In July, Valve boss Gabe Newell proclaimed that Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 OS was a “catastrophe to everyone in the PC space.” On the surface this felt reactionary, perhaps a response to Microsoft’s “walled garden” approach of selling apps and games via the Windows Store. But one month after Newell’s stinging remark, Valve revealed plans to begin selling non-gaming software via its Steam distribution platform. Earlier this month a Valve job listing calling for an Industrial Designer lent concrete evidence toward the fact that not only is Valve aligning itself to be a direct competitor to Microsoft in the software space they have hardware plans as well.
Did Windows 8 deserve this black eye? Is it truly so catastrophic for “everyone in the PC space?” It’s crucial that the OS be user-friendly to both developers and consumers, across both “AAA” PC games and mobile games, especially since Windows 8 presents a convergence of tablet, mobile and traditional desktop spaces.
I decided to speak directly with the game developers and gather their insights and observations from hands-on experience.
In the coming weeks leading up to the late October release of Windows 8, I’ll be publishing a series of articles replete with multiple counterpoints to Newell’s argument. Today, we journey to Australia to speak with Daniel John, Distribution and Production Manager at Halfbrick, the studio famous for Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride. He manages the team focused on Windows 8 projects.
Read also:
Microsoft is going all in with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 (PCWorld)
Windows 8 Review (Maximum PC)
Is Windows 8 the Answer to Consumerization of IT Woes? (CIO)
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