I've hated Apple ever since my elementary school days. The computer labs had those old Apple II computers that took forever to load. The IBM compatible one I had at home never had that kind of a problem. #johncarmack
I'm really annoyed that Jobs one day announces that Apple is now a gaming company. And then, decidedly, it is. But it's not. The iPhone is not a gaming machine. It can play games, but so can a Mac. And Macs, too, are not gaming machines.
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
@Pretty Sneaky Sis: MS has the zune, which is supposed to be the iPod competitor and it appears like they could end up emphasizing games more, but they are definitely behind iPod in popularity. On the other hand, if they released a more gaming-focused handheld, they'd be in direct competition against the DS and PSP, which already have a huge lead. Apple has managed to use their practical monopoly in high-end portable music players to edge into games, but I still don't think that they are in the same category as dedicated gaming handhelds. #johncarmack
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
@anabbeynormality: I have yet to find an iPhone game that makes it more difficult to put down than my Gameboy SP.
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
@Darein: Agreed on the iPhone games. For some reason, even when they're good, I find myself tiring of them quickly and wishing I was playing a real handheld instead. The tilting mechanic feels like a novelty, and I hate covering up parts of the screen with my fingers while I'm trying to play. I love my GB Micro! #johncarmack
@Pretty Sneaky Sis: I've never owned an xbox, but I'm sure there are a lot of MS fans that would jump on the opportunity to play their favorite xbox exclusives on a portable. I would imagine an xbox handheld would have more similarities with sony than with nintendo (just like home consoles), so PSP would be it's primary competitor in its target demographic. The PSP is nice, but there are certainly a lot of areas for improvement like dual analog controls.
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
I can't disagree with Carmack's words.Apple's history is replete with examples of them having every opporunity to support gaming, even at very little cost to themselves and then completely ignoring them. #johncarmack
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
What the fuck is developers problem with the COMMUNITY hosting fucking servers with their own money to improve their own gaming experience? You don't have to do a damn thing, you just enable hosted servers, make a server browser and thats it. No one gets pissed off. #idsoftware
@qwerty: P2P and server-based network code are entirely different animals. In order to allow server-based play as a secondary option, they would basically need to redo most of the netcode. It's not nearly as simple as flipping a switch. #idsoftware
@Toasticus: And that takes a heck of alot of time and money. Which if they are anticipating a low return on investment for the PC version, is kind of justified in a business sense. Especially when developing for the consoles first and then PC second.
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
@Toasticus: Strong though, that id is building this engine to be sold. So I think they would include both for the people buying the engine that want dedicated servers.
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
@Mctittles: From what I understand, the base for dedicated server netcode isn't a difficult feature to add on the engine side of things. Adding and testing all the specific hookups to game logic that varies from game to game is where most of the work goes toward, so that's why implementing a dedicated server system in Rage wouldn't be very useful in marketing Tech 5. Now, all the base netcode for matchmaking is a different issue, where showing off the implementation for a specific title would be very useful because the matchmaking system itself will vary less from title to title than all the game logic integration. #idsoftware
@Toasticus: The server system in MW2 isn't P2P, its the same model. You have a host for the game that sends the info to all the other games. The only difference between that and a dedicated server is that a dedicated server doesn't play the game at the same time, it only runs it. There are differences outside of the actual game, a dedicated server system requires a server browser, but ingame it would operate almost entirely the same way. A true P2P system has no central hosts at all, but that is not what MW2 is using. In fact I don't think there is a single true P2P multiplayer game out there, P2P environments wouldn't handle things well.
@Toasticus: So in other words they're getting lazy? Why are gamers starting to pay for many developers' half assed efforts to make money, I mean make games...enjoy lower sales because of it you dumbasses. #idsoftware
@tshack: You have to realize these are businesses, not groups of hobbyists. They decide what are the most important things to their product and absolutely bust their asses trying to make those things as polished and impressive as possible. Trying not to spread your company thin by adding on every possible feature under the sun, ending up with a lot of mediocrity instead of a decent amount of awesome, is just smart management.
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
Ya know if Apple would work harder to bring game developers to their OS and allow easily upgradeable non-proprietary hardware support they could take a significant chunk of marketshare from MS. I don't understand the "We don't make gaming PCs" stance.
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
@bkchurch: As soon as Apple starts to support random hardware that they do not control, they can no longer off the kind of support they do.
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
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
@bkchurch: Apple does make it easy to install RAM and hard drives, even going so far as to providing instructions on their website and maintaining warranties for these "user-installable" items. If you go into the store, they will tell you exactly what type of RAM/hard drive you need and where to get it (they directed me to newegg). They've also replaced my battery free-of-charge even though my computer was out of warranty.
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
@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
@deanbmmv: People are taking video game news too seriously, and feel backstabbed. One person used the phrase and felt clever, and after skimming over it, lots of other people are getting the idea to use the phrase due to their subconscious being unoriginal pricks. #idsoftware
@deanbmmv: great minds think alike. Love yer work sir. ;)
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
@avconsumer2: [www.flickr.com] more where that comes form (quite alot of uncharted 2 pics though :P)
Oh and why hadn't I hearted you yet, I've seen you commenting alot championing the PC cause. #idsoftware
@deanbmmv: Yeah... the whole dedi-gate severely depresses me. As a previous tech support rep for Softdisk's main ISP competitor in the Shreveport area (where Carmack kicked off his career,) before big telecom jumped on the ISP wagon... this is hitting way too close to home at this point. Just wish I could do more. You may have seen one of my previous posts, but according to ATVI's latest SEC filing, for the last 9 months "PC and other" (MMORPG's not included obviously) revenue accounted for 4% of total. Also @ 4%... their PS2 offerings. Betting we'll be lucky to even be offered a port of the next iteration. /rantoff #idsoftware
@avconsumer2: Activsion are biting their own hands off though in the PC industry.
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
@deanbmmv: Completely agree. Yeah, probably gonna buy 2 copies of the next DICE title... just on principle. I think in the end they'll (atvi) regret it, no idea when "the end" will be though. :P #idsoftware
@Eulatos: He speaks the truth. Go to your local "fair trade" coffee shop or vegan restaurant. That's where you'll see the both the highest concentration of both Macbooks and thick-rimmed glasses. Chances are 20-30% of them also paid over a thousand dollars for a piece of driftwood sanded down into a table. #johncarmack
@Koztah: While I do agree that Apple is able to get people to buy things based on fashion, I feel that your comment, along with puffa469's is just useless and insulting to people who enjoy coffee that isn't the result of screwing over developing countries or prefer to not eat meat. #johncarmack
@Eulatos: Eh. I'm responsible for ~5000 workstations, work on two PCs and remote into a handful of AS/400s and Domino servers. None of the people I work with use Macs for anything. :P #johncarmack
@Dacdac: You'd think that. But no, I went to one of those hipster clothing swaps because my girlfriend wanted to trade clothes. I step into this vegan place where it's held and I couldn't spit without hitting a Macbook, thick-rimmed glasses or an iPhone. Not to mention the place had ridiculously poor service and forced you to buy at least a 6$ grilled cheese sandwich (grilled pseudocheese, I guess) in order to be allowed to order a pitcher of beer. Didn't get our food/beer until we reminded the staff repeatedly for over an hour. The staff was also so braindead that they forgot to bring me the bill even though I reminded them about that repeatedly for nearly two hours after finishing up the beer. Of course, after two hours of asking them for the check literally every fifteen minutes I just up and left since they didn't seem to want to get paid. Call it a negative tip.
@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
@Koztah: You went to the wrong place. Most places like you described are full of knowledgeable and helpful people. You went to a place that tries to cash in the fakes.
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
@Koztah: Hyprocisy runs rampant in society, but that isn't a reason for you to insult a group of people. They want to be seen like you want to be "funny" by making hard generalizations. #johncarmack
@Koztah: If I applied the Koztah method of commenting to this statement, I reply with a sweeping generalization about metal fans and adults who watch cartoons. I won't though because I'm above that in pretenious thousand dollar driftwood table land.
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
@D4RKSH33P: LMAO. Buddy, make all the generalizations you like. Have fun up there. I'm sure many of them could be applied to adults who play games as well. :)
That is the downside of Steve Jobs. If he doesn't think it's worthwhile, it gets ignored. That's just as big a reason for the weak gaming scene on the mac as the smaller marketshare is. The same goes for customization. There's no reason iTunes, iPhoto, and Safari can't be as open as applications like Firefox in terms of customization and plug-in support, but the highest ups don't put a big priority on it. #johncarmack
@cabjf: Yup, yup but you know what Steve Jobs is good at? Making money. Say what you like about him but the man knows how to steer Apple into green pastures.
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
@cabjf: I think it would be great, for customers and Apple, if iTunes would be more open and not try to force people to have iPods to sync. #johncarmack
@Koztah: I agree even on my Dell XPS with 6gb DDR3 Ram and Core i7 processor, it's still slows everything down when I open it. I really wish they would do like an iTunes Lite, just where I could buy music and put it on my iPod. That's all I want it for, and it would be nice if I had that option. #johncarmack
@McLuvin: A core part of the problem is that while Apple is very good at marketing and selling products, because of this sort of disdain for certain things, the functionality of their products are hampered in various ways, and things like gaming succeed in spite of, not because of, the effort that they've put into making them work.
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
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
@McLuvin: Firefox started as an open-source project from a startup. It's been super-successful, but it didn't originate as a multi-million dollar investment. What software is out there from a major corporation and is open source? Microsoft Office? nope. Photoshop? no.
Their excuse is that they're protecting the millions of dollars they spent making the software, just like every other company. #johncarmack
@anabbeynormality: OpenOffice has been, at least partly, a brainchild of Sun Microsystems, and many OOo features eventually make their way into StarOffice, Sun's commercial office suite. #johncarmack
@RawSteelUT: Ironically, I just downloaded and was using OpenOffice right before reading the response to my comment. It's definitely a good example of a major corporation creating open source software. However, I still maintain that this is not the norm (unfortunately) and therefore Apple isn't really any more guilty or controlling than the majority of large software companies. #johncarmack
Alright Mr Carmack, I respect your opinion very highly and admire all that you have done and continue to do not only in gaming but also in the areospace industry. Maybe I'm just an ignorant forum poster, but I would like you to spell out for me or just a bullet list of the pros and cons of dedicated server vs peer to peer multiplayer.
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.
@I_Like_TDs: With Dedicated servers they never have to spend a dime on the running of the server. Kotaku TF2 server costs us $20 a month to run, not Valve (or Kotaku for that matter...)
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
@deanbmmv: You mean the option of letting people run their own servers.
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
@I_Like_TDs: Them running a matchmaking service takes more effort for them than letting the community organise servers themselves.
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
@I_Like_TDs: I guess in one way it shows that gaming is no longer the democracy it once was, where gamers would choose what lived and died, and could influence their games.
Now its a dictatorship where we are told how to play our games and that we will like them. #idsoftware
@I_Like_TDs: Mw1 sold roughly 500,000 units on PC ( this is retail, no figures for DD like Steam)
If the numbers are drastically less for MW2, then the PC masses have spoken. #idsoftware
@I_Like_TDs: Errrm.
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
@I_Like_TDs: Errm...no.
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
@I_Like_TDs: said :"His company gets to put more money into games instead of running servers?...We all know ActiBlizzard is in it to monetize every time you think about a video game"
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.
@deanbmmv: What about Obama/Obama? Just thought I would ask xD
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
@Duuuuuuude: Oh, I'm not American so don't really want to go with the whole politics, just pulled the one that people didn't vote for.
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
@deanbmmv: Haha, I was only giving you a hard time about the political commentary :) I tend to keep that out of the bastion of positivity (mostly) that is Kotaku!
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
If dedicated servers are a "relic of PC gaming's early days" then what the hell is matchmaking? When I bought Halo 3 (which is the first FPS I played online on a console) I thought the matchmaking was some kind of bad joke and that developers would realize what a mistake it was. But this is starting to get ridiculous.
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
"Carmack, Variety said, indicated the felt the servers are a relic of PC gaming's early days."
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?
@Dirkfart Faeclefunk: Sadly, I doubt that they care too much about longevity as a large large majority of the sales of a game come in it's first month. How many people are still paying any money to get those old games that have longevity? I doubt that longevity helps thier company much unfortunately. #idsoftware
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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
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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
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Remember Halo? #johncarmack
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Also means you can have long tail sales. #idsoftware