Why I think Valve's Steambox will flop

[TomWiley]

Valve really did a 180 when it comes to Piston; just as everyone realized that there is no reason to pay 999 dollars for a little box that can barely run the latest Call of Duty. Now Valve wants us to think they have "no involvement" with XI3, and apparently, the Piston they showed off at their very own booth at E3 was only "some experimental work".

Piston is as anti-PC as it gets; a little pre-build that wants to be a console and sacrifices performance and customizability for a sleek and sexy formfactor, and if Valve's own Steambox is going to be anything like it, I'm not interested.

But even if it isn't, there are a few reasons why I can't force myself to be excited for Valves very own Steambox, so to see if anyone else agrees with my concerns, I decided to list some of these reasons!

It doesn't do well with a mouse and keyboard setup

Don't get me wrong, controllers are awesome, I'm sure, but personally, I can't for the life of me use one. "But hey", someone says: "Valve says that the Steambox allows you to play with your mouse and keyboard if you prefer that!"

Be that as it may, but this thing is going to boot to Valve's controller-based Big Picture Mode, not to mention the fact that they are pushing third party developers to develop with the controller in mind, and the Steambox is certainly made for the living room, not the desktop.

So what's gonna happen to all traditional genres such as RTS that are virtually useless with a controller? Will they die out in Valve's post-desktop world? If Steam continues to be the de-facto platform, and this Steambox thing becomes a hit, no doubt the developers are going to adjust; which means bigger UI, simplified controls and potentially simplified gameplay.

To only that, many existing Steam games, particularly indie-games, don't support controllers, meaning that third party developers would have to go back and redesign their games to be allowed on Steam Big Picture.

It will ship with Linux

It looks like the Steambox will essentially be a Linux kernel hiding behind Steam Big Picture, which means that pretty much the entirety of my very expensive Steam library that I've built up over the years won't even run on the bloody Steambox before I put Windows on it.
And if the first thing the majority of gamers are going to do after buying their brand new Steambox is installing Windows, that's a problem. Besides, these gamers with the patience to do that are probably better off building their own PC. As a customer, I don't feel ready to pay for a dedicated gaming machine which can only play like the original Half Life and CS 1.6.

I don't see how the Steambox is supposed to compete on the market

Valve's loyal Steam-users already own a PC. Paying for an extra pre-build PC to play Steam games (but only the few Steam games that are actually available on Linux) might not be all that appealing to everyone.

And the console gamers are not going to want to buy a PC/console hybrid for 999 dollars over a PS4 or whatever the next Xbox is going to be called. And if the Steambox is looking to compete with the price tag of the next generation of consoles, you're looking at a really weak Steambox which, coupled with the existing Steam-library of performance-demanding PC games, is going to suck to play on. It's going to have neither the advantages of a PC, nor the advantages of a console.

So, am I the only one who feels a bit worried about the Steambox's potential for success?

 

[DazZ.]

So, am I the only one who feels a bit worried about the Steambox's potential for success?

Disregarding everything you've just said because I'm too tired to read someone elses opinion properly but up my own arse enough to feel the need to put my own input in, I'm sure they've thought this themselves. I'm waiting to see what exactly a Steambox offers before I say it'll fail or not.

Will they die out in Valve's post-desktop world? If Steam continues to be the de-facto platform, and this Steambox thing becomes a hit, no doubt the developers are going to adjust; which means bigger UI, simplified controls and potentially simplified gameplay.

This won't happen though, the market will still be there. Consoles have become "the de-facto platform" and games that would only really work on a mouse and keyboard are still being made.

If I'm proven wrong on that I'll set out myself to fix the error and richer people than myself will do so much more effectively as well.

 

[Doom972]

It's not intended for a regular PC gamer, but for potential new PC gamers. With the next console generation looking bleak, some people are and will be considering going for PC gaming, but they will be discouraged because of its reputation of being complicated to get into. The Steambox will have everything necessary already installed and the user would be able to just download and play (I bet that the games will be preconfigured accordingly). With the WiiU not having next-gen capabilities and the next X-box forcing hard-drive installations and Always-Online DRM, there might be a large market for the Steambox after all.

 

[Requia]

I suspect the Steambox is really aimed at forcing some kind of concession at Microsoft (there's an implicit threat that this will end with more games being made Linux compatible, possibly even a couple Linux exclusives, since the steambox is a really a linux PC with a fancy formfactor), not a legit product.

 

[DoPo]

While success or not is debatable and I can't really speculate properly about it, the Stambox does offer some rather nifty prospects. Also has some...interesting drawbacks compared to both consoles and other PCs. I can write a whole essay on each of those but I don't want to right now. Instead, I just wanted to share something I noticed a couple of days ago - you can log into Steam using your PSN account. Yeah, I know it's probably not a new thing but I hadn't logged into Steam for a very long time (as in, I have the credentials saved) and when I saw this, I immediately thought of how the PS4 would be streaming older titles. So...dunno, it is possible for Steam to work out something with Sony so one would be able to stream PS titles on the Steambox. It's an interesting opportunity. That's pure "what if" on my part, though - just wanted to share it.

 

[Maxtro]

What Valve is going to need to do is develop some kind of OS that Windows games can run on without actually being Windows.

Then they need the system to be a better value than buying a comparable PC.

So far neither seem to be the case.

 

[Yopaz]

In regards to the comment that it ships with Linux.

PS4 ships without backwards compatibility. There are currently more games for Linux than that supports PS4. The Piston will have a really solid launch lineup, though none of those are new. The Linux library is growing though.

Also Valve refused to be affiliated with it? This is due to a lot of confusion. Valve is making a console, but this console isn't the Piston. This is a confusion that even tech sites haven't figured out yet. Valve has stated that they are going to show off their Steambox later.

THE PISTON IS NOT VALVE'S CONSOLE.

 

[Auron]

portable computer that you can take to lan parties and can run most games? DOWANT! It's what Gabe Newell announced and it's what I expect I intend to buy it unless it's on a heavily closed platform then I have no need for it, I do not believe it will flop, Valve knows what it's doing(most of the time anyway.) and it has a legion of fans.

The initial idea was to take the Piston's design and tinker with it far as I remember, I'm sure they're not going to charge a thousand $ for it, it has to be competitive with computer prices otherwise I'll just take the hassle of moving my computer around.

On hating controllers, you know it'll have ports for any peripheral you want, right? You're just assuming stuff left and right and stating it all as pure fact man.

 

[Setch Dreskar]

Well firstly it won't cost 999, Gabe Newell gave an interview before the Xi3 incident with the pricing model the Steam Box will be going for starting at $99 USD. 1/10th the price you mentioned. Piston has never been a Valve console, Valve backed the Piston project to see a modular computer system be built and learn from it, to the point Xi3 is in trouble for telling people Valve was a part of the building and marketing process.

Valve is making the Steam Box, Xi3 made the Piston which was a modular PC that was supposedly set to run Steam's Big Picture Mode. They are not the same.

-Next saying you don't like controllers is a personal preference. Granted you can't do specific genres with a controller, but it still is just a preference thing, considering Valve is allowing keyboard support on Steam Box.

-The point about Linux is an odd one, they have stated it will be Linux Based, but as to what that entails they haven't gone into details on it. So we shall have to wait and see how steam games bought for windows will work.

-Your third part is already defunct because of lack of knowledge of what the Xi3 Piston was, and saying it was the Steam Box which isn't true. So pretty much everything in your post is just speculation or flat out wrong.

TL,DR:

Wait for the Steam Box to actually have some solid details on it, check your facts and don't use misinformation to decide if a console will succeed or not. What we do know is the starting price is set for $99 USD, and its a Linux Based system with unknown details on how it will link with Steam games bought for Windows.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/8/3852692/valve-linux-steam-box-local-gaming-server

 

[Smooth Operator]

So you actually have no extra information and yet proceed to claim doom and gloom on a console that hasn't even got a finalized concept...
I do understand you people are so used to console wars you just get in there preemptively but perhaps your life would be easier if you wait until there is something to fight about.

Also the Piston "incident" was just Valve making clear their products aren't related, as Piston guys do need to sell some units to make a living while Valve as usual will be taking it's sweet time.

 

[Maximum Bert]

I am reserving judgement but I am very skeptical most people already own a PC and can therefore play games on it to some degree so I dont see why people would shell out money for a more portable PC just so they can move it about easier? I mean I wouldnt buy a smaller PS3 or 360 just because I can take it around easier or fit it in tighter spaces I just dont have that kind of money to waste to pay for something that does exactly what something else I already have does.

Unless it gets exclusives I just dont see the point and I cant see them doing that without pissing off their PC fanbase. Also its pretty hard to bring out and sustain a console even for huge companies like Sony and Microsoft (Nintendo are an exception not the norm) especially with a new name and believe it or not a lot of people are clueless to Steam and Valve as its not a name synonymous with gaming at least not yet on the larger public consciousness.

That said Microsoft and Sony could hand it over to Valve by being stupid much like how Nintendo got the huge market share and dominance with the NES and SNES and then gave it to Sony with the Playstation and it seems if the rumours are substantiated that Microsoft just may do that but I am doubtful Sony and Nintendo will.

I think Steam signing a deal with Sony would be a good deal thats if they can prove that Gaikai actually works for the majority of people and not just those with 8mb + internet connections.

 

[SpAc3man]

I think you think that Valve is actually going to be spending a lot of money on this.
Valve will be defining the requirements of a Steambox. If it does sell well then great. If not then Valve lose nothing.
Valve will be licensing the Steambox name while anyone will be able to build an equivalent if they want to. Valve provide the software in the form of Steam Big Picture and the Steam store. Linux is the chosen OS as the Gaben objects to Microsoft's new app store. He is making a point. Any manufacturers that decide to do a Steambox will be able to ship with a copy of Windows on a DVD to make it optional. Valve get more people using Steam and therefore more money.

Lastly. Call of Duty will run on almost any turd of a PC you throw it at. The Xi3 Piston would destroy it without any effort whatsoever.

 

[Jimmy T. Malice]

Wait, the Steambox is an actual thing? I thought it was just a crazy rumour.

 

[ResonanceSD]

The Steambox won't be as good, as cheap, or as malleable as a home built PC -_-

of course, if the "Steambox" is a specification rather than an actual thing, then it might work.

 

[Andrew_C]

Xi3 originally displayed the rather overpriced X5A (AKA Piston) at E3 several years ago, to resounding indifference. They went on to build it and actually sold a few. Recently Valve also displayed the X5A along
with with several other similar small form factor PC's (including a box by Intel) as examples of what they were thinking of. Valve gave Piston some money to see if they could build it down to a price, as they did with several other manufacturers. They could not, that is extent of the link with the Steambox.

However, just because Xi3 could not build a small box down to a price does not mean that other manufactures, Intel or Valve themselves couldn't. I sincerely doubt they are going for the same spec as high-end gaming PC. If Valve wanted to build high-end gaming PC's they would have gotten into than market, not the small form factor market.

Having said all that I do think the Steambox is mainly a ploy to keep Windows a open platform.

 

[bug_of_war]

I think Valve would have done their research before hand to make sure the Steambox is a safe sale, but there's still an inkling in my mind that I wonder if what they're doing right now is really a good thing. Firstly, bringing out a new console around the same time as the next Playstation and Xbox isn't the best idea. Playstation and Xbox are very well known consoles, and whilst the Steambox is trying to fuse console and PC gaming I doubt most people would choose the Steambox over the big two console giants. And Nintendo kind of already dominates most house holds so I don't see much more room for the new kid on the block.

Secondly, those whom are avid followers of Valve already use Steam, so why would they buy the Steambox when they already have a comfortable set up.

Thirdly, most people don't know who the hell Valve is, and the only new console people seem to be talking about is the Playstation 4, so it seems as though the Steambox is flying too low under the radar and needs to start advertising itself more if it wants any chance at getting noticed by the mainstream gaming audience.

 

[TomWiley]

Well firstly it won't cost 999, Gabe Newell gave an interview before the Xi3 incident with the pricing model the Steam Box will be going for starting at $99 USD. 1/10th the price you mentioned. Piston has never been a Valve console, Valve backed the Piston project to see a modular computer system be built and learn from it, to the point Xi3 is in trouble for telling people Valve was a part of the building and marketing process.

Valve is making the Steam Box, Xi3 made the Piston which was a modular PC that was supposedly set to run Steam's Big Picture Mode. They are not the same.

-Next saying you don't like controllers is a personal preference. Granted you can't do specific genres with a controller, but it still is just a preference thing, considering Valve is allowing keyboard support on Steam Box.

-The point about Linux is an odd one, they have stated it will be Linux Based, but as to what that entails they haven't gone into details on it. So we shall have to wait and see how steam games bought for windows will work.

-Your third part is already defunct because of lack of knowledge of what the Xi3 Piston was, and saying it was the Steam Box which isn't true. So pretty much everything in your post is just speculation or flat out wrong.

TL,DR:

Wait for the Steam Box to actually have some solid details on it, check your facts and don't use misinformation to decide if a console will succeed or not. What we do know is the starting price is set for $99 USD, and its a Linux Based system with unknown details on how it will link with Steam games bought for Windows.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/8/3852692/valve-linux-steam-box-local-gaming-server

Alright, if you didn't want to read my entire post that's fine, but if you want to claim that I'm flat out wrong, whilst arguing against points I never once made in my original post, you should probably go back and give it another try.

Valve is making the Steam Box, Xi3 made the Piston which was a modular PC that was supposedly set to run Steam's Big Picture Mode. They are not the same.

Yes, of course they are not the same. Nobody thought that this was THE Steambox, they thought it was A Steambox, the first in a line of Steamboxes.

Why?

Well because Valve bloody showed the damn thing at their own both at E3 and called it a Steambox. Now they've turned around and say that they have "no involvement". Valve had a 2 month time window to declare that they had no involvement with this thing, but they choice to do it just now that they specs have been revealed. It couldn't be more obvious.

Well firstly it won't cost 999, Gabe Newell gave an interview before the Xi3 incident with the pricing model the Steam Box will be going for starting at $99 USD. 1/10th the price you mentioned.

999 dollars was an example. As I wrote in my original post "And if the Steambox is looking to compete with the price tag of the next generation of consoles, you're looking at a really weak Steambox which, coupled with the existing Steam-library of performance-demanding PC games, is going to suck to play on."

It's a disjunction, you see. Either the Steambox will cost something around 999 dollars in which case the machine would actually have specs that would give you performance COMPARABLE to the PS4, not considering the fact that the PS4 runs games designed for it's specific APU architecture whereas the Steambox will run general PC games.

See, this is how it works. Good specs costs money, and PC games require better performance than consoles to be able to reach the same gameplay standards, seeing as the PC, by definition, is impossible to optimize software for.

So, if the Steambox is going to cost 99 dollars, It'll be virtually useless when it comes to most PC games, and not anywhere near as powerful as the PS4. 99 dollars will give you like a simple tegra GPU or something, which is good for playing Half Life 2. Barely.

Wait for the Steam Box to actually have some solid details on it, check your facts and don't use misinformation to decide if a console will succeed or not. What we do know is the starting price is set for $99 USD, and its a Linux Based system with unknown details on how it will link with Steam games bought for Windows.

Alright, so this is hilariously ironic. You claim that I'm using misinformation when I see that Windows games won't run an a Linux system...

Well, you know what? That's because Windows games can't run on the Linux system. Current windows games (almost all games in your Steam library) are designed for the DirectX APU which means that a Linux architecture (anything with the Linux kernel) literally won't be able to run those games.

So unless the Steambox is really just for streaming from your Windows PC (which raises a whole bunch of new questions), that Linuxbox will be useless for playing Windows games. Simple as that.