"Today, Valve will launch the beta of Big Picture mode, a version of Steam designed for your television. That's right. The de facto central hub of PC gaming is now designed to run while you're lounging in your living room - and with a controller, no less. I've tried out Big Picture. It's sleek, intuitive, and groundbreaking in several ways." We've talked about this before. If there's one company that can upend consoles, it's Valve. Everything is falling into place, and I wouldn't be surprised if this - what is essentially the software for the 'Steambox' - will have a tremendous effect on the games industry. Looks great, too.
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Member since:
2005-06-29
Member since:2005-11-29
I think their 360 strategy is a little more well reasoned. People already own 360s, much more than people who are likely to lug their PCs into their living room and flip a switch.
But to an extent, with DLNA Play To, I get the benefits of a home theater using Metro and Windows 8.
On the gaming side, their Xbox Smart Glass app which acts as a companion to a 360 seems like an important bet.
Member since:
2005-11-29
Looks sleek, but I'm hardly sold on their ability to dominate the console market.
I mean, I'm sure a lot of the love is because they're throwing Linux a bone, but a lot of pieces have to fall correctly into place for their success to be guaranteed.
Microsoft has a multi year headstart and a stronger foot in the door into the consumer living room. However, the sparks have barely started flying here and I think its the next big theater in this multi company war of ecosystems.
Member since:2009-02-19
They don't have to "dominate" it for this to be a profitable move. And they're well-situated for this; they've already got the titles, and many of them already have the controller-based interface in place (since they've already released the Orange Box and L4D2 on consoles). They also don't need to develop new specialist hardware; they look like they're angling to do this on more-of-less off-the-shelf hardware, which will greatly reduce the expense. Personally I think it's a pretty shrewd move.
That's definitely a contributing factor, but this is still a pretty good idea for them. With both OS X and Windows drifting towards app-store-style centralized application management, Valve are justifiably worried that Steam will become irrelevant on desktop PCs. They have to look for a new platform. And like I say, they've already got the titles, they've already got the console UIs, and they've already got the distribution channel, so they really just need the hardware.
Member since:2005-11-29
I agree with all of this, and think they have promising prospects. Just wanted to add a little bit of flavor to the discussion. Its worth being aware of the shape of the landscape.
I think current TV set top solutions are inefficient and worthy of a disruption, so it is personally exciting.
Member since:2011-09-15
Member since:2005-11-29
Member since:2005-08-18
Member since:2005-11-29
Especially when it comes to that. The 360 has been a top seller for 20 months in a row.
Microsoft has extensive content deals, an existing huge base to harness, users who spend increasingly more time on the 360 actually watching content, a promising new elections hub, and synergy with Windows through Smart Glass.
Microsoft is already in the marketplace with their hardware, and already has a tremendous amount of both experience and mind share.
Microsoft is undoubtedly ahead in nearly every metric. However, for some balance, it is a very nascent market. I think there will be many Kings over the years, and there is a huge opportunity.
Member since:2005-08-18
Member since:
2012-05-25