Microsoft preparing to deliver major blow to PC gaming?
 

There's an article in the latest issue of GI that I found pretty interesting, if not downright scary.

As many of you know, Microsoft is targeting Windows 8 as a "unified interface" that will run ubiquitously on all of their devices - mobile, desktop PC, TV appliances, and perhaps even XBox.

Here's the kicker - this new version of Windows Mobile (I think they called it RT or something) is like Apple/iTunes/iOS. NOBODY publishes software for Windows Mobile without approval from Microsoft. It's the same model as they use for XBox Live. Microsoft gets approval and right of refusal on ALL software distributed via the platform. That means they get to dictate pricing if they want. That means they can delay patches if they want. It means they can prioritize their own 1st-party titles if they want.

There were quotes from major players in the industry like Blizzard in the article and they're very concerned. At the very least, they could make development for PC just enough more difficult that it stifles innovation. At worst, they could choke off the one thing that really sets PC gaming apart from consoles, essentially killing services like Steam.

Microsoft really is becoming this generation's Sears.

Screw Microshaft.

They would not do it. 1, a revolt would happen for their products, 2, it would open the door for a rival or newcomer. Hp and others I am sure would love to sell a google OS PC, they could sell it cheaper and with higher profit margin, win/win. Only loser would be MS. This is why I do not think they would do it. Altering the desktop gaming would ruin their goose.

That sounds good in theory but it just can't be that simple.

For one, a Google-powered machine today has almost NO appeal to a hardcore gamer.

Right now Google-powered gaming is essentially Angry Birds. Browser and flash-based games. One has to wonder of the top-flight publishers will find a way to monetize blockbuster games on a Google platform - my guess is that it just won't be lucrative.

It will be interesting for sure.

Heh, remember when the web and computing was fun, open and standardized? I feel like we have come full circle again to years ago with everyone wanting to make enclosed ecosystems that don’t work with others…... Google, Apple, Microsoft……..

Enclosed systems suck, consoles are ftl and dead to me.

Consoles have their place, especially for the kiddies. But PC gaming is king and is where consoles get their inspiration. The moment a new console hits (720 or PS4) it will already be outdated in terms of the gaming PC's that are out there. PC's just cost a lot more.

Umm, I am talking about them rolling out a OS to put on PCs. If MS went this route, they could move in, hardware would stay the same.

Why would a big boy like Blizzard be worried about this?

Google already has an OS for PCs. It's essentially nothing more than a productivity kiosk. It's not conducive to gaming AT ALL.

I think you're oversimplifying by quite a bit.

I'll have to see if I can find a digital copy of the article and post it. It would make more sense to see what they said verbatim. It wasn't just Blizzard.

Yep. If MS does this, and it screws up availability, I will walk away from Windows and never look back. the biggest reason I still use Windows is compatibility with software I want. Google has the money, the tech savvy and the rep to destroy Windows if MS wants to do something like this.

Microsoft says to make your games available on our PC OS you have to make it available on Xbox first.

or something


typical microsuck asshattery

I LOVE my PS3.

jesus...that's terrible.

I'm not that computer tech oriented, but even i know this is going to blow.

Consoles may cost more to the naked eye, but the fact that you have to update your PC every damn year makes PC games hella more expensive it isn't even close.

Windows 8 RT is for ARM based devices, not x86 or x64 so game publishers should be fine for a while still.

How the hell would they delay patches?

Presumably because of a code review process that's neither been announced or explained.

1) Don't buy bleeding edge PC's. They are ridiculously over priced and unnecessary

2) When you do buy a PC, make sure that you can upgrade it.

3) Pay attention to major PC upgrades. Major upgrades in the PC world, that actually kill your gaming experience if you fall behind, only come around once every few years. Don't get sucked into the hype.

4) Maintain your PC. Take the necessary steps to keep it running smoothly. There many threads with valuable information about that right here on Chiefs Planet.

5) Know what you want, and decide a price range that you will accept, before you even take a look at what is available.

Did you hear that they're going to allow telemarketers to call cell phones too?

Look at what you just said - the only reason you use Windows is because it's compatible with all the software you want.

If they do this and nobody steps in to create a gaming-capable operating system (there aren't any right now) then what?

It's not just the technical architecture they're looking at. It's also the business model.

Precisely.

They already do this with the XBox.

I have had my gaming rig since 07, about 600bucks worth total spent on it since then.. You do not have to upgrade every year.. Now if you want all the settings topped off and want to OC then maybe every other year.. But those guys generally have big boy jobs and love spending money on their PCs like a sports car..

But it is not a stretch for them to move into the market..

Mouse aiming owns.

Is it? That was my original comment/question. I'm being sincere here.

Google's current OS isn't anywhere NEAR being capable of playing high-end blockbuster games. I gotta think it's not as simple as we might think it is. Get what I mean?

You say some outrageously stupid shit sometimes, man. LOL

The community can stick with Windows 7 until someone else besides microshaft comes out with something.

Yup. Nothing beats using an XboX 360 controller in one hand, and the mouse to point and shoot in the other.

If they do this and companies have a hard time complying, then Windows loses its only value for me: compatibility. If another company puts out an operating system that is easier for game manufacturers to work with (like Google), than that company wins. I walk away from Windows. Forever.

I'm honestly hoping it happens.

I've been trying to become "Windows-free" for years. The only thing holding me back at this point is the games...

Im actually kind of interested in seeing what their surface tablet will be like.

Erp. The first release is for ARM. Look for x86 and x64 by Christmas.

Here's some articles. I still can't find a digital copy of the magazine article (I'm not paying for a sub :D).

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/a...ophe-quot.aspx

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/featur...ct-gaming.aspx

Have also read recently that Valve is working with ATI and nVidia to "modernize" graphics and chipset drivers for Linux. :hmmm: