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.

[CoMoChief]

jesus...that's terrible.

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

[Setsuna]

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.

[DaveNull]

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

[ModSocks]

How the hell would they delay patches?

[DaveNull]

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

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by Setsuna

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.

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.

[DaveNull]

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

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by listopencil

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.

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?

[htismaqe]

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.

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

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by DaveNull

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

Precisely.

They already do this with the XBox.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Setsuna

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.

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..

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

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.

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

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Luke Warm

I LOVE my PS3.

Mouse aiming owns.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Valiant

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

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?

[Pants]

Originally Posted by Setsuna

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.

You say some outrageously stupid shit sometimes, man. LOL