PCWorld Forums: Video-game Publishing Ceo Trash Talks Windows 8 - PCWorld Forums

Post your comments for Video-Game Publishing CEO Trash Talks Windows 8 here

I think he has a very good point. I recently spent a week with the Ubuntu OS and it is amazing now. I imagine that many people could be easily converted if they weren't held back by one thing. I inded up having to go back to Vista reluctantly due to compatibility issues with software I use for work.

Would love to have linux as an OS for a gaming machine, but calling Windows 8 a disaster is not the way.

I hope Linux becomes a viable gaming platform. I've wanted to ditch Windows for years, and Windows 8 makes me want to jump ship more than ever.

Sounds like Gabe is a little miffed that Microsoft is finally taking it's fate into its own hands instead of leaving too much on the table for connected industry. Smart move for Microsoft and naive statement by Mr. Newell.

Why would Value like a windows 8 with its own built in software store when they have successfully become the leading vendor of games on windows.

They would be crazy to want more competition.

He is right that windows 8 store, windows stores, and microsoft made devices like surface are not great for the partner ecosystem.

Valve was there first and so they are going to be miffed when windows store leads to the inevitable destruction of them as the leading game re-seller.

Because of all the relationships they have built and servicing existing customers they can probably hang on for quite some time.

They are going to have to innovate their social side beyond where they have in order to stay competitive.

Trying to make a linux box strategy work seems sketchy to me.
It would have to be a really cheap box, but also highly capable.

I see the opportunity for them in being the facebook for gamers, a open id provider. Facebook is on the xbox, but not steam. They need to expand on there account system so they can be in more places. They should also throw a lifeline to physical stores by allowing them to sell games that unlock on steam from third parties, even if they have to sacrifice their portion of the revenue. Of course that doesn't seem to be where they are headed.

This is what I have been hoping for for years now.
Maybe gaming companies will make more and more games Linux compatible (WINE notwithstanding) and we will finally be able to enjoy games on any OS we desire and not stuck to purchasing Windows just to play the games we love.

If I had to trade Steam for MS Xbox Live, I would give up video games as a pastime. Here's why:

1. Steam treats its customers with respect. They do not foist software you don't need, and they don't make you buy "points" in batches that leave you with some of your money tied up in their system after purchases. They offer fantastic sale prices, and they work to open doors to gamers, rather than close them. Compare Steam making its platform and games work on Mac to MS paying publishers to make games Xbox-exclusive.

2. MS has a long and sordid history of integrating services into the OS that end up being security nightmares (gadgets, anyone? Active Desktop? Windows Messenger?).

3. I am a PC-only gamer; just the name "Xbox Live" is an insult. We all should know MS would kill PC gaming if they thought they could take over the market share with Xbox. Don't believe me? When the first Xbox came out, MS announced DirectX 9 would be the last version. But then they needed a way to get people to adopt Win XP, so they backtracked and implemented DX 10.

I could go on, but that is enough for now. Suffice it to say that if I could play the games I care about on Linux, I would wipe Windows from my system so fast my hard drive might burst into flames.

This is music to my ears... IF Linux gets a grip on the PC gaming market, Windows is in for a major fight.

The reason he is angry, is because MS wants to do what apple is doing and lock down the OS more than in the pass.

Looks like Gabe is about to hit critical mass...