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Linux to compete against Windows as gaming OS?

With DICE's creative director, Lars Gustavsson, saying that "it only takes a "killer" game for the Linux platform to explode its way into mainstream gaming", I went ahead and asked the opinion of a Linux Specialist and gamer.

Could Linux compete against Microsoft Windows on the gaming scene?

Would it only take one "killer" game for Linux to do so?

Check out the details in here.

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johnheatz.com
OrangePowerz4596d ago (Edited 4596d ago )

The best shot Linux has is SteamOS.

Linux will not get a kiler game, because nobody would ever want to take the risk of doing a Linux only game on a bigger scale in the hopes that people will flock over to Linux.

JohnHeatz4596d ago

Making Linux only "AAA" games wouldn't be the case, though, maybe make those AAA games for both platforms at launch, that could get some of us to be able to not have Windows anymore and be able to do our daily tasks and game without having to be switching between Operating Systems, but indeed, I do agree that SteamOS might be what is needed for this to, at least, start happening

Spinal4596d ago

You guys live in imagination land if you think PC gamers would drop windows just for HL3 on Linux loooool.

Windows provides far too much other programs people need day to day including Steam an other services not one gamer would drop their windows for Linux just for one game even for all valve games it would make no difference.

If Valve was to make their IPs exclusive to Linux which they wouldn't but if they did the sales will be horrible an Most will not transfer over for those games only the very few elitist hardcore gamers would an even then they would return to windows. Services like Twitch tv for game steaming loads of software which people need windows for. Xsplit fraps etc.

And by the way most PC gamers have stuck to windows 7 and will not be upgrading to win 8 just like we skipped Vista. I'll wait to see what Win 9 has to offer.

UltimateMaster4595d ago (Edited 4595d ago )

Competing?
Yes and no.
Both are going for the "same market".
Yes, Steam is going to Linux, and it's free.
But at the same time, everyone has windows and everyone will be having both anyway.
So I really don't see how they can compete with one another since you can have both on the same machine.

@spinalc0rd
"Windows provides far too much other programs people need day to day including Steam an other services not one gamer would drop their windows for Linux just for one game even for all valve games it would make no difference. "

like he said.
Linux is free, it's just a means to have a different interface.

So, no, it doesn't compete.

pwnsause_returns4596d ago (Edited 4596d ago )

I think a game like half life 3 could push it. Then again valve can't count to 3, unless that what they're setting up half life 3 for.

I mean, when you think about it, with everything we heard from valve and their hatred for windows 8, and of course their financial stake at this, it only makes sense.

OrangePowerz4596d ago

I know Valve doesn`t like Windows, but I doubt they would do HL3 exclusive for SteamOS and Linux. I`m certain if he we ever get HL3 it will be for SteamOS, Linux, Windows and consoles for maximum profit.

Amazingmrbrock4596d ago

I could almost see them doing steam os and consoles only. It would be a huge gamble though but I think it would probably work if they made installing steam os fool proof enough. A lot of people wouldn't just not play halflife 3, they'd jump through whatever hoops they had to.

If they do HL3 L4D3 and Portal 3 on it they'll probably have most pc gamers switched over.

JohnHeatz4596d ago

@pwnsause There's already a valid-registered trademark for Portal 3, they might've already learned how to count to 3, there was also this leak about Left4Dead 3 some months ago...no HF3 confirmed...besides that leak of the development team

Details: Portal 3 Trademark = http://johnheatz.com/2013/1...
HF3 Dev Team = http://johnheatz.com/2013/1...
L4D3 = http://johnheatz.com/2013/0...

@OrangePowerz A "SteamOS/Linux" game would be a little...redundant, wouldn't it? But I agree that they wouldn't rule out Windows just to push SteamOS, it wouldn't be the best of the ideas...

OrangePowerz4596d ago

We know SteamOS is based on Linux, but not to what extend really. The best case scenario would be that any SteamOS game runs by default on Linux but that has not been confirmed yet and Valve wants to push Linux also outside of SteamOS.

DeadManIV4596d ago

People can always run dual-OS. SteamOS for gaming and Windows for everything else

DeadlyFire4595d ago

I could see Valve doing timed exclusive releases for their next set of games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4595d ago
JohnHeatz4596d ago

You know...I hadn't read about that one! Thanks for pointing to that information!

Bigpappy4596d ago

You all need to calm down those anti-M$ wet dreams.

First off: Steam can NOT survive without Windows.

Second: That linux box is DOA unless Valve releases it as a stand alone console with the same strong 3rd party support as PS4 and Xbox 1. As it is, there is no void for it to fill. So there is no reason for anyone to buy one. OH sorry, forgot that M$ haters will be first in line to waste that money on a dream. Good luck with that.

OrangePowerz4596d ago (Edited 4596d ago )

I won`t buy a Steam Machine because my PC is already connected to my TV, but I will gladly install SteamOS.

I will always need Windows as a second OS because of my work so I will never get rid of that.

Steam could survive without Windows. Keep in mind that SteamOS is free and can be installed on any PC, but there are two things. Valve needs to get the majority to install SteamOS and all games need to support the OS. Depending on those two things Valve could shift it`s customer base away from Windows.

I`m not sure how people can be positive about Windows and everything else they made out of free will. Let me guess you think Zune is awesome as well? I use Windows because I have to and if there would be an OS that allows me to do everything I can do now I would switch in no time. Windows 8 is an abomination of a desktop PC OS and they try to force people to upgrade by including the latest DirectX version only with Win8.

I would never pay for Windows, but I would gladly pay for another OS that is well designed and does the exact same but isn`t made by the worst, most greedy and dodgy company on the planet who continues to use practices that shouldn`t be allowed to undermine the competition. At least here in Europe we fine them a few billion for what they do (not like it changes much for their bank balance).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4595d ago
PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt4596d ago

who cares, Consoles still get more sales. idc if PC has better graphics gameplay is what makes the game great.

combatcash4596d ago

If gameplay is what makes the games great, why would you bring up sales? lol

Btw pc generates tons of money

PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt4596d ago

because PC doesnt get half the sales console do.

combatcash4596d ago

@UnRivaLeD

Where are you getting your numbers from?
Do you mean combined or pc vs one particular console? Pc has a ridiculous amount of games available and there's more pc's in households than there is consoles.

Amazingmrbrock4596d ago

@UnRivaLeD What planet are you on man? Pc sales have been at parity with console sales for a few years now. Most sales stats don't show that however because they only count boxed copies sold. While most pc games are sold digital, and those numbers are a fair bit harder to find.

Bigpappy4596d ago

I don't get why the culture on this site is to dismiss SALE and embraces stuff like review scores and fidelity. Sales is the single most reliable way of recognizing success.

Amazingmrbrock4596d ago

@Bigpappy success =/= quality. Most people that play games should be more interested in the quality of those games than the success of those games. The two things aren't mutually exclusive but one does not equal the other.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4596d ago
4logpc4596d ago

Linux has an uphill battle. Even with SteamOS its got to tackle Microsoft, who has an endless supply of money. Unless Microsoft drops PC gaming, Linux can't ever over take it.

JohnHeatz4596d ago

Well, Games for Microsoft is going to be shut down in the middle of 2014, so there's still a chance, totally agree on the "uphill" state of the battle, but there's a slight chance that even if Linux doesn't quite get there, it could get some more users and games

4logpc4596d ago

Microsoft is indeed dropping GFWL, but there are numerous places saying they are working on some sort of new cross play for XB1 and PC. I would think something to replace GFWL is in the pipeline.

JohnHeatz4596d ago

@4logpc So far, I've only seen rumors about that, and just recently Microsoft people mentioning that cross platform (XB1 <=> PC) "makes a lot of sense", but that's about it -so far-

adorie4596d ago (Edited 4596d ago )

Open source community is mightier than their money. Believe it. Nvidia and AMD on board and MS at war with their partners.... MS isn't the same company it was when Wall Street ate up it's every word as gospel.

We're more enlightened.

4logpc4596d ago

The open source community is great, but it represents such a small % of the gaming community.

MyFeetHurt4596d ago

i hate to break it to ya but outside of big name sponsored community projects like mysql and fedora,

open source is crap.

it takes real $$$ to test and create real code.

annus4596d ago

I can't believe you actually believe that. You honestly think the average consumer gives a shit if they can get read the source code? I don't think you realise how many industry standard products are proprietary.

And just because it's on linux doesn't mean it's open source.

nosferatuzodd4596d ago

I sure would like to see Microsoft fall on theire ass for once

Show all comments (35)
70°

Microsoft Gaming Revenue Drops 7% Year-on-Year, Content and Services Down 5%, Xbox Hardware Down 33%

Microsoft announced its financial results for Q3 of fiscal year 2026, including an update on its gaming Xbox business and more.

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simulationdaily.com
Jin_Sakai16d ago (Edited 16d ago )

Not looking good. Hopefully Asha Sharma is able to turn Phil’s disaster around.

dveio16d ago

To me it's still quite remarkable how they can cash-in 5.3bn in revenue in a single quarter, since their hardware is basically dead.

Jingsing15d ago

The stock mark is what makes Microsoft remarkable, They have convinced every institutional and retail investor to just keep piling money into them. Like many big tech giants they are just a big growing pyramid scheme. As long as people keep dropping money into ETF's that cover the market Microsoft will always be liquid. At the same time it is completely stifling innovation and competition. People need to start being more discreet in how they invest their money as it's killing the system.

Tanktopmaster9215d ago

Once they re-evaluate exclusive all will be fine….

S2Killinit15d ago

Riiiiight because people will just flock back to them for one or two games per year.

Jingsing15d ago

15+ years of bad performance is what they call irreparable in business. It is time for them to sell off the assets and get out of entertainment.

Tanktopmaster9215d ago

These declines are on the back of extra revenue received from releasing games like Forza horizon 5 on PlayStation. So I’m being sarcastic here when I said they should go back to exclusives. Killing off a revenue stream from Ps5 sales will only make things worse

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70°

Xbox boss: Memory crisis could impact next-gen hardware pricing

Xbox boss Asha Sharma has discussed how component shortages will impact the company's plans for Project Helix.

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gamedeveloper.com
Eonjay17d ago

When does this end? Its killing everyone. Consoles and PC. And for what? AI? The benefits of AI are completely outweighed by the negatives. And the government should have never allowed one company to buy up all the RAM.

Lexreborn218d ago

This kind of proves this is an after thought product, most products like this are in r&d 5 years before they start mass producing. So they typically have the cost of components and things worked out long before assembly starts.

This is an assumption still, but I wouldn’t be surprised if project helix is similar to Scalebound,perfect dark and sod3. They had an idea but no actual execution other than concept stage. Being impacted by the ram shortage likely would also put this device 3-4 years out.

I’m not even sure MS has that endurance with Xbox yet

Fishy Fingers18d ago (Edited 18d ago )

I mean.... what?

We're at a point that Samsung wont even provide their own phone department ram because they can sell it at higher prices to 3rd parties (AI). Its more profitable to sell the ram than make their own devices with it.

You think because R&D starts 5 years ago the 3rd party component manufacturers will honour that price? They'll sell it to whomever is paying the most today, not some gentlemens agreement they made years ago. AI farms will buy more volume at higher prices than any console manufacturer will. It'll be the same for Playstation.

Lexreborn217d ago

Contractual agreements are not the same as “gentlemen” agreements. If you think that they work with their distributors a month before production then their entire business model is trash. They work with companies like nvidia constantly for building the graphics cards they need. They work with companies that build motherboards years in advance. This is what proper business planning does.

They are not buying components on a whim like a consumer. So again, considering the ram isn’t a singular module and is integrated into the motherboard I highly doubt they wouldn’t have a final schematic that they are supposed to be building around.

If they are delaying production another 3 years then it’s obvious again this is an after though project and is just trying to be responsive to their bad execution they had the last 14 years.

It also isn’t far fetched to use their failure to produce first party titles the last 7 years including the highly anticipated games I mentioned all being cancelled. That they would continue to you know… lie

Sitdown18d ago

You don't really know how this works huh?

Profchaos18d ago (Edited 18d ago )

Helix is going to be stupidly expensive

Instead of leaning into smarter upscaling techniques they're brute forcing hardware that will cost them dearly and it remains to be seen if it's genuinely going to provide a meaningful differential

I know in the oc.doace people like to brag about not using frame gen or dlss to get to high on a game but for the majority of players they happily use those technologies without a second thought

That's going to be ps6 vs Helix

Eonjay17d ago

Yeah with FSR 5 they should be able to offer a much cheaper version of Helix.

Eonjay17d ago

While this does seem to be the case, I am encouraged by the statement from Microsoft about wanting to provide affordable options. If this means a Series S style Helix, at least there will be something affordable being offered.

XBManiac17d ago

Series S is what has killed Xbox Series so... Will they dare?

blacktiger18d ago

It's called systematic inflationary. Yes we get it Microsoft, keep raising in the name ofall kinds of stuffs

pwnmaster300018d ago

Honestly if there was thing I learned from this generation is that new consoles arnt day one anymore.
I can wait 1-3 years.

DarXyde18d ago

Another important lesson from this generation: while Nintendo showed us that prices don't necessarily need to ever drop, we've now learned that waiting 1-3 years does carry some risk that prices increase. This generation is just bizarre in all the wrong ways.

LucasRuinedChildhood18d ago (Edited 18d ago )

The factors are largely external. Covid and Russia-Ukraine war causing inflation led to the first price increase in 2022.

Then we get Trump's tariffs increasing hardware prices, AI boom causing a RAM crisis, war on Iran causing a worldwide fuel crisis which impacts the cost of everything.

Gaming doesn't exist in a vacuum. The last few years have been a shitshow and lot of it was definitely avoidable.

DarXyde17d ago

LucasRuinedChildhood,

For sure. No disagreement on the external factors doing a lot of this. Where I have to gently push back however is on two fronts:

1. The pandemic definitely caused some issues: asynchronous development was a big issue and really complicated timelines and affected game quality. At the same time, when it comes to price hikes, it's really difficult to know what was genuine necessity and what was taking consumers for a ride. The pandemic brought about "stag-flation" which was increasing prices and stagnant wages, which was a problem caused by supply chain constraints. There was also "Greed-flation", where companies that were slightly affected or had no issues took advantage of the situation and squeezed everyone citing supply chain issues when there were none.

2. It's definitely true that the tariffs, AI boom, and RAM crisis were all things enabled by tech broligarchs throwing money at this caricature of a world leader, one of them being Satya Nadella. I don't think Sony and Nintendo have contributed much to this problem if at all, but Microsoft's Nadella I feel was instrumental in causing every one of those issues. Microsoft as a company contributed to both candidates (though they gave Harris 4x as much if I recall), but Nadella was all in on letting AI run wild. He paid for unregulated AI, and got a war that's not a war (even though Trump called it that at least five times on television) that screwed up helium access. So for me, I feel that one of the players in the gaming industry is a key architect of these issues, and for that reason I struggle a bit to think of it as "external".

Show all comments (28)
50°

'The big things that we're thinking about'

In an exclusive interview with Game File, new(ish) Xbox boss Asha Sharma and Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty explain their vision for Microsoft’s gaming division

Read Full Story >>
gamefile.news
Agent7519d ago

A good start would be to release games to go with the console. My Xbox Series X has gathered dust virtually from launch. My advice would be to ditch a next console and release games on PC, PlayStation and Switch. Another idea would be a hybrid console based on Xbox Series X tech and go the same route as Nintendo. Another idea would be to pull out of gaming altogether. Plenty of options there.

Reaper22_17d ago

Why would they pull out? They have the momentum. Sony has been getting nothing but bad news lately.