It’s Time For Valve To Bring Back The Steam Machine
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Valve's Steam Machines are a series of small gaming computers that run on Steam OS, a Linux-based operating system designed to provide a game console-like experience. They were launched in 2015, but have not been very successful in the market, as they faced several challenges, such as:
- Competition: Steam Machines had to compete with other gaming consoles, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, as well as traditional gaming PCs, which offer more flexibility and performance. Steam Machines also lacked exclusive titles that could attract gamers to their platform.
- Hardware diversity: Steam Machines were produced by various computer hardware companies, each with different specifications and prices. This created confusion and inconsistency among consumers, who had to compare and choose among many options. It also made it harder for developers to optimize their games for Steam Machines, as they had to account for different hardware configurations.
- Software limitations: SteamOS was based on Linux, which meant that many games that were available on Windows or Mac were not compatible with Steam Machines. Users could stream Windows or Mac games from other computers, but this required a fast and stable network connection. SteamOS also had fewer features and apps than other operating systems, such as media players, web browsers, and social networks.
To be successful, Valve's Steam Machines would need to overcome these challenges and offer a compelling value proposition to gamers. Some possible ways to do that are:
- Developing exclusive games: Valve could leverage its own popular franchises, such as Half-Life, Portal, and Dota, to create exclusive games for Steam Machines that would showcase their capabilities and appeal to fans. Valve could also partner with other developers and publishers to secure exclusive or timed-exclusive deals for Steam Machines.
- Standardizing hardware: Valve could create a more uniform and consistent hardware platform for Steam Machines, similar to how other consoles do. This would reduce confusion and complexity for consumers and developers, and allow for better quality control and optimization. Valve could also offer different tiers of hardware, such as entry-level, mid-range, and high-end, to cater to different budgets and preferences.
- Improving software: Valve could improve SteamOS by adding more features and functionality, such as media playback, web browsing, and social networking. Valve could also work on making more games compatible with SteamOS, either by porting them natively or by improving the streaming technology. Valve could also update SteamOS more frequently and regularly, to keep up with the latest developments and trends in gaming..
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