We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.
Alienware do like to make some bold statements don't they! Not only have they jumped ship with their "Steam Machine" by not waiting and slapping Windows 8 on it, but they are now claiming Steam Machines will change things overnight.

I still find it odd they are commenting like that when they aren't waiting for SteamOS and are pushing out their Steam Machine with a custom UI on top on Windows.

They said this at E3:
AlienwareIt's going to be 20, 30 fold. Overnight.

I mean Valve, you never want to underestimate their initiatives and what they are going to do with Steam Machine’s OS is going to be unparalleled in PC gaming.


AlienwareImagine how many people are gaming today on linux, and how many people will be gaming once Steam Machine launches. It’s going to be 20, 30 fold. Overnight.

Source

It's nice to see them being positive, but that's not being even remotely realistic now is it? I've stated before that Steam Machines will in no way be a runaway success at the start and will be a gradual build up, especially when some Steam Machines won't even use SteamOS.

What are your honest opinions of how well they will sell? I think it was wise of Valve to delay the controller to allow SteamOS some more maturing time.

No matter what happens I'm personally going to get a Steam Controller they just look too fun to play with not to. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
0 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
31 comments
Page: 1/4»
  Go to:

Ba7a7chy Jun 17, 2014
Well... TBH for the regular gamer it doesn't matter what runs PS4 or Xbox1, I don't think they will care if its Windows or Linux running SteamBox, All they would see is a great customizable machine, with a good performance with the same UI when it's SteamOS or Windows, this way, AlienWare can start shipping the new consoles and the next version will be Linux based without the users even noticing what changed, its a great solution (for them) to test the market and ready the ground for the next versions.

I don't think we should care, as long as the "next version" will be Linux, we should only look at this as a place holder ;)
Liam Dawe Jun 17, 2014
It won't be the same UI that's the point. Alienware are doing a completely custom UI for their Windows Steam Machine. Still don't think anyone should be able to call something a Steam Machine unless it has SteamOS on it.
rustybroomhandle Jun 17, 2014
Two things:

1. If a user buys this, making their entire Windows catalogue available to them, why would they want to switch to another OS with a fraction of the available content?

2. How is Microsoft allowing this, seeing as it runs their OS and will be eating away chunks of their XBox profits? They get money for the OS license, that's it.
Beamboom Jun 17, 2014
Quoting: rustybroomhandle2. How is Microsoft allowing this, seeing as it runs their OS and will be eating away chunks of their XBox profits? They get money for the OS license, that's it.

I don't see how an allowance is required from Microsoft, this is a regular PC with regular licensing.
If they *like* it is another matter. But any PC can theoretically be a Xbox competitor.

Plus, MS' Xbox division and Windows division are two different entities.
abelthorne Jun 17, 2014
Is it a real article or is PCGamesN an Onion-like website for video games?
entropy Jun 17, 2014
Quoting: rustybroomhandle1. If a user buys this, making their entire Windows catalogue available to them, why would they want to switch to another OS with a fraction of the available content?

Fully agree.

I don't think this is _only_ a side effect, but might be a strategic move to weaken the market position of SteamOS even before it goes live.
minj Jun 17, 2014
It is said steam has 75M users, right?

Considering 7M units of PS4 have been sold in 6 months since release (with 1M pre-orders) SteamOS might double (1.5M units?) in hardware survey in the first month or two?

While their illusions of grandeur translate to at least 30M? pre-orders. Crack it is. Or more like over-hyping to increase their own sales since they will definitely be a flop. They run Windows and use 360 controller, why would anyone order from them?

Worst thing yet, their flop will establish a negative mind-sight for vendors going for the real thing. I'm shocked Valve does not put an end to their 'steam machine'.
Alex Goven Jun 17, 2014
I think they should wait for the controller and a polished SteamOS with more AAA games supporting it in the future. I thought I heard the Steam controller will use non-standard wireless. I don't know if that's correct, but if it is, Windows based Steam consoles pre-controller might miss out on integration with the tranceiver. The only benefit I can see from these is that the hardware from each OEM will have time to be tested and proven in the console-like form factors, but then again I think they will more than likely do a good job at it. I personally won't have a doubt that ASUS ROG will have a rock solid piece of hardware, but I'd rather wait for the Steam Machine full debut. I already have a Windows PC and a 360 controller. A real Steam Machine will have exactly what I want and nothing more unless I want to pay more for redundancy. I want a pure experience with all the goods focused on what Valve and game developers are dedicating towards the Steam Machine initiative.
abelthorne Jun 17, 2014
Quoting: Alex GovenI thought I heard the Steam controller will use non-standard wireless. I don't know if that's correct, but if it is, Windows based Steam consoles pre-controller might miss out on integration with the tranceiver.
IIRC correctly, the Alienware Alpha is Steam Controller-ready and includes the compatible wireless hardware. It was also the case on another Steam Machine (don't remember the manufacturer, it was the "white one with a glowing part") that was presented in details a few monthes ago. So I guess that Valve at least gave the specs for the controller compatibility and all official Steam Machines will have it.
Danny Jun 17, 2014
Usual corporate bullshit.
Do one thing, say you do the entirely different thing and report to press yet another thing.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.