Monday, March 28, 2016
18.) Bring Original Xbox Games to Xbox One Microsoft!!
The Xbox 360 offered the ability to purchase and download old games from the first original Xbox. This is less a function of backwards compatibility, and more a storefront for fans to easily purchase and replay older titles. Digital downloads of older games on Xbox One would be essential for consumers looking for older games which are no longer made into hard copies. Downloads of older games is also essential if certain store retailers eventually stop selling hard copies of those games. Microsoft could also allow players to stream ALL Xbox Original games as an option if they have an Xbox Live Gold Membership. It would also help to justify paying for Xbox Live Gold since so many of the same console games for PC are free to play online. A digital download of the game would run better since its fully installed to the hard drive. If Microsoft offers game streaming of Original Xbox games as an option, they will have to do their homework and fix latency issues that comes with game streaming. Due to the internet requirements to have a smooth gaming experience, they will have to prevent latency which can hurt frame-rate and visual quality of the game. This feature would have helped Microsoft greatly when it launched Xbox One. By making original Xbox games available to download from the digital store, Xbox One's game library will expand greatly!
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Wednesday, March 23, 2016
17.) Bring a Steam App to Xbox One & PS4!!
The modern console industry is under siege from two fronts. On one, we have the mobile and micro-console platforms, making the bet that they can suck more casual players away from the major console platforms by offering perfectly fun, smaller games for a fraction of the price. While this may be true for casual players due to their simplicity, gamers rarely find themselves having to decide whether to play a mobile game over a console game. This is largely due to the fact that game consoles are built for the living room or bedroom as a home entertainment device. For example, if they are leaving home and on the go, sure they’ll pull out their phones and play a game. Consoles were built for the living room so once they arrive home; they can play on their Xbox or PS4. From there, they decide from their game collection for their console, which one game they would like to play. Majority of console games would have trouble functioning on touch-screen devices as their input because the gameplay wouldn’t play well do to their complex controls. The gameplay works well with the mouse and keyboard, or a gamepad controller in mind.
However, there are mobile gaming devices like MOGA for instance, which helps resolve this issue. MOGA is essentially a mobile gamepad controller that connects to your phone. Devices like these that works in conjunction with your phone is great because it’s hard to play many 3D games like first-person shooters for instance on phones. With touch-screen for input, your fingers can get in the way of the gameplay and complex controls can be cumbersome for touch-screen input. While offering the comfort-ability of a gaming controller, MOGA comes equipped with a full set of console-style controls such as dual clickable analog sticks, L1/R1 shoulder buttons, L2/ R2 shoulder triggers, a D-Pad… everything you need. MOGA actually comes in a variety of controller types. This device comes with a mounting system to help secure your phone. It fits up to 3.2 in/82mm wide and even many phones equipped with a case. I first came across MOGA while I attended GDC Next 2013.
Then we have the PC gamers, arguing that for the same price or a little more you can get a fully customizable and graphically superior PC, with access to far more games, productivity uses and more. One big advantage PC gamers have is the STEAM service. My question is this:
After all, Steam for the most part is a service. By creating a Steam app on consoles, Valve would expand their service, reaching more players cross-platform and usher in more money. By allowing the service to work cross-platform, it will make it easier on gamers to access all of their Steam games from any device. Microsoft and Sony would benefit as well since they could split the profit (either 10 to 20 percent for them since the app would be on their consoles and the rest of-course to Valve). Something along those lines, but I don't know - that's just an example since Steam is Valve's baby. The PS4 allows players to play PS3 games through streaming but the downside to game streaming is bandwidth. Although I think streaming Steam games should be optional, by making STEAM into an app for consoles, it would help avoid bandwidth issues if gamers also have to option to download their Steam games to their console’s hard drive.
This would help bring immense value to both Xbox One and PS4 consoles and allow Valve to expand their service. By getting STEAM’s service into more users’ hands, it will help bridge the gap even more between PC and console gamers by allowing them to play together. This would allow players to access their collection of STEAM games virtually anywhere, regardless of what platform they are on. Xbox One and PS4 would essentially work like a “STEAM Machine” by giving gamers the option to either stream or download the games they own from STEAM onto their console. MOGA (if powerful enough) could function as a “Mobile Steam Machine” for instance. Steam machines represent PC gaming giant Valve’s biggest attempt to move into console territory by essentially making PCs that operate as much like consoles as possible while still maintaining the advantages that come with a more open platform. Microsoft and Sony should further allow players to connect and link their Xbox Live and PSN accounts as well as their gamer-tags to their Steam account. This will further help bridge the gap between console, mobile and PC gamers and allow them to play their Steam games cross-platform!
The plus side for Microsoft and Sony is that a STEAM app would allow them to expand their game library. Wouldn’t it be great to have a Steam App, log in with your account, and download and play your games on your Xbox or PS4? When you use the Steam app, you still need to have a Steam ID to purchase and play games. Your steam achievements are completely separate from your Xbox Live gamerscore and Playstation trophies. Through the Steam app, Xbox One, PS4 and possibly mobile devices like MOGA could function like a PC for this purpose. In the Steam app, the Xbox One and PS4 should also allow USB keyboards and mice for games as well as navigation. With applications like Moonlight Game Streaming, gamers can stream their collection of games from their PC to another device and play them remotely. It’s perfect for gameplay on the go without sacrificing the graphics quality of your gaming computer. The Xbox One and PS4 are equivalent to a mid-high end PCs and should be able to handle most PC games with ease on the mid-level graphics settings (at least).
I think that there should be some good integration between Xbox and Steam. If, for example, I'm playing a game on Steam I'd like my Xbox status to say that I'm playing said game, even if it's a non-Steam game that was added to my Steam list. I'd also like notifications from Steam to look similar to Xbox notifications. For example, if I get an achievement on Steam I'd like it to look the same as receiving an achievement on an Xbox game, which will make the overall UI look less fragmented. I'd also like to see some kind of integration with the Steam overlay, so that I can still access Xbox features such as viewing messages from Xbox friends without leaving my game. I heard that you are working with Valve to help improve the gaming experience on Windows, and I think that my ideas could do just that.
As mentioned earlier, a Steam App would also add a lot more value to buying a console as well by being able to play PC games without having to own a high-end gaming PC. This would be great for Microsoft and Sony to advertise to gamers who don't have a powerful enough computer. Already, I can see an advertisement on TV by Microsoft saying, “With the Steam App, the Xbox One can work as an optional and affordable Steam Machine.” Unfortunately, for STEAM to play its games well on consoles, the console version of its games will have to be set to certain optimal settings due to their hardware specs. Also, the Xbox One and PS4 for the most part can support mouse and keyboard, which is great since many PC games through STEAM utilize them. Imagine being able to play games like Garry's Mod And Five Nights At Freddy's on your console.
Problem Areas
One big problem area is that both companies are attempting to make a profit off of digital game sales. So the question is, why pay $50 or $60 for a console game, when you can purchase the same game on STEAM for less? In short, Microsoft and Sony could loose money to Valve, but I am certain something could be worked out so that all parties profit. It can be difficult to do any partnership where the same game purchases are available on both consoles and Steam. In the past, I have stated many times that videogame exclusives is one the driving factors that helps sell consoles.
Alternative Solutions
1.) Microsoft should Bring a Windows 10 App to Xbox One
Microsoft could charge a reasonable fee to players who want to purchase and install a Windows 10 App from their Xbox One Store to their console. Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use. It is fast, and comes with plenty of security features than its predecessors before it. It is also designed to work well with the hardware and software you already use. Through this app, players could access Steam that way.
2.) Sony should Bring LinuxOS to PS4
Likewise, Sony could offer players an LinuxOS app for purchase from their store.
Since Microsoft and Sony are charging more money for their games on Xbox and PS4 than Steam, they need to offer more content and deals for players to help justify their prices. Ex: "The PS4 version comes with..." Offer STEAM discount codes. For example, by paying for Xbox Live Gold or PSN, gamers could get a free STEAM game every month. That way, Microsoft and Sony can make a profit, and help justify paying for their service since Steam is free. There are many reasons as to why I think Microsoft and Sony should invest into acquiring a STEAM app. The main reason is because the Steam Machine has the potential to end the Xbox One and PS4. So lets take a look at some of the advantages Steam Machines have.
Advantages of STEAM Machines:
1.) Steam Machines launched with over 1,500 Games
The Steam Machine launch line-up is bigger than the current game libraries of the PS4 and Xbox One. I am fully aware that most of these titles aren’t new games. But what’s impressive is the increase in Linux-compatible games with SteamOS. In October 2014, there were around 700 compatible games, while now there are around 1500. The arrival of Steam Machines should also further increase the amount of Linux-compatible games.
2.) Steam Machines are highly customizable & Future-Proof
The lowest-end Steam Machine costs around $500 and packs approximately the same amount of power as a PS4 and Xbox One. The biggest amount of customizability you get with PS4 is being able to switch out the hard drive, where as the Xbox One can store its games on external hard drives. Steam Machines, on the other hand, are there to be tweaked with and upgraded as you please. The $549 Syber Steam Machine, for example, comes with an Intel i3-4160 processor, GeForce GTX 750 GPU, 4GB RAM and 500GB hard drive. The PS4 and Xbox One have similar specs, aside from their advantage of having 8GB RAM each. But 8GB RAM can be bought for around $50 these days, so that’s how much it would cost to boost your Steam Machine to 12GB RAM, ensuring it “out-RAMs” the consoles. For the most part, there’s little difference between a Steam Machine and its rivals, but the fact that it’s open to tweaking gives it an advantage over the competition.
3.) MUCH Lower Prices for Exactly the Same Games
If you buy a PS4 or Xbox One, you’re essentially tied in to either console’s ecosystem. Publishers need to pay licensing fees to Microsoft and Sony to release games on their consoles and in the growing digital downloads market, both consoles are in complete control thanks to the Xbox Marketplace and PlayStation Store. The PC games market is far more competitive. Sure, Valve’s Steam Machines are designed in a way that encourages you to buy games directly through Steam, but you can easily go to any of hundreds of digital outlets on the internet and buy your games through them instead. This makes it easy to shop around for the best prices. This, combined with the fact that publishers don’t need to pay a premium to release games on PC, means that you can find games for much lower prices on launch, and those games will also drop in price much faster after launch. Wait a few months, and you’ll be paying half the price or less for a PC game as you would for its console counterpart.
4.) More Steam Machine Options to Fit Your Budget
It’s the first, and most important, argument for why you might want to go with a PC over a console. They give you more power for less money. It’s a bit problematic, though: it implies that a significant number of people are going after crisper graphics, and also that those people don’t already prefer to play on PC. Console gamers might be excited about the graphics bump that comes with each new generation, but less interested in the year after year optimization that PCs allow for. However, part of the joy of Steam Machines is the various price points at which consumers are able to purchase them. There are enough different models of the Steam Machine that you can find one to fit your budget which is great new. With that said, depending on how powerful you want yours to be, the higher the cost. Prices range from $449 all the way up to $5000.The cheapest Steam Machines – from Alienware and Syber – weigh in at $449 respectively. These models have approximately similar power to a PS4 and Xbox One and can be customized.
I am not implying that gamers are going after better graphics and personally I don’t favor graphics over gameplay. This is where console sales can make a comeback because they are getting cheaper and by integrating a Steam App, they could serve as an optional “Steam Machine” for both console and PC gamers. Consoles although less versatile than PC as it stands are intuitive and simple. They’re deeply linked to the living room, which is arguably still one of the best places to play video games. Many people feel concerned about having a PC running on their living room TV because of how complex and versatile they are. It creates a user interface problem for PC since many gamers don’t sit from their couches with a mouse and keyboard. Steam’s Big Picture Mode helps fix this problem because its interface essentially functions like a console’s. It’s both user-friendly and simple, and works with other controllers besides mouse and keyboard.
5.) You Don’t Need to Pay to Play Online!
This… is a big major point that I somewhat touched on earlier. With STEAM, you don’t have to pay for online. Sure, the fees for Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus aren’t astronomical, but this is where PC gamers cringe and I can’t blame them. Why should gamers have to pay for the privilege of gaming online? Isn’t it enough that we’ve paid for the game, paid for the platform we’re playing it on, and are paying fees to be online? For the Steam App to truly be a selling point on consoles, even if they run out of Xbox Live Gold or Playstation Plus, they should still be allowed to use STEAM since their consoles are connected to the internet. I am aware that for Microsoft and Sony, a subscription fee for online gaming has become the status quo of this generation. Steam Machines make no such demands of gamers. Steam’s interface known as the Big Picture Mode as mentioned earlier is simple too, and features all the bells and whistles found on the PS4 and Xbox One.
6.) STEAM Machines Support PS4 & Xbox Gamepad Controllers besides the standard Mouse & Keyboard
If you are like me and still somewhat skeptical or not sold on the Steam Controller and prefer to stick with what you know, then that’s perfectly fine. Steam Machines don’t limit you like the PS4 and Xbox One do by letting you use any controller you like for your gaming. Sure, if you’re using your Steam Machine in the living room as you should be, then you’re probably not envisioning slapping a plank on your lap and putting a keyboard and mouse on top of that. If that idea doesn’t appeal to you, then you can just plug in an Xbox 360 or Xbox One wired controller and it’ll work straight away. The Xbox 360 wireless adapter also works with Steam Machine, allowing you to use any Xbox 360 controller or accessory like a racing wheel wirelessly on it. The PS4 controller will work with SteamOS as well, however as of now, you will need to remap it by going to Settings > Controller in Big Picture. If you want it to work via Bluetooth, you might need to install a free tool like DS Input Mapper or Sixad. As it stands, Steam Machines offer far more versatility than the current-gen game consoles. This brings me to my next point.
Alternative Solution
The Sofa Surfer will change the way PC games are played. Now with Steam's Big Picture Mode and the on-going trend of Steam Boxes as well as living room computers, people are going to run into a problem. How will gamers play PC games on the couch if they prefer mouse and keyboard as their primary method of playing. The Sofa Surfer helps resolve this issue. In short, it's basically a powered table that you rest on your lap. It provides a USB hub to connect your mouse and keyboard as well as a nice surface area for players to move their mouse. Please support the Sofa Suffer on their KickStarter page.
7.) STEAM Machine can be used as a PC
The moment you turn on your Steam Machine, it will go straight to ‘Big Picture Mode’, which is Steam’s gamepad-friendly equivalent to the PS4 or Xbox One dashboard. This makes Steam Machine a touch competitor since it offers a comfortable, console interface for a machine that’s more powerful than rival consoles. Under the surface of Steam’s dashboard, SteamOS is essentially a re-skinned version of the popular Linux distribution, Debian. With a few clicks, you can easily leave the SteamOS interface, go to the desktop, and use your Steam Machine like any Linux PC. This will allow gamers to be able to install proper functioning browsers like Chromium and Firefox. While there are no dedicated SteamOS apps yet for YouTube or Netflix, you can simply access them as well as any other online streaming services using the browsers. You can also use the desktop to organize and manage your collections of pictures, music, videos and documents just like on a PC if you wish.
Valve’s baby is more powerful, more versatile and has a bigger launch line-up than any games console ever launched. With more than 1500 launch games, free online play and the best prices around, what is holding the STEAM Machine back? Is it simply a case of no one being interested in the Steam Machine, or because no one really knows what to think about the mysterious device? Microsoft and Sony already has a long history of building up their fans, so it may be hard at first for STEAM Machines to pull away gamers from their favorite consoles. Whatever the case, by making Steam more accessible cross-platform, the platforms gamers own will not matter because it will bridge the gap. It will boil down to what gamers’ preferences are. Microsoft and Sony should pay attention, because the Steam Machine holds plenty of advantages over the Xbox One and PS4. This is why they should highly consider looking into investing in a Steam App. As it stands currently, many console gamers are unaware of the advantages of Steam machines. Together, let's make the Xbox One and PS4 have the best of both worlds: console and PC. Thank you for reading. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
MOGA
However, there are mobile gaming devices like MOGA for instance, which helps resolve this issue. MOGA is essentially a mobile gamepad controller that connects to your phone. Devices like these that works in conjunction with your phone is great because it’s hard to play many 3D games like first-person shooters for instance on phones. With touch-screen for input, your fingers can get in the way of the gameplay and complex controls can be cumbersome for touch-screen input. While offering the comfort-ability of a gaming controller, MOGA comes equipped with a full set of console-style controls such as dual clickable analog sticks, L1/R1 shoulder buttons, L2/ R2 shoulder triggers, a D-Pad… everything you need. MOGA actually comes in a variety of controller types. This device comes with a mounting system to help secure your phone. It fits up to 3.2 in/82mm wide and even many phones equipped with a case. I first came across MOGA while I attended GDC Next 2013.
Then we have the PC gamers, arguing that for the same price or a little more you can get a fully customizable and graphically superior PC, with access to far more games, productivity uses and more. One big advantage PC gamers have is the STEAM service. My question is this:
Why should STEAM be limited to PC gamers?
What if Steam was accessible on mobile gaming devices like MOGA as well as Xbox One and PS4?
After all, Steam for the most part is a service. By creating a Steam app on consoles, Valve would expand their service, reaching more players cross-platform and usher in more money. By allowing the service to work cross-platform, it will make it easier on gamers to access all of their Steam games from any device. Microsoft and Sony would benefit as well since they could split the profit (either 10 to 20 percent for them since the app would be on their consoles and the rest of-course to Valve). Something along those lines, but I don't know - that's just an example since Steam is Valve's baby. The PS4 allows players to play PS3 games through streaming but the downside to game streaming is bandwidth. Although I think streaming Steam games should be optional, by making STEAM into an app for consoles, it would help avoid bandwidth issues if gamers also have to option to download their Steam games to their console’s hard drive.
This would help bring immense value to both Xbox One and PS4 consoles and allow Valve to expand their service. By getting STEAM’s service into more users’ hands, it will help bridge the gap even more between PC and console gamers by allowing them to play together. This would allow players to access their collection of STEAM games virtually anywhere, regardless of what platform they are on. Xbox One and PS4 would essentially work like a “STEAM Machine” by giving gamers the option to either stream or download the games they own from STEAM onto their console. MOGA (if powerful enough) could function as a “Mobile Steam Machine” for instance. Steam machines represent PC gaming giant Valve’s biggest attempt to move into console territory by essentially making PCs that operate as much like consoles as possible while still maintaining the advantages that come with a more open platform. Microsoft and Sony should further allow players to connect and link their Xbox Live and PSN accounts as well as their gamer-tags to their Steam account. This will further help bridge the gap between console, mobile and PC gamers and allow them to play their Steam games cross-platform!
The plus side for Microsoft and Sony is that a STEAM app would allow them to expand their game library. Wouldn’t it be great to have a Steam App, log in with your account, and download and play your games on your Xbox or PS4? When you use the Steam app, you still need to have a Steam ID to purchase and play games. Your steam achievements are completely separate from your Xbox Live gamerscore and Playstation trophies. Through the Steam app, Xbox One, PS4 and possibly mobile devices like MOGA could function like a PC for this purpose. In the Steam app, the Xbox One and PS4 should also allow USB keyboards and mice for games as well as navigation. With applications like Moonlight Game Streaming, gamers can stream their collection of games from their PC to another device and play them remotely. It’s perfect for gameplay on the go without sacrificing the graphics quality of your gaming computer. The Xbox One and PS4 are equivalent to a mid-high end PCs and should be able to handle most PC games with ease on the mid-level graphics settings (at least).
I think that there should be some good integration between Xbox and Steam. If, for example, I'm playing a game on Steam I'd like my Xbox status to say that I'm playing said game, even if it's a non-Steam game that was added to my Steam list. I'd also like notifications from Steam to look similar to Xbox notifications. For example, if I get an achievement on Steam I'd like it to look the same as receiving an achievement on an Xbox game, which will make the overall UI look less fragmented. I'd also like to see some kind of integration with the Steam overlay, so that I can still access Xbox features such as viewing messages from Xbox friends without leaving my game. I heard that you are working with Valve to help improve the gaming experience on Windows, and I think that my ideas could do just that.
As mentioned earlier, a Steam App would also add a lot more value to buying a console as well by being able to play PC games without having to own a high-end gaming PC. This would be great for Microsoft and Sony to advertise to gamers who don't have a powerful enough computer. Already, I can see an advertisement on TV by Microsoft saying, “With the Steam App, the Xbox One can work as an optional and affordable Steam Machine.” Unfortunately, for STEAM to play its games well on consoles, the console version of its games will have to be set to certain optimal settings due to their hardware specs. Also, the Xbox One and PS4 for the most part can support mouse and keyboard, which is great since many PC games through STEAM utilize them. Imagine being able to play games like Garry's Mod And Five Nights At Freddy's on your console.
Problem Areas
One big problem area is that both companies are attempting to make a profit off of digital game sales. So the question is, why pay $50 or $60 for a console game, when you can purchase the same game on STEAM for less? In short, Microsoft and Sony could loose money to Valve, but I am certain something could be worked out so that all parties profit. It can be difficult to do any partnership where the same game purchases are available on both consoles and Steam. In the past, I have stated many times that videogame exclusives is one the driving factors that helps sell consoles.
Alternative Solutions
1.) Microsoft should Bring a Windows 10 App to Xbox One
Microsoft could charge a reasonable fee to players who want to purchase and install a Windows 10 App from their Xbox One Store to their console. Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use. It is fast, and comes with plenty of security features than its predecessors before it. It is also designed to work well with the hardware and software you already use. Through this app, players could access Steam that way.
2.) Sony should Bring LinuxOS to PS4
Likewise, Sony could offer players an LinuxOS app for purchase from their store.
Since Microsoft and Sony are charging more money for their games on Xbox and PS4 than Steam, they need to offer more content and deals for players to help justify their prices. Ex: "The PS4 version comes with..." Offer STEAM discount codes. For example, by paying for Xbox Live Gold or PSN, gamers could get a free STEAM game every month. That way, Microsoft and Sony can make a profit, and help justify paying for their service since Steam is free. There are many reasons as to why I think Microsoft and Sony should invest into acquiring a STEAM app. The main reason is because the Steam Machine has the potential to end the Xbox One and PS4. So lets take a look at some of the advantages Steam Machines have.
Advantages of STEAM Machines:
1.) Steam Machines launched with over 1,500 Games
The Steam Machine launch line-up is bigger than the current game libraries of the PS4 and Xbox One. I am fully aware that most of these titles aren’t new games. But what’s impressive is the increase in Linux-compatible games with SteamOS. In October 2014, there were around 700 compatible games, while now there are around 1500. The arrival of Steam Machines should also further increase the amount of Linux-compatible games.
2.) Steam Machines are highly customizable & Future-Proof
The lowest-end Steam Machine costs around $500 and packs approximately the same amount of power as a PS4 and Xbox One. The biggest amount of customizability you get with PS4 is being able to switch out the hard drive, where as the Xbox One can store its games on external hard drives. Steam Machines, on the other hand, are there to be tweaked with and upgraded as you please. The $549 Syber Steam Machine, for example, comes with an Intel i3-4160 processor, GeForce GTX 750 GPU, 4GB RAM and 500GB hard drive. The PS4 and Xbox One have similar specs, aside from their advantage of having 8GB RAM each. But 8GB RAM can be bought for around $50 these days, so that’s how much it would cost to boost your Steam Machine to 12GB RAM, ensuring it “out-RAMs” the consoles. For the most part, there’s little difference between a Steam Machine and its rivals, but the fact that it’s open to tweaking gives it an advantage over the competition.
3.) MUCH Lower Prices for Exactly the Same Games
If you buy a PS4 or Xbox One, you’re essentially tied in to either console’s ecosystem. Publishers need to pay licensing fees to Microsoft and Sony to release games on their consoles and in the growing digital downloads market, both consoles are in complete control thanks to the Xbox Marketplace and PlayStation Store. The PC games market is far more competitive. Sure, Valve’s Steam Machines are designed in a way that encourages you to buy games directly through Steam, but you can easily go to any of hundreds of digital outlets on the internet and buy your games through them instead. This makes it easy to shop around for the best prices. This, combined with the fact that publishers don’t need to pay a premium to release games on PC, means that you can find games for much lower prices on launch, and those games will also drop in price much faster after launch. Wait a few months, and you’ll be paying half the price or less for a PC game as you would for its console counterpart.
4.) More Steam Machine Options to Fit Your Budget
It’s the first, and most important, argument for why you might want to go with a PC over a console. They give you more power for less money. It’s a bit problematic, though: it implies that a significant number of people are going after crisper graphics, and also that those people don’t already prefer to play on PC. Console gamers might be excited about the graphics bump that comes with each new generation, but less interested in the year after year optimization that PCs allow for. However, part of the joy of Steam Machines is the various price points at which consumers are able to purchase them. There are enough different models of the Steam Machine that you can find one to fit your budget which is great new. With that said, depending on how powerful you want yours to be, the higher the cost. Prices range from $449 all the way up to $5000.The cheapest Steam Machines – from Alienware and Syber – weigh in at $449 respectively. These models have approximately similar power to a PS4 and Xbox One and can be customized.
I am not implying that gamers are going after better graphics and personally I don’t favor graphics over gameplay. This is where console sales can make a comeback because they are getting cheaper and by integrating a Steam App, they could serve as an optional “Steam Machine” for both console and PC gamers. Consoles although less versatile than PC as it stands are intuitive and simple. They’re deeply linked to the living room, which is arguably still one of the best places to play video games. Many people feel concerned about having a PC running on their living room TV because of how complex and versatile they are. It creates a user interface problem for PC since many gamers don’t sit from their couches with a mouse and keyboard. Steam’s Big Picture Mode helps fix this problem because its interface essentially functions like a console’s. It’s both user-friendly and simple, and works with other controllers besides mouse and keyboard.
5.) You Don’t Need to Pay to Play Online!
This… is a big major point that I somewhat touched on earlier. With STEAM, you don’t have to pay for online. Sure, the fees for Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus aren’t astronomical, but this is where PC gamers cringe and I can’t blame them. Why should gamers have to pay for the privilege of gaming online? Isn’t it enough that we’ve paid for the game, paid for the platform we’re playing it on, and are paying fees to be online? For the Steam App to truly be a selling point on consoles, even if they run out of Xbox Live Gold or Playstation Plus, they should still be allowed to use STEAM since their consoles are connected to the internet. I am aware that for Microsoft and Sony, a subscription fee for online gaming has become the status quo of this generation. Steam Machines make no such demands of gamers. Steam’s interface known as the Big Picture Mode as mentioned earlier is simple too, and features all the bells and whistles found on the PS4 and Xbox One.
6.) STEAM Machines Support PS4 & Xbox Gamepad Controllers besides the standard Mouse & Keyboard
If you are like me and still somewhat skeptical or not sold on the Steam Controller and prefer to stick with what you know, then that’s perfectly fine. Steam Machines don’t limit you like the PS4 and Xbox One do by letting you use any controller you like for your gaming. Sure, if you’re using your Steam Machine in the living room as you should be, then you’re probably not envisioning slapping a plank on your lap and putting a keyboard and mouse on top of that. If that idea doesn’t appeal to you, then you can just plug in an Xbox 360 or Xbox One wired controller and it’ll work straight away. The Xbox 360 wireless adapter also works with Steam Machine, allowing you to use any Xbox 360 controller or accessory like a racing wheel wirelessly on it. The PS4 controller will work with SteamOS as well, however as of now, you will need to remap it by going to Settings > Controller in Big Picture. If you want it to work via Bluetooth, you might need to install a free tool like DS Input Mapper or Sixad. As it stands, Steam Machines offer far more versatility than the current-gen game consoles. This brings me to my next point.
Alternative Solution
The Sofa Surfer will change the way PC games are played. Now with Steam's Big Picture Mode and the on-going trend of Steam Boxes as well as living room computers, people are going to run into a problem. How will gamers play PC games on the couch if they prefer mouse and keyboard as their primary method of playing. The Sofa Surfer helps resolve this issue. In short, it's basically a powered table that you rest on your lap. It provides a USB hub to connect your mouse and keyboard as well as a nice surface area for players to move their mouse. Please support the Sofa Suffer on their KickStarter page.
7.) STEAM Machine can be used as a PC
The moment you turn on your Steam Machine, it will go straight to ‘Big Picture Mode’, which is Steam’s gamepad-friendly equivalent to the PS4 or Xbox One dashboard. This makes Steam Machine a touch competitor since it offers a comfortable, console interface for a machine that’s more powerful than rival consoles. Under the surface of Steam’s dashboard, SteamOS is essentially a re-skinned version of the popular Linux distribution, Debian. With a few clicks, you can easily leave the SteamOS interface, go to the desktop, and use your Steam Machine like any Linux PC. This will allow gamers to be able to install proper functioning browsers like Chromium and Firefox. While there are no dedicated SteamOS apps yet for YouTube or Netflix, you can simply access them as well as any other online streaming services using the browsers. You can also use the desktop to organize and manage your collections of pictures, music, videos and documents just like on a PC if you wish.
Valve’s baby is more powerful, more versatile and has a bigger launch line-up than any games console ever launched. With more than 1500 launch games, free online play and the best prices around, what is holding the STEAM Machine back? Is it simply a case of no one being interested in the Steam Machine, or because no one really knows what to think about the mysterious device? Microsoft and Sony already has a long history of building up their fans, so it may be hard at first for STEAM Machines to pull away gamers from their favorite consoles. Whatever the case, by making Steam more accessible cross-platform, the platforms gamers own will not matter because it will bridge the gap. It will boil down to what gamers’ preferences are. Microsoft and Sony should pay attention, because the Steam Machine holds plenty of advantages over the Xbox One and PS4. This is why they should highly consider looking into investing in a Steam App. As it stands currently, many console gamers are unaware of the advantages of Steam machines. Together, let's make the Xbox One and PS4 have the best of both worlds: console and PC. Thank you for reading. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Friday, March 18, 2016
16.) Xbox Feedback Ideas: Apps Part 1
1.) Xbox Live App on
Phones
What if gamers could install an Xbox Live App on their phones which allowed them to sign in to their Xbox Live Account and chat with their friends? All you would need is an internet connection. Gamers could start either a private or party chat and or join and accept invites from their cell phones through voice, video or through texting. Give them the option to also send voice, video, photo and text messages from their phones as well. Don't single this out to Xbox One and make this work cross-platform with other devices such as PC and Xbox 360. In the past, Games for Windows Live allowed players to start a private or party chat with their friends on Xbox Live. This feature was highly overlooked and helped bridge the gap between Console and PC gamers somewhat. It would function just like Xbox and essentially run Xbox Live on their phones. This would allow Microsoft to expand Xbox Live to more customers in the cell phone market and give them the option to pay for the Xbox Live Gold service, even if they don't own an Xbox. Make the process simple by allowing them to create their gamertag and go from there. Click here to vote for this feature.
What if gamers could install an Xbox Live App on their phones which allowed them to sign in to their Xbox Live Account and chat with their friends? All you would need is an internet connection. Gamers could start either a private or party chat and or join and accept invites from their cell phones through voice, video or through texting. Give them the option to also send voice, video, photo and text messages from their phones as well. Don't single this out to Xbox One and make this work cross-platform with other devices such as PC and Xbox 360. In the past, Games for Windows Live allowed players to start a private or party chat with their friends on Xbox Live. This feature was highly overlooked and helped bridge the gap between Console and PC gamers somewhat. It would function just like Xbox and essentially run Xbox Live on their phones. This would allow Microsoft to expand Xbox Live to more customers in the cell phone market and give them the option to pay for the Xbox Live Gold service, even if they don't own an Xbox. Make the process simple by allowing them to create their gamertag and go from there. Click here to vote for this feature.
2.) Party Chat App
Expanded
- Video & Audio Messages
Allow gamers to send photos, video and audio messages using the Kinect to their friends besides text. This would also be a great way to share your epic gaming moments with friends. Gamers could say, "Xbox, record that" or "Xbox, send that clip to Hero Protagonist; (one of your friends). Give gamers the option to share them to the Xbox Activity Feed so players can comment, like and share unless the message was made to be private. In general, mark whether a message has been viewed by its recipient. Also you can vote for viewed messages by following this link. Also, Microsoft needs to allow players to send messages to multiple players at once like they could on the Xbox 360. You can vote for the feature as well by clicking here.
- Video Chat
What if you could also while chatting with your friends, see them while playing games. Give gamers the option to make a snap feature that shows their friends through video either on the left or right side of the screen. I think it would be cool if we could see our friends while playing thru kinect. So like somewhere on the TV a video of our friend would be present and we could see and talk to them while playing. Check out this link
- Voice Recognition
The Kinect should have the ability to tell players apart by detecting whose voice is speaking! It can get frustrating for players when someone wants to mess with them and turn their console off. If your voice changes, you can type in a password to set it for your new voice.
- Invite to Game & Party
This feature was on Xbox 360 and gamers would like to see it back on the Xbox One. The all in one invite feature. You can vote for this feature by visiting the following link
Also, allow Xbox 360 users to send invites to Xbox One gamers play 360 gamers through backwards compatibility. You can vote for this feature by following this link
Since Xbox One is getting more backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games, it would make since that Microsoft should keep the servers around for Xbox 360. Allow players from Xbox One to join a party with their friends on Xbox 360. You can vote for this feature here
- Ability to accept Party/ Game Invites that's already been used
This feature was on Xbox 360 and didn't carry over to Xbox One. You can vote for this by clicking here.
- Bring Back Private Chat!
On Xbox 360, it was possible to invite a single friend in order to talk privately with them. It was convenient and different from the group chat. This is needed especially since many of your friends in the same party might be playing different games. However, players can somewhat make a private chat by setting their party to invite only. If players end up in a party chat, allow them to switch in order to avoid leaving and joining the party constantly.
- Away Status in Party
You can vote for this feature and see more information by following this link.
- Appear Offline Improved
Microsoft needs to make so when your profile appears offline, your status remains consistent whether playing Xbox One or backward compatible titles. When you set your Xbox One to appear offline, it doesn't do this by default on the 360 emulator when you boot up a backwards compatible game. If players choose to show up offline, they might not want be popping up on their friends lists every time they load up a backwards compatible game.
3.) Gamerpic Editor App
You can vote for this feature by following this link
Also, Xbox 360 Gamerpics should be available for player to use on Xbox One. You can see more information by following this link
You can vote for this feature by following this link
Also, Xbox 360 Gamerpics should be available for player to use on Xbox One. You can see more information by following this link
5.) Weather App
Allow gamers to add to a tile and see an icon that shows the weather. For more information, click on the following link and vote for it if you would like this feature here
6.) Google Chrome or Any other optional web browsers
You can vote for this feature by following this link
Also, provide players the option to close all tabs: https://xbox.uservoice.com/forums/251646-apps/suggestions/10217700-option-to-close-all-tabs-in-internet-explorer-app
Allow gamers to add to a tile and see an icon that shows the weather. For more information, click on the following link and vote for it if you would like this feature here
6.) Google Chrome or Any other optional web browsers
You can vote for this feature by following this link
Also, provide players the option to close all tabs: https://xbox.uservoice.com/forums/251646-apps/suggestions/10217700-option-to-close-all-tabs-in-internet-explorer-app
9.) Ability to Play Music from Apps Without Snap (Background Music)
You can vote for this feature by following this link
10.) Bring All Xbox 360 Apps to Xbox One
You can vote for this idea by following this link
12.) Record the Xbox 360 with GameDVR into Xbox One's TV App
Vote for this feature by following this link
13. Bring Cortana App to Xbox One
Your truly personal fully automated domestic digital assistant built specifically for Xbox One.
14.) Maps App
If you have any thoughts or ideas to help improve Xbox One,
you can post them on Xbox Feedback. For my next blog post, I will be talking
about reasons to bring a Steam App to consoles.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
15.) Microsoft Brings Cross-Network Play Support to Xbox One
In addition to cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10 games that use Xbox Live, Microsoft is enabling game developers to support cross-network play as well. So players on Xbox One can play on different online multiplayer networks including PS4 and PC. Microsoft did go on to clarify that is is up to game developers to support this feature. For Xbox Live gamers, they will have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players. Rocket League is one of the first games to take advantage of this new capability. In one of my past previous blog post, I pointed out that I was upset this console generation didn't offer cross-platform online play for the same games. Now it seems the reality of PS4, Xbox One and PC players playing the same game together might finally happen. Also, Microsoft announced that MonoGame, which is a cross-platform open-source implementation of the XNA 4.0 dev kit is coming soon to Xbox One. See more information by visiting my blog post here.
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