Today, I read that Gabe Newell is not a fan of Windows 8 .
This was already known, he had criticised it during its developer's release preview; nearing its release, he is now calling it a catastrophe. I have to disagree.
I have the greatest respect for Gabe and Valve software (my wallet hates them though) but find myself opposed to his way of thinking. It's difficult to counter his assertions as he offers no reasons why he feels this way. He does say this :
"Now we have to start finding ways that we can continue to make sure there are open platforms."which gives us some indication. I think this rules out the tired design debate that has been going on since Windows 8's unveiling (seriously, Metro is a good look, and it's about time things were shaken up).
I believe he feels Windows 8 will become a closed platform, one that will restrict how Steam (their digital store and major revenue earner) operates. I really feel this is unwarranted, I can see the tablet devices having restrictions (which are necessary on those kinds of devices to ensure a consistent, smooth user experience), but cannot imagine that being transferred to the desktop. Yes Microsoft will have their own store in which they can impose restrictions, but it won't exist like in a vacuum like on the Xbox 360; that would drive away partners like Gabe said, it would also be suicide for Microsoft.
I also find this talk highly hypocritical, Steam is also available on Mac OSX, a famously closed and controlled operating system. Apple also have their own App Store on it. The exact same conditions and more exist as will do on Windows 8 when that arrives. For some reason, this is fine, but totally unacceptable when Microsoft does the same.
But I am glad Gabe Newell has this opinion....His response is to hedge his bets. He is doing this by porting Steam to Linux!!! This can only be a good thing. For years now, Linux has been making the move from hobbyist's tinkering set, to a friendly, useable OS for the casual user. One thing that has been hindering its progress?
Gaming on Linux is awful!!!The selection of games is awful. The quality of gaming is awful. The number of good games are few and far between. The good news is that this has been improving; indie games are coming over (such as the excellent World of Goo ) but the arrival of Steam will kick this into over drive.
It would be a grave omission on my part if I didn't mention the reason I feel why Linux gaming is in a sorry state. This reason? Graphics cards drivers are appalling! You could have the world's greatest graphics card and it will still run like a dog on Linux. I don't blame any distros for this; AMD and Nvidia...J'accuse. For years, these two have offered half-hearted support that won't satisfy the hard core gamer, leaving them with Windows as the only option.
Valve are going to change all that. All their Source games are coming to Linux (Half Life 2, Counter Strike, Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2, etc). They want these games to run well. As such, they have been working closely with the graphics cards vendors to ensure this will happen. This will massively benefit the Linux platform, and the gamer, because as history has shown, where Valve goes, others will be sure to follow!
The especially good news if you're a gamer looking to make the switch from Windows to Linux when this happens? Your existing purchases will be valid on any platform they are supported! (For example, you buy Half Life 2 and this will work on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux)
So whilst I really disagree with Gabe's assertions, I can do nothing but love the outcome! Who knows, Gabe might even change his mind....
