Valve have ripped the lid off their latest project named 'Steam Audio', an SDK of advanced audio tools that will support Linux.
What is it exactly?
Steam Audio delivers a full-featured audio solution that integrates environment and listener simulation. HRTF significantly improves immersion in VR; physics-based sound propagation completes aural immersion by consistently recreating how sound interacts with the virtual environment.
It's currently in Beta and it will support Windows (32 bit and 64 bit), Linux (32 bit and 64 bit), macOS, and Android (ARMv-7).
It already supports Unity 5.2+ and they are working on integration with Unreal Engine 4 right now.
Epic Games will have a demo of Steam Audio in Unreal Engine at GDC next week. I'm pretty keen to hear more about it!
You can see the website for it, the github and the Steam hub. You can also see more info and some examples on this news post on Steam.
It is slightly worrying though, that this could end up being yet another reason for games to be tied to Steam unable to go on other platforms. Will be interesting to see what happens here, as lock-in isn't healthy for anyone. However, since it will run on Android, it sounds like it might be portable enough.
To be clear, it doesn't look like it is locked to Steam, at all. I do hope Valve keep it this way and it's great they released it for free like this. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
What is it exactly?
Steam Audio delivers a full-featured audio solution that integrates environment and listener simulation. HRTF significantly improves immersion in VR; physics-based sound propagation completes aural immersion by consistently recreating how sound interacts with the virtual environment.
It's currently in Beta and it will support Windows (32 bit and 64 bit), Linux (32 bit and 64 bit), macOS, and Android (ARMv-7).
It already supports Unity 5.2+ and they are working on integration with Unreal Engine 4 right now.
Epic Games will have a demo of Steam Audio in Unreal Engine at GDC next week. I'm pretty keen to hear more about it!
You can see the website for it, the github and the Steam hub. You can also see more info and some examples on this news post on Steam.
It is slightly worrying though, that this could end up being yet another reason for games to be tied to Steam unable to go on other platforms. Will be interesting to see what happens here, as lock-in isn't healthy for anyone. However, since it will run on Android, it sounds like it might be portable enough.
To be clear, it doesn't look like it is locked to Steam, at all. I do hope Valve keep it this way and it's great they released it for free like this. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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The comments on this article are closed.
I doubt this will create lock in. It will probably be a check box in options menus that will be greyed out if you're not on Steam, much like Dolby Surround or EAX have been for years.
2 Likes, Who?
Will it work as an independent library in the actual games, or it's tied to Steam?
0 Likes
Quoting: ShmerlWill it work as an independent library in the actual games, or it's tied to Steam?
It's an independent library.
6 Likes, Who?
I have been out of audio progression since I've been using smartphones and portable speakers. Even for desktop I just use a portable lol...
Headphones just kill me.
Headphones just kill me.
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Yeah, I don't trust Valve not to turn it into another lock-in. So far they failed on that front with various stuff already (Steamworks, SteamVR, controller API and so on).
3 Likes, Who?
Quoting: GuestI dislike anyone trying to make games reliant on closed source libraries. Even if it's an independent lib for now, I'm sure Valve will want it tied into Steam as well. I have similar problems with SteamWorks too. Guess it'd be ok as optional, but I'd rather them pushing something FOSS.
They can't just make it FOSS because they haven't developed it themselves in the first place.
https://www.impulsonic.com/
E: Actually, no, they do own it apparently - Valve acquired that company a month ago. That still kind of explains the license isn't completely sorted out yet.
I am still not aware of any case when Valve would provide something for free and without strings attached only to change it later. Steamworks and everything else have been a clear deal right off the bat.
Last edited by Teal on 23 February 2017 at 9:20 pm UTC
4 Likes, Who?
At this point is anyone surprised valve is locking in features, lots of people white knight valve but they do a lot of shady shite. I wont parrot Jim Sterling but he is not wrong about valve they are not a plucky indie company they are multi billion dollar corporation.
0 Likes
I don't think that will create a lock in.I think that is developed for especially SteamOS and also SteamMachines.Also it's helpful for Linux.
Microsoft is providing Dolby Atmos for Win10 and XboxOne.That's the counter for that i guess.
Last edited by Leopard on 23 February 2017 at 10:38 pm UTC
Microsoft is providing Dolby Atmos for Win10 and XboxOne.That's the counter for that i guess.
Last edited by Leopard on 23 February 2017 at 10:38 pm UTC
1 Likes, Who?
Quoting: LeopardI don't think that will create a lock in.I think that is developed for especially SteamOS and also SteamMachines.Also it's helpful for Linux.
Microsoft is providing Dolby Atmos for Win10 and XboxOne.That's the counter for that i guess.
I can't see them open sourcing it though well either company really, but aside from Steam what choices do you genuinely have on Linux basically GOG and Ichio neither of which have the same range. Hell even on windows Origin and Uplay are hardly alternatives in terms of library. Of course depends of the type of game you mostly play and are into if you mainly go for indie games then there are options if you like more mainstream titles its Steam or Steam.
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