Ars Technica has written up an article about Valve's Steam Machines and how they seem to have sold less than 500,000 units in around seven months.
Valve's recent announcement about how many Steam Controllers sold was stated at over 500,000 units, and Ars are claiming Valve has told them directly that includes units sold with a Steam Machine. I have no reason to question that Valve told Ars that, but the problem is the comparison used here. Ars are directly comparing a niche PC platform with behemoths like Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's Playstation 4. Both of which had multiple previous generations with people already hooked into the platforms and both have massive advertising budgets. If you are going to compare it with those platforms, then yes, it will look bad. Steam Machines were not supposed to be console killers anyway, so I feel like this is comparing apples to oranges. It's meant to be an extension of the PC platform.
I'm going to be blunt here, who honestly thought they would sell like hot cakes? I didn't. I've said it time and time again that both SteamOS and Steam Machines were never going to be an overnight success and it will take a long time for them to gain any real traction.
Another problem is that the mainstream gaming press has almost never been fond of the idea anyway, and the amount of articles out looking down it probably wouldn't have helped things. Ars hasn't exactly been kind about it at all in previous articles. Hell, even certain Linux websites like to use sensationalist article titles talking down Linux popularity on Steam. When actually, it's doing pretty well all things considered.
I do fully agree with other things Ars and others say though. We are facing real issues, like a lack of bigger platform-pushing titles and performance. Valve do need to up their own advertising a bit too, not just of Steam Machines, but of new Linux releases. They give big homepage banners to plenty of new Windows releases, but only a few SteamOS releases have been graced with such advertising. Valve haven't even managed to get their own VR device with HTC on Linux yet, they need to up their own game.
No matter what, SteamOS and Steam Machines have boosted Linux gaming immeasurably and will continue to do so for quite some time. Thanks to games we already have and games we expect to see in future.
SteamOS hasn't had time to truly mature, Vulkan has only recently been released (which should help with the performance issues) and hardly any developers are using it yet.
It's still too early to consider it a failure. Valve are one company who can afford to take their time, and it seems they are. It hasn't even been a year yet.
Windows is still a threat to Valve, especially with Windows 10, the Windows Store and Microsoft's plans for it with the Universal Windows Platform. I don't see them dropping SteamOS any time soon. They lose nothing by supporting Linux, but have the possibility in future to gain a lot from it. It's like a security blanket for them. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Valve's recent announcement about how many Steam Controllers sold was stated at over 500,000 units, and Ars are claiming Valve has told them directly that includes units sold with a Steam Machine. I have no reason to question that Valve told Ars that, but the problem is the comparison used here. Ars are directly comparing a niche PC platform with behemoths like Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's Playstation 4. Both of which had multiple previous generations with people already hooked into the platforms and both have massive advertising budgets. If you are going to compare it with those platforms, then yes, it will look bad. Steam Machines were not supposed to be console killers anyway, so I feel like this is comparing apples to oranges. It's meant to be an extension of the PC platform.
I'm going to be blunt here, who honestly thought they would sell like hot cakes? I didn't. I've said it time and time again that both SteamOS and Steam Machines were never going to be an overnight success and it will take a long time for them to gain any real traction.
Another problem is that the mainstream gaming press has almost never been fond of the idea anyway, and the amount of articles out looking down it probably wouldn't have helped things. Ars hasn't exactly been kind about it at all in previous articles. Hell, even certain Linux websites like to use sensationalist article titles talking down Linux popularity on Steam. When actually, it's doing pretty well all things considered.
I do fully agree with other things Ars and others say though. We are facing real issues, like a lack of bigger platform-pushing titles and performance. Valve do need to up their own advertising a bit too, not just of Steam Machines, but of new Linux releases. They give big homepage banners to plenty of new Windows releases, but only a few SteamOS releases have been graced with such advertising. Valve haven't even managed to get their own VR device with HTC on Linux yet, they need to up their own game.
No matter what, SteamOS and Steam Machines have boosted Linux gaming immeasurably and will continue to do so for quite some time. Thanks to games we already have and games we expect to see in future.
SteamOS hasn't had time to truly mature, Vulkan has only recently been released (which should help with the performance issues) and hardly any developers are using it yet.
It's still too early to consider it a failure. Valve are one company who can afford to take their time, and it seems they are. It hasn't even been a year yet.
Windows is still a threat to Valve, especially with Windows 10, the Windows Store and Microsoft's plans for it with the Universal Windows Platform. I don't see them dropping SteamOS any time soon. They lose nothing by supporting Linux, but have the possibility in future to gain a lot from it. It's like a security blanket for them. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Kimyrielle 2 Jun 2016
Basically sums it up. You can't enter an established market with a new, unproven product and hope to gain any significant share over night.
I don't -quite- agree on the assessment that they are not actually competing against the consoles. They are. Well, I know some hardcore gamers have a whole collection of consoles, but for most the decision will be XB1 OR PS4 OR SteamMachine.
What's definitely true is that Valve needs to push them harder if they want to see them growing. Steam Machines have some distinct advantages over the other consoles. Which other new console ever launched with a library of 2,000 games AND allowed you to just access many games you already own for desktop gaming AND doesn't slap a significant markup on games compared the same game on PC? The PR guys should really exploit that.
I don't -quite- agree on the assessment that they are not actually competing against the consoles. They are. Well, I know some hardcore gamers have a whole collection of consoles, but for most the decision will be XB1 OR PS4 OR SteamMachine.
What's definitely true is that Valve needs to push them harder if they want to see them growing. Steam Machines have some distinct advantages over the other consoles. Which other new console ever launched with a library of 2,000 games AND allowed you to just access many games you already own for desktop gaming AND doesn't slap a significant markup on games compared the same game on PC? The PR guys should really exploit that.
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zeb 2 Jun 2016
What Valve need to do - if they have the cash, and surely have - is to support financially the porting of games (especially AAA) to SteamOS/Linux for a release on day 1. It is the only way to get the traction.
Incidentally, their premature announcements that Batman and Witcher 3 would be available on SteamOS did not help and gave the feeling they broke their promises. Of course there were some successes this year, with titles like XCOM 2.
But if they want to enter the console market, they definitely need to get deals with editors and finance the porting, for instance via Aspyr or Feral.
Incidentally, their premature announcements that Batman and Witcher 3 would be available on SteamOS did not help and gave the feeling they broke their promises. Of course there were some successes this year, with titles like XCOM 2.
But if they want to enter the console market, they definitely need to get deals with editors and finance the porting, for instance via Aspyr or Feral.
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Nyamiou 2 Jun 2016
I hope we will not see lot of articles on the Web brainlessly copying the Ars Technica article like with the last one (with badly made benchmarks), because I think those numbers are actually encouraging (given the bad press and the lack of marketing and that it's actually hard to buy them outside the US and UK) and that Ars Technica are either assholes or idiots or both.
Is Ars Technica deliberatly trying to kill the Steam Machines, I don't know what they can win by doing that, but it certainly looks that way.
Last edited by Nyamiou on 2 Jun 2016 at 7:11 pm UTC
Is Ars Technica deliberatly trying to kill the Steam Machines, I don't know what they can win by doing that, but it certainly looks that way.
Last edited by Nyamiou on 2 Jun 2016 at 7:11 pm UTC
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crt0mega 2 Jun 2016
Ars Fatuus
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Linas 2 Jun 2016
I have never sold half a million of anything. If I did, I would consider that a success. ;)
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Ehvis 2 Jun 2016
I've seen this suggested in other places. Valve holds the key to success in their hands. If they wave a substantial portion of their fee for games that have proper SteamOS support, then the amount of money that developers/publishers could save would make creating a good port instantly viable. This could break the cycle.
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Mountain Man 2 Jun 2016
Ars Technica has been down on SteamOS pretty much from the beginning. I really don't care what they have to say.
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Mountain Man 2 Jun 2016
I've seen this suggested in other places. Valve holds the key to success in their hands. If they wave a substantial portion of their fee for games that have proper SteamOS support, then the amount of money that developers/publishers could save would make creating a good port instantly viable. This could break the cycle.Could Valve do that without getting hit by an anti-trust suit?
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Kimyrielle 2 Jun 2016
I've seen this suggested in other places. Valve holds the key to success in their hands. If they wave a substantial portion of their fee for games that have proper SteamOS support, then the amount of money that developers/publishers could save would make creating a good port instantly viable. This could break the cycle.Could Valve do that without getting hit by an anti-trust suit?
INAL, but I can't see how? Price discrimination is pretty normal in business. They could decide not to list any games not having SteamOS at all and I guess it would still be ok. Valve is certainly a major vendor, but unlike Google or MS that are subject to abuse of market dominance scrutiny, you can hardly argue they dominate the market.
Last edited by Kimyrielle on 2 Jun 2016 at 7:59 pm UTC
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Homepcgamer 2 Jun 2016
I agree with ALL the article Liam. Good job.
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const 2 Jun 2016
Well, they could definitely have a big, well visible section in their shop for top new linux ports. It would help us track them, it would help the porters to get awareness and it would help developers to get some budget from the management (because a linux port would not only mean 0.85-5% more sales, but also some decent marketing for all platforms).
Similar for day-1 releases. No price policies needed, just free advertising.
Last edited by const on 2 Jun 2016 at 8:07 pm UTC
Similar for day-1 releases. No price policies needed, just free advertising.
Last edited by const on 2 Jun 2016 at 8:07 pm UTC
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ZekThePenguin 2 Jun 2016
I still plan to buy a Steam machine, just haven't had the funds to do so.
Unfortunately, the gaming market has solidified into two masses: PC gaming and Console gaming. Steam machines are bridging that gap with a PC that is console-sized and uses a controller, but the resulting 1/2 PC, 1/2 console has confused many. PC folks looked at the offerings and said 'you can build something better for that much... it just won't keep up with a desktop PC... mouse and keyboard is the only good controller...' while console gamers said 'that controller is weird... there aren't enough games on SteamOS... that is WAY too expensive... there are too many to choose from!'
I really don't see PC gamers caring all that much about Steam machines because a console-sized rig will never pack as much punch as a desktop, and most PC gamers care about performance above all. (I'm one of the rare few who cares more about comfort and ease of use, but I was a console gamer for many years before coming to PC.)
For Steam machines to really catch on with console gamers, three things need to happen:
1. Steam Machines need a more solid identity for marketing. With Xbox, one sees 'elite edition,' 'halo edition,' and various other color schemes and tweaks, but each machine is still unmistakably an Xbox. Steam Machine branding should be for STEAM, period, with a mention of manufacture. Create a Steam Machine look and brand, with varying splash screens, console colors, and markings for manufacturers (ie a Zotac Steam Machine would be black with yellow markings and would have the Zotac symbol somewhere on it) This way, people will know a Steam Machine when they see one. More visibility will draw more consumers. On a side note, it would be awesome if Valve created the case themselves and one could buy a kit to build their own Steam Machine if they wish.
2. Steam machines should be low or medium-spec systems FOR NOW. People who actually know what high-end hardware is will likely be building their own machines. Perhaps after Steam Machines really get rolling there will be some fans that want high-end gaming in their living room, but for now the lofty price tags just scare potential customers away. Seriously, have ANY of the $1,000+ machines sold? Another benefit of limiting the builds is that testing will take less time and game devs will have a target for their minimum specs. Naturally, if this was the ONLY spec for games it would hold back progress, but settings can always be turned up. Besides, having a simpler platform to develop for will attract more games to SteamOS overall.
3. Fix the media deficit. I know this is secondary to games, but keep in mind that many people who own Xbox or PS4 use the machine as a glorified set-top box. Steam has started to get into music and video, but they really need to get serious about their library and/or add services like Spotify, Hulu, and Netflix to compete with the other consoles. Right now Steam just doesn't cut it in this area.
A bit wordy, I admit, but it's my hefty two cents.
Last edited by ZekThePenguin on 2 Jun 2016 at 8:16 pm UTC
Unfortunately, the gaming market has solidified into two masses: PC gaming and Console gaming. Steam machines are bridging that gap with a PC that is console-sized and uses a controller, but the resulting 1/2 PC, 1/2 console has confused many. PC folks looked at the offerings and said 'you can build something better for that much... it just won't keep up with a desktop PC... mouse and keyboard is the only good controller...' while console gamers said 'that controller is weird... there aren't enough games on SteamOS... that is WAY too expensive... there are too many to choose from!'
I really don't see PC gamers caring all that much about Steam machines because a console-sized rig will never pack as much punch as a desktop, and most PC gamers care about performance above all. (I'm one of the rare few who cares more about comfort and ease of use, but I was a console gamer for many years before coming to PC.)
For Steam machines to really catch on with console gamers, three things need to happen:
1. Steam Machines need a more solid identity for marketing. With Xbox, one sees 'elite edition,' 'halo edition,' and various other color schemes and tweaks, but each machine is still unmistakably an Xbox. Steam Machine branding should be for STEAM, period, with a mention of manufacture. Create a Steam Machine look and brand, with varying splash screens, console colors, and markings for manufacturers (ie a Zotac Steam Machine would be black with yellow markings and would have the Zotac symbol somewhere on it) This way, people will know a Steam Machine when they see one. More visibility will draw more consumers. On a side note, it would be awesome if Valve created the case themselves and one could buy a kit to build their own Steam Machine if they wish.
2. Steam machines should be low or medium-spec systems FOR NOW. People who actually know what high-end hardware is will likely be building their own machines. Perhaps after Steam Machines really get rolling there will be some fans that want high-end gaming in their living room, but for now the lofty price tags just scare potential customers away. Seriously, have ANY of the $1,000+ machines sold? Another benefit of limiting the builds is that testing will take less time and game devs will have a target for their minimum specs. Naturally, if this was the ONLY spec for games it would hold back progress, but settings can always be turned up. Besides, having a simpler platform to develop for will attract more games to SteamOS overall.
3. Fix the media deficit. I know this is secondary to games, but keep in mind that many people who own Xbox or PS4 use the machine as a glorified set-top box. Steam has started to get into music and video, but they really need to get serious about their library and/or add services like Spotify, Hulu, and Netflix to compete with the other consoles. Right now Steam just doesn't cut it in this area.
A bit wordy, I admit, but it's my hefty two cents.
Last edited by ZekThePenguin on 2 Jun 2016 at 8:16 pm UTC
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m2mg2 2 Jun 2016
Isn't Ars also the organization who had an article that criticized SteamOS for a problem that was actually user error? The guy didn't know how to use his own monitor (4k), didn't read the manual. And they never corrected the article (did they?). As far as I'm concerned Ars is a technical joke with no credibility.
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Liam Dawe 2 Jun 2016
I do have to wonder what agenda the Ars author is pushing, when you see the "promoted comments" be ones with stuff like "SteamOS is a novelty, nothing more." in it.
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Liam Dawe 2 Jun 2016
Isn't Ars also the organization who had an article that criticized SteamOS for a problem that was actually user error? The guy didn't know how to use his own monitor (4k), didn't read the manual. And they never corrected the article (did they?). As far as I'm concerned Ars is a technical joke with no credibility.Yep, same website, different author though.
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t3g 2 Jun 2016
I do think that Valve needs to aid developers and publishers in porting their games to the GNU/Linux ecosystem. And if they do, it has to be in a timely manner and not like what we have with Rocket League. Promised to have a game and it ready to go and then we don't hear about it until 6+ months later when the buzz has died off.
They should also highlight titles that you can only get on the PC and how you can play the same titles as what is on the PS4 and Xbox One.
Oh and having a handful of units out there made by different developers has confused the consumer. Why can't we have just one machine built by Valve that developers can target?
They should also highlight titles that you can only get on the PC and how you can play the same titles as what is on the PS4 and Xbox One.
Oh and having a handful of units out there made by different developers has confused the consumer. Why can't we have just one machine built by Valve that developers can target?
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Breeze 2 Jun 2016
I am really curious on what Valve thinks of their SteamOS progress more than anything. As long as they continue their work and push patches upstream, I am not worried.
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GustyGhost 2 Jun 2016
and most PC gamers care about performance above all. (I'm one of the rare few who cares more about comfort and ease of use, but I was a console gamer for many years before coming to PC.)
I think there is also a non-significant portion who are PC gamers for the freedom, myself included. Maybe I have a chronic case of NIH-syndrome but as I've shifted from console to Windows, Windows to Linux I've realized that what I'm really chasing is freedom and total control over my own system.
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lejimster 2 Jun 2016
I'm willing to be patient to see the big titles land on SteamOS/Linux. But more work on every area of Linux, not just Steam needs improving if you want to see gamers ditching Windows.
I think Valve are actually doing a lot of work behind the scenes on Linux, they're helping with ports where they can and I'm sure they're trying to incentivize other developers into supporting Linux. Maybe it's because we aren't seeing upfront changes that some are getting impatient.
I think Valve are actually doing a lot of work behind the scenes on Linux, they're helping with ports where they can and I'm sure they're trying to incentivize other developers into supporting Linux. Maybe it's because we aren't seeing upfront changes that some are getting impatient.
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melkemind 2 Jun 2016
The problem with comparing Steam Machines to Xbone and PS4 is that Valve's platform isn't just SteamOS. It's Steam as a whole, and that platform spans multiple operating systems and hardware. It wouldn't be fair to only talk about one Android phone vendor and compare it to Apple's iPhone as a platform when Google is looking at the big Android picture with all the different phones under a single platform. They wouldn't call it a failure because some new Android phone vendor has a small market share. Similarly, Steam as a gaming platform is hugely successful, and its Linux arm is just another extension of it, one that Valve undoubtedly hopes to grow.
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