Quake 4, Complete with Cross-Platform Multiplayer, Arrives on the Mac App Store

[3282868]

Probably not; but the real questions are:
1) Would it sell enough to be a viable product? The hard core gamers are not really part of Apple's market; nor a big enough slice to warrant producing a machine aimed at them.
2) What would it cannibalize? Would it replace Mac Mini sales? Or would graphic professionals find it powerful enough to replace the Pros? I doubt it would replace a MacBook; but it probably would impact other Macs sales.

In the end, while a mid tower would be nice, I don't see it creating it's own space and expanding sales as much as cannibalizing others; plus given Apple's history of keeping Macs as standard as possible I doubt they'd create a low end configurable model.

I'm not sure iI agree with your iMac assessment - when we bought Macs to replace our aging Mac production equipment for a newspaper we went with PowerMacs because they were cheaper than the equivalent Apple products. I don't doubt other orgs made the same choice.

That's almost word for word what people said about the Apple Store chains in 2000 and the iPhone in 2007 (too expensive, lacks 3G, no market for it).

Until it's tested, there's no way to determine yes or no, but I do know that there are a lot of people in need of this and there wasn't much clamoring in 2006 before the iPhone came out in 2007.

 

[MythicFrost]

Disagree or not, that's how it is and still is to this day. The reason the Mac Pro is $1000 starting more than the PowerMac's they replaced is due to the Intel Server chip Apple utilizes; the PowerMacs had a PPC processor, the Mac Pro's went into server territory with chips running $1k+. This is overkill, as a lot of us would rather a i7+, something between the top iMac and Xeon Server class processor.

That doesn't explain why it's $1,000 more than Dell's equivalent system. The single processor Mac Pro's actually use W series not X series processors, which are much cheaper and no where near the $1,000 mark. The 2.8GHz quad-core in the Mac Pro is worth about $200 or $300.

No, as before it would not cannibalize iMac sales, just because it would for you doesn't mean the average consumer would buy it over an iMac. They didn't before because they don't WANT a tower, consumers like the iMac as it is all they need. Consumers don't need all the options that prosumers/professionals require, and they like the displays built in. A mid-tower that would actually replace the PowerMac would be perfect and a lot of us have been requesting such for a long time.

I didn't say it would -- in fact I said there would be many who choose the iMac, but still many would opt for the Mac Pro instead. There's no reason for the single processor Mac Pro to cost as much as it does, Apple's either trying to rake in more profit on that model, or they're trying to prevent it from hurting iMac or other Mac sales.

Think about this: I work in communications and IT. Businesses have thousands, even more, to spend on upgrading their systems. Many in the creative industry; film editors, photographers, design houses, had PowerMac's and ACD CCFL LCD's about 5-6 years ago. When the time came to upgrade, Apple killed Shake, many pro-Apps were ignored that many relied on, and the Mac Pro was $1k+ more than the PowerMac's. Since Many bought 20, 30 systems, that's $20-30,000 more just starting over their previous systems. That's a big chunk to invest into a company that seems to care not for their business any longer. So, a lot have moved on to Windows or Unix, use Avid Media Center or Adobe Premiere Pro as they have worked to keep or get that business Apple has lost which is HUGE. Yes, Apple is raking it in with iOS and consumer level products, but why can't they do BOTH? They have the capital and it would only make them more money. Steve got short sighted, with mobile devices only, and now the market is beginning to be over saturated with Apple goods. China and Japan markets didn't take to Apple devices as well as AAPL estimated, which is a big market Apple hoped to tap into. Many analysts are predicting the "GAP" effect with Apple, meaning too many stores, too quickly, and too many products will eventually slow Apple sales. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but very soon, we've already seen Apple stock beginning to falter.

Personally, I expect Apple to continue on strong. I'm looking forward to Mountain Lion and iOS 6. It's too bad they're not working on the server or high end business market like you say, but they're obviously putting effort into what's working best.

EDIT: Hopefully, we'll see the 2012 Mac Pro come to light.

 

[wickedsteve]

A lot cheaper on Steam. Shame there is no Steamplay though, so its Windows only.

Looks like the same price to me. $19.99 at the Apps Store and the same at the Steam store. Maybe the prices are different where you are?

 

[roadbloc]

Looks like the same price to me. $19.99 at the Apps Store and the same at the Steam store. Maybe the prices are different where you are?

No, it was me being stupid. $19.99 doesn't equal £14.99. My mistake.

 

[Sackvillenb]

SWEET! I love the Quake series!!!!

A few comments though related to some of the discussions here:

1) increased upgradability and graphics power in macs: both of these things would of course be awesome. I really do think that better gaming capability would boost mac sales in a significant way. Does the average person care a lot about gaming? No. But does an important percentage of computer buyers care about that? Yes. How many Apple users here have a separate gaming pc? That need could have been met with an Apple device. And, to be honest, it wouldn't be that hard to make an iMac with a hidden port to replace the graphics card. This isn't rocket science, people have been making computers for decades now! Honestly, I hope these sorts of things improve now that Steve Jobs is gone. No offence to him (he was a brilliant though complicated man, and certainly made his unique impact on technology), but he had a very specific and often limited vision in terms of "consumers". I'm hoping the future will bring some more flexibility with Apple's products. I'm not expecting a completely open hardware and software ecosystem (ha!), but upgradable graphics, and perhaps even hard drives, that would be nice. Apple could really help themselves by improving their product's usefulness to those who enjoy gaming.

2) To the little debate about how important graphics is, well, YES it is important! If it wasn't, nobody would be making better graphics, better cameras, and better (retina) displays! Now, of course, graphics do not make a game on it's own. One of my favourite games of all time is old-school pixelated Doom. I still play it. But when I play a newer game like Mass Effect, or Rage, or Call of Duty, or Skyrim, the graphics are absolutely important. They add to the immersion, they make the pocket-Universe of that game come alive. These games have gorgeous graphics (well maybe not COD as much) and they should be enjoyed to their maximum potential. Now, I'm not anal about my good graphics, but on many macs, the graphics are significantly inferior to what they could be. It's often a very big gap. One poster asked if HD made a story better than DVD. No, of course not. But it makes the EXPERIENCE of VIEWING that story much better. At least for some types of media. Would I care about a comedy movie being in high def? Not really. But an well filmed nature documentary, or an epic move like Prometheus, I would absolutely want to have in HD. It does make a pretty big difference in terms of visual fidelity and detail. And humans are a very visually oriented species.

So there's my 3 cents!

 

[3282868]

EDIT: Hopefully, we'll see the 2012 Mac Pro come to light.

A-MEN

A friend of mine working at Pixar had a great suggestion.

Imagine a Mac Pro, similar to the size of the ill fated G4 Cube. Enough room for processor(s), RAM, HDD/SSD, maybe a graphics card and two PCIe slots (or more) and Thunderbolt ports. You can place it in a closet, attach HDD's and maybe a graphics box via Thunderbolt, and have one Thunderbolt cable running to your HID's and display. Bam! That would be awesome.

 

[4D4M]

Yeah, I'll thoroughly enjoy watching grandma and grandpa use their tablet toy while I use my computer to get real work done and then some.

And yet you're on a forum talking at length about games. How ironic.

As for your "tablets are mostly used for dicking around" statement, there are a lot of creatives out here who would disagree. Open your eyes before posting ignorant statements.

 

[3282868]

And yet you're on a forum talking at length about games. How ironic.

As for your "tablets are mostly used for dicking around" statement, there are a lot of creatives out here who would disagree. Open your eyes before posting ignorant statements.

It's disrespectful comments such as yours that make MacRumors a less productive and civil place to exchange ideas. The OP didn't insult any one directly, why do it?

 

[fruitycups]

so late.~!

 

[4D4M]

It's disrespectful comments such as yours that make MacRumors a less productive and civil place to exchange ideas. The OP didn't insult any one directly, why do it?

Well excuse me Mr/Mrs High And Mighty, if you read the thread again, I think you'll find he did directly insult user *LTD*, accusing him of being blinkered, arrogant and implying fanboyism.

 

[godslabrat]

If it were the original quake, I'd be all over that.

 

[3282868]

Well excuse me Mr/Mrs High And Mighty, if you read the thread again, I think you'll find he did directly insult user *LTD*, accusing him of being blinkered, arrogant and implying fanboyism.

So adding to it instead of ignoring it is the solution? Now you're insulting me. Good lord.

(and voting down comments makes it sillier)

 

[3282868]

Well excuse me Mr/Mrs High And Mighty, if you read the thread again, I think you'll find he did directly insult user *LTD*, accusing him of being blinkered, arrogant and implying fanboyism.

Stop while you're behind, you're just proving his point.

 

[4D4M]

So adding to it instead of ignoring it is the solution? Now you're insulting me. Good lord.

A bit sensitive today aren't we? OK, I'm sorry if you found my comments offensive. Be careful out there, there are meaner people than me.

 

[3282868]

A bit sensitive today aren't we? OK, I'm sorry if you found my comments offensive. Be careful out there, there are meaner people than me.

Or maybe he's an adult who doesn't like immature bullies. Grow up.

 

[4D4M]

Or maybe he's an adult who doesn't like immature bullies. Grow up.

Who's doing the name calling?

 

[xraydoc]

Without proper and powerful docking stations, real keyboards, mice and other input devices, they will never become a serious replacement for "real" computers.

And in case you haven't noticed it yet, Android tablets are already headed in that direction while Apple doesn't even try. And they probably won't, because they only care for the high-end consumer market and not for the places where people actually NEED good TOOLS (and not toys) to get a job done.

So you want to add a keyboard, a mouse and a bunch of ports to your tablet?
Sounds like a MacBook Air.

I have no idea why people want to turn their low-power ARM-based tablet in to a 3.5 lb. laptop. Just get a laptop for crying out loud. One with a proper processor to "get real work done" instead of trying to trick-out a tablet and make it something it's not.

- I use my iPad when I need a web browser, a mobile email client and a PDF reader/annotator (without squinting at a 3.5"-4" phone screen).

- I use my 11" MacBook Air with a full-on i7 processor when I need to edit a 650MB Keynote presentation or run a bunch of graphs and pivot tables in Excel.

Right tool for the right job. Adding a keyboard and a mouse to my iPad isn't going to turn it in to a laptop. Nor will it make the Asus Transformer anything but an Android tablet. Show me how you find an Android tablet with a dock able keyboard ideal for editing a massive presentation file with multipanel video and animated graphics/text.


/sorry for being off topic

 

[marcellus7]

SWEET! I love the Quake series!!!!

A few comments though related to some of the discussions here:

1) increased upgradability and graphics power in macs: both of these things would of course be awesome. I really do think that better gaming capability would boost mac sales in a significant way. Does the average person care a lot about gaming? No. But does an important percentage of computer buyers care about that? Yes. How many Apple users here have a separate gaming pc? That need could have been met with an Apple device. And, to be honest, it wouldn't be that hard to make an iMac with a hidden port to replace the graphics card. This isn't rocket science, people have been making computers for decades now! Honestly, I hope these sorts of things improve now that Steve Jobs is gone. No offence to him (he was a brilliant though complicated man, and certainly made his unique impact on technology), but he had a very specific and often limited vision in terms of "consumers". I'm hoping the future will bring some more flexibility with Apple's products. I'm not expecting a completely open hardware and software ecosystem (ha!), but upgradable graphics, and perhaps even hard drives, that would be nice. Apple could really help themselves by improving their product's usefulness to those who enjoy gaming.

2) To the little debate about how important graphics is, well, YES it is important! If it wasn't, nobody would be making better graphics, better cameras, and better (retina) displays! Now, of course, graphics do not make a game on it's own. One of my favourite games of all time is old-school pixelated Doom. I still play it. But when I play a newer game like Mass Effect, or Rage, or Call of Duty, or Skyrim, the graphics are absolutely important. They add to the immersion, they make the pocket-Universe of that game come alive. These games have gorgeous graphics (well maybe not COD as much) and they should be enjoyed to their maximum potential. Now, I'm not anal about my good graphics, but on many macs, the graphics are significantly inferior to what they could be. It's often a very big gap. One poster asked if HD made a story better than DVD. No, of course not. But it makes the EXPERIENCE of VIEWING that story much better. At least for some types of media. Would I care about a comedy movie being in high def? Not really. But an well filmed nature documentary, or an epic move like Prometheus, I would absolutely want to have in HD. It does make a pretty big difference in terms of visual fidelity and detail. And humans are a very visually oriented species.

So there's my 3 cents!

I was planning to throw in my 3 cents here too, but I think you nailed it. As an IT professional and sometimes gamer, I think that the Mac brand as a computer manufacturer, has very much neglected a segment of consumers.

It would not be difficult at all for them to release a product geared toward mid-level professional users and gamers. It's not rocket science and would not be geared toward the same users who would be purchasing an iMac. There's no reason in this age of hardware that Apple could not have a product option that would compete with it's PC counterparts in the field of gaming and professional use. The fact that it seems outside of their world-view really hampers would-be consumers and developers who don't see the Mac as a viable option for their computer needs.

This is from a Macbook Pro user with a PC for my workhorse / gaming machine, who would have went for a Mac if they had the right options available.

 

[zorinlynx]

I'd much rather have seen a fixed port of Quake III Arena on the Mac.

The current "official version" is PowerPC only and doesn't work quite right even on Macs with Rosetta.

There's some unofficial ports out there, but all of them have issues, including lack of PunkBuster support, which is required to play on pretty much all the remaining decent servers.

Bring back Q3A! A port would cost almost nothing, make a bit of money from old-school fans like me, and bring it back out of the dark ages.

 

[Irishman]

It'd be nice if Macs had:

a) decent graphics cards

Most Macs do have decent graphics cards. They usually get refreshed so infrequently that, what started out as a mid-line or upper mid-line card ends up being passed in performance by newer cards.

b) a headless iMac to avoid crappy mobile graphics cards and allow expansion

What makes you presume a headless iMac would be given different parts from the regular iMac or Mac Mini?

c) decently priced graphics cards for Mac Pros

See my response to your a) above.

d) CURRENT graphics cards for Mac Pros

See my response to your a) above.

So, how often should Macs be refreshed with new GPUs in your view?? Every 6 months? 3 months?

 

[wikus]

Most Macs do have decent graphics cards. They usually get refreshed so infrequently that, what started out as a mid-line or upper mid-line card ends up being passed in performance by newer cards.



What makes you presume a headless iMac would be given different parts from the regular iMac or Mac Mini?



See my response to your a) above.



See my response to your a) above.

So, how often should Macs be refreshed with new GPUs in your view?? Every 6 months? 3 months?

You think Macs need a complete refresh when graphics cards should be available via expansion?

If Apple didn't have its head up its a$$ we'd be given the possibility to upgrade our Macs for years to come without needing to replace the whole computer.

Are you suggesting we should buy a new computer just to get a new graphics card?

 

[flottenheimer]

Thanks to Aspyr for bringing 'Quake 4' to the Mac App Store!

What I wish for now is 'Modern Warfare 3'.
I'm still enjoying Aspyrs great conversion of 'Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare' (which runs fine on my ultimo 2008 MacBook Pro / GeForce 9600M GT).

Buying/downloading/installing games from the Mac App Store is just awesome. Easy. Trouble free. And your games are always available for a re-download. Just as it should be. Steam could learn a lot from it.

On the subject of Steam - If anyone should have missed it - 'Team Fortress 2' is free for the Mac. And it is still a freakin' awesome game (runs great on GeForce 9600M GT).

 

[Irishman]

Bring back Q3A! A port would cost almost nothing, make a bit of money from old-school fans like me, and bring it back out of the dark ages.

You know this exists already? Quake Live?

----------

You think Macs need a complete refresh when graphics cards should be available via expansion?

If Apple didn't have its head up its a$$ we'd be given the possibility to upgrade our Macs for years to come without needing to replace the whole computer.

Are you suggesting we should buy a new computer just to get a new graphics card?

Really? And what is the business rationale behind this redesign of yours?

 

[Yamcha]

Yup I think It's too bad that Apple hasn't really been pushing for games, we still find low end graphics cards on desktop's, and there is still not OpenGL 4.0 adoption, which came out in 2010..

And although there is support for multiple monitors on the Mac Platform, we still don't have Crossfire or SLI technology where you can use multiple graphics cards and get better performance..

We are only really seeing casual games on the Mac App Store, and while that may be ok for the younger audiences or occasional gamers, It's not made for people who want to play demanding games found on Windows..

Sadly, I bet one of the reasons devleopers choose not to develop for Mac over Windows apart from reach is probably due to the fact that Macs are equipped with underpower graphics cards, not to mention ports perfom poorly compared to the native Windows version, so really to make up for the lost in performance you need a even faster GPU..

 

[gotluck]

Really? And what is the business rationale behind this redesign of yours?

Apple would gain customers like me who wont buy mac until they have decent non mobile graphics cards that are user upgradeable in a model more affordable than a mac pro. I don't need 12 cores - I just want a regular damn graphics card.

People love to boast about the longevity of Apple's products, but if you care about games you can forget about the longevity. My ~'07 (aside from the graphics card) C2D PC with an UPGRADED graphics card can run newly released games at playable rates - Apple's products should be able to do the same (save for the mac pro which I believe can), considering they are premium products in other capacaties.