Gabe Newell: "Windows 8 will be a Catastrophe for Game Makers"

On some versions of Windows 8, it will be the only way to get downloadable software such as games. Falconoffury

This part of the article should be focused on, in our discussion. The built-in Windows Store will be the only source of buying digital content on some versions of Windows 8. How can anyone defend that? Gabe Newell has a point here.

He's absolutely right. Having played around with the developer preview, we're looking at another Me or Vista style disaster with Windows 8. The OS is a total frankenstein monstrosity. It's half mobile OS and half desktop OS duct taped together, and none of it works well at all. The start screen is also incredibly cumbersome and time consuming to use. I'm not sure Microsoft can afford another trainwreck. They have actual competition these days, and they're not as relevant as they once were. You will see companies exiting the PC market just as Gabe said. The Surface tablet they showcased also looks like a huge joke. Having shown the preview to some average Joes, the general consensus seems to be "wow, that looks cheap and tacky" or "why wouldn't you just get an ipad?"

Microsoft needs to stop trying to rip off Apple and Google. The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops. No one wants your mobile devices Microsoft. Be who you are and stick to what you know.

They also need to fire that assclown Ballmer. That guy has no original ideas or vision for the future. All he wants to do is rip off Apple, and he's basically run the company into the ground.

MBirdy88

I can see you're really adamant about defending Windows 8. While I can respect that, I do need to say that you too are just speculating about how Windows 8 is going to affect everything.

Most people here, including myself now, have kind of lost faith in Microsoft with their insistence of moving everything towards tablet PCs. Windows 8 is clearly not built for a keyboard and mouse at any level and to try to convince most of us otherwise is pointless. Microsoft has also done a great job of not listening to the community about these complaints and just pushing forward believing that they are making the right decision.

I personally think it's a group think issue. They got a bunch of higher ups making the decisions. They see tablets as the unstoppable wave of the future and they are determined to beat Apple to the punch with the first operating system that is compatible with both tablets and PCs. It's one of those things where a group of very smart people has gotten together and come up with an idea that they are absolutely certain will work without really testing the waters.

I can say from my perspective of being in the manufacturing industry where we sell hundreds of PCs a year to clients that Windows 8 is completely wasted on us.

It's disconcerting that they are so abruptly abandoning the PC. Windows 7 has such a fantastic interface, there is nothing stopping them from implementing that interface in Windows 8 for standard PCs. They are forcing an entirely new interface on a platform that doesn't need the change. That is what is wrong with Windows 8.

It's really worrying that the company which is famous for supporting a massive variety of hardware and software would take such a radical change in direction after they built such a successful platform.

Wasdie

It's really worrying that the company which is famous for supporting a massive variety of hardware and software would take such a radical change in direction after they built such a successful platform.

On some versions of Windows 8, it will be the only way to get downloadable software such as games. Falconoffury

This part of the article should be focused on, in our discussion. The built-in Windows Store will be the only source of buying digital content on some versions of Windows 8. How can anyone defend that? Gabe Newell has a point here.

He's absolutely right. Having played around with the developer preview, we're looking at another Me or Vista style disaster with Windows 8. The OS is a total frankenstein monstrosity. It's half mobile OS and half desktop OS duct taped together, and none of it works well at all. The start screen is also incredibly cumbersome and time consuming to use. I'm not sure Microsoft can afford another trainwreck. They have actual competition these days, and they're not as relevant as they once were. You will see companies exiting the PC market just as Gabe said. The Surface tablet they showcased also looks like a huge joke. Having shown the preview to some average Joes, the general consensus seems to be "wow, that looks cheap and tacky" or "why wouldn't you just get an ipad?"

Microsoft needs to stop trying to rip off Apple and Google. The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops. No one wants your mobile devices Microsoft. Be who you are and stick to what you know.

They also need to fire that assclown Ballmer. That guy has no original ideas or vision for the future. All he wants to do is rip off Apple, and he's basically run the company into the ground.

bigfoot2045

Yeah, I'm sure you'll only be able to get software through a Windows store for tablets and other portable Win 8 devices, I mean, Android (Google) and Apple does it and I have yet to see a genius stating this obvious common sense.

Unless you have something that is being threatened by the competition getting stronger in the near future or you also have to mix marketing on a new "OS" with some random statements to fool some random stupid people that can't think for themselves, I don't see why some around here would want to make themselves look like complete morons, yes you should feel insulted.

Seriously, is anyone really stupid enough to believe on Win 8 the only way to get games would be from a Windows store, on PC? I mean REALLY?

DanielDust

Gabe Newell is talking about the future. Microsoft likes closed devices because they make more money that way. On the Xbox 360, Microsoft controls all digital distribution. Now, we have tablets coming out with a version of Windows 8, in which Microsoft also controls all digital distribution. You are right that Apple and Android do the same thing, but why can't we have an open tablet platform? Why can't any company develop software for digital distribution to a tablet device? Microsoft's Windows 8 isn't the answer. It seems like the only thing protecting PC is the fact that it has been an open platform for decades. I'm sure Microsoft would love PC to be another closed platform, with the direction they are going. You need to look to the future.

I don't like the fact that some games require Steam in order to play, but Steam has its competition. The problem with a closed platform with only one digital store allowed is that competition is closed off entirely. Gabe has every reason to be worried. He supports open operating systems and platforms. I respect that.

[QUOTE="DanielDust"]Yeah, I'm sure you'll only be able to get software through a Windows store for tablets and other portable Win 8 devices, I mean, Android (Google) and Apple does it and I have yet to see a genius stating this obvious common sense.

Unless you have something that is being threatened by the competition getting stronger in the near future or you also have to mix marketing on a new "OS" with some random statements to fool some random stupid people that can't think for themselves, I don't see why some around here would want to make themselves look like complete morons, yes you should feel insulted.

Seriously, is anyone really stupid enough to believe on Win 8 the only way to get games would be from a Windows store, on PC? I mean REALLY?

Falconoffury

Gabe Newell is talking about the future. Microsoft likes closed devices because they make more money that way. On the Xbox 360, Microsoft controls all digital distribution. Now, we have tablets coming out with a version of Windows 8, in which Microsoft also controls all digital distribution. You are right that Apple and Android do the same thing, but why can't we have an open tablet platform? Why can't any company develop software for digital distribution to a tablet device? Microsoft's Windows 8 isn't the answer. It seems like the only thing protecting PC is the fact that it has been an open platform for decades. I'm sure Microsoft would love PC to be another closed platform, with the direction they are going. You need to look to the future.

I don't like the fact that some games require Steam in order to play, but Steam has its competition. The problem with a closed platform with only one digital store allowed is that competition is closed off entirely. Gabe has every reason to be worried. He supports open operating systems and platforms. I respect that.

The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops.

bigfoot2045

they're not bad at other stuff too tbf. wordprocessors and web/software IDEs jump out as two obvious things straight away

He's absolutely right. Having played around with the developer preview, we're looking at another Me or Vista style disaster with Windows 8. The OS is a total frankenstein monstrosity. It's half mobile OS and half desktop OS duct taped together, and none of it works well at all. The start screen is also incredibly cumbersome and time consuming to use. I'm not sure Microsoft can afford another trainwreck. They have actual competition these days, and they're not as relevant as they once were. You will see companies exiting the PC market just as Gabe said. The Surface tablet they showcased also looks like a huge joke. Having shown the preview to some average Joes, the general consensus seems to be "wow, that looks cheap and tacky" or "why wouldn't you just get an ipad?"

Microsoft needs to stop trying to rip off Apple and Google. The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops. No one wants your mobile devices Microsoft. Be who you are and stick to what you know.

They also need to fire that assclown Ballmer. That guy has no original ideas or vision for the future. All he wants to do is rip off Apple, and he's basically run the company into the ground.

bigfoot2045

Dude, that post is so wrong. Have you used the Windows Phone (I'll bet $10 you haven't). It's completely different from Apple and Google. It actually does most things BETTER than both. I have had 3 iPhones and two Androids in the past, now have a Nokia Lumia and I'm never going back.

If they can put the Live Tiles style on a desktop PC, or more importantly, a Tablet then I can't wait (the Surface looks great).

Also, no one wants MS Mobile Devices? The Windows Phone is gaining in popularity (look up Smoked by Windows Phone Campaign), and there are at least 6 companies already ready to release Win8 Tablets, which if done right, will make the iPad look like a toy.

I think people here still don't understand how big mobile computers/tablets/phones are these days in both business and home, it would be CRAZY for MS to NOT release something like Win8.

[QUOTE="NailedGR"]

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

You are the single most over dramatic person on these fourms and you will not be missed.

Gabe seems more worried about the potential hit that Steam could take more than anything. I would be worried too if my product was going to be limited because of external factors.

I do think that Windows 8 is going to explode in Microsoft's face. It's an OS designed for a closed-platform tablet. How many PC tablets are there on the market right now? None. So why the hell build an OS that nobody can use right now?

Wasdie

Wow another condescending post by wasdie, what a great mod!

:roll:

Sorry that you have these preconceived notions that mods cannot have opinions about other users nor speak their minds, yet you can make sarcastic comments about one with no consequences.

Double standards suck.

I post as if I never had the moderator badge. I just enforce the rules, and there is no rule saying I can't speak my mind.

You flamebait then lock threads that you flamebaited in.

[QUOTE="Macutchi"]

here's an interesting stat - worldwide, just under 400k babies are born per day and just under 2 million smartphone / tablet devices are sold per day. that helps illustrate the explosion of mobile and helps you understand why micrososft want to take full advantage of the mobile revolution.

i just can't believe that they are so naive to think that existing desktop only customers can be funnelled down this mobile first path too. i always imagined that windows 8 isn't an OS like previous OSs and instead is an alternative to the desktop OS for users who use their mobile device for just about everything, with particular attention to the Asian and African markets that are seeing the biggest rise in mobile use.

or maybe it's just me that is naive... :(

FelipeInside

Well, that sounds reasonable enough. Hopefully it's gonna be like that. But this is MS. THey are going to FORCE gamers into Windows 8, one way or another. W8 exclusive games, W8 exclusive DX12 or DX features, etc. Remember Halo 2 Pc? Remember Vista and Crysis Very High settings? And how you could enable them in XP very easily with a few notepad copy/pastes? They can pay off developers to do that again. And they will. That's why gamers are worried. We don't want to upgrade, but eventually we will be forced to.

[QUOTE="04dcarraher"][QUOTE="Wasdie"]

MBirdy88

I can see you're really adamant about defending Windows 8. While I can respect that, I do need to say that you too are just speculating about how Windows 8 is going to affect everything.

Most people here, including myself now, have kind of lost faith in Microsoft with their insistence of moving everything towards tablet PCs. Windows 8 is clearly not built for a keyboard and mouse at any level and to try to convince most of us otherwise is pointless. Microsoft has also done a great job of not listening to the community about these complaints and just pushing forward believing that they are making the right decision.

I personally think it's a group think issue. They got a bunch of higher ups making the decisions. They see tablets as the unstoppable wave of the future and they are determined to beat Apple to the punch with the first operating system that is compatible with both tablets and PCs. It's one of those things where a group of very smart people has gotten together and come up with an idea that they are absolutely certain will work without really testing the waters.

I can say from my perspective of being in the manufacturing industry where we sell hundreds of PCs a year to clients that Windows 8 is completely wasted on us.

It's disconcerting that they are so abruptly abandoning the PC. Windows 7 has such a fantastic interface, there is nothing stopping them from implementing that interface in Windows 8 for standard PCs. They are forcing an entirely new interface on a platform that doesn't need the change. That is what is wrong with Windows 8.

It's really worrying that the company which is famous for supporting a massive variety of hardware and software would take such a radical change in direction after they built such a successful platform.

FelipeInside

Shut up and make Half Life 3! :x

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="Macutchi"]

here's an interesting stat - worldwide, just under 400k babies are born per day and just under 2 million smartphone / tablet devices are sold per day. that helps illustrate the explosion of mobile and helps you understand why micrososft want to take full advantage of the mobile revolution.

i just can't believe that they are so naive to think that existing desktop only customers can be funnelled down this mobile first path too. i always imagined that windows 8 isn't an OS like previous OSs and instead is an alternative to the desktop OS for users who use their mobile device for just about everything, with particular attention to the Asian and African markets that are seeing the biggest rise in mobile use.

or maybe it's just me that is naive... :(

QQabitmoar

Well, that sounds reasonable enough. Hopefully it's gonna be like that. But this is MS. THey are going to FORCE gamers into Windows 8, one way or another. W8 exclusive games, W8 exclusive DX12 or DX features, etc. Remember Halo 2 Pc? Remember Vista and Crysis Very High settings? And how you could enable them in XP very easily with a few notepad copy/pastes? They can pay off developers to do that again. And they will. That's why gamers are worried. We don't want to upgrade, but eventually we will be forced to.

I'll not bite. To me seems that W8 has nothing: DX 12? No. A return to the EAX audio standard? Nanay. Stellar exclusive games? Nope. Seems like a platform for dumb PCs and smart phones and tablets, but forgets that MS is currently almost nothing in pads and phones.

This will end as Kinect and GFWL: a lot of marketing efforts and money pushing behind but will hardly avoid being a flop. I spent 320 in W7U almost 3 years ago and I can't se reasons to move to a new OS. MS still needs to fix the terribad bugs his W7 kernel has with the SoundBlaster/Auzen devices...

I don't think Windows 8 was ever intended to be an upgrade from 7. I think it's suppose to be Windows 7 with a UI for tablets which is optional/can be changed back to original UI.

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

He's absolutely right. Having played around with the developer preview, we're looking at another Me or Vista style disaster with Windows 8. The OS is a total frankenstein monstrosity. It's half mobile OS and half desktop OS duct taped together, and none of it works well at all. The start screen is also incredibly cumbersome and time consuming to use. I'm not sure Microsoft can afford another trainwreck. They have actual competition these days, and they're not as relevant as they once were. You will see companies exiting the PC market just as Gabe said. The Surface tablet they showcased also looks like a huge joke. Having shown the preview to some average Joes, the general consensus seems to be "wow, that looks cheap and tacky" or "why wouldn't you just get an ipad?"

Microsoft needs to stop trying to rip off Apple and Google. The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops. No one wants your mobile devices Microsoft. Be who you are and stick to what you know.

They also need to fire that assclown Ballmer. That guy has no original ideas or vision for the future. All he wants to do is rip off Apple, and he's basically run the company into the ground.

FelipeInside

Dude, that post is so wrong. Have you used the Windows Phone (I'll bet $10 you haven't). It's completely different from Apple and Google. It actually does most things BETTER than both. I have had 3 iPhones and two Androids in the past, now have a Nokia Lumia and I'm never going back.

If they can put the Live Tiles style on a desktop PC, or more importantly, a Tablet then I can't wait (the Surface looks great).

Also, no one wants MS Mobile Devices? The Windows Phone is gaining in popularity (look up Smoked by Windows Phone Campaign), and there are at least 6 companies already ready to release Win8 Tablets, which if done right, will make the iPad look like a toy.

I think people here still don't understand how big mobile computers/tablets/phones are these days in both business and home, it would be CRAZY for MS to NOT release something like Win8.

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

He's absolutely right. Having played around with the developer preview, we're looking at another Me or Vista style disaster with Windows 8. The OS is a total frankenstein monstrosity. It's half mobile OS and half desktop OS duct taped together, and none of it works well at all. The start screen is also incredibly cumbersome and time consuming to use. I'm not sure Microsoft can afford another trainwreck. They have actual competition these days, and they're not as relevant as they once were. You will see companies exiting the PC market just as Gabe said. The Surface tablet they showcased also looks like a huge joke. Having shown the preview to some average Joes, the general consensus seems to be "wow, that looks cheap and tacky" or "why wouldn't you just get an ipad?"

Microsoft needs to stop trying to rip off Apple and Google. The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops. No one wants your mobile devices Microsoft. Be who you are and stick to what you know.

They also need to fire that assclown Ballmer. That guy has no original ideas or vision for the future. All he wants to do is rip off Apple, and he's basically run the company into the ground.

FelipeInside

Dude, that post is so wrong. Have you used the Windows Phone (I'll bet $10 you haven't). It's completely different from Apple and Google. It actually does most things BETTER than both. I have had 3 iPhones and two Androids in the past, now have a Nokia Lumia and I'm never going back.

If they can put the Live Tiles style on a desktop PC, or more importantly, a Tablet then I can't wait (the Surface looks great).

Also, no one wants MS Mobile Devices? The Windows Phone is gaining in popularity (look up Smoked by Windows Phone Campaign), and there are at least 6 companies already ready to release Win8 Tablets, which if done right, will make the iPad look like a toy.

I think people here still don't understand how big mobile computers/tablets/phones are these days in both business and home, it would be CRAZY for MS to NOT release something like Win8.

Windows Phone has around 2% market share and no apps. No one wants it.

I've used it. Wasn't all that impressed.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"]

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

He's absolutely right. Having played around with the developer preview, we're looking at another Me or Vista style disaster with Windows 8. The OS is a total frankenstein monstrosity. It's half mobile OS and half desktop OS duct taped together, and none of it works well at all. The start screen is also incredibly cumbersome and time consuming to use. I'm not sure Microsoft can afford another trainwreck. They have actual competition these days, and they're not as relevant as they once were. You will see companies exiting the PC market just as Gabe said. The Surface tablet they showcased also looks like a huge joke. Having shown the preview to some average Joes, the general consensus seems to be "wow, that looks cheap and tacky" or "why wouldn't you just get an ipad?"

Microsoft needs to stop trying to rip off Apple and Google. The only thing Microsoft has ever been good at is making an OS for laptops and desktops. No one wants your mobile devices Microsoft. Be who you are and stick to what you know.

They also need to fire that assclown Ballmer. That guy has no original ideas or vision for the future. All he wants to do is rip off Apple, and he's basically run the company into the ground.

bigfoot2045

Dude, that post is so wrong. Have you used the Windows Phone (I'll bet $10 you haven't). It's completely different from Apple and Google. It actually does most things BETTER than both. I have had 3 iPhones and two Androids in the past, now have a Nokia Lumia and I'm never going back.

If they can put the Live Tiles style on a desktop PC, or more importantly, a Tablet then I can't wait (the Surface looks great).

Also, no one wants MS Mobile Devices? The Windows Phone is gaining in popularity (look up Smoked by Windows Phone Campaign), and there are at least 6 companies already ready to release Win8 Tablets, which if done right, will make the iPad look like a toy.

I think people here still don't understand how big mobile computers/tablets/phones are these days in both business and home, it would be CRAZY for MS to NOT release something like Win8.

Windows Phone has around 2% market share and no apps. No one wants it.

I've used it. Wasn't all that impressed.

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"]

Dude, that post is so wrong. Have you used the Windows Phone (I'll bet $10 you haven't). It's completely different from Apple and Google. It actually does most things BETTER than both. I have had 3 iPhones and two Androids in the past, now have a Nokia Lumia and I'm never going back.

If they can put the Live Tiles style on a desktop PC, or more importantly, a Tablet then I can't wait (the Surface looks great).

Also, no one wants MS Mobile Devices? The Windows Phone is gaining in popularity (look up Smoked by Windows Phone Campaign), and there are at least 6 companies already ready to release Win8 Tablets, which if done right, will make the iPad look like a toy.

I think people here still don't understand how big mobile computers/tablets/phones are these days in both business and home, it would be CRAZY for MS to NOT release something like Win8.

FelipeInside

Windows Phone has around 2% market share and no apps. No one wants it.

I've used it. Wasn't all that impressed.

I looked through the Windows Phone app store and couldn't find the majority of stuff I've used on Android and iPhone. Even major stuff was missing. Its puny market share has scared away developers.

Both Android and iPhone have around half a million apps at this point by comparison.

Also, the tiles in metro are clunky and dumb. Android puts way more useable information on the screen at once.

I'll not bite. To me seems that W8 has nothing: DX 12? No. A return to the EAX audio standard? Nanay. Stellar exclusive games? Nope. Seems like a platform for dumb PCs and smart phones and tablets, but forgets that MS is currently almost nothing in pads and phones.

This will end as Kinect and GFWL: a lot of marketing efforts and money pushing behind but will hardly avoid being a flop. I spent 320 in W7U almost 3 years ago and I can't se reasons to move to a new OS. MS still needs to fix the terribad bugs his W7 kernel has with the SoundBlaster/Auzen devices...

Ondoval

Look at what you have wrote and realise how silly it is.

You do realise that Along with Windows 8, Microsoft Surface Tablet, 3rd PArty Tablets and touch screen monitors/laptops are releasing at the same time right? "Exlcusive games?" what the hell its an OS .... DX12? why we can barely run DX11 properly. EAX audio.... oh god no audiophiles.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

Windows Phone has around 2% market share and no apps. No one wants it.

I've used it. Wasn't all that impressed.

bigfoot2045

I looked through the Windows Phone app store and couldn't find the majority of stuff I've used on Android and iPhone. Even major stuff was missing. Its puny market share has scared away developers.

Both Android and iPhone have around half a million apps at this point by comparison.

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] I guess 100,000 apps and climbing = no apps. I guess 90% of the Apps I had on iPhone and Androids are on Windows Phone, and the remaining 10% coming = no apps. Righto...FelipeInside

I looked through the Windows Phone app store and couldn't find the majority of stuff I've used on Android and iPhone. Even major stuff was missing. Its puny market share has scared away developers.

Both Android and iPhone have around half a million apps at this point by comparison.

2008 and 2007 respectively. Microsoft is too late to the party to be of any relevance. They should have had their modern phone OS out years ago. Instead they clung to that pile of crap Windows Mobile.

And there actually was some interest in the Nokia Lumia phones back in 2010. But it took two years to get them to market. Compare that to the iPhone where a new phone comes out a week after its announced, or Android where new high-end phones come out on a monthly basis. Microsoft just isn't competing.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

I looked through the Windows Phone app store and couldn't find the majority of stuff I've used on Android and iPhone. Even major stuff was missing. Its puny market share has scared away developers.

Both Android and iPhone have around half a million apps at this point by comparison.

bigfoot2045

2008 and 2007 respectively. Microsoft is too late to the party to be of any relevance. They should have had their modern phone OS out years ago. Instead they clung to that pile of crap Windows Mobile.

And there actually was some interest in the Nokia Lumia phones back in 2010. But it took two years to get them to market. Compare that to the iPhone where a new phone comes out a week after its announced, or Android where new high-end phones come out on a monthly basis. Microsoft just isn't competing.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

I looked through the Windows Phone app store and couldn't find the majority of stuff I've used on Android and iPhone. Even major stuff was missing. Its puny market share has scared away developers.

Both Android and iPhone have around half a million apps at this point by comparison.

bigfoot2045

2008 and 2007 respectively. Microsoft is too late to the party to be of any relevance. They should have had their modern phone OS out years ago. Instead they clung to that pile of crap Windows Mobile.

And there actually was some interest in the Nokia Lumia phones back in 2010. But it took two years to get them to market. Compare that to the iPhone where a new phone comes out a week after its announced, or Android where new high-end phones come out on a monthly basis. Microsoft just isn't competing.

Overall, I like Windows 8. The Metro start screen is better than the start menu ever was. It's fine.

But, I do share some of Newell's concerns. Unless you have a developer account, you cannot simply sideload applications like you once used to on Windows. Microsoft is finally realizing that it can make more money if it starts closing off the platform to its own software distribution channels only. WinRT is even more enclosed - the bootloader is locked, and you can't install your own OS in place of WinRT on your ARM tablet.

I am glad to see Valve taking gaming on Linux seriously. Linux does deserve more support, especially in terms of gaming.

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] How long has Android and iPhone been out? How long has Windows Phone been out? The growth in Apps on the Windows Marketplace is twice fold compared to when iPhone and Android were released. Check ur facts.MBirdy88

2008 and 2007 respectively. Microsoft is too late to the party to be of any relevance. They should have had their modern phone OS out years ago. Instead they clung to that pile of crap Windows Mobile.

And there actually was some interest in the Nokia Lumia phones back in 2010. But it took two years to get them to market. Compare that to the iPhone where a new phone comes out a week after its announced, or Android where new high-end phones come out on a monthly basis. Microsoft just isn't competing.

No one is going to like Windows 8 and Windows 8 mobile devices are not going to sell. MS has the worst track record with mobile devices, and the reaction to previews of Windows 8 has been overwhelmingly negative.

Also, we're not early in the mobile race. 2007 or 2008 was the time to get on board. It's too late now. Microsoft has no chance.

[QUOTE="MBirdy88"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

2008 and 2007 respectively. Microsoft is too late to the party to be of any relevance. They should have had their modern phone OS out years ago. Instead they clung to that pile of crap Windows Mobile.

And there actually was some interest in the Nokia Lumia phones back in 2010. But it took two years to get them to market. Compare that to the iPhone where a new phone comes out a week after its announced, or Android where new high-end phones come out on a monthly basis. Microsoft just isn't competing.

bigfoot2045

No one is going to like Windows 8 and Windows 8 mobile devices are not going to sell. MS has the worst track record with mobile devices, and the reaction to previews of Windows 8 has been overwhelmingly negative.

Also, we're not early in the mobile race. 2007 or 2008 was the time to get on board. It's too late now. Microsoft has no chance.

microsoft is the enemy of freedom

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

[QUOTE="MBirdy88"] You are missing one point. Brand power. Despite this shortfall, Windows 8 gives all windows a proper brand identity equal to say Apples. Your Desktop, LAptop, Tablet and Phone will share the same LIVE account. All your purchases will be on it and cross platform, all your files on skydrive. and most importantly they will all look and act similally. People who buy new computers with win 8 in them, people who buy win 8 tablets will be exposed to this eco-system. if they like it? they will likely choose a windows phone 8 because its familiar and links with their devices in ways the other systems cannot do. Phone market is still early days, as is tablets, to say 2 years is a large gap is stupid. Besides Lumia isnt the only windows phone you know... HTC ect have a few. and more are coming. Its as stupid as saying android didnt have a chance because iphone was first.MBirdy88

No one is going to like Windows 8 and Windows 8 mobile devices are not going to sell. MS has the worst track record with mobile devices, and the reaction to previews of Windows 8 has been overwhelmingly negative.

Also, we're not early in the mobile race. 2007 or 2008 was the time to get on board. It's too late now. Microsoft has no chance.

Windows Mobile = flop

Zune = flop

Kin = flop

Windows Phone = flop

Yeah MS has a great track record with mobile devices.

Which is fine. But I take issue with the fact that they're going to destroy their laptop/desktop OS in a last ditch attempt to try to get people on board with their mobile stuff. It's not going to work, and it's going to seriously damage the company in the process.

[QUOTE="MBirdy88"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

No one is going to like Windows 8 and Windows 8 mobile devices are not going to sell. MS has the worst track record with mobile devices, and the reaction to previews of Windows 8 has been overwhelmingly negative.

Also, we're not early in the mobile race. 2007 or 2008 was the time to get on board. It's too late now. Microsoft has no chance.

bigfoot2045

Windows Mobile = flop

Zune = flop

Kin = flop

Windows Phone = flop

Yeah MS has a great track record with mobile devices.

Going off track record yes, but Windows Phone so far is growing, we have to wait and see in the future.

I think that with Win8 synchronizing tablets, desktops and phones.... it might grow even more. Remember, the iPad is a Tablet (one that has trouble doing simple things like word processing). The Win8 Tablet will be a hybrid tablet/and FULL OS all in one. If it really takes off (specially with business), Apple have a fight on their hands.

And they aren't destroying anything, stop over-exagerrating please. If MS survived ME, it can survive anything. (lol....)

umm. I wonder if he know that the Windows Store in Windows 8 is completely optional. You can have a completely Windows 8 experience without ever touching the Windows store?? From my experience I've been able to install any program I want the exact same way I do in windows seven. in fact I have steam on my windows 8 laptop. I doubt it will change much between now and release. Gabe like usual is overreacting. ferrari2001

umm. I wonder if he know that the Windows Store in Windows 8 is completely optional. You can have a completely Windows 8 experience without ever touching the Windows store?? From my experience I've been able to install any program I want the exact same way I do in windows seven. in fact I have steam on my windows 8 laptop. I doubt it will change much between now and release. Gabe like usual is overreacting. ferrari2001

he knows that the app store is an alternative platform to steam from which to sell games. hence the outburst

microsoft is the enemy of freedom

GummiRaccoon

[QUOTE="MBirdy88"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

No one is going to like Windows 8 and Windows 8 mobile devices are not going to sell. MS has the worst track record with mobile devices, and the reaction to previews of Windows 8 has been overwhelmingly negative.

Also, we're not early in the mobile race. 2007 or 2008 was the time to get on board. It's too late now. Microsoft has no chance.

bigfoot2045

Windows Mobile = flop

Zune = flop

Kin = flop

Windows Phone = flop

Yeah MS has a great track record with mobile devices.

Which is fine. But I take issue with the fact that they're going to destroy their laptop/desktop OS in a last ditch attempt to try to get people on board with their mobile stuff. It's not going to work, and it's going to seriously damage the company in the process.

[QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

[QUOTE="MBirdy88"] Congratulations on grossly over-exagurated biased comments. but at least try to back it up.Toxic-Seahorse

Windows Mobile = flop

Zune = flop

Kin = flop

Windows Phone = flop

Yeah MS has a great track record with mobile devices.

Which is fine. But I take issue with the fact that they're going to destroy their laptop/desktop OS in a last ditch attempt to try to get people on board with their mobile stuff. It's not going to work, and it's going to seriously damage the company in the process.

[QUOTE="Toxic-Seahorse"][QUOTE="bigfoot2045"]

Windows Mobile = flop

Zune = flop

Kin = flop

Windows Phone = flop

Yeah MS has a great track record with mobile devices.

Which is fine. But I take issue with the fact that they're going to destroy their laptop/desktop OS in a last ditch attempt to try to get people on board with their mobile stuff. It's not going to work, and it's going to seriously damage the company in the process.

FelipeInside

Everyone that I know that had a zune really liked that too.

MS can't into freedom or gadgets.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="Toxic-Seahorse"] lol at calling Windows Phone a flop after such a short period of time. Not to mention I've never met someone who used and didn't like Windows Phone. It's the fastest phone OS available.GummiRaccoon

Everyone that I know that had a zune really liked that too.

MS can't into freedom or gadgets.

[QUOTE="DanielDust"]Yeah, I'm sure you'll only be able to get software through a Windows store for tablets and other portable Win 8 devices, I mean, Android (Google) and Apple does it and I have yet to see a genius stating this obvious common sense.

Unless you have something that is being threatened by the competition getting stronger in the near future or you also have to mix marketing on a new "OS" with some random statements to fool some random stupid people that can't think for themselves, I don't see why some around here would want to make themselves look like complete morons, yes you should feel insulted.

Seriously, is anyone really stupid enough to believe on Win 8 the only way to get games would be from a Windows store, on PC? I mean REALLY?

Falconoffury

Gabe Newell is talking about the future. Microsoft likes closed devices because they make more money that way. On the Xbox 360, Microsoft controls all digital distribution. Now, we have tablets coming out with a version of Windows 8, in which Microsoft also controls all digital distribution. You are right that Apple and Android do the same thing, but why can't we have an open tablet platform? Why can't any company develop software for digital distribution to a tablet device? Microsoft's Windows 8 isn't the answer. It seems like the only thing protecting PC is the fact that it has been an open platform for decades. I'm sure Microsoft would love PC to be another closed platform, with the direction they are going. You need to look to the future.

I don't like the fact that some games require Steam in order to play, but Steam has its competition. The problem with a closed platform with only one digital store allowed is that competition is closed off entirely. Gabe has every reason to be worried. He supports open operating systems and platforms. I respect that.

[QUOTE="Ondoval"]

I'll not bite. To me seems that W8 has nothing: DX 12? No. A return to the EAX audio standard? Nanay. Stellar exclusive games? Nope. Seems like a platform for dumb PCs and smart phones and tablets, but forgets that MS is currently almost nothing in pads and phones.

This will end as Kinect and GFWL: a lot of marketing efforts and money pushing behind but will hardly avoid being a flop. I spent 320 in W7U almost 3 years ago and I can't se reasons to move to a new OS. MS still needs to fix the terribad bugs his W7 kernel has with the SoundBlaster/Auzen devices...

MBirdy88

Look at what you have wrote and realise how silly it is.

You do realise that Along with Windows 8, Microsoft Surface Tablet, 3rd PArty Tablets and touch screen monitors/laptops are releasing at the same time right? "Exlcusive games?" what the hell its an OS .... DX12? why we can barely run DX11 properly. EAX audio.... oh god no audiophiles.

I realize that as gaming is concerned, Windows 8 brings nothing to the table, and due the lackluster results of MS with Zune and phones MS is aiming to fail hard with W8. No one with a smartphone seems to be interested in other OS outside Mac/Android; Apple obsolutely dominates in pads and Amazon -with kindle- in ebook readers. Hell, MS isn't even capable to make game developers to show interest in Kinect, so from a perspective of a gamer in a gamer site I think that W8 brings nothing to us. Is too soon and too little for a new brand Windows OS.

the real question is, will anyone even upgrade to Windows 8?blangenakker

- Some will upgrade just cause they love having the latest thing.

- Some will get Win8 cause they are doing a new build.

- Others will upgrade just cause it costs so little to upgrade ($30)

- Most will get Win8 on Tablet and Touch PCs.

I'm fine with my Win7 Gaming Box and plan on staying there, but I can't wait to get a Win8 Tablet.