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Valve has just started laying down the gauntlet for the console market, and they very well know they only have a year left for the consoles to change things up.
@Dancing
Clearly the next gen hardware is a insertable valve for your eyeball which functions as a multimedia center.
Clearly the next gen hardware is a insertable valve for your eyeball which functions as a multimedia center.
On topic: I'm not sure about the whole "Wearable Computing" thing, seems completely off-base coming from Valve, and usually things like that don't end well, since they try to "fix" what doesn't need fixing. I believe Gabe said something about no innovations being made to peripherals like keyboards and mice; Personally, I think it's best it stays that way, but they have the money, so I guess experimentation wouldn't hurt too much. Just saying those experiments usually go down in flames.
If they can bridge the gap between kb/m and controller, I'll be ecstatic! Controllers offer analog movement control, where WASD is very binary in its inputs. Conversely, mice allow for multiple inputs with the right hand while aiming precisely, where controllers can only allow for two trigger buttons when actively aiming, but the tactile nature of the face buttons on a controller are, to me, more satisfying than side buttons on a mouse or using more keys on the left hand.
Maybe adding analog inputs to keys for more precise movement and giving mice a thumb pad for more tactile inputs quite aiming will bridge the gap. Also, who has room for a keyboard and mouse on their lap when they're not at a computer desk?
Maybe adding analog inputs to keys for more precise movement and giving mice a thumb pad for more tactile inputs quite aiming will bridge the gap. Also, who has room for a keyboard and mouse on their lap when they're not at a computer desk?
Can they start by making Half Life 2 compatible with controllers? I just can't seem to figure out how to make it work.
I don't know, I still say this is really pointless. I already have a Steam machine in my house, i.e., every PC my family owns. It's not like you can't hook PCs up to the TV.
@Arttemis
Your description of the controllers is precisely why the Wii Remote+Nunchuk is my favorite control scheme that I've ever used. All that control system needs is a clickable joystick and everything would be amazing.
@Arttemis
Your description of the controllers is precisely why the Wii Remote+Nunchuk is my favorite control scheme that I've ever used. All that control system needs is a clickable joystick and everything would be amazing.
@pedrovay
It's a barrier to some people. Even of their PC resides in the same room as their TV. I've had conversations at work when people ask me why I buy it on PC.
"Don't you just want to sit on the sofa and play on the big screen?"
"I do"
"So you just hook up your PC to the TV?!"
"Yup"
"Didn't know you could do that. Then you'd have to drag the mouse and keyboard over too to start the games up. Seems like too much hassle."
Hardware could be the answer for these people if Valve does this right. Custom Linux that boots straight knot Steam Big Picture and you're away. The only issue I see is the whole fixed specs thing. How are they going to handle that? Only show games that box can play?
It's a barrier to some people. Even of their PC resides in the same room as their TV. I've had conversations at work when people ask me why I buy it on PC.
"Don't you just want to sit on the sofa and play on the big screen?"
"I do"
"So you just hook up your PC to the TV?!"
"Yup"
"Didn't know you could do that. Then you'd have to drag the mouse and keyboard over too to start the games up. Seems like too much hassle."
Hardware could be the answer for these people if Valve does this right. Custom Linux that boots straight knot Steam Big Picture and you're away. The only issue I see is the whole fixed specs thing. How are they going to handle that? Only show games that box can play?
@Hasney
Maybe something like OnLive
They already have the games on your account, it's not too far of a stretch..
Maybe something like OnLive
They already have the games on your account, it's not too far of a stretch..
Personally, when no one is using the living room I plug in my laptop to my TV through HDMI and use a wireless keyboard and mouse. I got an xBox360 too, but PC graphics are better and I prefer the mouse and keyboard.
"Valve is trying to figure out a hardware solution to the problem of controllers acting as a barrier for would-be players, whether that be due to their inexperience or even unwillingness to use a mouse and keyboard in the living-room setting."
Umm.. Because a couch isn't a desk?
Because people don't want to have miscellaneous tray tables having about just to use a mouse and keyboard?
Because many mouse and keyboard set ups still have wires, even short ones, and thus don't have the range to mesh well in many living rooms that have now become accustomed to fully wireless controller use?
Or how about from the actual gaming angle, where many many games are just absolutely terrible with a mouse and keyboard.. Ever play a side scroller with one? Just look at the Shank 2 review on this site to see how that just doesn't work out well.
Mouse and keyboard works great for FPS and Strategy games, but holds back most everything else.
Umm.. Because a couch isn't a desk?
Because people don't want to have miscellaneous tray tables having about just to use a mouse and keyboard?
Because many mouse and keyboard set ups still have wires, even short ones, and thus don't have the range to mesh well in many living rooms that have now become accustomed to fully wireless controller use?
Or how about from the actual gaming angle, where many many games are just absolutely terrible with a mouse and keyboard.. Ever play a side scroller with one? Just look at the Shank 2 review on this site to see how that just doesn't work out well.
Mouse and keyboard works great for FPS and Strategy games, but holds back most everything else.
Even realizing that the quote I meantioned also means how to get more people to even use/learn a controller, the end result is still rediculous. Either they do or they don't, I don't really think Valve will find a way to reinvent the input system in a way that isn't motion based like the rest of the companies have tried to (and I believe failed to do). Valve is an amazing company, but I don't think we have it in us as people yet to move on from what we already have. Remember when track balls were the new wave of the future for mouses? That didn't last very long, did it?
And even if thats their goal, to reinvent the input wheel, they don't need an ENTIRE new piece of console-like hardware to get that point across, and should be just targeting the peripheral market. If their idea is good enough people will eat it up, it doesn't need this
"steambox" thing to help sell it. Valve could put Gabes shit in a box, and people would buy it -probably even eat it, if they thought it'd help.
And even if thats their goal, to reinvent the input wheel, they don't need an ENTIRE new piece of console-like hardware to get that point across, and should be just targeting the peripheral market. If their idea is good enough people will eat it up, it doesn't need this
"steambox" thing to help sell it. Valve could put Gabes shit in a box, and people would buy it -probably even eat it, if they thought it'd help.
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