With all of the hype from Microsoft about their new operating system, it leaves some wondering why game developers have criticized the "upgraded experience" that is Windows 8. Microsoft announced their new operating system with a new user interface similar to the Windows (smart) phone. This metro theme displays applications and the desktop with a series of boxes (see image below.) But co-founder of Valve, Gabe Newell calls Windows 8 "a catastrophe for everybody." There have been concerns about Microsoft locking down their new OS releases, which makes it harder for game developers when creating software for Windows. Some say that this limits competition and gives Microsoft an unfair advantage for developing games. Windows 8 games are being released as playable on Xbox Live. This could open the online experience, where you can now play online with a community of both Windows 8 and Xbox 360 systems.
Microsoft may also have plans of an official Application Store, similar to Steam, where it offers a collection of games that can be downloaded and play on the computer. This store will also contain software that is not a game, like office suites, productivity programs...etc. The web store will also give Microsoft an advantage on getting software out there for its users, like Apple has done with its phone, tablet, and computer programs. It will contain all types of software for the Windows Phone, Xbox system, and Windows 8 PC and include programs for even the most extreme gamers.
I have not personally tried Windows 8 yet, but I plan to give the pre-release a shot to see if it is worth buying the full version. I will probably stick with Windows 7 until something changes my opinion of 8. I play video games, but only on my PC. It would be great to play Xbox Live with my friends, who play on their Xbox 360, but I have a feeling that there will not be as wide of a selection of games that we can play. It will be harder for developers to make games that support both systems when playing online. My guess is that the Xbox 720 will close that gap and make it much easier to play games with Windows. I am very curious to see how Microsoft takes another step forward in the gaming industry using the Windows platform in combination with the Xbox system. Let's keep our eyes on them for the next year or two, I'm sure something big will come.
-Cody R
Interesting article! It's truly encouraging that the gaming industry is headed in the direction of cross platform play. For example, Portal 2 allowed PS3 players and PC players to play together. However, Microsoft will never let PC and Xbox players to play together. Why? Money. Money. Money. Xbox Live Gold Membership accounts are printing money for Microsoft. Because you have to pay for Xbox Live, it makes it difficult to link them together with the PC players who play for free. It is much easier for Steam to link PS3 and PC players because they both don't have to pay anything for online services. Also, linking PC players and Xbox players is dangerous because PC players have a significant advantage in some gaming genres. Again, Steam dropped cross platform play for Counter Strike: Global Offensive because the PC players had an excessive advantage. But I agree that players coming together is a good thing. Here's to hoping Valve's steam box will unite all gamers. Three cheers for Valve! <3 Gabe Newell <3
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