Is it good or bad for us gamers, users, developers?
Am I the only one who finds ironic that the CEO of Epic complains about closed platforms when they are the most prominent company who accepted the bribe of NVidia and built their entire commercial engine on GameWorks, the most closed platform in the gaming industry? Seems like his real problem is that MicroSoft isn't paying them for it.
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I'm not surprised. Microsoft rarely has an original idea, and the company is currently in trouble. Under Balmer, the company missed the boat on every new technology. Throughout the nineties, their business model was to wait until someone else was mildly successful, then use their size and connections to sell the same thing cheaper. Now that they've lost phones and tablets to Apple and Google, cloud services to Amazon, the internet to, well, everyone, they need to figure out a roadmap to the future. (yes, they still dominate PC and Business, but that's not enough)
There are advantages and disadvantages to a closed system. They're betting that because of their size and clout, they can use a closed system to make gains in the areas where they're struggling
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The internet is lost on Microsoft? I think the internet is not owned by any company. But that's my opinion. Apple has exactly the same business model you described. The only thing they do is polish it up, make it glossy and turn on the marketing hype. Google for a while had an original thought when they had their in-house people bring in brainstormy dev ideas. That has been killed as well. Look at how YT was incorporated into Google. All major corporations try to do these days is to keep you in their cult. Apple/Google/Microsoft fan boys, I am probably forgetting some fan boys (and I am being expressly non-politically correct). Adults, teens, tweens, generation A-Z, millenials, female or male or whatever are all part of fan boys when it comes to these cults. If you think you're not doing it. I am probably guilty myself without some outside observer looking at my shit and telling me.
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I don't mean they don't have an internet presence, but they're not winning a single major internet business:
Microsoft doesn't have a viable e-commerce or social media business, they're an also-ran in search (15% market share), and is struggling stay in second place in cloud computing.
It's true that Apple takes a good idea, polishes it up and makes it glossy, but that's very much undercutting what they do. Apple's forte has always been taking technology and making it simple, easy to use, and pretty. When computers came in kits that had to be constructed, they sold them pre-assembled. When operating computers were complex (e.g. DOS), they made them easy to use (windowed GUI). When setting up computers and peripherals was a difficult undertaking, they made them plug and play. When MP3s were for techno-hobbyists, the ipod was (nearly) idiot proof. The original iphone is a incredibly simple and easy to use. (not even gonna mention some lesser products). (note that I'm not a fanboy - I'm typing this on an HP running Windows)
Google's main value was in developing a different business model - they made everything free for the user. And still made it good.
Microsoft would make products that were "good enough". That was ok when they were cheaper than the competition, but doesn't work when the competition is free.
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I know there's a YT video debunking every supposed invention by apple being first out there. But I seriously am too lazy to search for it. Anyway, the GUI? Xerox, pre-assembled computers? Microcomputers were sold a ton already. MP3 players were simple to use, again apple polished it, but MP3 players looked just like any other playing device at that time. The failed apple newton? Oops, copy/pasted again from Palm computing. But I digress. I don't like apple because it's expensive shit that only works best with other apple expensive shit. At least most of the other stuff you can buy sticks to market standards. I use Windows, Android and Linux all together so I guess it's not supposed to work according to apple.
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Gears of War 2 and 3 on the PC were so awesome, thank you Epic Games! Oh... wait...
I am very happy to see microsoft paying attention to PC gaming for a change tbh.
Enough with the underpowered overhyped devices!
I see microsoft as another player, Valve won't go away any time soon.
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That would of course be reason to revolt, is there any proof of that though? Or do people just say it because it's Microsoft and they only expect the worst from them? (though they gladly accept the worst and praise it and pay premium prices for anything Apple branded)
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There's no proof of that because it's not gonna happen.
MS has made ONE Closed system and people are flipping out thinking tomorrow anything thats not in the Windows Store will be locked out, when there is ZERO chance of that happening.
If anyone was to try that it would be Apple with their App Store on OSX.. and thats been around for a while now and no sign of it yet.
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Both Apple and Microsoft would love it if they could make Windows and MacOS as closed as IOs, but they know they can't force it. They're gonna try to get as close as they can, though.
What they're gonna do is essentially Steam for all software, and take it as far as they can. There's a huge benefit to consumers, but it's very important to not make Windows Store and App Store too successful, because if they get enough market share, they may decide to close the system. This is a bigger risk with Apple than it is with Windows.
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Great that's the last thing we need, another materialistic god -.-
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Where the hell did you getting this bullshit? Seriously, give the proofs before making such statements
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thi is what sweeney told “The specific problem here is that Microsoft’s shiny new ‘Universal Windows Platform’ is locked down,” Sweeney goes on. “By default, it’s impossible to download UWP apps from the websites of publishers and developers, to install them, update them, and conduct commerce in them outside of the Windows Store.”
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I already posted link what proves that this is bullshit. If Sweeney saying such stupid things, then it shows that he didn't understand how things going in reality and just blindly jumped on hate bandwagon just like you did.
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In may opinion this will only make the games be timed windows exclusives. There are no fan boys in the pc are like the Xbox community so if people don't want their games on a different store then they will wait. Then Microsoft will either give up on the PC market because of the lack of profits or they will start releasing a game on the windows store and half a year later release it on steam/orgin/uplay
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No, there's no chance it'll happen, cause the only way to do it is for MS to end support for ALL non UWP Programs in their OS, which would be 99.999% of ALL programs that run on Windows, including most of MS's own (like Office).
You saw what happened when MS tried to force Metro on everyone, they tanked their OS, now try telling everyone that nothing they purchased before will work, no downloaded programs will work, etc. They wouldn't be able to give the OS away, much less sell it.
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Neither Apple's OSX nor Microsoft's Windows are closed platforms, or anywhere close, and they aren't going to become one. MS making it's own system that is locked down is not a sign of anything, except a signal to people to begin their paranoia again. People said the same stuff when Apple did it with the App Store on MacOS, and here we are, years and several versions of OSX later and nada.
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Mobile systems are totally different from Desktop OS's. Mobile systems are mostly locked down, the Desktop systems are not now nor will they any time in the foreseeable future.
You're talking about MS ending ALL Support of anything that hasn't gone through their Windows store, which is to say MS ending support for 99.999% of programs and programmers out there. Don't hold your breath.
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Wow, such loud statement, but problem is, that YOU CAN put UWP app in other stores like Steam - https://technet.microsoft.com/library/dn448376(v=wps.630).aspx Microsoft didn't forcing anyone to put their games exclusively in W10 store, so as talgaby mentioned, real problem here is Epic that didn't get money from MS.
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Nobody is suggesting that the only way to install any software on Windows 10 is from the Microsoft store. Some who want to compete are upset that the windows store will be the default (much like how Internet Explorer used to be the default browser - and users had to jump through hoops to install Netscape or Firefox).
Also Sweeney doesn't like the fact that apps on the Microsoft store would be delivered via Microsofts' own infrastructure (servers, networks etc) for a 30% fee. Perhaps he should take a look at Steam - oh wait... they do the same, and Valve has final say on what games/apps get a store page (Perhaps valve have "locked down" their store too).
And you wouldn't want a developer to be able to crack the shits and destroy their own game or remove it from the market - just for 'reasons'. There are many games on Steam that disappeared from the market or developers went belly up - yet people who purchased the games 10 years ago can still download in minutes.
There is nothing I've read that indicates that UWP locks down Win 10 and it will be the only permitted way to deploy apps or games. UWP and the Store simply provides a framework that allows you to write a single app and deploy to multiple platforms (eg. Desktop, Phone, Tablet).
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/whats-a-uwp
https://dev.windows.com/en-us/getstarted
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I just put what Sweeney says “They’re curtailing users’ freedom to install full-featured PC software, and subverting the rights of developers and publishers to maintain a direct relationship with their customer,” wrote Sweeney. “The specific problem here is that Microsoft’s shiny new ‘Universal Windows Platform’ is locked down,” Sweeney goes on. “By default, it’s impossible to download UWP apps from the websites of publishers and developers, to install them, update them, and conduct commerce in them outside of the Windows Store.”. Whom to believe?
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Anything is possible.
But it would end Microsoft overnight.
MS's business model relies on backwards compatibility, thats how they keep people coming back, the knowledge that your programs keep working (generally speaking). (Apple is the reverse, if you download a program for MacOS that isn't made for THAT version of MacOS, it's a coin toss if it works, and if it's more than 2 versions out of date, it's almost guaranteed not to work).
MS would be demanding everyone to buy all new copies of all their programs, give up all legacy programs, etc. Well, MS and Linux would finally have a field day, cause if you're doing that there's no reason to NOT look elsewhere. Gov't and Business would do the same, if they need to get all new software, why bother sticking with MS? It would be a disaster.
Meanwhile Epic Games CEO and the people like them are just flipping out that there is a closed system by MS. Forget the fact that almost every other software distro Service is ALSO closed.
The fact is, there's nothing here to fight. He's talking out of his ass to make some waves and get some articles published. It's nothing more than fear-mongering.
I'll guarantee the only reason he's doing this is he wants his stuff on the Windows Store, but DOESN'T want to pay MS for hosting it. Thats it. He wants a better deal from MS. And it's not gonna happen. MS hosting it all is the smart thing to do for the consumers. That way when Epic folds or whatever people still have access to what they paid for. Same thing as Valve does with Steam.
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SO if sweeney doesnt care to pay Valve for putting his stuff on steam why then he would care not to pay Microsoft to put his stuff in Windows Store? That isnt his reason at all. And you know to change your OS just overnight is simple for some users but for majority it's very complicating to go from WinOS to Linux and it's even more complicating for companies or organizations, I dont even say that there are no corporate version of Linux (or I dont know about it). No one need to buy anything new, you just will be forced to do it from WinStore.
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Most companies/organizations use some kind of custom software, so there's no way those companies would update to a Windows version in which the software must be downloaded from Windows Store. That would mean all their software wouldn't work.
TBH, I don't think you know what you're talking about, what you say is nonsense.
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All kinds. Every company I've worked for or with had an archive of custom built software.
Medical, Point of Sale, back-end stuff for Purchase Orders, Inventory, etc. Most common stuff I've seen is GUI's for database entry, quickly filling in forms, etc. Much of it made back in the XP/Win2k days, and they aren't getting a new one. It's stuff that cost thousands, even 10's or 100's of thousands to build once, and just for them. Hell I still know companies with DOS Computers for specific tasks. Apart from the DOS one their software all still works in modern versions of Windows.
Backwards Compatibility is the core of Windows. MS changing that would be like Ubuntu deciding to go closed source. The RIAA/MPAA Deciding to support DRM Free content, etc.
Microsoft adding a SINGLE Closed Ecosystem is not a threat. It's just another alternative for the dozens of other software distribution tools that do the exact same.
I mean MS has included a Browser, have they banned all other browsers from their systems? Same with their Office suite. Media Player, Instant Messenger, Antivirus, etc. No.
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You mean like how, say, Humble Bundle deliver their Android bundles through their own app ?
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And why are people so up in arms about this like even if they did this,that they are the first and the only ones....do not use Windows then,use Linux then you will have an open free OS...
I am not much of a fan of Windows myself but not for these types of reason,i just do not like it over all.I do however like playing games and i am not willing to give up the likes of Fallout,Xcom and so on for the sake of using say Linux.
I am not surprised they are doing this,but the way it seems this only applies to those who use the Store to sell products and what not,which i do not see a lot of people doing.
Though i am sure people will find a way around this if they so desire.
I mean the Apple IOS is locked down...and long with the hardware but nobody seems to be up in arms about that but sure love to hate on Microsoft and such.Yet with Apple devices you can not even use a simple memory card all in in the name to sell there cloud storage/or up sell you on a device for a lot more just for more storage space.
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To be honest... I don't get it. So they are getting some games exclusive for Windows 10, but what's the fuzz all about? Locked down system?!
u wot m8
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What Gabe Newell said about Windows 10 and Microsoft as a whole (that Microsoft is gonna lock down its Windows like Apple did) now says Tim Sweeney, a nerd CEO from Epic.
Guardian
I JUST POSTED WHAT SWEENEY THINK ABOUT UWP. (Though I agree with him, that's why I titled it like this) It would be nice if you read what he said before posting something here :)
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