An analyst from the Motley Fool speculates on the possibility Microsoft could make a gaming dedicated PC.
This comes up in light of the release of Steam Machines and SteamOS. As writer Sam Mattera points out, in spite of the hype, the hardware Valve is releasing is indistinguishable from gaming PCs that run Windows. This is in comparison to, say, Apple desktop and laptop computers, that have some bespoke components. While Valve has explained their intent to make their platform as open as possible, this is definitely a possible Achilles heel.
Mattera points out further that Steam has basically taken all steps necessary so that they can effectively cut ties with Windows if they ever had to. While they are a long ways away from actually letting go of their dependence on Microsoft as a platform, Valve has proven that they are capable of sticking around in the long term to make Steam Machines a success.
On the other hand, Microsoft is at a crossroads as they shop around for a new CEO, and along with launching the Xbox One, they have dropped hints that they intend to renew their push into PC gaming. We have seen the work they are putting into cross platform title Project Spark, and they have, in turn, hired a former Valve employee, albeit to work on Xbox titles.
Windows 8, of course, already has its own exclusive App Store, and although the store is still not in shape to seriously compete with Steam, or, for that matter, iOS, it looms as a possible threat in the future, especially since Microsoft also has the resources to stick it out in the long term. Finally, Sam presupposes that Microsoft may unify development of Xbox and PC titles.
It’s an interesting possibility, although we haven’t received word from Microsoft that they are interested in taking Windows 8, or for that matter, the Surface, into this direction. Expect more definitive answers on this a year from now, when the company has found their next CEO, and their next direction.
Image is from Project Spark.
