So...SteamOS. A linux-based OS for Steam. If Valve is to be believed, they will aggressively push for native "AAA" titles within the next year or two to eliminate the relative uselessness of its currently proposed iteration (basically, an OS to stream games playing on a windows computer to your TV.)
I think it's great--IF publishers actually get on board with coding games for it natively. It would certainly be great for the niche market of system builders who just want to build a gaming or home-theater PC and don't necessarily need all Windows offers, but who also don't want to deal with learning how to use Linux. I would love to throw SteamOS, if it becomes viable, on a little gaming/HTPC and make my own little Steambox.
Obviously Valve is thinking much bigger than the tiny sliver of people who like building their own PCs though. We will see how this all pans out however and if SteamOS can truly offer the all-encompassing ease and compatibility of Windows. I think more competition and more choice in the PC OS marketplace is always good.
I think it's great--IF publishers actually get on board with coding games for it natively. It would certainly be great for the niche market of system builders who just want to build a gaming or home-theater PC and don't necessarily need all Windows offers, but who also don't want to deal with learning how to use Linux. I would love to throw SteamOS, if it becomes viable, on a little gaming/HTPC and make my own little Steambox.
Obviously Valve is thinking much bigger than the tiny sliver of people who like building their own PCs though. We will see how this all pans out however and if SteamOS can truly offer the all-encompassing ease and compatibility of Windows. I think more competition and more choice in the PC OS marketplace is always good.