OMFG. OMFG. Valve to announce Steambox - steam console

[TheSonicRetard]

this is so completely stupid.

No, it's not.

[kokujin]

Because you still don't get what this is. Valve isn't selling a PC. They're creating a spec.

What do you mean?I honestly don't get it, how is it different from a PC?

[TheSonicRetard]

What do you mean?I honestly don't get it, how is it different from a PC?

It's not. They're not creating some entity separate from PC gaming. This isn't a PC Gaming alternative. They're changing what PC gaming is. This isn't a tangible, physical product. This is a spec.

[kokujin]

It's not. They're not creating some entity separate from PC gaming. This isn't a PC Gaming alternative. They're changing what PC gaming is. This isn't a tangible, physical product. This is a spec.

I guess I'll see when it drops.

[Gogogadget]

I already got a HTPC and don't see any reason to shit my pants in excitement, but it is Valve, so I will be watching this carefully.

[TheSonicRetard]

I already got a HTPC and don't see any reason to shit my pants in excitement, but it is Valve, so I will be watching this carefully.

Something like this could effect development of future games. Ideally, it'll result in better performing games across the board, even for enthusiast pcs.

[Gogogadget]

Yeah, i'm interest in a more unified board of development/spec, because it means if i build future PCs, i'll save money.

Not interested in an 'actual' steambox console whatever, I already got Xbox & PS3, HTPC & Win7 will do fine.

[tomaitheous]

I understand it as nothing more than a standardization of minimum specs to develop and run games for, which is fine I guess. But nothing about this seems revolutionary or anything near that (even seems a little arrogant that Steam is proposing this. Steam's ok, but I didn't realize they had that kind of pull in the PC world. Or do they?). And when I see almost ALL PC developers adhering this to, then I'll change my opinion. I mean, there's no proprietary hardware (like even a proprietary video card), no licensed machined to force to spec (think XBOX 1 basically), etc. And people can build their own as long as it meets the minimum requirement? Uhm... that's just a PC. All I really see is manufactures building such boxes with official seals or branding towards this. Steam so and so ready...

Unless I'm missing something. And if so, please point it out (I'm not being a smart ass. I'm serious).

[Kamahl]

Unless I'm missing something. And if so, please point it out (I'm not being a smart ass. I'm serious).

No that's pretty much it, but that sticker will probably hold more power than you're giving it.

[gamevet]

The minumum specs are an i3-2120 and a Geforce GT545. I don't think that setup would even run Metro 2033 at a decent resolution, let alone with DX11 enabled.

[kokujin]

The minumum specs are an i3-2120 and a Geforce GT545. I don't think that setup would even run Metro 2033 at a decent resolution, let alone with DX11 enabled.

if these specs are true,they are way too low.It will need at least an i5 and a gtx 460 ti to be worth the time.

[old man]

I think the biggest reason for this is to increase the casual gamer market on the PC. If you have a spec then you can set something up on your webpage to test for it, then you can give the end user a list of games to buy that match their spec. I think set top boxes that match the spec and can stream games to your tv are a natural evolution of this. The point is the casual user doesn't have to know shit about hardware or what kind of PC their using. If their using a "SteamBOX" or a PC that matches their "SteamBOX" spec then valve will know it and sell them what they are capable of running on their machine. No one has to worry about someone accidentally buying a game they can't run, and it makes it easier for valve to sell games to the casual market.

[SEGA.GENESIS1989]

I think the biggest reason for this is to increase the casual gamer market on the PC. If you have a spec then you can set something up on your webpage to test for it, then you can give the end user a list of games to buy that match their spec. I think set top boxes that match the spec and can stream games to your tv are a natural evolution of this. The point is the casual user doesn't have to know shit about hardware or what kind of PC their using. If their using a "SteamBOX" or a PC that matches their "SteamBOX" spec then valve will know it and sell them what they are capable of running on their machine. No one has to worry about someone accidentally buying a game they can't run, and it makes it easier for valve to sell games to the casual market.

Exactly. Brand recognition is the underlying reason that Valve is pushing for this idea. Selling games to the casual market is what Valve is hoping to do with this new standardization.

[kokujin]

I think the biggest reason for this is to increase the casual gamer market on the PC. If you have a spec then you can set something up on your webpage to test for it, then you can give the end user a list of games to buy that match their spec. I think set top boxes that match the spec and can stream games to your tv are a natural evolution of this. The point is the casual user doesn't have to know shit about hardware or what kind of PC their using. If their using a "SteamBOX" or a PC that matches their "SteamBOX" spec then valve will know it and sell them what they are capable of running on their machine. No one has to worry about someone accidentally buying a game they can't run, and it makes it easier for valve to sell games to the casual market.

casual pc gamers play browser games, and the rest of the casual users play on consoles. I'm having a hard time trying to understand who this will be marketed to.

[Knuckle Duster]

PC gaming will finally go mainstream if they pull this off. That's who it's marketing to, not just giving casuals an easy way into Steam. It will make complete idiot console owners feel at home by having an even more accessible open console platform. PC gaming setups are too confusing for the masses.

If they do this, I think Valve should throw money at Japanese developers, get them on board and put it on equal footing with the console market. Somebody should throw money at Falcom and get all their Windows games officially translated.