Windows 8 could prove to be a major setback for PC users and PC manufacturers. Valve's Co-founder and Chief Executive Gabe Newell recently shed some light on what we can or might expect from Windows 8 when the future of gaming is concerned.
Speaking to VentureBeat, Newell discussed about the problems surrounding closed platforms and the fact that although lucrative, the concept poses a threat to innovation. He also reminded that companies such as Valve, id Software, Epic, Facebook and Google wouldn't have even existed had it not been for the PC, and the openness of the entire platform.
Newell, as well as Valve, believes that Linux and other open platforms have to be nurtured, and sees Linux as part of the solution and is keen on making the most out of it. In his and Linux’s defense, Newell said, “So we’re going to continue working with the Linux distribution guys, shipping Steam, shipping our games, and making it as easy as possible for anybody who’s engaged with us — putting their games on Steam and getting those running on Linux, as well.”
“I think that Windows 8 is kind of a catastrophe for everybody in the PC space. I think that we’re going to lose some of the top-tier PC [original equipment manufacturers]. They’ll exit the market. I think margins are going to be destroyed for a bunch of people. If that’s true, it’s going to be a good idea to have alternatives to hedge against that eventuality,” Newell said on the topic of Windows 8.
Without a doubt, the announcement of Steam, “Left 4 Dead 2” and more recently “Serious Sam 3” confirms that Valve is making a strong effort towards keeping Linux afloat, even if it's for gaming alone, according to a Fudzilla report.
