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Denver, 11:36 PM
Wed Nov 11
65 posts in the last 24 hours
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11/06/09
11/06/09
What's so hard to understand? #johncarmack
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The other side of that argument is that you have to go way out of your way for expensive components when making a gaming PC. That's true, but it will still probably run you a fraction of the cost of a Mac. And Microsoft doesn't have anything comparable to a iPhone in terms of portable gaming.
I really think Apple proclaiming a rightful place in the gaming market (where it does not compete with actual consoles) is eventually going to prompt a response from Microsoft. Perhaps an XBox 360-oriented handheld? #johncarmack
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Can you imagine how many (Xbox Portables, for the sake of naming) XBPs they would sell with a solid launch lineup? I'm talking about the 360 classics and some original IPs. I'd have to forget about spending money on gas and going anywhere for a while if they did release this hypothetical machine, because Microsoft would have my money.
Of course, not everyone is so easy to get on board with a new portable as I am. And yes, they couldn't just throw any old thing together -- PSPgo didn't convince me. The broader gaming community seems split on the premise of digital downloads. With proper implementation, I could see Microsoft journeying a little further out into portable gaming territory. Especially because they've proven to rise to the occasion more recently in light of direct competition from Apple.
With company competition, consumers are the victors, I say. #johncarmack
11/06/09
IMO, iPhones are like Flash games. Can be entertaining, but generally far more inferior quality to PC or console games. Also: Tiny screen. Regardless of it's resolution. #johncarmack
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Ultimately, I would like to see a gaming device become a full-fledged phone (not the other way around like Nokia attempted). I would love a device like my LG Env3 with the outside looking like a game boy micro and the inside having the full keyboard and the phone functions. #johncarmack
11/06/09
11/06/09
Remember Halo? #johncarmack
11/06/09
Bingo. I have an old issue of Next Generaion mag with a 12 page article on Apple's 'new' commitment to gaming. They mention and show early screens of the game that would become Halo. #johncarmack
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However giving an excuse that dedicated servers are relics as the reason is pretty lame. They should just come out and be honest that they don't think it's going to be financially viable for them to add the extra code. At least they wouldn't be looking like IW at the moment. #idsoftware
11/06/09
On the other hand, I'm still pretty trusting that whatever Carmack does will work. He might not be the most original when it comes to story etc, but he is usually pretty anal about making it work. #idsoftware
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So no, they aren't lazy. They might have misjudged the value of the things they prioritized, but it's not like they're taking a couple of extra weeks vacation because they're not including a certain feature.
If you think people can get jobs at top-tier developers and be lazy, you're welcome to try. The competition for joining this kind of developer is insane. #idsoftware
11/06/09
As someone who's main computer is a MBP there's nothing I'd love more. I dualboot Windows for the sole purpose of gaming. Most game's run well enough on medium settings but stuff running Unreal 3 or the CryEngine simply won't run at all. I'd happily invest in an iMac if I knew I could easily upgrade the RAM and the graphics card and the OS actually had decent game support. #johncarmack
11/06/09
I have been an avid Mac user for about 15 years. While it would be cheaper and nicer to build my own Mac, I like that when my old Mac Pro had a motherboard issue, I took it to the apple store and came back a few days later to find it replaced and working. I keep a gaming PC that I build, so I am can do the repairs myself, but there is a lot to be said for someone else doing the work.
Do you want to do all the repairs on your car, or do you take it to the shop for some major issues. It's the same principal in practice. #johncarmack
11/06/09
It's considerably cheaper to do my own repairs. Unless my computer is under warranty, which it no longer is. Apple charges way to much for their replacement hardware and their labor fees are ridiculous, especially since doing my own work means no labor fees.
And I know a lot of guys who do all their own car repairs. If you know what you're doing why wouldn't you? It's cheaper and you know you trust the guy doing the work.
Apple doesn't support non-proprietary hardware because they know they can overcharge for theirs. It obviously makes sense from a business standpoint but it sucks for me. #johncarmack
11/06/09
I've had my macbook for 4 years and it still runs as well as the day I got it. That blows all 5 PCs I've had out of the water, including the Sony laptop that was more expensive than my Mac. I understand the proprietary hardware. They have a limited number of configurations that they test like crazy so that they know that they're stable, and can easily identify common problems within models. This is the appeal of Mac. There nothing wrong with doing you own tinkering, but if you want something that just works without fiddling with it, Mac is the best out there.
That said, the graphics thing is a point of frustration. There's a lot more complexity in upgrading graphics cards than with RAM or hard drives, so I understand why they aren't considered upgradable. However, I think they could do much better at acknowledging the gamers out there by offering at least one cutting-edge graphics card when you buy the Mac. #johncarmack
11/06/09
"We'll see how it works out for everyone else.
If you don't give a fuck about your player base - works out great!! That much is clear already!! :D #idsoftware
11/06/09
@avconsumer2: Out of interest, though I know of the original origin of "Et tu Brute?" but theres been a recent surge of it's use in the IWnet n id articles, and I'm just wondering if this image was the one that's spawned it's resurgence. #idsoftware
11/06/09
11/06/09
That image is made be me. Nice to know I sparked a trend :P #idsoftware
11/06/09
Though I hadn't seen it yet (and upon scrolling down, was already used), the phrase occurred to me originally at the beginning of the IW fiasco. #idsoftware
11/06/09
Oh and why hadn't I hearted you yet, I've seen you commenting alot championing the PC cause. #idsoftware
11/06/09
11/06/09
Bioware churning in mega bucks on PC, EA too, which they learnt with Spore that PC users bite back, Bioware, Valve, Betsheda etc etc So really ATVI shouldn't expect much if they carry on fucking over PC users.
And good riddance tbh, ATVI really need a major financial kick up the ass. #idsoftware
11/06/09
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Apparently their inner child grew up unlike the rest of us. #johncarmack
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@D4RKSH33P: Most these people don't give a shit about third world countries. Philanthropy is a fashion accessory. I've tried talking to these people - they have no fucking idea what's going on in the world. They want to be "seen" and I will insult them 'til the cows come home. Then I'll eat the cows. Nom nom nom. #johncarmack
11/06/09
It's not fair to generalize people like that. If I got to a indian food establishment, and get poor service and treated like a ass, it doesn't mean that every indian restaurant is full of assholes. #johncarmack
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@D4RKSH33P: It sounds like Mr. Sensitives goes to cries-babies house for vacation.
11/06/09
I guess the only point I'm trying to make is that loudmouth insults do not help "gamerz" reputation with companies such as Apple, which is why this topic comes up in the first place. #johncarmack
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Gaming on the iPhone is making Apple lots and lots of money. So no matter how grudging they may be they will not pass up the opportunity to make that money, regardless of whether it is coming from games. #johncarmack
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If Apple took their UI and style crafting abilities and used them to create something that actually cared about functionality they'd quickly take over everything.
But if they've decided something isn't particularly important, that something is not going to be anything but a hassle to do. It's why I refuse to use iTunes; the UI does not work very well for the way I organize and sort music, and the program denies me the ability to have the flexibility I need. It would not be overly hard to add the features necessary to support the way I do things either. They just don't happen to think my methodology is worth inclusion. #johncarmack
11/06/09
Thing is though that Apple are probably as successful as they are because they often put form over function. It seems to be part of the ethos of the company.
As long as they continue to make money doing that then they will not see the need to make changes.
To be fair their hardware specs are pretty impressive when you consider the sleek, shiny and small cases that the squeeze everything into.
But in saying all that they have no real excuse for not making their software more accessible and flexible. None at all... #johncarmack
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Their excuse is that they're protecting the millions of dollars they spent making the software, just like every other company. #johncarmack
04:04 PM
06:35 PM
11/06/09
I just cannot come up with a compelling argument how p2p is better than a dedicated server experience.
Just curious. Now's you chance - CONVINCE ME. Seriously I want to know how p2p is better than a dedicated server.
I should qualify my post - how is it better for me the gamer and not just you the dev/publisher.
11/06/09
I should ad that in THIS case, I think Carmack gets the benefit of the doubt.
We all know ActiBlizzard is in it to monetize every time you think about a video game. #idsoftware
11/06/09
Whereas with P2P matchmaking they do need a server running the service to match makes folks n tie em off with each other. And once they no longer feel like running the mathcmaking service, they turn off the servers and Rage's online no longer works. Whereas I'd wager Quake III still has a fair few servers up n running and that game is 10 years old. Some dedicated servers outlive the companies that made them. #idsoftware
11/06/09
I read this as iD won't be running any servers. i do admit that it should be optional for people who want to have their own.
And running a matchmaking server akes even less horsepower than a dedicated server, so I won't even go into that argument. #idsoftware
11/06/09
They have to keep it running, code the algorithm, put up with complaints for when it goes down.
As soon as IWnet goes down for just a few hours, IW will get torn apart.
But yes, all issues would be solved if they just allowed the choice. COD4 you had the choice of playing matchmaking on consoles, or dedicated on PC, now its matchmaking on console or matchmaking on PC.
It'd be like going into a voting booth last November n having
[] McCain
[] McCain #idsoftware
11/06/09
11/06/09
Now its a dictatorship where we are told how to play our games and that we will like them. #idsoftware
11/06/09
We all know this is probably one of the very few franchises that can dictate to gamers, instead of the other way around. #idsoftware
11/06/09
If the numbers are drastically less for MW2, then the PC masses have spoken. #idsoftware
11/06/09
I know it's a shitty thing to say, but at this point PC gamers are lucky they are still thrown a bone.
I'm not saying it's fair. Just the reality. #idsoftware
11/06/09
500,000 is alot. that's $25million+ just on retail units alone.
(bear in mind my numbers are form an article 4 months after MW's release, been a year on top of that)
It's not lucky that PC gamers are being thrown a bone, its a fucking disgrace. #idsoftware
11/06/09
And the consoles combined for what...last I looked it was like 9.5 million.
So the PC accounted fora half a percent.
The writing has been on the wall for a while. #idsoftware
11/06/09
The writing on the wall says you may want to look to your calculator again.
Also just because consoles outsell PC doesn't mean PC is over. Just means that consoles are getting more folks on em. Which has been happening since 5th gen when PS1 broke the 100million barrier.
When PC games start selling sub-20K units for AAA games, then come back n tell me the PC industry is dead. #idsoftware
11/06/09
See the money angle still doesn't make sense. Even from the dev publisher side. Unless they are afraid of not getting a basic return on the investment it would take for the PC version. (ie piracy)
If they have a match making service in place, they have to pay to run that infrastructure that all the players will be tied to. That takes money every month to pay for. It's not like this game is a subscription based games like WoW. If they keep the game running for years it might actually cost them MORE than developing a dedicated server.
11/06/09
Also, good points...I don't play these games on the PC but as a independent developer I am seeing the market being segmented between the folks that are active PC supporters and those who could really care less and just want to shoot stuff.
In your estimation, do you see these companies hearing the cries of the people and doing something about it? Sorry you folks are dealing with this blasphemy!! #idsoftware
11/06/09
I'm thinking ATVI won't listen.
The fact that as the petion ticks over to 180K pc gamers wanting dedicated servers on MW2 Bowling boasts that they could turn to 60K twitter subscribers to ask what they wanted in the game just shows that they have stuck their fingers in their ears to PC.
However there are still many developers n publishers that support PC.
And they will listen to PC users, it's such a flexible platform that they can try out so many things that get suggested. And thankfully developers recognise that. I think id will probs change their mind on the dedicated servers, I'm hoping they are saying its great IW are going first beacuase they want to see the sales figures n see hopw mch non-dedi's affects it. #idsoftware
11/06/09
In my estimation, and like I had said before, it appears the market is turning to the "casual" audience. It's a severe underestimation of how the PC gamer works, being that most of the time they do a lot of work with the game and figure out glitches, easter eggs, work arounds, etc. All that is sort of besides the point at hand, but still relevant for limiting them the choice of simply using a prefered "friendly" server of their liking. I appreciate the fact that the PC gamers are so vigorous with this whereas in my case I can't worry too much about that stuff, as the console gaming environment is pretty much pre-determined by the service provider (Microsoft in my case).
I strongly believe that with a relatively open platform like the PC it should be the end user that dictates how the game will be played. This is a huge step backwards by not allowing the PC users to interface as they normally would with dedicated servers. Thanks for your input and the comment was well said on your part. Good luck to the petitioners :) #idsoftware
11/06/09
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How is waiting 5 minutes between each match an improvement? Especially when there's a risk you'll end up with somebody with crap ping, or on a map that you hate. #idsoftware
11/06/09
There are many relics related to PC Gaming but dedicated servers are not one of the negatives. It now seems like John Carmack is a relic of pcgaming who no longer understands his audience.
We can still enjoy ancient (relic) ID games because of dedicated servers and community support and only the die hards pay to keep these up for us. How much longevity will Rage have without the pc gaming community propping it up?
Anyway, enough ranting, anyone fancy a game of Q3: Urban Terror on a dedi?
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11/06/09
Also means you can have long tail sales. #idsoftware