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Valve's Newell believes Apple could roll over the console guys, if it really wanted to.In this week's edition of "Gabe Newell Said What?," the co-founder and managing director of Valve waxed insightful on the hurdles set before the much anticipated Steam Box, the biggest of which might be trying to overcome Apple's presence in the living room. As you're likely aware, Newell once famously called the release of Windows 8 a "catastrophe for everyone in the PC space," and that it would cause top-tier OEMs to exit the market. That's part of the reason why Valve is forging ahead with a so-called Steam Box in the first place, but it's not Microsoft (or Sony) that poses the biggest threat.
According to Newell, who gave a speech to a class at the University of Texas' LBJ School of Public Affairs, if Apple decides to compete in the living room space, it could essentially steamroll the console guys and disrupt the entire PC ecosystem, let alone what plans Valve has for the Steam Box.
"The threat right now is that Apple has gained a huge amount of market share, and has a relatively obvious pathway towards entering the living room with their platform," Newell said. "I think that there's a scenario where we see sort of a dumbed down living room platform emerging — I think Apple rolls the console guys really easily. The question is can we make enough progress in the PC space to establish ourselves there, and also figure out better ways of addressing mobile before Apple takes over the living room?"
Newell notes that tapping into the PC is the key to fending off Apple. He envisions more and more living room devices that take advantage of the PC's ecosystem with bigger hard drives and varying form factors at attractive price points, but says if Apple gains a foothold first, it's going to be an uphill battle.
"We're happy to do it if nobody else will do it, mainly because everybody else will pile on, and people will have a lot of choices, but they'll have those characteristics. They'll say, 'Well, I could buy a console, which assumes I'll re-buy all my content, have a completely different video system, and, oh, I have a completely different group of friends, apparently. Or I can just extend everything I love about the PC and the internet into the living room,'" Newell said.
Comments are closed on this article
Shalbatana
February 03, 2013 at 8:54pm
I disagree. Gaming is a whole ball of wax that Apple has never handled well (indeed cared about or even had a clue about). However they could make a big impact in the living room without it.
Ledoubleu
February 04, 2013 at 10:24am
It is a more than a little ironic that Apple would have even less gaming footprint if Valve hadn't begun supporting Apple Hardware on their very own platform. With Valve supporting Apple and recently Linux I really feel there is a much bigger picture to be seen. More specifically they're more anti-Microsoft than anti-anything else.
TinaHiggs22
February 03, 2013 at 2:21pm
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chop_slap
February 03, 2013 at 11:11am
I'd rather have something that I wouldn't have to repurchase every year @ full price because that's how Apple rolls. There is no way in hell Apple will ever allow anyone to upgrade anything. I know that if I got an Apple TV or Apple game thingy, the next year a much better one would come out with more power & features, nearly making the currently-owned unit obsolete; just like today's Iphones and Ipads.
But, people who don't know much about Tech, will likely flock to anything that looks popular and has hip commercials. Price is not an issue for these folks, particularly in America...look at credit card debt. Anyone with any marketing knowledge knows how gullible and pliable most comsumers are, particularly Americans.
Engelsstaub
February 03, 2013 at 12:04pm
"I know that if I got an Apple TV or Apple game thingy, the next year a much better one would come out with more power & features, nearly making the currently-owned unit obsolete..."
Since the first one one in 2007 there has been two more generations of the Apple TV. (Wikipedia is hard. That's an average of one every two years. If they didn't update their hardware even that frequently you'd be saying instead "Yeah, they're not interested in further developing there old-assed tech. Just look at the Apple TV: it's the same one you could buy six years ago! Stupid Americans!")
"Price is not an issue for these folks, particularly in America...look at credit card debt. Anyone with any marketing knowledge knows how gullible and pliable most comsumers are, particularly Americans."
What are you on about?? You just really needed a pulpit for your OT nationalistic bigotry, didn't you?
CaptainFabulous
February 02, 2013 at 1:04pm
Let's just admit it. Apple is a threat to civilization as we know it, and no expense or effort should be spared in burning it to the ground like the plague it is.
Engelsstaub
February 02, 2013 at 9:38pm
Dude didn't even read the article. The Cap just saw "Apple poses a bigger threat" in the title and responded with typically boring fanboism and nothing of relevance.
LatiosXT
February 02, 2013 at 12:30pm
I feel the only console Apple would make is something that would only directly compete with Ouya. And for console gamers, mobile gaming is still seen as "lol what?" Unless Apple acquires some big name IPs for itself, it ain't going anywhere.
Also I've taken anything Valve has said lately with a grain of salt. They know how to make a distribution service, but they've stumbled too much as a game developer/publisher.
LatiosXT
February 02, 2013 at 12:30pm
I feel the only console Apple would make is something that would only directly compete with Ouya. And for console gamers, mobile gaming is still seen as "lol what?" Unless Apple acquires some big name IPs for itself, it ain't going anywhere.
Also I've taken anything Valve has said lately with a grain of salt. They know how to make a distribution service, but they've stumbled too much as a game developer/publisher.
RUSENSITIVESWEETNESS
February 02, 2013 at 11:00am
Microsoft tried to kill PC gaming with the XBox, despite the harm that would do to their bread-and-butter products: Windows and the Office suite. While they failed to kill the PC, they wounded it nigh unto death, that it is only recently showing any signs of recovery. Still, most PC games are crappy console ports. And now Microsoft expects to kill the PC with Windows 8....
But Valve wants to drive the final nail in the coffin?
I hope it at least comes with a keyboard and mouse.
Penterax
February 02, 2013 at 11:42am
If MS was trying to kill off PC gaming, why did they invest so much time and effort building the best computer-oriented API suite available? (Can you say "DirectX"?)
Microsoft has long been aware of the PC as a gaming device, and continues to support it as such. However, they were also smart enough to see that there were a lot of console-conscious customers and developers that weren't necessarily competitors to PC gaming so much as another way to play.
Now, in my opinion a competitive console is getting too expensive, and they should port over anything that would have been "XBox" to the PC rather than come out with an "Xbox 720" or whatever. PC gaming is on the rise in the sense that not only are there great PC titles but many of the previous game types made for the consoles are being developed alongside console releases - they aren't just slapped-together ports.
I'm not a marketing genius, and I can see why MS would want to keep the Xbox console culture as it exists rather than risk losing it because many of those people have set ideas about PC gaming, but I'd put my money into the PC as a gaming platform after phasing out the Xbox, personally.
Hey.That_Dude
February 02, 2013 at 12:54pm
Hold your horses there Penterax. BEST API? Since when? OpenGL has had everything that DirectX has, and has had it longer, and there are still features not supported in DirectX that OpenGL has implemented.
If you're talking about coding, then that's a matter of taste. While DirectX code tends to be a bit shorter, it's also damn near impossible to move onto any other computer system. So you've got shorter LESS PORTABLE code... makes sense. You must not be a programer, because code once done once right, used for the rest of eternity. Good luck with DirectX on that one.
nerdstep
February 03, 2013 at 7:36am
@Hey.That_Dude -- Not to take side on what's a better API here, but perhaps you're the one who should hold your horses. You're obviously not a programmer either, otherwise you'd at least understand that DirectX is more than just a rendering API. If you want to compare apples to apples it would behove you to speak in terms of Direct3D vs. OpenGL. Also the idea that you can write code once which will last for eternity is more than just an exaggeration, it's borderline moronic. If you're actually interested in programming though, I'd highly encourage you to further your knowledge before you go out trolling.
Cheers.
Electrik
February 01, 2013 at 7:19pm
Boy, I dunno. Apple has the resources and the know-how to do it. The only thing missing is a console OS that can run productivity software, and they will own the living room.
Imagine a HTPC-ish console; apply the console philosophy to a do-it-all living room unit, and look out. Like consoles or not, they just work.
His comments are a little strange, though. Why would you need a new batch of friends just because you bought an Apple console? Is he refering to imaginary Facebook friends, or do your friends hate Apple that much?
Engelsstaub
February 01, 2013 at 8:56pm
I think he means like your friends-list on Steam or XBox Live.
That's kinda true: I wanna ditch XBL but I have so many great non-IRL friends on there that it makes it hard to just pack it up and move to PSN or something.
Warrior247
February 01, 2013 at 7:07pm
Big Picture mode my @$$!!
http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/01/is-microsofts-illumiroom-the-future-of-gaming
tony2tonez
February 01, 2013 at 7:17pm
lol, why would you use your TV and then want the rest of the picture displayed over the crap you have on the walls, like the second photo showed.
I rather just buy a projector and have 3 walls and gaming wall =D
Mediziner
February 01, 2013 at 6:02pm
I bet if Valve put all their resources in, they could possible make the console go extinct. Highly unlikely and they would have to put use all of their resources, but there is a chance.
tony2tonez
February 01, 2013 at 5:37pm
Gabe should have added because the isheep will buy anything. Its just another way for them to play Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. No console/pc gamer would ever spend the money to game on Apple.
PCWolf
February 01, 2013 at 6:38pm
I am a PC & Console Gamer. & I can say for certain that I will NEVER EVER game on any Apple or Android Device while at home. Now, I will play Angry Birds while waiting to be called at an Appointment or while traveling on the Bus or Plane.
tony2tonez
February 01, 2013 at 7:14pm
exactly, those games are great for what you said. Like I would want to play those games on my 55" Panasonic Plasma.
dgrmouse
February 01, 2013 at 11:29pm
@Tony2Tonez: There's a subtle difference between your statement and the one you replied to. The original statement was against playing games on a portable device while at home. Your statement was a little more extreme. Don't you think that great games can transcend platforms? Personally, I enjoy Waking Mars and Spacechem (from the Humble Indie Android bundles) on every platform I've tried them on.
Toggi3
February 01, 2013 at 3:56pm
Look at the Apple TV rev 3. It has bluetooth, it has graphics and CPU power decent enough to compete, not be better than others, but to deliver content people love and want to buy. Apple could easily release a controller for it and open up an app store and give it a browser. It could be a huge market for apple. The fact is, they haven't done this and I've been waiting a long time thinking it was always coming. I don't think Apple has the vision nor the care to enter the interactive software business, or even open up on the livingroom platform. I could be wrong, but it seems obvious to me that the smart thing to do is and has been to open up the apple TV to other developers for quite some time now.
Panwo1
February 01, 2013 at 4:39pm
They will but they will be competing with Xbox 720, PS4 and Google TV (among others). Everyone wants a piece of this pie, but the biggest issue is the cable companies control over the content. If you can't integrate the cable programming through it then you have a half baked solution. That is the problem that they are all facing right now
vrmlbasic
February 01, 2013 at 3:53pm
"According to Newell, who gave a speech to a class at the University of Texas' LBJ School of Public Affairs..."
Why is the head of a software company giving a lecture at such an institution?
Penterax
February 02, 2013 at 11:51am
Because Newell is a lot more about how to twist things around to support his opinion than develop good game-related products that actually help his customers.
Mark my words: the Steam Box will come out, hundreds of thousands will buy it, and most will be screaming mad because it turns out to be a piece of junk.
If Newell wants to impress me (and I'm sure he doesn't), he should fix Steam before he does anything else, make it what it should be instead of what it pretends to be. He should also check with someone with a foot still in the real world before he spouts off in public.
Panwo1
February 01, 2013 at 3:43pm
I Friggin Love Steam ,but STFU Gabe. Could someone please explain to him the demographics of an Apple iPhone user compared to an XBox 360/PS3 user. Teenage boys and young men dominate the console and gaming arena. These are not the same people who follow Apple blindly. These guys predominantly prefer Android.
In my family the people who have iPhones are all female (and myself, not that there is anything wrong with that). I am looking to switch my phone to a Wp8 device if they ever come out with a larger screen.
Bottom line is Apple = cutesy games for women and tiny little girls with pretty dresses (and me until I get a new phone).
Toggi3
February 01, 2013 at 3:51pm
You sir are in for a world of pain when you get that new phone if you think the game selection on iOS is 'cutesy' and simple compared to a futureless platform like WP8 or a slow Java platform nobody makes money on like Android. I'll just leave it at that, lol.
WretchedSoul
February 01, 2013 at 3:09pm
Reading the headline I thought Apple was going to now sue SteamPowered. :P
Warrior247
February 01, 2013 at 2:55pm
Gabe ain't do $h!t. The console is invincible and beside a cable box no other piece of equipment dominates the living/family room more. Anybody who's been around gaming for a decent amount of time sees FAIL written all over this thing. the most he can do is sell a PC with Steam on it waaaahahahaha!!
D00dlavy
February 02, 2013 at 1:07am
Warrior247: This isn't adding to the conversation but I merely logged on to call you a dumbass.
So... if you are over the age of fifteen, judging by your punctuation, your choice of words and the coherency of your post, you are a dumbass. Substandard intelligence.
Please note that this isn’t exactly in reference to any specific points you made in your post. I just find the way you write and voice your opinion insufferable. That is all.
Warrior247
February 02, 2013 at 8:00am
It is adding to the conversation moron, what are you thinking? I'm also flattered, I have my own following of fantard! The nuthuggery on this site is astounding.
Paper Jam
February 01, 2013 at 3:32pm
What do you mean by invincible? What is a "console"? Isn't a "console" just a device that you connect to a TV for gaming and media consumption? Because it sounds like Gabe is suggesting that Apple might extend the abilities of Apple TV, thus making it a "console". Or are you talking about the Steam Box, a device that allows you to access Steam games and internet content on your TV, which would make it just another "console"? Are you saying that the Xbox, Playstation, and Wii are such that no one else can enter the console space? I like the idea of new competition in the living room. The Xbox dashboard has made me decide to try something else for the next generation, so a Steam box might be the direction I go, and because of all the ads and having to pay for full XBL access, I won't be alone. That looks like the opposite of FAIL.
"Gabe ain't do $h!t." What does that even mean? waaaahahahaha!!?
Paper Jam
February 02, 2013 at 8:25am
I'm gonna take a hard look at the PS4 when the next generation drops. It'll be interesting to see what a Steam Box will bring to try and compete. I will miss the Halo series on my Xbox, but that is the only exclusive title I will miss.
Warrior247
February 01, 2013 at 7:54pm
I mean EXACTLY that...INVINCIBLE!! They can't be beat and WILL NOT be beat in the upcoming "livingroom wars"...period! They "own" the livingroom and will continue to own it. Legions of loyal, decades cultivated fans from childhood to adulthood playing with these systems. Gabe thinks that they're gonna drop their controllers and jump behind a Steam Box? The PC has had it's chance and failed, miserably, horribly (Yet it will cannablize many Steam Box sales)!! This is why everybody is trying to move away from PC and talking "console" and "post PC era". Phones, Pads, laptops, streaming services like OnLive (R.I.P), rental services Like Gamefly, smart TVs, ect. Haven't done anything to the console market. Steam Box is nothing more than "vaporware", hot air, blown smoke. As far as Apple is concerned...so what, this is nothing new. Apple has openly been trying to get into TV for the last few years. Google tried it with Google TV and Sony bought into it. Does ANYBODY here use it? Who's heard of it, who has not?!! EXACTLY!! The cable companies see them as a threat and already told these two to F*#%&^*!!! There are over 70 million (and counting) 360s alone out there. "I" said along time ago that APPLE has the only shot at dethroning one of the big three. Valve seems to agree and may even team up with them, who knows. But there is nothing new here, apps, iTunes? Maybe coupled with Steam? M$ seems to have anticipated this move and has added a music service to Xbox Live. Gabe is like a little kid with floaties on swimming in the ocean. He's in waaay over his head in shark infested waters he's gonna need a bigger boat!
Paper Jam
February 02, 2013 at 8:59am
Using your logic, Atari and Sega should still be in the console game. They were once leaders in the market, and by your logic, once a leader, always a leader.
And I don't think you know what the term vaporware means. The Steam Box has been seen. It is real. Vaporware is rumored tech that never materializes.
The harder you try, the harder you fail. Nothing is forever, not even your beloved Xbox. The proof is I was once a devoted user. But now that it has nearly become a dedicated adware platform, even though I am a paying customer, I'm looking for greener pastures. I am not alone.
Warrior247
February 02, 2013 at 10:36am
Your a noob. What about the 3DO and Neo Geo. Both Phillips and NEC had consoles to name a few more. Most of those died in the US almost immediately or hung around in the Japanese market and died eventually. These statements "prove" that you don't know what you're talking about. The US console market HAS NEVER supported more than three consoles at a time for very long. You've seen the Steambox? Reeeealy, post pics please...or STFU! "Your" proof that the Xbox is going down, yet your still a "paying" customer? I guess you couldn't find any "greener" pastures even though the PS3, Wii, Wii U, and of cousre the PC are available right now? Wow, that says a helluva lot! Steambox is VAPORWARE!! THE CONSOLE "WILL" DOMINATE FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE.
Paper Jam
February 02, 2013 at 12:47pm
@Warrior247
If I am a noob then you are a moron. The Xbox hasn't been around since the dawn of time. Other devices have been supplanted by new ideas. It can happen again.
So lets work down your list, shall we? The 3DO and Neo Geo were never dominant, while the Atari 2600 and Sega Dreamcast were both in your coveted top three, and yet both companies still fell to the wayside. Your point failed, and mine is made. Being on top doesn't guarantee staying on top.
http://m.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-valve-steam-box-is-finally-unveiled-and-nothing-will-ever-be-the-same-again/
There are pictures of the Steam Box from CES, so if I am such a noob then how did you miss it?
And you act like because the US market has never supported more than three consoles that makes it an eternal fact. Yep, more proof you are a moron.
And the reason I am a paying customer is because I have already paid. I have several months left on my XBL Gold account, and have to be gold in order to use Netflix and Hulu Plus. Also, I'm not selling all my games to Gamestop for pennies just to buy a seven year old console when the next gen will be out by the end of the year. That would make me a moron, like you.
So yes there will be consoles, but your console of choice (the Xbox 360) won't be on top forever. Perhaps your precious will be dethroned by another console, the Steam Box. Oh yeah, your peanut brain can't wrap itself around something not made by MS, Sony, or Nintendo being called a console. Good. I'm hoping it is better than the crapware you call a console. And of course the Ouya is also on its way, but don't let me hurt your poor, peanut, moronic brain by telling you about something else on its way. I would hate for us noobs to know too much more than you (oops, too late).
Warrior247
February 02, 2013 at 2:27pm
Fail #1
First off, Where is this list? Produce it. Who said Atari and the Dreamcast were in my top ten? I didn't. I never even mentioned either of those machines. I also never said that the 3DO or Neo Geo were dominant. If you think so, prove it. You won't, because you can't.Fail #2
That IS NOT the Steam Box, "your" article certainly didn't call it that. Nor did I miss it...noob!http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/techradar_roundup_ces_2013_day_0
Fail #3
"Fact", not maybe, if, or kinda... the US market NEVER has...moron. If so...prove it!Fail #4
You paid $59 + $8 a month to watch Netflix, yet you could've save that $59 and used your PC...moronFail #5 You've already proven yourself a dumb@$$ by posting an article that calls that PC a Steam Box when it said it wasn't, then spending $60 when you didn't have to.
Fail #6
Said that you're looking for "greener" pastures but didn't include the PC in your choice on this PC oriented site.Fail #7
For what you call "crapware", you're sure heavily invested. Only a true tard would do something like that.Fail #8
Mentioning the OuyaUntil there is "officially" announced hardware that is revealed...then it's vaporware.
Paper Jam
February 02, 2013 at 3:14pm
Wow, dude, you are such a moron that you can't even read for context and fully grasp what I said. Wow.
Warrior247
February 02, 2013 at 5:19pm
You're such a moron that you didn't read for context and fully grasp what you said, and that's why I picked you apart.
Paper Jam
February 03, 2013 at 1:11pm
@Warrior247, Alright, lets go.
#1 - I never said you had a top ten. And if you had a high school reading and comprehension level you might have noticed. I was referring to the Atari 2600 being the leading console of its time, and the Sega Dreamcast being in the top three of its time. According to you, the top three console makers are forever, except these console makers were in the top three and now they don't even make consoles. And if you look back at my comment, I said the Neo Geo and 3DO were NEVER dominant. Go back and look, I'll wait. I haven't edited it. You just can't be bothered to read and understand what you read. FAIL.
#2 - (http://m.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-valve-steam-box-is-finally-unveiled-and-nothing-will-ever-be-the-same-again/) The URL says Steam Box Unveiled. Every tech site that saw this device at CES called it the Steam Box. What is it like on your planet? Is it lonely there? Because you obviously are alone in your own little world. FAIL.
#3 - Yes, the US market has never sustained more than three consoles at one time. But as it turns out, no one had every walked on the moon before Neil Armstrong, so just because something has never happened doesn't make it impossible for that to change. But I'm guessing your lizard brain can't comprehend change. FAIL.
#4 - I paid for my Xbox Live account for Netflix/Hulu AND online gaming. It doesn't make me a moron for not wanting to convert my desktop that I use for business, nor does it make me a moron for not wanting to build an HTPC when I have a working solution. It makes you a moron for suggesting I spend even more money when I can wait for the next generation consoles to release, buy a Steam Box, and not have to deal with all the headaches that come with Xbox Live. FAIL.
#5 - This point has double redundancy, because you covered it twice already. That makes you a double moron. FAIL.
#6 - I didn't include the PC in my list of choices because I'm not in the market to build a gaming rig. I have kids and bills unlike you, who must still be living in your parents basement like the troll you are. FAIL.
Edit: And who are you to speak about this being a PC site? It certainly isn't MaximumConsole, though that seems to be your opinion.#7 - I call it "crapware" because when I invested in my Xbox it wasn't the Adware platform that it is today. But hey, I'm only human. I make mistakes, like trying to educate and reason with a basement dwelling, moronic troll such as yourself. Half FAIL, because if I had it to do over again, I would have bought a PS3.
#8 - The Ouya looks like it could be awesome, but you look like you definitely ARE a moron. Just because you fear something new doesn't make it bad. Because you plan to keep your Xbox 360 for ANOTHER seven years, FAIL.
#9 - Until it is officially announced, I'm going to think of you as a moron. I have addressed every point you made. I expect that you will glean from it only about every third word, twist it to suit your needs, call me some more names, and then FAIL because you can't actually go head to head with me on facts. I have made my point. I would wish you a good day, but you are a miserable bastard and don't deserve a good day. Have fun reading without understanding. That seems to be what you are good at.
D00dlavy
February 02, 2013 at 1:16am
Flaming fanboyism is not proof. Yes, consoles are a dominant market factor. So was AOL once. These are times where the hands are changing, markets are both emergent and developing. Something tells me you are not the brains behind... well, *any* think-tank. Your entire premise is as follows: Market dominance is eternal.
Needless to even state: This is flawed.
"Gabe is like a little kid with floaties on swimming in the ocean. He's in waaay over his head in shark infested waters he's gonna need a bigger boat!"
That's precious.
Warrior247
February 02, 2013 at 8:18am
The console is in it's own market P-tard. What hands are changing? If you got "proof" post it. Or were you refering to what is happening to the PC right now? Something tells me that you don't "think" at all. If you did, then you'd see the moves being made "now" and would at least have an idea of what it takes to even have a chance to succeed in this market. "I'm" saying this loud-N-proud, console market dominance is assured! Especially when you're competition is vaporware!
Needless to even state: You're an idiot.
