valve needs to get the majority to install SteamOS and all games need to support the OS. Depending on those two things Valve could shift it`s customer base away from Windows.

I`m not sure how people can be positive about Windows and everything else they made out of free will. Let me guess you think Zune is awesome as well? I use Windows because I have to and if there would be an OS that allows me to do everything I can do now I would switch in no time. Windows 8 is an abomination of a desktop PC OS and they try to force people to upgrade by including the latest DirectX version only with Win8.

I would never pay for Windows, but I would gladly pay for another OS that is well designed and does the exact same but isn`t made by the worst, most greedy and dodgy company on the planet who continues to use practices that shouldn`t be allowed to undermine the competition. At least here in Europe we fine them a few billion for what they do (not like it changes much for their bank balance).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4267d ago
PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt4268d ago

who cares, Consoles still get more sales. idc if PC has better graphics gameplay is what makes the game great.

combatcash4268d ago

If gameplay is what makes the games great, why would you bring up sales? lol

Btw pc generates tons of money

PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt4268d ago

because PC doesnt get half the sales console do.

combatcash4268d ago

@UnRivaLeD

Where are you getting your numbers from?
Do you mean combined or pc vs one particular console? Pc has a ridiculous amount of games available and there's more pc's in households than there is consoles.

Amazingmrbrock4268d ago

@UnRivaLeD What planet are you on man? Pc sales have been at parity with console sales for a few years now. Most sales stats don't show that however because they only count boxed copies sold. While most pc games are sold digital, and those numbers are a fair bit harder to find.

Bigpappy4268d ago

I don't get why the culture on this site is to dismiss SALE and embraces stuff like review scores and fidelity. Sales is the single most reliable way of recognizing success.

Amazingmrbrock4268d ago

@Bigpappy success =/= quality. Most people that play games should be more interested in the quality of those games than the success of those games. The two things aren't mutually exclusive but one does not equal the other.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4268d ago
4logpc4268d ago

Linux has an uphill battle. Even with SteamOS its got to tackle Microsoft, who has an endless supply of money. Unless Microsoft drops PC gaming, Linux can't ever over take it.

JohnHeatz4268d ago

Well, Games for Microsoft is going to be shut down in the middle of 2014, so there's still a chance, totally agree on the "uphill" state of the battle, but there's a slight chance that even if Linux doesn't quite get there, it could get some more users and games

4logpc4268d ago

Microsoft is indeed dropping GFWL, but there are numerous places saying they are working on some sort of new cross play for XB1 and PC. I would think something to replace GFWL is in the pipeline.

JohnHeatz4268d ago

@4logpc So far, I've only seen rumors about that, and just recently Microsoft people mentioning that cross platform (XB1 <=> PC) "makes a lot of sense", but that's about it -so far-

adorie4268d ago (Edited 4268d ago )

Open source community is mightier than their money. Believe it. Nvidia and AMD on board and MS at war with their partners.... MS isn't the same company it was when Wall Street ate up it's every word as gospel.

We're more enlightened.

4logpc4268d ago

The open source community is great, but it represents such a small % of the gaming community.

MyFeetHurt4268d ago

i hate to break it to ya but outside of big name sponsored community projects like mysql and fedora,

open source is crap.

it takes real $$$ to test and create real code.

annus4268d ago

I can't believe you actually believe that. You honestly think the average consumer gives a shit if they can get read the source code? I don't think you realise how many industry standard products are proprietary.

And just because it's on linux doesn't mean it's open source.

nosferatuzodd4268d ago

I sure would like to see Microsoft fall on theire ass for once

Show all comments (35)
260°

AMD CEO Shares Vision Behind Xbox Partnership and Next-Gen Chip Roadmap

AMD CEO Lisa Su talks about the Xbox AMD partnership, next-gen Ryzen + Radeon chips, and AI rendering tech coming to all Xbox devices.

Read Full Story >>
clouddosage.com
Obscure_Observer2d ago

AMD is really building hype around their unique partnership with Microsoft to help and build an advanced and seamless Xbox ecosystem across all Xbox consoles and devices.

I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimized chips" though? Seems ambitious.

Next year´s Xbox Showcase already looks promising and exciting. Here´s hoping they deliver.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

They had best show 3yrs in a row. Heading for another

VenomUK1d 20h ago

Obscure_Observer said “I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimised chips" though? Seems ambitious.” To me, I interpret this to mean rather than having a couple of X/S products for launch and a handheld there is a longer term plan to release new products with higher specs at timed intervals. I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec.

Agent751d 10h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games.

KwietStorm_BLM1d 15h ago

It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever.

Ganif1d 13h ago

Correct.

"Sony's PlayStation 6 reportedly will feature an AMD semi-custom APU with a Zen 5 CPU and UDNA GPU, capable of 4K 120FPS and 8K 60FPS gaming. The console will include X3D cache and advanced AI upscaling technology."

https://www.tweaktown.com/n...

Obscure_Observer1d 10h ago

"It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever."

I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released.

Notellin1d 9h ago

You should have just lead this comment with the fact that you have zero understanding of technology in the consoles and instead have a Toms Hardware online forum level of education.

Agent751d 10h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games

Obscure_Observer1d 10h ago

@VenomUK

"I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec."

Very interesting theory. Still not sure how MS would actually make it work.

KwietStorm_BLM1d 6h ago

"I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released."

How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is.

Obscure_Observer10h ago(Edited 10h ago)

"How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is."

Dude, what I know for certain is that a tech as old as X3D chips which is actually *older* than both PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, is hardly the reason behind this new partnership between AMD and MS to build new *custom silicon* for next generation of consoles.

And yes it´s a huge announcement since AMD is working closely with MS to co-develop custom SoC which will allow backwards compatibility across all MS´s next gen devices allowing seamless integration between devices and full backwards compatibility across all generations of Xbox consoles.

I also know is that this announcement don´t have anything to do with Playstation and their strategy with AMD for the PS6, so stop comparing the two pretending that you know what´s going on, because you clearly don´t.

If Sony is working on something remotely similar, that´s remain to be seen.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 10h ago
Fishy Fingers2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Some odd, deliberate wording, no branding, not 'Xbox consoles, Xbox handhelds' specifically, feels and sounds like they're building towards hardware that anyone can be used or licensed to/by themselves and other manufacturers.

Multiplatform software and hardware 'Xbox/AMD APU'.

Obscure_Observer2d ago

I guess you missed Sarah Bond´s next generation Xbox announcement this week, were she clearly states:

"I´m thrilled to share that we´ve established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including, *our* next generation *Xbox consoles*."

But hey, I don´t think you´re entirely wrong, maybe MS will build their own Xbox consoles while licencing other manufactures to build and sell their own Xbox branded consoles. Who knows

BeHunted2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I think you watched the wrong video. It's below the description, or you can watch it directly on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/kprpRvsOua...

HyperMoused2d ago

Shares vision....we provide chips for money, this deal will sell many chips, we will make lots of money...good vision

Christopher2d ago

The marketing behind this is so heavy that I worry about the actual outcome. Why are they just not showing us the product, why all this talking in market speak?

Lightning772d ago

Probably because the next xbox isn't ready to release yet?

The marketing and rumors seem to be heavy out of no where. The rumor was a 27 release but it maybe it could be 26 new console launch instead.

Who knows.

Eonjay1d 15h ago

There PR is alrways super heavy handed. No one is acutally buying an Xbox as is.
Also it is very early to be talking so much about a next gen console.

Obscure_Observer1d 9h ago

There´s a lot of people interested on Xbox Next and its ability to run games from major stores like Steam.

We know that the PS6 is just around the corner as well, but so far, no news on what it might improve over the PS5 or PS5 Pro.

However, Sony already made public that their priority and actual focus is the PS6. So its not "very early" to talk about next gen when the very console manufactures are talking about it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1d 9h ago
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210°

Activision Forces Adverts into Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Loadouts

With the launch of Call of Duty Season 4, Activision quietly put adverts inside loadouts for Black Ops 6 and Warzone, sparking a backlash in the process.

21d ago
21d ago
lukasmain21d ago

Putting Ads in a pay-to-play Premium title? Well done Microsoft. Well done /s This is really scummy.

jjb198120d ago

This game will never change because these sweatlords love buying up all the skins and bundles that become obsolete the following year. They're the ones perpetuating Activision's greed.

VenomUK19d ago

If Microsoft introduces adverts into its other games I hope it can do them without disrupting the immersion of the game world. So for example in the new Fable game it would look out of place if there was a billboard advertising Cadillacs.

A far better way to do it would be to have a wizard conjure a 'dream cloud' in front of your character and then in the cloud you can see the Cadillac car and see the text with price and availability and hear a booming sales voice promoting the car. That would work so well as it wouldn't be a billboard and completely, 100%, fit in with your character's adventuring in Albion. Doesn't that sound so much better?!

crazyCoconuts19d ago

@venom, or how about our of 100 farts in Albion, 1 of them has a Cadillac pop out

VenomUK19d ago

@crazyCoconuts That’s undeniably off-beat - but it could really work!

20d ago
Show all comments (19)
410°

Xbox's first-party handheld has been sidelined

Xbox's handheld ambitions continue unabated, but the focus is shifting towards improving Windows 11 for third-party handhelds — for now. The Xbox Series X 'Melrose' successor is safe, with development continuing at full pace.

Read Full Story >>
windowscentral.com
23d ago
23d ago
23d ago
shadowT23d ago

Is there really a market for handhelds next to mobile?

Vits22d ago

If they run the same games as the main home console, then yeah, sure.
But if they need specially tailored games just for them? Probably not, unless there isn't a home console for comparison (see Switch).

RaidenBlack22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

I am kinda low-key happy this happened.
Dont want another Series S situation (games to be designed from 4 to 12TF scale and not 10 to 12TF).
Hope PS follows suit as well. Tablet SKU sharing with console for 10th gen, will just continue the cross gen -esque development/design phase/nature.
Want a proper 20+ only TF rasterized next-gen plz (+ frame-gen and the lot).
If anybody wants to continue the cross-gen, the Series S|X, PS5 will remain for that. And Switch 2, if you gotta go even lower in the TF range.

ABizzel122d ago

Yes and No. All of the PC handhelds combined have struggled to sell 7 million units, which would be a flop for any “console”. So the market is extremely niche because of price and target market (the informed hardcore gamer / casuals aren’t picking these up).

These handheld PCs are $500 or more, and offer at best Xbox Series S performance levels, so it’s best for MS specifically to just partner with ASUS, instead of investing millions if not billions.

Sony can make their own with custom AMD hardware due to their partnership, and stronger global brand for hardware. But even then it brings the question, of being a lower resolution PS5, and what does that mean for PS6 cross-gen (likely another generation where the first 3 - 4 years are just upgraded last-gen games).

Kosic22d ago

Imagine a Wii U style console, where the tablet doesn't rely on the console it's self, you download the game on the console under the TV and play in 4k glory, then you can remote play, get some unique game features if using both console and handheld in tandem. Then you can download the games in 720-1080p to play on the go, continue your progress, and continue on the TV when you get back.

Sony could get away with this due to exclusives, and that would be a reason for sales. Look at the portal.

I can picture seeing new hardware having some sort of GPU dock, where the handheld runs 1080p, and the dock has additional hardware to bring in 4k/60 specs.

I do think handheld gaming is going to be a strong future, imagine Nintendo release a new upgraded GPU dock for the Switch 3, every 2 years. More frames, sharper graphics on the same game for an extra £150 for a dock with a built in GPU chip. Console cycles doesn't have to be renewed, just the hardware can be improved by them reselling docks to us again and again with small/yearly upgrades like mobile phones.

GamerRN22d ago

Did you just imply that Sony can make a better stronger handheld than Microsoft? You do realize we are talking about Microsoft, the tech giant, right? If Microsoft can't make one that's cost effective, Sony definitely can't...

Brand and market share means nothing when you are a trillion dollar company

ABizzel121d ago

@GamerRN

It has nothing to do with what company can do it, or what company can spend.

For anyone taking a basic business class there is a term called ROI, and Xbox home consoles are selling at an all time low, meaning their ROI on a handheld is a risk that doesn’t make sense, even if they can afford it. Businesses are there to make money and it doesn’t make sene for MS to invest in a handheld that’s a companion device when their current home consoles they’ve spent 20 years working on are at an all time-low, when they can invest with little risk with what ASUS already has to offer.

This is why Sony can build a better device, because they have less risk involved, meaning they can invest more in their own product, and they already have an exclusive partnership with AMD on creating features and hardware. So in this specific case, YES Sony can built a better handheld, due to custom hardware, customer tools, low level APIs, compared to an off the shelf product running Windows or a Window Xbox kernel =.

TheEroica22d ago

I play steam deck primarily... Don't play consoles or mobile. The deck covers it all.

badz14922d ago

@shadowT

The Switch is a handheld, so will the Switch 2. what are you on about?

Cacabunga21d ago

To run native games offline? Anytime

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
CrashMania22d ago

Funny to see the alt already damage controlling and having a meltdown with multiple accounts in the comments already.

Sad for MS if true, a dedicated handheld would go down a lot better than a rog ally 2 with an Xbox sticker on it I think.

crazyCoconuts22d ago

It couldn't have succeeded for a number of reasons. Now they've retreated to the Windows front and trying to keep that relevant for gaming. How long before Windows Central realizes there won't be a real console successor to Series X either?

Lightning7722d ago

Except there is. That project is reportedly full speed ahead.

Outside_ofthe_Box22d ago

@Lighting77

So was the handheld until today...

Lightning7722d ago

@outside obviously not since they sidelined it and they wanna see how the Asus does. Are you saying they're gonna cancel the next console?

crazyCoconuts22d ago

@lightning - I'm admittedly trying to box you in here - Do you think the next Xbox console will have Steam on it?

Outside_ofthe_Box22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

@Lightning

Here we go with having to spell everything out.

If I told you yesterday that Xbox was going to sideline the handheld console what would your response have been? Probably something along the lines of "I doubt that since Phil has been talking about it for some time now"

My point is just because they are "full speed" ahead now does not mean that will not change in future. As we have seen with the handheld. Do you understand what I'm trying to say now?

Lightning7722d ago (Edited 22d ago )

Box me in? No you said the same thing you've always been saying for years now. Those are the rumors to have Steam integration.

What about it

If you told me they were gonna cancel it tomorrow it would nothing more than fanboy talking points. I only wait for credible sources not what someone else says.

Also this is the handheld not a full blown new console. The Asus is yet to release and they're waiting to see how that thing does. Critical thinking is my strong suit you should try it some time if you can. But Ok cool well you hang your hat on that I guess. Main New console is gonna get cancelled even though the handheld is a different marketing device than the main the console itself.

__y2jb21d ago

I think there is a 75% chance there will not be another Xbox. There is zero reason to buy one now. No way it can possibly sell more than 10m units after Xbox went third party.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
BLow22d ago

That's what they do. Goalposts shift like the wind.

I'm really confused on why they are making a "first party" device and also have a Rog Ally with their sticker on it. Make this make sense. How is their own device going to be any different?

Your console doesn't sell and they expect a handheld to?

RaidenBlack22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

The Rog Ally one is gen agnostic ... as you deciphered, it was to be the updated Rog Ally but just with Xbox branding. PC handheld with some Xbox features.
The handheld Xbox is/was supposed to be sharing the same gen/ecosystem with the next-gen (10th gen) Xbox. Think Series S but handheld ... it'll run the Xbox OS or whatever the next Xbox will run.
...
As for anybody wondering/confused why MS is doing another Xbox console ... coz mainly its the 10th gen of home consoles next, which started wayy back in 1972 for the 1st gen. And MS wanna be part in it, in the 10th anniversary gen of consoles. If they gotta bow out, they can't do that at 9th i.e just before 10th. They wanna stick around till the 10th or the X-th gen and check what the fuss happens.

Outside_ofthe_Box22d ago

Curious as to what excuses the spam was saying. Because prior to this news, the Xbox handheld was used as proof that Xbox is still committed to the hardware space. This handheld being scraped is not a good sign...

22d ago
Outside_ofthe_Box22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

@Spam
You can replace scrapped with pushed back if you like. It's not a good sign either way.

22d ago
1Victor22d ago

asq3= obscured: “ What’s your source on the handheld being scrapped? “
Read the article from Microsoft own website and one of your favorite quotations site when it’s something bad about Sony.
Oh BTW good luck with your next SPAM account.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 22d ago
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