Steam box?
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Category: Unreal Tournament 3
Forum Name: General
Forum Discription: UT3 General Discussion
URL: http://www.iamgaming.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8552
Printed Date: 05 May 2025 at 7:35pm
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Topic: Steam box?
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Subject: Steam box?
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2013 at 1:04pm
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What do you guys think of Valve's upcoming steam box? Probably the easiest way for all of us to play UT again instead of ranting about no servers and console support etc. From what I've read there will most likely be three dIfferent prices for the steam box and the graphics getting better the more you pay but the good thing is that we can change out everything ourselves so we can always make it look better if we can't afford the best at that time. Prices seem likely to be higher than consoles though :( But the good thing is that we won't have to buy a new console for the games to look better every couple of years. ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Replies:
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2013 at 1:10pm
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It's basically a console for PC gaming and they are calling it a console killer. I say it looks awesome. I bought a Wii U for the Nintendo exclusives and if steam box works I'll buy it over the next gen because the games always look better and play better on pc anyways ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: Sephiroth_V7
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2013 at 1:37pm
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Does it have a network to connect with friends outside a game? A store to dl exclusive games not released on disc or remakes of games like gta? Does it do gaming, movies, stream movies and music, pics, and all other functions the ps3 and Xbox do? Or just gaming? I dont know anything about it but if it doesn't do everything a new age console can do than it isn't worth it to me and won't be a console killer. -------------  aka - priebe69, DEEP_BrokeBack, GOW_AftaBirth |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2013 at 1:42pm
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Yes to all of that. It's basically a console version of a pc that you have in your living room. You can install windows on it and it comes with Linux. Expect controllers and everything just like a console yet it's as powerful and customizable as a pc. But remember that it hasn't come out yet so it's to be determined how awesome it is but right now it makes sense to buy one over ps4 and 720 ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2013 at 1:51pm
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I read some article estimating the price to be like $600 but I don't know if that's the high end or the low end but next gen consoles will prob be $450 to $500 anyways. Expect 2014 release date. Something to pay attention too once more word comes out about next gen in the upcoming months ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 3:05pm
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Does anyone have any more info on the steam box? ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: Phenethylamine
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 6:17pm
lolwut pcs already do this ------------- |
Posted By: Sephiroth_V7
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 7:05pm
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I didn't know if it was just a console that plays PC games or what it was. So what are u trying to say with ur post peng? I know what PC's do. I Google's this steam box and it looks like its so far out yet that its not even worth talking about. ------------- aka - priebe69, DEEP_BrokeBack, GOW_AftaBirth |
Posted By: BAIN
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 7:30pm
| sounds interesting. i wouldn't mind seeing Sony and Microsoft out of the gaming business. |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 7:48pm
It seemed to me like it would be 2014 when it releases. They debuted the Piston at CES which is made by the same company valve hired to make their steam box so odds are that's the console. Here's a quick copy and paste of a little info I found on it "The device features all of the components one would expect to find in a typical PC set-up; Several USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, 64GB – 1TB of internal storage in the form of a solid-state hard drive, HDMI output, and several audio ports. The small, 4-inch-cubed computer is powered by a 3.4GHz quad-core processor and comes with 8GB of system memory. Reportedly, the device is able to run 4K resolution, though the format is still not available commercially. Best of all, the device uses a measly 40 watts of power, compared to some gaming rigs that can push the 1000 watt limit. Such a device would be a welcome addition to any gamer’s home. Valve is looking to make PC gaming a bit more mainstream by offering a lower-cost alternative to expensive high-end PCs, while utilizing the company’s own Big Picture mode to make using the service a more streamlined experience. The computer would take up little space and use such little energy, but would allow all gamers to access software directly through Valve’s Steam client. However, this would require the cost to be low enough to compete with next-generation consoles" ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: drdeath2point0
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 8:13pm
It seems as if you answer all of your own questions lol js ------------- drdeath2point0 |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 8:20pm
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Haha but I don't know I've never been big into pc gaming so I don't know how good it is but it sounds awesome lol ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: Sephiroth_V7
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 8:25pm
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For those of you that fail to use google and completely depend on this site to tell you about new products...... This is what it MIGHT look like:  Politis added that the Steam Box is based on the company's X7A system, so while the final Steam Box PC specs are unknown, it could carry:
And some info from IGN.com Keeping Costs Down without Sacrificing Performance The core group of consumers that use Steam are, unsurprisingly, PC gamers who are particular about their systems' performance, and it's disconcerting that Valve is not making promises in the nuts and bolts department. Aside from rough estimates tiered in "Good," "Better," and "Best," it's unclear what minimum level of PC experience Valve hopes to offer. In order to keep costs low and accessible for a wider array of consumers, there's a chance that entry-level Steam Box devices will be weak and underpowered, turning off Valve's existing fanbase by forcing them to buy the top of the line or forget it entirely. The Steam Box also could hit a snag when it comes down to the MSRP. If Xi3's Piston has slightly higher specs than the company's lower-market X3A (not a stretch, considering the folks at CES swore that the Piston had 1TB of memory, more than three times that of the X3A), then the price is already shaping up to be above the $500 line. Factor in the Piston's relation to the higher-market X7A, the price could creep up to almost $1000. That's a lot to shell out to play in your living room. Steam Games on Any Screen Another thrill-inducing feature that has many excited about the Steam Box platform is its purported versatility. http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/09/what-is-valves-steam-box" rel="nofollow - Newell promised that the Steam Box wouldn't behave as just a console version of Steam with the added benefit of a shop. Instead, it's touted as an all-in-one streaming, gaming, and browsing server that travels to multiple gaming displays. Eventually, Newell hints that the Steam Box will be able to juggle up to eight different games simultaneously. As Nvidia demonstrated with Project Shield, Valve is experimenting with remote access to Steam through Android clients custom-tailored for mobile devices, suggesting that the Steam Box platform could bring full-fledged PC titles to tablets and smartphones as well. If true, you have to give Valve points just for effort — a totally open and flexible hardware option is a true step towards gaming of the future, and it shows that Valve is conscientiously steering the Steam Box towards an inclusive gaming experience that isn't tied to one method or hardware. Making PC Gaming Mainstream Cost and technical savvy, whether real or perceived, have always been a barrier between PC gaming and mainstream audiences. With a unified platform and cheap, easy to use hardware, Steam Box could be the key to bringing PC gaming to the masses. Of course, it'll be an uphill battle dependent on influencer adoption and an aggressive marketing effort, but it could move the needle. And while it may not be able to replicate the commercial success of PlayStation or Xbox products, Steam Box should make Microsoft and Sony sweat a little. Gaining Developer Support There's also the potential for a stalemate between Valve and developers due to the Steam Box's Linux-based OS. While Steam's catalog of Linux-compatible games has been slowly growing with the Steam for Linux beta, wider adoption could take time. To convince developers to offer their games on Linux, Valve needs to prove there's a significant audience for it. But in order to be successful, the Steam Box needs a robust library of titles released alongside their Windows and console equivalents. While Newell has largely explained away this problem by offering the possibility for users to install Windows OS onto the device, it's setting up for a chicken-or-egg scenario. If this issue isn't solved, customers may be frustrated with facing a work-around at unboxing. Open-Source Competition and Brand Identity Another big concern is oversaturation. 2013 is already shaping up to be the dawn of the open-source console, with the Ouya, Project Shield, and GameStick gaining traction for their Android-powered gaming systems. If the Steam Box — full of possible options that come in all shapes, sizes, specs, and prices — enters the market without a cohesive strategy it could confuse or intimidate consumers. In absence of a single device, Valve is accepting a mountain of risk by diluting the concept with products of varying performance from multiple vendors. To appeal to a more mainstream audience, Valve will need to take great strides toward educating consumers about the benefits, utility, and differences of each, or face the same pitfalls of traditional PC gaming. What's Next?
While Valve has been dropping tidbits about the Steam Box concept for months, we're still no closer to knowing when we'll see the culmination of their work out in the open. With Valve panels planned for GDC in March, it's possible we could learn more then, but we'll just have to wait and see. ------------- aka - priebe69, DEEP_BrokeBack, GOW_AftaBirth |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 8:56pm
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Yeah I've read that article a couple of days ago. The price is pretty high but if it does release with different versions then hopefully it could be affordable.. If it's like $1000 then no one will buy it so it's gotta come down. Edited my post Now I see, so different companies will make different ones varying in prices. That's interesting ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 9:02pm
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Still, I would fork out the extra cash if it's awesome. It would make sense if people could send the steam box in to get it upgraded after it becomes dated ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: drdeath2point0
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 9:07pm
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I will only get one if it comes with ut4 installed:) ------------- drdeath2point0 |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 9:13pm
Since you would be playing against pc players you could expect the community to be huge.. They wouldn't know what to say if they had all of us spamming their forums with our infamous skill lists and sizzle rants and our religious topics XD ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: Phenethylamine
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 9:16pm
Why would a free, pc based service downgrade from what is already an option? Common sense to believe it'll be on par or better than what is already offered. Especially coming from Valve which is already better than Sony/Microsoft. ------------- |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 9:20pm
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Hell yeah, that's what I'm saying. I bet all of Valve's future games will be exclusive to their service too (common sense :D) ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: Sephiroth_V7
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 9:38pm
------------- aka - priebe69, DEEP_BrokeBack, GOW_AftaBirth |
Posted By: drdeath2point0
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2013 at 10:13pm
That would be haarhaarlairious. Just as long as it doesn't kill ut4 community;) ------------- drdeath2point0 |
Posted By: warfare
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2013 at 9:30am
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This sounds promising...If it makes installing a pc game easier and less complicated. I've always wanted to try UT3 on the pc. Even relatively simple games I've played on the pc have been a pain in the ass to actually get working. ------------- Do you realize that in about forty years, we'll have millions of old ladies running around with tatoos and pierced navels? O.o |
Posted By: Phenethylamine
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2013 at 7:26pm
Have you used steam? All I have to do on steam is click the Install Button, then the Play button when its done lol ------------- |
Posted By: warfare
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2013 at 8:30am
Yes, I have...I bought Civilization V about 6 months ago and had problems getting the game going. The key to getting lots more people gaming on the pc platform is to make it easy for people like me, who aren't computer literate, to put in a disc and start playing - like a console. Go on the Ut3 Epic forums and it quickly becomes obvious 99% of the players are very comfortable navigating their way around a computer. It IS an issue for lots of people, including me. :( ------------- Do you realize that in about forty years, we'll have millions of old ladies running around with tatoos and pierced navels? O.o |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2013 at 7:26pm
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Well it'll obviously be pretty easy once it launches. I'm assuming it'll be just like digitally buying a ps3 game in the playstation store.. ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2013 at 7:26pm
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Arent pc games like $10 cheaper too? ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: Phenethylamine
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2013 at 7:50pm
sometimes but you can just wait a couple of weeks after its release and steam will put it on sale for 75% off lol ------------- |
Posted By: Darkn3ss
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2013 at 10:32am
My thought lol. $600,- looks like a bad market price as well.. Better buy a computer instead XD ------------- PC Specs: Intel i5-4960K 3.4GHz Crucial Sport 16GB 1866 RAM GeForce GTX970 4GB VRAM Antec 1100 Tower Case NZXT Sleeved Blue LED Kit 1M 2x 2TB Seagate HDD 2x 256GB Samsung SSD |
Posted By: iTz-He4DSh0T
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2013 at 11:27am
I really hope this takes off, I would ditch Windows in a heartbeat if more games are supported on Linux + it would be nice to see more players on PC  ------------- 
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Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2013 at 6:40pm
Yeah but I like the idea of having it hooked up to my tv in my living room not only because it's more convenient but also because it is probably the future of computers. We have tablets, smart phones, and smart tv's so it seems logical to bring the pc into your living room ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |
Posted By: TuNA FISh
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2013 at 6:47pm
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And yes I understand we have laptops but I use the Internet on my iPhone way more than I use my laptop lol. I will definitely get the steam box if it turns out to be awesome. Also, it would be great if we could send the steam box in to be upgraded with the latest technology once it becomes dated at a reasonable price instead of having to purchase another one every few years like consoles.. ------------- The sun was high and so was I - Best Coast psn: HardhatTuna XBL: Tuna is QnL |