PixlBit

In case you aren't in the know, Valve is pushing a new console alternative in the form of an open source platform that allows contractors to build hardware around Valve's STEAM infrastructure. This means that users will have more options to customize their personal gaming experience while giving more freedom to gaming developers and publishers. That's the mission statement theory, anyways.

If the internet has taught us anything, it's that for every good intention there are infinite ways the human condition will try to fuck it over.( I think Darwin or Hemmingway wrote some books about it. Or maybe Jesus. I have youtube and can't do read well on books and learning) What makes Valve think they can pull of the impossible task of an open platform console while the Big 3 are sitting pretty with their shoot-em-alls and wiggly things and what-nots?

I'm glad you asked-

There are two things that are universal truths when it comes to any business:

-Passion thrives while greed dies;

-Stop selling when you're sold.

By turning the tables of power in favor of users and developers, Valve is metaphorically trying to reinvent the wheel. The mass influx of technology has given unprecedented freedom and control to a world once controlled by a select few. Restrictions need not apply in this new age of civilization. (re- EA and Activision/Blizzard...and well, any business that wants to monopolize anything)

That's the sunny side. Not everything is shitting kittens and rainbows.

Open platforms allow more theft and just plain terrible cock-dickerey because that's what we as human beings do; we fuck each other over because it's easy, opportunistic and just plain fun. (There's an entire cartoon series based on a kid self-punishing himself while his dog Cadillacs with a stoner bird. Google Peanuts if you dare) This, in turn, provocates an industry used to doing what it pleases to retaliate with measures that are so transparently greedy that, ultimately, it devours itself.

 Example:

I've been gaming since the Atari 2600. It's my main hobby. I gladly invest thousands of dollars and an absurd amount of time in something that does nothing but bring me joy. My support for the industry was rewarded with having to pay for Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night multiple times because of closed-platforms. Go fuck yourself.

The best part about all of this is how video games are being established as viable as radios and televisions before it. (I typed that in the Luke voice from his RotJ speech) Whether or not open-source platforms can compete with the Big 3 is, obviously, yet to be seen. I'm just glad the discussion is being had.

I'll be at Applebee's taking both sides of a conversation happening between myself, if anyone needs me.