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Steam Machines Announced (Multiple manufacturers, 2014, reference design, SteamOS)
- Thread starter MRORANGE
- Start date
D: All of the above
Callibretto
Member
I also wonder how a $400 steambox compare to ps4 performance wise.
hooijdonk17
Member
That headcrab looks anything but..
Actually, now that I've seen what I saw, I can't unsee it..
PoweredBySoy
Banned
Later, Nintendo.
FloatingDivider
Member
Can the lucky 200 live in europe because usually these things just select people from the good ol us of a and I'm SOL.
Interesting announcement. I'll probably pick one up at some point so I can play some of the games that never make it to console.
From the announcement it sounds like Valve will make their own box, which is a smart move I think since realistically they're the only ones that can get shelf space along with the PS4 & XB1.
I'm really curios how the pricing & hardware structure will work out. There is no licensing involved so all Valve is doing is setting a reference that other manufactures are free to follow or not. Also I doubt that there will be any kind of subsidies involved so I question just what kind of bang for the buck these systems will deliver. since SteamOS is open source I suppose it's possible that some of the hardware manufacturers will try to include some type of monetization in their units with addional software.
The beauty.of Valves position is that they are for the most part hardware independent. They provide the portal to the software, their interestes lay in getting SteamOS established. How you run their software doesn't really matter.
From the announcement it sounds like Valve will make their own box, which is a smart move I think since realistically they're the only ones that can get shelf space along with the PS4 & XB1.
I'm really curios how the pricing & hardware structure will work out. There is no licensing involved so all Valve is doing is setting a reference that other manufactures are free to follow or not. Also I doubt that there will be any kind of subsidies involved so I question just what kind of bang for the buck these systems will deliver. since SteamOS is open source I suppose it's possible that some of the hardware manufacturers will try to include some type of monetization in their units with addional software.
The beauty.of Valves position is that they are for the most part hardware independent. They provide the portal to the software, their interestes lay in getting SteamOS established. How you run their software doesn't really matter.
BurnOutBrighter
Banned
Well I already have an HDMI port on my PC and TV so I'm sorted.
If they can release a Steam Machine on par with PS4 for about the same price, I can see a lot of people being interested. That should be their showcase model, with other options for those interested.
The announcement tomorrow will probably be a controller. I think I'm more interested in that as I could use it immediately.
The announcement tomorrow will probably be a controller. I think I'm more interested in that as I could use it immediately.
Unknown One
Member
I'm interested in their controller. I should be able to use it for Steam games.
Imagine if Kinect 2.0 is supported and it works several times better on Steam Machines.
PoweredBySoy
Banned
I'm not sure this thing is really meant for those games though. I mean, there's PC gaming, and then there's PC gaming. And if you're looking for PC gaming then you'd probably be much better served by sitting at a desk and using a keyboard/mouse.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Steambox build, but most the stuff I play on it are superior versions of games already found on console. There are a few rare exceptions, like Outlast, though.
Calm Killer
In all media, only true fans who consume every book, film, game, or pog collection deserve to know what's going on.
1. I can already hook up my PC to my TV and play.
2. I can already play a game with my 360 for windows game pad.
3. I don't use steam as a friends list or community.
4. Basically 1 and 2, I don't want to buy a new piece of hardware just so I can bypass windows.
None of this is convincing me to not buy a Xbox or PlayStation in the next generation. I already have a PC. Your fan base is based on PC gaming. I don't think this will work out.
Although I can see why they haven't announced Half-life 3 yet. Can you say exclusive?
2. I can already play a game with my 360 for windows game pad.
3. I don't use steam as a friends list or community.
4. Basically 1 and 2, I don't want to buy a new piece of hardware just so I can bypass windows.
None of this is convincing me to not buy a Xbox or PlayStation in the next generation. I already have a PC. Your fan base is based on PC gaming. I don't think this will work out.
Although I can see why they haven't announced Half-life 3 yet. Can you say exclusive?
AdmiralPain
Banned
If it is released a year later, it could well be significantly more powerful at the same price.
DainBramage
Neo Member
I wonder if they will announce any pricing or design etc this friday (last announcement) It would be nice to be able to compare it with the next gen consoles..
I would be intreseted in buying a SteamMachine however as my htpc and gaming pc in my livingroom.
I would be intreseted in buying a SteamMachine however as my htpc and gaming pc in my livingroom.
Next year, probably a little bit worse. In 2015, it be at least as powerful and the games will still be cheaper. From then on, there will be no reason to buy a console other than exclusives.
This isn't targeted at you, they still want their windows business (which you fall under). There are a whole lot of people out there who don't have gaming PCs, and may want to enter the Steam ecosystem without having to build one themselves. Or prefer it to be entirely living room based (which takes some effort on a Windows PC). Specifically, the streaming solution is for consumers like you.
Maybe, but I doubt it, at least not at the same price. Sony & MS are selling their hardware at a loss, something that valve is unlikely to do.
Sentenza
Member
Right now, I wouldn't really expect performance parity with a PS4 for anything less than 600$... And that would be the best case scenario.
It should be pointed that it would be silly and short-sighted to think that a SM could be a good deal just at a price-performance parity with a PS4, considering how cheaper the software is going to be.
Then again, being short-sighted and very bad at math is a quite common issue for the general audience, so that could be a problem for Valve, in terms of communication.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
I think the price and performance comparison will rely on what Valve and other manufactures decide to keep and strip. We can pretty much assume that Valves models will have no optical media drive, given Gabe's comments.
I'm a console gamer first and foremost and I'm ok with playing say Battlefield 4 on console. I'm not one of those people who must absolutely play the best version of every game. My interest in a steambox is more for indie games and the occasional big game that never makes it to console. I realize I could do that now but I stopped following the video card scene years ago. I'm one of those people who just wants to put in a game and play.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
I would argue that it is.
ashecitism
Member
Can we expect Valve's own machine to be subsidized?
Any modern PC s will be be a steambox as long as your willing to install SteamOS. There won't be any games that you can't play because you didn't buy Valves system.
Callibretto
Member
I think steam machine will be great in a few year where you can expect any pc games released on window os will also be available in steam os. It'll be quite a challenge I think. They are basically launching a new platform. Starting their library all over again. They said they have hundreds title available on launch, but that's just like sony said vita have hundreds of title available at launch because of ps1/psp titles.
Valve will now need to convince dev and publisher to also port their pc windows games to steam os. Just like way back when they start steam they need to convince dev and publisher put their titles on steam store.
It'd be easier to convince dev to make steam os version of games if steam hardware sell a lot of unit, but right now I still don't see myself buying steam box anytime soon when ps4 is deliverih pretty good value right now.
I could see myself getting steambox 1 or 2 year in the future as opposed to upgrading my gaming pc though
Valve will now need to convince dev and publisher to also port their pc windows games to steam os. Just like way back when they start steam they need to convince dev and publisher put their titles on steam store.
It'd be easier to convince dev to make steam os version of games if steam hardware sell a lot of unit, but right now I still don't see myself buying steam box anytime soon when ps4 is deliverih pretty good value right now.
I could see myself getting steambox 1 or 2 year in the future as opposed to upgrading my gaming pc though
See I was wondering this myself, as I'm from the UK. I did a quick scan through the T&C and no where does it state you have to be in the US.
I highly doubt it. Valve makes money on the software you'll buy but they'll make the same amount of money regardless if you buy the game on their box or one you built yourself. Plus it will be difficult to get other manufacturers to build systems if they're undercutting them on price. Valve wants to get SteamOS established as a platform. Its in their best interests to get it on as many different systems as possible.
Well the whole point is about not being bothered, getting something already built, competent gaming-wise, in a smallish form factor and not too expensive.
I could build it myself I suppose, but if I end up just saving £50 it's not really worth the hassle.
NervousXtian
Thought Emoji Movie was good. Take that as you will.
Where are people getting this $300 or 400 mid-tier thing from?
$300 would be some pretty dated shit, and even $400 won't run highest setting on newer games at 1080p with solid frames.
$600+ would build a solid box I'm sure...
and if you're talking "pre-built" add at least $50 or so to the component price.. plus controller, etc... no freaking way a $400 box is gonna be good.
$300 would be some pretty dated shit, and even $400 won't run highest setting on newer games at 1080p with solid frames.
$600+ would build a solid box I'm sure...
and if you're talking "pre-built" add at least $50 or so to the component price.. plus controller, etc... no freaking way a $400 box is gonna be good.
childplease
Banned
400 box that is on par if not craps on current consoles is totally doable.
If the valve takes a hit on each unit and if they get cozy with the hardware manufacturers and get good prices.
Can Crusher
Banned
Very very interesting times. I'm curious to see the pricing and what kind of exclusives they will be offering.
Have you looked into wakeonlan? as long as it's activated in your bios you just need to send a few specific packets on the network to wake up a computer.
Artemis-Thoth
Member
Same, this all just seems like smoke and mirrors to push Linux. Just give us the OS and skip the hardware BS.
Can Crusher
Banned
I wonder if the prices will stay the same. Will publishers undercut the prices on steambox considering it's competing directly with their releases on other consoles? Because if publishers keep prices low for steambox, then why not do the same for Ps4 and Xbox One?
Haunted
Member
Probably already posted.
Ubisoft is tweeting about Steam Machines
https://twitter.com/Ubisoft/status/383230569582047233
https://twitter.com/UbisoftMTL/status/383230683864260608
This will be interesting XD
https://twitter.com/Ubisoft/status/383230569582047233
https://twitter.com/UbisoftMTL/status/383230683864260608
This will be interesting XD
NervousXtian
Thought Emoji Movie was good. Take that as you will.
Current meaning 360/PS3... of course.
Well, Steam sales and free online are some upsides over the long run. But it still boils down to pricing and specs. They needed to at least give some examples or should have waited until they were prepared to do so. As the market they appear to be targeting are going to have two new familiar consoles launching in November. Besides that, they are going to be confused as it is when they see all of these different spec configurations and prices.
Realistically speaking, most people will just buy a PS4 or Xbox One and call it a day. Nothing will change. They will see the Steam Machines with 5 different pricing models and specs that they barely understand, and then the familiar Xbox and PlayStation brands that will probably end up being cheaper when it comes to specs vs price. Where do you think most will lean?
I mean, this is really the ideal PC gaming solution for me on the surface, but not if the cost is going to be higher for similar or slightly better specs than a PS4. It still does not solve the problem of why people like me prefer consoles anyway. If I wanted to buy a pre-built PC and then install the Steam OS, I can already do that. They need to show me why I should want one of these and it is really disappointing that they have failed to even try thus far.
Realistically speaking, most people will just buy a PS4 or Xbox One and call it a day. Nothing will change. They will see the Steam Machines with 5 different pricing models and specs that they barely understand, and then the familiar Xbox and PlayStation brands that will probably end up being cheaper when it comes to specs vs price. Where do you think most will lean?
I mean, this is really the ideal PC gaming solution for me on the surface, but not if the cost is going to be higher for similar or slightly better specs than a PS4. It still does not solve the problem of why people like me prefer consoles anyway. If I wanted to buy a pre-built PC and then install the Steam OS, I can already do that. They need to show me why I should want one of these and it is really disappointing that they have failed to even try thus far.
as far as I understand it, this is for the people who want their steam experience in the living room and onto multiple devices. this is not meant for people who already settle with consoles, and or people who already have high end PC's.
That may be the case to an extent, but I think it is obvious that they want a larger presence in the living room and the attention of people who primarily game on consoles. I commend what they are trying to do for PC gaming, but if there is not going to be any cost incentive, then it will remain just as you say. A niche PC gaming device that will be popular and convenient for those already heavily invested in Steam.
PreyingShark
Member
I'm currently running a Compaq Presario from late 2005. I'm packing a 1.8 Ghz AMD processor and an ATI Radeon 9550.
If there's a relatively cheap model I might consider that when I upgrade next year. Sorry, toaster - you're starting to become a little bit outdated.
If there's a relatively cheap model I might consider that when I upgrade next year. Sorry, toaster - you're starting to become a little bit outdated.
Kocolino67
Member
You can also add the already huge creative community and the steam workshop. The steamsupport is in my opinion very good, too. At least, they solved my problems sufficiently.
Alienware is never a good value. Don't let anyone try to tell you differently.
They are extremely overpriced, low warrantay, sub-par specs for the cost, and use low-quality parts.
There is a thread on GAF where they discuss the X line of Alienwares and it is just plain crazy in there. They spend $1500+ dollars buying one of these and then a new GPU that fits, its insanity.
The X51 isn't that bad when it comes to SFF PCs. It's one of the few you can actually recommend.