Microsoft preparing to deliver major blow to PC gaming?

[htismaqe]

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.

[KILLER_CLOWN]

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

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by notorious

Mouse aiming owns.

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

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

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?

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.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by listopencil

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...

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

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.

[Braincase]

Originally Posted by DaveNull

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

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

[htismaqe]

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

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.