Steam's community features are not in competition with Microsoft's Games for Windows Live, according to Valve's Project Manager/Engineer Erik Johnson.
Speaking in an interview, Johnson dismissed the notion that the new features are designed to combat Games for Windows. "Honestly, I don't think it's influenced us a whole lot. We knew nothing about Games for Windows when we did the original design work on The Steam Community. We're pretty capable of shipping things as late as possible."
Johnson also stated categorically that Valve has no intention of taking gamers' money for Steam as Microsoft does for Xbox Live (although not Games for Windows). "We will not charge for The Steam Community and its features. Never even entered our mind. Part of it is to address the fact that when folks first bought Half-Life 2, Steam didn't offer many reasons to stick around. It didn't do enough for customers, and it didn't justify itself. So I suppose we're paying off a debt now.†"
In related news, SPOnG just received an e-mail from Valve's director of marketing, Doug Lombardi, reminding us that the much-anticipated Orange Box is available as of next Wednesday on Steam and in retailers (in the States).
Doug also informs us, "In preparation for launch, Valve has begun pre-loading both Portal and Half-Life 2: Episode Two to those who have pre-purchased The Orange Box. The pre-purchase campaign, available via Steam and at participating retailers, grants gamers access to the Team Fortress 2 beta and extends a 10% discount off the regular price of $49.95 (£24.60)."
SPOnG checked in with EA, which confirmed that the retail version of The Orange Box will be available from October 19th on the PC and 360 over here, with no date confirmed for the PS3 version as yet.
You can find SPOnG's recent interview with Doug Lombardi on Valve, the universe and everything right here, and bone up on Half Life 2: Episode 2 on SPOnG's dedicated game page.
†Source: Games for Windows
Speaking in an interview, Johnson dismissed the notion that the new features are designed to combat Games for Windows. "Honestly, I don't think it's influenced us a whole lot. We knew nothing about Games for Windows when we did the original design work on The Steam Community. We're pretty capable of shipping things as late as possible."
Johnson also stated categorically that Valve has no intention of taking gamers' money for Steam as Microsoft does for Xbox Live (although not Games for Windows). "We will not charge for The Steam Community and its features. Never even entered our mind. Part of it is to address the fact that when folks first bought Half-Life 2, Steam didn't offer many reasons to stick around. It didn't do enough for customers, and it didn't justify itself. So I suppose we're paying off a debt now.†"
In related news, SPOnG just received an e-mail from Valve's director of marketing, Doug Lombardi, reminding us that the much-anticipated Orange Box is available as of next Wednesday on Steam and in retailers (in the States).
Doug also informs us, "In preparation for launch, Valve has begun pre-loading both Portal and Half-Life 2: Episode Two to those who have pre-purchased The Orange Box. The pre-purchase campaign, available via Steam and at participating retailers, grants gamers access to the Team Fortress 2 beta and extends a 10% discount off the regular price of $49.95 (£24.60)."
SPOnG checked in with EA, which confirmed that the retail version of The Orange Box will be available from October 19th on the PC and 360 over here, with no date confirmed for the PS3 version as yet.
You can find SPOnG's recent interview with Doug Lombardi on Valve, the universe and everything right here, and bone up on Half Life 2: Episode 2 on SPOnG's dedicated game page.
†Source: Games for Windows
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Comments
config 4 Oct 2007 14:33
1/1
hmmmmm. episode 2 and portal. cant wait