Gabe Newell Interview

Ehren8879 said:
So, I'm guessing nvidia has won the GPU bid for the Steam box? It makes sense from a Linux driver standpoint and their work in LAN remote display tech.
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I was thinking about this when I was reading the article. nVidia does currently have better Linux support so it would seem like that's the GPU maker they'd opt for but it isn't that easy. It's a lot easier - and smarter, I feel - to go with hardware that's at least somewhat comparable to the next gen consoles, which would likely point to AMD. Getting AMD to fix their Linux support is a lot easier than getting a world full of developers to optimize for a completely different set of hardware. Having the hardware of all next gen consoles relatively similar removes a lot of headache for developers and makes cross platform games much easier, thus allowing Steam to leverage its superior distribution system.

I guess we'll see. I can tell you it's a lot more to consider than just which drivers are better for Linux today. I'm sure if AMD were told they'd be passed up in a SteamBox they'd quickly get working on their Linux compatibility. Likewise, I'm sure nVidia is looking to distance themselves and at least try to get a single console win this coming generation.
 
gunbust3r said:
So I can choose between Windows 8 a supported platform (games and drivers) using just about any hardware combination I see fit or I can get an under-powered set-top box running linux supported by whatever cut rate hardware partner valve chooses running a fraction of available games so gabe gets a bigger slice of the profits?

The number of Win 8 users is only going to grow. I don't see how shitting on your primary future revenue stream is a good idea.
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Huh? Games will still be... on... Steam. You'll be able to install Windows 8 on these devices, too.

The fuck are some of you talking about?
 
Dekoth-E- said:
.
I was against DRM long before steam. I didn't need to jump on a bandwagon, sorry.
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What would you do to ensure that your software is not pirated?

I don't like the DRM but its one of the more effective ways to prevent software piracy.
 
Gabe needs to stuff his face with more cheeseburgers. At least then, he won't be spewing out his bullshit "Windows 8 is teh devi11!111!!!" nonsense.
 
face2palm said:
Gabe needs to stuff his face with more cheeseburgers. At least then, he won't be spewing out his bullshit "Windows 8 is teh devi11!111!!!" nonsense.
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- Windows 8 comes out, PC sales fall 21%. Holiday sales are down 11%.

- Windows 8's biggest improvements are for tablets, not PCs.

- PC sales aren't likely to pick up but in fact dip even further going forward. Tablets expected to outsell them in 2013

*** Steam does not make a lot of $$$ off tablets, instead relying on a strong PC gamer market which appears to be shrinking and MS doesn't seem to care.

Therefore:

Steam introduces a console to make up for a declining PC market and potentially weaker sales which Win8 has done nothing to remedy.

Which begs the question:

What the fuck are you talking about?
 
aw , had to caption the gabe photo.

873c1ae0e35a878948f6defe1c02a9c5


also, nVidia is looking pretty good. even if shield fails(i don't really want it to), looks like they still got Gabe on their side.
 
Dekoth-E- said:
That's nice, but it misses the point. I don't want to use a third party program to launch my games...period. I wouldn't mind using it to buy games. However that is it, after I am done purchasing I want the ability to shut it off or even uninstall it until the next time I want to use it. I am glad it doesn't bother you, I however take issue with someone looking over my digital shoulder to make sure I am obeying.
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with you man

steam is malware pure and simple
 
The idea and implementation of DRM is flawed beyond believe. Whenever you need to fill in a from which consists of your name, address, DoB and a few answers to generic questions like "what is the name of your first pet", you are opening up one more possibility for cyber theives to steal your info. If they are able to gain access to one of many DRM games you have purchased, then chances are they can gain access to all other accounts that you have via internet that shares the comman information they have acquired, to an extend that they may even able to gain accesses to your bank accounts. At the end of the day, companys that haven't lost your account info will say that they are not responsible for your lost, and the company that actually lost your info will simply say "sorry" and grant you a few months of free access at best. Look at Sony and its security breach, users log on info even credit card info as well as other personal info got stolen all because of DRM. You will need a lawyer to figure out the actual damage done to you, but will you hire a lawyer to fight for your damage done from buying/playing a game? Say you will, what will happen?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57538716-93/sony-psn-hacking-lawsuit-dismissed-by-judge/

So what does it leave us? Gaming industries are still in favour of DRM while games are still being pirated and are not responsible shall there be any lost of customers. Steam makes the process easier, but not more securer as security is as strong as its weakest link. I believe there exists users who want to purchase DRM games without DRM (pirated version that requires a valid cd-key) knowing that there will be missing features. Please note that privates don't mind DRM as the pirated version bypassed it already.

As to Gabe's opinion about motion controllers, I think he had missed the point and think too much in the wrong direction. I see those as an alternative to exercise. The talk about latency from brain to body part sounded like a sick joke to me. DDR is good, but my body is not, lets not use them to reduce latency. Really?
 
serious said:
The idea and implementation of DRM is flawed beyond believe. Whenever you need to fill in a from which consists of your name, address, DoB and a few answers to generic questions like "what is the name of your first pet", you are opening up one more possibility for cyber theives to steal your info. If they are able to gain access to one of many DRM games you have purchased, then chances are they can gain access to all other accounts that you have via internet that shares the comman information they have acquired, to an extend that they may even able to gain accesses to your bank accounts. At the end of the day, companys that haven't lost your account info will say that they are not responsible for your lost, and the company that actually lost your info will simply say "sorry" and grant you a few months of free access at best. Look at Sony and its security breach, users log on info even credit card info as well as other personal info got stolen all because of DRM. You will need a lawyer to figure out the actual damage done to you, but will you hire a lawyer to fight for your damage done from buying/playing a game? Say you will, what will happen?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57538716-93/sony-psn-hacking-lawsuit-dismissed-by-judge/

So what does it leave us? Gaming industries are still in favour of DRM while games are still being pirated and are not responsible shall there be any lost of customers. Steam makes the process easier, but not more securer as security is as strong as its weakest link. I believe there exists users who want to purchase DRM games without DRM (pirated version that requires a valid cd-key) knowing that there will be missing features. Please note that privates don't mind DRM as the pirated version bypassed it already.

As to Gabe's opinion about motion controllers, I think he had missed the point and think too much in the wrong direction. I see those as an alternative to exercise. The talk about latency from brain to body part sounded like a sick joke to me. DDR is good, but my body is not, lets not use them to reduce latency. Really?
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You can't be serious.
 
Honestly I can't remember the last time steam DRM failed or caused an issue preventing me to play my purchased games. I am sure it happens though.

Personally I don't find the client that obtrusive, I will kill it sometimes if I am not playing games but rather like the auto-update feature when left running.

My belief is the client adds enough value with little downside other then another tray app running. win in my book.
 
Sadnessof WIn8? Steam runs fine. My games run great. Dev tools are swell. Not sure WTF his beef is.

Oh. Maybe it's that Win8 has its own store now.

Call the fucking whaaaambulance.
 
thedocta45 said:
What would you do to ensure that your software is not pirated?

I don't like the DRM but its one of the more effective ways to prevent software piracy.
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I'm against bad DRM. Steam is a good example of DRM. I've had one problem with Steam DRM and it was very temporary.

I've played some games on other platforms (Origin) that sucked hard. I couldn't play a game that I had paid for and installed legally. I got it fixed, but it took a while.

If you're completely anti-DRM, then that sucks. There is no pleasing you unless you go 100% honor system and hand out games and expect people to pay if they feel like it. Welcome to reality, man. You're Utopia of DRM-free everything isn't going to happen. Just accept Steam as being one of the best, if not the best, DRM using providers.
 
ianken said:
Sadnessof WIn8? Steam runs fine. My games run great. Dev tools are swell. Not sure WTF his beef is.

Oh. Maybe it's that Win8 has its own store now.

Call the fucking whaaaambulance.
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More like Windows 8 isn't helping sell new PC's.
 
Dekoth-E- said:
Dear Mr Newell,

Please stop promoting always on DRM under the thinly disguised scheme of a content distribution platform. There are many users, myself included who would be very interested in Steam if we had the option to only turn it on to purchase games. I am aware that many people don't seem to care that they are running what is effectively spyware on their machines, however us more discerning customers take issue with being treated like criminals. In short, allow the option to run games purchased through steam without needing to turn steam on or even have it installed if I so choose. Also, please forward this letter to EA as well.

Thank you,
A gamer who is tired of being treated like a Pirate/cheater in every game.
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I know it doesn't have nearly the same selection, but have you checked out Good Old Games? All their software is DRM free. I picked up a Windows 7 compatible version of Baldur's Gate for my wife 6 months ago on it and we've had no complaints.
 
Funny how Gabe has said nothing but shit to say about Windows 8. Then to imply that Windows 8 has had an impact on Steam sales… Windows 8 sucks and no one is using it yet somehow it has the market penetration to lower your sales by 20%? What is it Gabe?

MAYBE you should try working with Microsoft to make the platform better so you can have more profits. Badmouthing the OS company where the majority of your profits come from is insanity.
 
Dekoth-E- said:
Dear Mr Newell,

Please stop promoting always on DRM under the thinly disguised scheme of a content distribution platform. There are many users, myself included who would be very interested in Steam if we had the option to only turn it on to purchase games. I am aware that many people don't seem to care that they are running what is effectively spyware on their machines, however us more discerning customers take issue with being treated like criminals. In short, allow the option to run games purchased through steam without needing to turn steam on or even have it installed if I so choose. Also, please forward this letter to EA as well.

Thank you,
A gamer who is tired of being treated like a Pirate/cheater in every game.
Click to expand...

You might want to re-direct this letter to Ubisoft, they seem to have the numbers the wrong way around, as 95% of the player base is apparently pirates, or when you try to launch a game like ACII you get launched into the Uplay app, and maybe Microsoft as any digital downloaded game, needs a constant connection or it refuses to allow you access to the game.

Origin, and STEAM will allow you to play in offline mode for weeks on end, so unless your living without any form of internet access what is the problem?

I don't mind having a central point for my games, and not have to worry about discs getting lost or damaged, I'm on the second lowest form of broadband access, and I'm not bothered by STEAM's need for a connection, although it does kind of suck that I cannot register my physical purchase of an older title on STEAM even though it's exactly the same game in every way (Dragon Age, Company of Heroes, and World in Conflict to name a few).
 
Gabe did work at Microsoft for many years. He got a lot of his early software management experience and capital from there.

Maybe he's had some secret grudge brewing, and all his efforts up to this point have been to build up enough resources to fight Microsoft. Get back at them for something. Now he sees a weak moment so he strikes!

Broken heart perhaps....:eek:
 
thedocta45 said:
I used to pirate games but then I got steam and now I buy my games.

Also if you don't like steam don't use steam.

But don't complain when you can't get games at 50-75% off.

I don't understand how you feel like steam is treating you like a pirate when you use their service.

It sounds to me like you just read this somewhere and decided to jump on the steam hate bandwagon.
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I used to pirate games as well but having been on Steam since 2004, I haven't pirated a game since.

Do I hate DRM? Yes.

Do I hate intrusive or always-online DRM? Absolutely.

Like many of us here on [H], a lot of us began gaming on the PC as far back as the IBM XT or Apple IIc computers, or older (if anyone older than me). I miss the old days of just popping a game in the computer and enter the CD key and not worry about online activation or activation limits, or having to be logged on 24/7 just to play a single player game.

Pirating games was more of a poor college student's decision than anything else. However, having to download cracks, keygens and whatnot every single time from scrupulous websites and having to wait for a new crack to be released because the game updated to fix a bug pretty much wears you out. That and having to deal with viruses and trojans was another annoying thing to deal with. There's just too much risk involved in pirating a game that's $5 to $60 that'll probably only last about 10 to 30 hours of playtime. (Given today's games that is.)

Once I got on Steam, having the ability to have games available to you right from a single source, downloadable, and is updated (when possible) is better than having to drive to a place like Best Buy or Gamestop. No more boxes to open, no more CDs to worry about being scratched or damaged, no more money spent on gas driving there, etc. (Though, I do enjoy good box art for the games.) Convenience and benefits outweighed the negativity behind it-- being locked to Steam, online DRM, etc.

As for the Steam Box, this is more for non-[H], non-computer savvy consumers. Again, we're talking about common folk who can share their life on Facebook but can't explain to you the difference between a DisplayPort and an HDMI cable in full detail. Like game consoles, it's meant to be a single media server and entertainment device. It's supposed to be easy to use, easy to set up right out of the box, and requires as minimal manual set up from the user. If they want (and know how), they can add a Windows OS to it. Other than that, once you plug everything in and turn it on, it'll give you immediate access to the Steam store and any related services you wish to use.

It's for the kind of consumer that really aren't into high-end gaming that many people on [H] tend to belittle and insult in various threads on the forum thinking they are a burden and insult to PC gaming. Sure, they want to play games but as long as it's smooth enough for them, how well it runs, and the user experience is all that matters, stuff like a dedicated gaming PC with SLI/Crossfired video cards, overclocked processors, and fancy cases all on a 2560x1440 displays aren't that important to them. I have friends like that, and I'm sure many of us on [H] have them as well.

These kind of people don't care how badly single-threaded performance is on a FX-8350 is compared to an i7-3770K in some Assassin's Creed Of Gods and Kings in Crysis: Skyrim Edition game. Does it run smooth enough to not hamper gameplay? Yes. Is the user experience the same regardless? Yes. Does it run well enough? Yes. Do I care if one processor gets 45 FPS and the other is 65 FPS? No. These people don't care and won't care to perceive to tell the difference between the two as long as the user experience is smooth for them.

This is what the Steam Box, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U are to a lot of consumers that buy them. It's a matter of convenience, ease of use, and immediate access to entertainment and media services that doesn't require a dedicated PC or a high-end gaming PC to do them on.

And, people wonder why desktop PCs are dying in the first place?

Why buy a dedicated powerful PC if all I do is email, facebook, and Youtube when I can do that on my phone? Or tablet? Or lower-priced computer?

In the end, price trumps everything and that matters more to the common consumer than how much better a PC is to a console when it comes to games.

Would I rather spend $299 for a 4GB Xbox 360 just to play Borderlands 2 or Assassin's Creed 3 or spend around $550-$600 (sans LCD monitor) for a decent gaming PC to be built from scratch including the price of the OS to play it?

The $299 option is more palatable than the latter.

If the Steam Box can retail at or around $300 or close to $400, provide mid-range graphics and CPU performance in PC games, and can be hooked up to a TV in the living room without the need of an LCD monitor, it will sell. It's better than trying to find a decent gaming PC of similar performance and/or price of a 360/PS3 ($250+ models) console out of Dell or HP, I can guarantee that. (Especially those sold in places like Walmart.)

Moving to Linux means Valve just took off $70 (price of Windows 8 Upgrade)/$99 (OEM Win 8)/$140 (price of OEM Win 8 Pro) off the price of the console already. The price of that Windows OS outside of the LCD monitor, does push the price up for a computer that is built from scratch. That's not even considering bulk prices sold from wholesale distributors. So, the price should be relatively and reasonably affordable for an average consumer.
 
mastaBlasta said:
Gabe did work at Microsoft for many years. He got a lot of his early software management experience and capital from there.

Maybe he's had some secret grudge brewing, and all his efforts up to this point have been to build up enough resources to fight Microsoft. Get back at them for something. Now he sees a weak moment so he strikes!

Broken heart perhaps....:eek:
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Well, in all fairness the Metro store is a direct competitor with Steam ... if it were to take off or if it became so successful that MS could lock everything down like Apple then Steam would be up the fecal waterway without an implement to provide movement ;)

Mr Newell's complaints about Win 8 probably are intended in that direction as much as anything else :cool:
 
mastaBlasta said:
Gabe did work at Microsoft for many years. He got a lot of his early software management experience and capital from there.

Maybe he's had some secret grudge brewing, and all his efforts up to this point have been to build up enough resources to fight Microsoft. Get back at them for something. Now he sees a weak moment so he strikes!

Broken heart perhaps....:eek:
Click to expand...

Then again, maybe he just doesn't like Windows8, the same as a lot of other people.
 
gunbust3r said:
Funny how Gabe has said nothing but shit to say about Windows 8. Then to imply that Windows 8 has had an impact on Steam sales… Windows 8 sucks and no one is using it yet somehow it has the market penetration to lower your sales by 20%? What is it Gabe?

MAYBE you should try working with Microsoft to make the platform better so you can have more profits. Badmouthing the OS company where the majority of your profits come from is insanity.
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LOL. "Working with MS"

Like they give a fuck. They have the Xbox.
 
pelo said:
- Windows 8 comes out, PC sales fall 21%. Holiday sales are down 11%.
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You say that like the PC sales fell 21% the day windows 8 was released. They were on the decline long before Windows 8 due to hardware lasting longer and tablet sales. Windows 8 didn't rescue those sales, no, but it isn't responsible for the decline itself. Anyone trying to paint Windows 8 as the culprit for PC sales is trying to rewrite the last 3-4 years of the industry's history.
 
thedocta45 said:
What would you do to ensure that your software is not pirated?[/'quote]
and to answer your question, even though it was not directed toward me:

I would build a badass game. Then i would make a fun and compelling co-op/multiplayer.
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Ididar said:
You say that like the PC sales fell 21% the day windows 8 was released. They were on the decline long before Windows 8 due to hardware lasting longer and tablet sales. Windows 8 didn't rescue those sales, no, but it isn't responsible for the decline itself. Anyone trying to paint Windows 8 as the culprit for PC sales is trying to rewrite the last 3-4 years of the industry's history.
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PC sales have been mostly flat the last couple of years, but they tanked this year, and it peaked right around the release of Windows 8.

Certainly Win8 is not fully responsible, but there may be some drag on sales from an OS that a lot of people seem not to like.
 
Dekoth-E- said:
Dear Mr Newell,

Please stop promoting always on DRM under the thinly disguised scheme of a content distribution platform. There are many users, myself included who would be very interested in Steam if we had the option to only turn it on to purchase games. I am aware that many people don't seem to care that they are running what is effectively spyware on their machines, however us more discerning customers take issue with being treated like criminals. In short, allow the option to run games purchased through steam without needing to turn steam on or even have it installed if I so choose. Also, please forward this letter to EA as well.

Thank you,
A gamer who is tired of being treated like a Pirate/cheater in every game.
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thanks for this, it's funny how this shit is accepted and common place now. No one remembers the outrage when steam first hit, I do however. :mad:
 
Rattle said:
thanks for this, it's funny how this shit is accepted and common place now. No one remembers the outrage when steam first hit, I do however. :mad:
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Steam doesn't stop piracy one bit we all know it and even that fat fuck gabe does.
 
chockomonkey said:
I don't believe you. Even always-on internet connection types of DRM get cracked.
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Yes, I know that but honestly what is the alternative, cd-key based protection is ridiculous easy to overcome.

Steam is not an always-on internet style DRM, you can play in offline mode to avoid that "mess".

But in reality does it really impact how you play the game, Steam at least has integrated a social and somewhat fun platform in their DRM model, you can't deny that.

Honestly, Steam is the best thing that has happened to PC gaming in the last 10 years. At least that's my opinion.
 
Snowdog said:
PC sales have been mostly flat the last couple of years, but they tanked this year, and it peaked right around the release of Windows 8.

Certainly Win8 is not fully responsible, but there may be some drag on sales from an OS that a lot of people seem not to like.
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I think as others have noted you have to be careful which tipping point you think we are at or you risk creating a tail wagging the dog scenario ... I think the tipping point is that people like more mobile forms of computing (tablets and phones) and that their fixed or older mobile hardware (desktops and laptops) now last longer so they don't necessitate early or frequent purchases (as several others in this thread have noted)

One can argue whether Win 8 was the best approach for MS to try and intercept that market but even if they had created the best Windows operating system since Win 95/98 they wouldn't be necessitating a rush to buy new hardware ... whether we like it or not there is a paradigm shift to the ultra mobile or ultra cheap ... tablets and phones both fit that model ... whether it will switch back again is debatable but just because we don't like or subscribe to that trend doesn't invalidate it ;)

I think the Steam box, if done well, is a good approach but it will have to be a multimedia powerhouse (like the PS and XBox products) and it will need to be completely idiot proof or it will make the Windows 8 launch look like a raging success :cool:
 
kbrickley said:
I think as others have noted you have to be careful which tipping point you think we are at or you risk creating a tail wagging the dog scenario ... I think the tipping point is that people like more mobile forms of computing (tablets and phones) and that their fixed or older mobile hardware (desktops and laptops) now last longer so they don't necessitate early or frequent purchases (as several others in this thread have noted)

One can argue whether Win 8 was the best approach for MS to try and intercept that market but even if they had created the best Windows operating system since Win 95/98 they wouldn't be necessitating a rush to buy new hardware ...
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I was clear, Windows 8 is not fully responsible. But you can't absolve it of all responsibility.

MS have has been hyping it for a year or longer, and they ramped up a Billion dollar ad campaign around release.

The most charitable thing you can say is that it certainly didn't help. There is also a case to be made that it hurt.

I have been inundated by these ads every time I turn on the TV. They paint a picture of a pure Metro OS. Nerds know that isn't the reality, but that is what the massive ad campaign is showing and I think there is a reasonable chance that these ads are actually scaring away average Windows customers, who want traditional desktop computers with an OS experience they are familiar with. Because ALL the ads paint a picture that is completely alien to that.
 
Snowdog said:
I was clear, Windows 8 is not fully responsible. But you can't absolve it of all responsibility.

MS have has been hyping it for a year or longer, and they ramped up a Billion dollar ad campaign around release.

The most charitable thing you can say is that it certainly didn't help. There is also a case to be made that it hurt.

I have been inundated by these ads every time I turn on the TV. They paint a picture of a pure Metro OS. Nerds know that isn't the reality, but that is what the massive ad campaign is showing and I think there is a reasonable chance that these ads are actually scaring away average Windows customers, who want traditional desktop computers with an OS experience they are familiar with. Because ALL the ads paint a picture that is completely alien to that.
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Except the statistics are predicting that this year tablets will outsell laptops (they are already doing that in the States) ... and neither of the two operating systems they use (iOS and Android) are even remotely windows like ... personally I think that MS should have risked the lawsuits and just copied Android and iOS ... it wouldn't have been technically innovative but that is apparently what people want to buy ;)
 
thedocta45 said:
What would you do to ensure that your software is not pirated?
Click to expand...

I would stop producing dumbed down casual gaming consolised crap and concentrate on making PC exclusives that anti-DRM die hards would be willing and even eager to pay for in support of such developers.
 
Ididar said:
You say that like the PC sales fell 21% the day windows 8 was released. They were on the decline long before Windows 8 due to hardware lasting longer and tablet sales. Windows 8 didn't rescue those sales, no, but it isn't responsible for the decline itself. Anyone trying to paint Windows 8 as the culprit for PC sales is trying to rewrite the last 3-4 years of the industry's history.
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It was released to spark PC sales as well, not just encroach on tablet and (inevitably) smartphone territory.

When MS makes a product that moves away from your business model and biggest source of income (PC gaming), then it's time to start looking elsewhere. That's exactly what's happening.
 
thedocta45 said:
Yes, I know that but honestly what is the alternative, cd-key based protection is ridiculous easy to overcome.

Steam is not an always-on internet style DRM, you can play in offline mode to avoid that "mess".

But in reality does it really impact how you play the game, Steam at least has integrated a social and somewhat fun platform in their DRM model, you can't deny that.

Honestly, Steam is the best thing that has happened to PC gaming in the last 10 years. At least that's my opinion.
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See, i'd wager that CD-key based DRM is enough to keep the simpletons from pirating, and that's all any form of DRM ever does. As long as my sister can't figure it out, the DRM worked.
 
face2palm said:
Gabe needs to stuff his face with more cheeseburgers. At least then, he won't be spewing out his bullshit "Windows 8 is teh devi11!111!!!" nonsense.
Click to expand...

He said "I started using it I was like "oh my god..." I find [Windows 8] unusable."

You say he should stuff his face with more cheeseburgers because he found a new O/S unusable.

Got it. Sounds about like the typical mentality around here.
 
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