Yesterday a rumor started which said Google was looking to purchase Valve Software, the makers of Half-Life, Team Fortress and, of course, Portal. While Valve Software boasts a 20-million unit sales on their archive of awesome games, what interest would google have in gaming?
From google’s own corporate mission statement: “Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” How would gaming fit into the dynamic of organizing the worlds information?
Some have said they’d be interested in Valve’s Steam system for distributing games and products. That seems far fetched considering all the CDN solutions on the Net, especially those focused towards media related projects like Liberated Syndication (Wizzard Media), which we use to host our gaming podcast, or other video solutions which would fit more into the Google playing field (considering the large purchase of youtube.com)
Today, Doug Lombardi of Valve, pubically said that Valve Software is willing to be purchased but stated the Google rumor was “a bit of fiction.” (kotaku) While Valve Software has shown they can make awesome titles with stability and dedication, knowing their open to being purchased is slightly disturbing.
I’m always happy for those “little guys” that make it in the big world of cut throat game development, there is some satisfaction knowing the smaller developers are making big waves against publishers like EA and Activision. Valve has changed the way we download games electronically and continues to expand their dominion; if Valve Software was purchased by a bigger company, would we still get the same quality and innovation from the developers?
@Call of Duty: Elite for Black Ops 2 will be free
What does that service bring anyway? Seriously, besides bragging rights? I get it when you get DLC for free or at a discount, due to being a member but still, the service itself … 😐
Then again, I’m the guy that is not sure whether to play or not free-mium games, so …
@Metro: Last Light dumping multiplayer
That’s not actually a bad thing. The strong point of the first Metro 2033 was the story, so I don’t see this as a disappointment. So sure, focus on what you do best. STALKER has multiplayer, but I never bothered with it.
To follow the off-topic, if a game has Co-Op and other MP modes, I would usually focus on Co-Op. And I’m not the only one: if you look at the server browser for the first Serious Sam games (First Encounter and Second Encounter) most servers with people in it are Co-Op. That’s gotta say something.
@Microsoft banning PEGI 18 apps from Windows 8 Store
Well, what can I say, they own the store so they can rule it as they want.
CroTeam’s pink scorpion: I like that sort of copy protection! Devs should do that more.
QOTW: I remember now! “Zombie Nation”.
The game has no zombies in it. You are a flying giant head, spitting … spit and eyeballs at your enemies. I liked the game, but the title … it just sets your expectations in the wrong direction.
*DING* You’ve got hate mail!
Dear Paul,
Stop asking for hate mail and then inflating your ego after Jonah tells you that the fans love you. Stop saying ‘I blame the parents’ when it doesn’t even fit the context. Don’t hate or love someone just because they like to play a certain game, it shows how biased you are. Finally, something for Jonah as well, stop interrupting somebody when you don’t agree with their point/opinion.
*DING*
In all seriousness, I didn’t have anything of value to comment this week.
@attempting hate mail
Dear Paul
You are annoying. I hope that when you are driving a car, you will crash into a schoolbus full of children and you will survive and they will all die in a horrible fire and that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
\hate mail
@Elite and Premium
Is it me or is COD trying to copy Battlefield because it’s subscription was more successful? I play Battlefield but never bought premium. That’s because I received one of it’s DLC as a pre-order bonus. That reduced the value of the package for me. Talk about catering for long time supporters.
@Kickstarter UK
I agree with Jordan. Never even knew it wasn’t available outside of US. In many ways it’s a good thing, because the UK government strangles all local creativity. They tax creators so much, that a large percentage of local stuff (like cartoons) are made abroad. Maybe removing the publisher will allow game developers to operate more easily.
@A single-player Metro
I hate it when they tack on multiplayer in otherwise good single-player games. Darkness is a great example. It’s usually bad unless they invest a lot of effort into it. Which takes manpower, time and money. Which makes single player worse off. They either have to balance well or concentrate on just one.
@Why do we even care. 99% of content on Windows 8 will be pirated anyway. I don’t think anyone will even know there is a store.
Microsoft should just integrate Piratebay into their core system. That and Steam.
@QOTW
Wish Metal Gear Solid: Revengance was already out. My spellcheck crashes every time I type that word. From the games I know, “Big Mutha Truckers: Truck Me Harder” comes to mind.
@Obsidian Project Eternity game:
Well Project Eternity has gotten over 4M and completed it’s Kickstarting funding. I am excited for this game, a call back to Isometric RPG games which I haven’t seen in a long time. I hope this not only helps Kickstarter become a more reputable option but also show that games other then FPS can not only make a profit but deserved to be made.
I really like one of the companions you’ll be getting a Cipher (Psychic) Detective, which seems very outside the norm of Wizard/Fighter/Thief/Cleric type classes.
Love the show keep up the good work guys.
@Metro: Last Light dumping multiplayer:
i hope they launch it as a free DLC if everything else fails on MP in “launchday”
@Microsoft banning PEGI 18 apps from Windows 8 Store:
if they dont like money, i can take some off their hands! and with the podcast kickstarter up and running, i know my 1st spending of this fictional huge sum of money i’ll soon have :3
no, but seriously, i can give this as a real ansewr to this issue: “they should not forbid steaks for everyone just because a baby can’t chew it” – mark twain
@QOTW:
Space Pirates and Zombies. i know, it is a good game and the name matches the gameplay, but it is still an awesome and weird name!
as of the time i am writing this feedback, it is monday and i was at college a few moments ago. i could not be drunk, but when i’m inhibriated by alcoholic beverages, i’ll give you guys a heads up
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/417021624/td-gaming-podcast