"Should gamers care about net neutrality? If you're someone who uses the internet on a regular basis (and I'm betting you are), you should make yourself aware of the current Net Neutrality debate. The FCC is considering new rules in which internet providers could charge companies (like Steam, Sony or Microsoft) for a "fast lane", the costs of which could be passed on to the consumer (YOU). With so many gamers downloading, playing, streaming online, what could this "fast lane" environment do to gaming as we know it?"
In the latest Game/Show Jamin makes a really good point about net neutrality and gaming. One of my biggest "gaming fears" is a bandwidth cap in a world where games like Wolfenstein: The New Order are 40 gigs to download on Steam. I don't mind downloading stuff all day, but I would mind if Comcast started charging me more if I went over a bandwith cap.
What do you think, does gaming need net neutrality or should "the free market" decide our fate?
In the latest Game/Show Jamin makes a really good point about net neutrality and gaming. One of my biggest "gaming fears" is a bandwidth cap in a world where games like Wolfenstein: The New Order are 40 gigs to download on Steam. I don't mind downloading stuff all day, but I would mind if Comcast started charging me more if I went over a bandwith cap.
What do you think, does gaming need net neutrality or should "the free market" decide our fate?
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If I understand it correctly, the net is already operating under the free market, and the fear is the FCC won't intervene to keep giant mergers from happening, thus turning the free market into one monopolized by TimeCast WarZoner, or whoever.
Must watch: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - http://youtu.be/fpbOEoRrHyU
Ars Technica: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/01/drop-regulatory-hammer-on-internet-providers-says-former-fcc-commish/
The FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/openinternet (a link on that page allows comments to be sent to the FCC on the matter)
It looks like the job is up to us now, or the net is doomed.
John, I think your title is the opposite of what you're asking. The END of net neutrality is bad for gaming.
But yeah, we're already seeing the problem manifest with Netflix. Verizon, Comcast, and some other ISPs are capping Netflix bandwidth, even though they basically forced Netflix into paying them. Think about how much it would suck if they started doing that with Steam.
Travis: Good catch. That said, maybe it could work as a... dumb question.
scrypt: You are correct, and so far things seem to be fine but who knows for how long. So strange that out of all the things to de-regulate, the Internet seemed the easiest to do it to. A few other things I could think of that might actually benefit from that treatment as opposed to the Internet.
Net neutrality is totally bad for gaming. Just imagine how awesome it'll be when WoW pays Comcast so your can connect at BLAZING FAST SPEEDS
. Or when Steam pays Time Warner so your downloads are ROAD RUNNER
FAST!
And don't worry about this speculated "abuse". Telcoms exist in a free market, with plenty of "competition" which will hold them accountable!
Now excuse me while I go cash this check Comcast gave me.
THAT FIVE CENTS WILL GET YOU A SALT PACKET AND STRAW!