jdodson | Cheerful Ghost

Waiting For Steam Machines: Try Ubuntu Linux 14.04

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If you were like me then when you heard Valve was delaying Steam Machines to 2015 you were bummed. We might not be able to buy our shiny new hardware yet BUT that doesn't mean you can't play around with the next best thing. Valve's Steam Machines will run on top of SteamOS, a modified version of Linux. Valve has made SteamOS publicly available BUT it's not the easiest thing to install yet. In the meantime you can get your feet wet with Linux using the next best thing, Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that has been around for a few years and as it currently sits, i'd argue it's the easiest way to run a Linux Desktop. It also has the added benefit of being one of the easiest ways to install Steam on Linux as Valve directly supports it.

So if you want to try Steam on Ubuntu to get a feel Linux and what SteamOS might look like, head over to the Ubuntu site and download an install DVD image.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

I recommend installing Ubuntu on a computer that you don't mind wiping. You can run a dual boot setup, but unless you want to possibly screw up your machine, I wouldn't recommend it. If you have the extra hardware use that. The install process is pretty painless and all told I find installing Ubuntu much simpler than Windows.

After installing Ubuntu you will need to install the proper video card driver. Ubuntu has a nice wiki outlining the steps you need to take.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto

After your video card drivers are setup all you need to do is install Steam. Under Ubuntu it's a very similar process to Windows, go to the Steam website click download and install the file from the Steam website. After you do that, the Steam icon will appear in the doc and click to run it. After the updates, you authenticate into Steam and pick your game to install and play.

If you don't have a spare machine lying around you can also choose to install Ubuntu inside a virtual machine. A virtual machine is a program that lets you run a "guest Operating System" inside your current one. So you could run Ubuntu inside your Windows Desktop using a Virtual Machine. If you are interested in going this route there are a few things to consider. First off you will need space on your hard drive for the guest OS. So if you wanted to use 20 gigs for Ubuntu, you would need 20 gigs of spare space on your hard drive. Also, Virtualization isn't as fast as running a native Operating System so performance suffers some. Also, the guest OS must share the resources of the parent computer so games don't run very well. Some 2D and 3D games can work OK, but you will __NOT__ be pulling 60 FPS on Call of Duty.

If you are interested in Virtualization, I recommend downloading Virtual Box.

https://www.virtualbox.org/

I have recently updated my Ubuntu install to the latest version 14.04 and to date, it is the most polished Linux Desktop i've ever used. It handles everything I can throw at it from listening to music, watching videos and now playing a ton of games through Steam. Linux really does just about everything anyone could need except running Windows only applications like Photoshop and certain Video Editing applications(That said you can use Wine to get a ton of Windows applications to work). That said, I don't do a ton of that stuff, so for me, it's totally fine.

When I look at PC gaming and it's future and see how Microsoft is changing what Windows is, I am not impressed. Valve putting it's weight behind Linux as a viable gaming platform is a great thing and sooner or later it will be viable for many to switch to using Linux exclusively. It's already a great option for some and if you are interested in checking it out, I seriously recommend you do because it's a good time to try it out.

Travis Admin wrote on 06/25/2014 at 02:18am

As far as dual booting goes, I will say that I've never had an issue with setting up dual boot. However, when you're ready to partition your drive for Ubuntu, it's very easy to click a button and wipe out everything. So, while it's easy to set up dual-boot, be sure you know what you're doing.

Travis Admin wrote on 06/25/2014 at 03:18am

Oh! And for that Steam Machine feel, you can also do this:
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/11/how-to-login-to-steam-big-picture-mode-in-ubuntu

The system will start up in Steam Big Picture.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/25/2014 at 03:27am

"For Dat Steam Machine feels..."

Travis Admin wrote on 06/29/2014 at 10:00pm

So in the past on Ubuntu you've installed Gnome and used that. Are you sticking with Unity this time?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/30/2014 at 02:21am

I think I am. I moved away from it before because it wasn't great but I have no problems with this particular version. It's much snappier than before and as I think about it more I can't remember what my problem with the old one was, but whatever it was I don't seem to have it anymore.

Travis Admin wrote on 06/30/2014 at 03:21am

It's interesting, because in the past the reason I stuck with Unity was because Gnome 3 sucked, but it's gotten better and I'm thinking of using it.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/30/2014 at 03:23am

Gnome 3 is really great after you make a few tweaks to it. With Unity or Gnome 3 on the latest versions I don't really have a problem with either.

To be honest they really do just about the same thing except Gnome 3 doesn't ship with a dock by default(it really should).

Travis Admin wrote on 06/30/2014 at 03:29am

Well, it has a dock but it's hidden in the activities menu, which is an odd choice. Overall my problem with Gnome 3 has been the bizarre defaults that take an act of congress to change. That's still an issue, but it's gotten better.

That said, it's started crashing a lot. I've barely used this new version but these crashes are not a good sign.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/30/2014 at 03:30am

Are you using the latest version of Ubuntu and some Gnome 3 PPA?

Travis Admin wrote on 06/30/2014 at 04:22pm

I'm actually talking about the latest version of Gnome that's available for Ubuntu by default. I don't want to mess around with PPAs to get Gnome 3.12 because that breaks Unity.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/30/2014 at 10:03pm

I didn't know there was a native Ubuntu Gnome version. I might have to check that out at some point.

Travis Admin wrote on 06/30/2014 at 10:34pm

Yeah it's just the one in the Debian repositories.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/30/2014 at 11:02pm

Cool. In earlier versions Ubuntu had removed Gnome 3 so it's nice to hear they left it in from the Debian sources.

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Is Net Neutrality Good For Gaming?

"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?

scrypt Supporter wrote on 06/24/2014 at 03:39am

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.

Travis Admin wrote on 06/24/2014 at 04:17am

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.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/24/2014 at 11:07pm

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.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 06/25/2014 at 02:44am

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.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/25/2014 at 03:24am

THAT FIVE CENTS WILL GET YOU A SALT PACKET AND STRAW!

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Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake Trailer And Release Date Drops

Hold on to your butts, Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake is coming to mobile on June 26th and Steam July 1st. It will run you $3.99 on iOS and Android and $14.99 on Steam for all your PC HD needs.

I took a test drive of the Monsters Kickstarter backer beta a few months ago so if you are interested in that clicky, click.

http://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/1938/monsters-ate-my-birthday-cake-early-preview-is-fantastic

And we also did a few interviews with them over the last year that you might fill your cake hole for the next few weeks.

http://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/919/interview-w-sleep-ninja-games-justin-baldwin
http://cheerfulghost.com/jdodson/posts/1887/monsters-ate-my-birthday-cake-min-terview-w-justin-baldwin

A New Super Mario 1-up Secret Found

Seems hack free and also contains a strange set of actions to achieve. I wish we have the source for these old games so I could find out what game state triggers this bug.

That said, 2014 and the game community is still discovering more about Super Mario Brothers.

Video Game of Thrones: The Legend of Zelda

Game of Thrones intro done with the art of Link to the Past? Apparently it happened and you can watch it.

Would You Buy a Steam Based Handheld? Steamboy is Coming.

Even though SteamOS and the Steam Controller is being pushed to 2015 it seems some companies are still moving forward to design products built around the Steam ecosystem. Intro the Steamboy, a new project meant to bring all the amazing awesomery of your Steam catalog to a handheld device.

They've released a trailer and it's fairly impressive. That said, after I watched it I was a bit skeptical. Valve has pushed back it's Steam Machines till 2015 and now we hear about a Steam based handheld? Not to say I don't want one, but i'll hold off on my excitement until I hear a few more details.

http://www.steamboymachine.com/

Travis Admin wrote on 06/16/2014 at 02:09pm

It isn't a Valve project, so I don't factor any Steam Machines delays into this. It's a third-party who wanted to make a handheld gaming PC, basically.

And unfortunately there isn't enough data here. Does it run them natively or stream like the NVIDIA Shield? They say it can play "most" Steam games, but does that mean most current or most of the library... because a PC that's way outdated can still play most of the library, since there's such a major back-catalog.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/16/2014 at 04:50pm

For sure. That said, if they want to use the "Steam Machine" brand or controller they have to sign a contract with Valve which means they are on "Valve time." That's why the Alienware Alpha isn't a "Steam Machine."

That said, the idea of a Steam handheld is great might be worth waiting for. To this date I haven't picked up a handheld gaming machine because i've been waiting for the right one. That said, this may be it?

Travis Admin wrote on 06/16/2014 at 05:12pm

If it will let me play something like Wolfenstein: The New Order on the go (i.e. not tied to my home network) then yeah, this will be one to get, for sure!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/16/2014 at 05:17pm

If it's Steam proper, then they will allow in home streaming. Which is fairly similar to what the Wii U or Vita offers!

scrypt Supporter wrote on 06/18/2014 at 09:16pm

I don't know. Unless you have kids, and only one TV/monitor in the house, in-home streaming to a portable seems really excessive. I tried it on the Vita, and it was cool for all of two seconds. Then, I sold my Vita. For me to enjoy mobile games, they have to be designed to be played on mobile systems. Playing a console, or PC, title on that small of a screen is like watching the Avengers on an iPhone. It might do in a pinch, but not desirable. If Steam actually opened up to market native handheld games, that would be one thing. This... I don't know.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/18/2014 at 09:50pm

I agree native handheld games are the best option. But there are cases where I'd maybe want to play a PC only game on the couch in a pinch and the wife is using the TV. Realistically it's not a huge use case at all.

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The Alienware Alpha Coming This Holiday 2014 Season

If you follow Cheerful Ghost news, it's no surprise that I am looking forward to buying a Steam Machine. Alienware just dropped the details of it's Alienware Alpha that is shipping this holiday season.

"The Alienware Alpha console will ship with Windows 8.1 which, through a custom software interface exclusive to Alienware, can be easily navigated with the included Xbox 360 controller — no mouse or keyboard required. The Alpha console is also SteamOS and Steam Controller READY, and designed to easily integrate with the highly anticipated launch of each.

The Alienware Alpha console will start at $549, and will begin shipping in time for the 2014 Holiday Season."

Well, yeah, it makes sense that Alienware has decided to continue on with it's console efforts even though Valve has put off the official launch of SteamOS and it's Steam Controller till 2015. In the meantime, it seems Alienware is moving full speed ahead on it's console and has decided to replace SteamOS with Windows 8.1 and a XBox 360 controller.

You might think Alienware might be ditching SteamOS or the Steam controller and according to them, that is absolutely not the case and according to a recent Forbes interview with Alienware they said...

“Steam Machines aren’t dead, they are absolutely pursuing SteamOS and the controller 100%,” my Alienware rep explained. “They refuse to release something that is not ready, and we commend them for that. But we want similar things: For the PC gamer to choose what the hell they want and play how they want to play.”

Alienware has also talked a bit about the internals of the Alpha in that it will consist of user replaceable components and a custom build nvidia GPU. I imagine the reason for a custom GPU is to make it fit in the small case and for this reason it doesn't seem replaceable. That said, the Alpha will also ship with an Intel CPU, 4GB DDR3 memory & 500GB hard drive.

All told I was pretty bummed when I heard Valve was pushing back it's Steam Machine efforts a year but it seems Alienware is still moving forward and I think that's a good idea. Alienware has said the hardware will ship SteamOS and Steam Controller ready so if you want to go ahead and get it, you can use it as a proper Steam Machine later. The launch price for the Alienware Alpha will be $549.

http://www.alienware.com/landings/alpha/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2014/06/11/alienwares-alpha-is-a-gaming-pc-with-the-dna-of-a-console-and-its-the-real-deal/

Activision Gives A Serious Nod to Destiny Coming to PC

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Read an interview today with Eric Hirshberg of Activision publishing about Destiny coming to PC.

"It is [a good fit], and it's something we're talking about and looking at very carefully, and obviously it makes a lot of sense with the genre and the type of game it is," Hirshberg stated.

"You know, developing on PC is a different animal than developing for consoles and so we just want to make sure that we're putting one foot in front of the other and getting it right, and that it's of the highest possible quality. But obviously I see the same things about the natural fit."

This seems to be a serious nod that a PC port will come for Destiny and if is the case will it change if you get a next gen console?

http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/12/5805296/Destiny-e3-PC-release

scrypt Supporter wrote on 06/15/2014 at 11:54pm

If they could ever get it to the point that the multiplayer was cross-platform, then I'd consider picking up for PC. Destiny is going to have a lot of MMO type interaction, and most people are going to want to play with their friends, so you usually go with the system that most of your friends have. There have been a few games that I've bought multiple copies of on different systems, to try to be flexible in those situations, but it never really worked. You spend time on the PS3 with Borderlands 2, then your friends on Xbox 360 are leveling their characters at a pace that you can't keep up with, and vice versa.

I'm sure they will bring it to PC at some point, but I don't know many that would hold out for it. I can't imagine that it would be released on PC within this holiday season, and the thing about Destiny is that it will sell systems. I had the chance to participate in the Alpha demo this weekend, and it looks and feels amazing. They are catering to a wider audience than just Halo or Call of Duty fans. If I didn't have a PS4 already, I'd certainly pick one up before Destiny arrived.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/16/2014 at 05:16pm

Totally. Destiny, to this point, was the reason to get a PS4 if I were to get one. Now that they are all buy saying it's coming to PC, i'll wait. Makes sense though, sell it on consoles then later on PC. It's not a bad model, if a bit annoying for some that buy it twice.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 06/17/2014 at 05:58pm

I wouldn't hold my breath, is all I'm saying ;). I'd be willing to bet that a major contingency in bringing it to PC is how the sales figures look in September and the following holiday months. Another key quote from that article: "...And you asked how are we dealing with the complexity of developing for so many platforms, how about one more on top of that?" More platforms, more problems. The good news seems to be that Bungie is investing in Destiny for the length of this current console cycle, so I'm sure there will be opportunity to jump on at any point. I'm curious, how long would you wait, though? A year? Two years? What if it never actually came to PC, would you be okay with skipping it altogether?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/17/2014 at 06:33pm

I would be ok with skipping it if the only way to play it would be buying a console I otherwise wouldn't.

If they do or don't port it, that would be fine BUT I do want to play it, just not to the tune of $560 dollars.

I've invested a bit in my PC and like that ecosystem quite a bit. I also like my PS3 but if it wasn't for Bluray it wouldn't be used much. Kind if like my Wii. Again, great systems and I have no regrets but if I look at the games I played on them: the orange box, fallout 3, wolfenstein 2009, borderlands, borderlands 2, portal 2, etc all of these are PC titles too.

In the last few years this sunk in and I have switched over. Not to make this a PC vs console discussion, but one about my gaming habits.

But all that said, I won't hold my breath and I don't mind waiting. Plus, if my friends get a Ps4 it would give me more reason to come over and play it with them.

If it does come to PC I also hope it comes with cross system play too.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 06/17/2014 at 07:48pm

One thing they have mentioned that they are working on, is the ability to transfer your player profile from older systems to the new. When asked if that included cross-platform upgrades, Bungie said it's a wait-and-see situation, with the ball mostly in the platform holders hands. An interesting scenario would be PS3 and XBox players being able to transfer their characters to a PC version, if they wanted to leave the old system behind but still get the next-gen experience. What would be even better is if they offered a server log-in, like most MMOs and MOBAs do, where you could log-in from anywhere, on any platform, and continue your progress. I can't really see it happening, but it's fun to dream.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 06/17/2014 at 08:36pm

Save/character sync is magic and I hope they implement it in some form. In some games it's effectively DRM but with others it's kind of like "sync up if you can" and I like that stuff quite a bit.

This game has a mad huge budget, if it makes a ton of money who knows where it could go? Maybe they will add it in a future DLC set.

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The History Behind Grim Fandango With Creator Tim Schafer

"The makers of Grim Fandango discuss the development of the beloved adventure game and how Double Fine Productions plans to release the original classic to a contemporary audience."

Hot of the E3 news that Double Fine will be re-releasing Grim Fandango on the PS4 and Vita is this new documentary by 2 Player Productions featuring Tim Schafer. Grim Fandango is a classic adventure game and seeing more on it's history and development is seriously cool.

Miniverse Is Coming To iOS Very Soon!

As I am out taking the message of Cheerful Ghost to the masses I meet many awesome people doing cool stuff. While I was boothing at the last few events I met a local Portland developer working on Miniverse, a new iOS space game. The game contains a very unique premise and set of game mechanics that are really fun and well worth checking out. As someone that doesn't have a lot of fun with mobile gaming, I was surprised with how much I enjoyed it.

Recently Ryt Games sent me a poster of the game and I wanted to share it in it's awesomery.

Miniverse will drop June 30th on the the iOS App Store so prep your app buying fingers.

http://miniversegame.com/

jdodson1

2732 Posts

Waiting For Steam Machines: Try Ubuntu Linux 14.04

Is Net Neutrality Good For Gaming?

Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake Trailer And Release Date Drops

A New Super Mario 1-up Secret Found

Video Game of Thrones: The Legend of Zelda

Would You Buy a Steam Based Handheld? Steamboy is Coming.

The Alienware Alpha Coming This Holiday 2014 Season

Activision Gives A Serious Nod to Destiny Coming to PC

The History Behind Grim Fandango With Creator Tim Schafer

Miniverse Is Coming To iOS Very Soon!