Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

The Significance of Steam and Valve's Games for Mac

Playing games now on the MBP is doable, when they are refreshed it will be even better. You do not need to have a machine that plays Crysis on 1920x1200 16X AA

The iMac has a 4850, with an i7, decent gaming there. (on a monitor that is second to none)

Mac Pro (about to be refreshed also) can game awsome-ly (if you can afford it)

Mac Mini, not really.
 
rmbrown09 said:
Because it's a PC??
same reason you pay 40k for a nice BMW when you could pay 10k for a rice rocket that you can "build and tweak"
Click to expand...
First let me say I'm all for porting Steam and its games to Macs, it's good for both Steam and Apple.

This analogy seems a little off though... Why pay 40k for a nice BMW when you can buy a custom built car for 10k? Besides paying for the BMW logo, there would be no point if you could custom build a car just as fast, reliable and comfortable for 10k. You also wouldn't need special work around to get your custom car working on most race tracks that havn't been designed for BMWs.
 
Macs are geared towards professionals in media. Thats why Macs are used in Video Production Studios (where I work), Sound Studios, Web Designers, Graphic Designers, People that like an awesome computing experience, etc. (And also used by everyday folks)

They are spendy'r sure, but those are the types of people that can afford them.
Little kids that like, man 4-way SLI 480 GTX super cool! they go for PC's....and play games.

Mac's allow gameplay, and so much more. (Especially after this update.)

Money is not an argument here. If you can't afford it, sorry bye.

You wouldn't go into a Astin Martin thread and say man, I can get a way faster car for the price of a **** Corvette!
 
Paying for quality bro, just because you cannot afford it, can't understand and utilize the software, or need your super SLI PC because you want to play a couple games on Max and thats it, doesn't mean your paying for bull.

Think of it logically. The people that use these things are at the highest level. These people are much smarter than you. It's like saying college is a waste of money, I can go get a job right now without it and spending all that money.

Cars and PC analogy does work to some extent though.

Professionals = Luxury Cars = Macs

Little Kids = Beater Cars = Supper cool SLI PC i can't afford.
 
rmbrown09 said:
Macs are geared towards professionals in media. Thats why Macs are used in Video Production Studios (where I work), Sound Studios, Web Designers, Graphic Designers, People that like an awesome computing experience, etc. (And also used by everyday folks)

They are spendy'r sure, but those are the types of people that can afford them.
Little kids that like, man 4-way SLI 480 GTX super cool! they go for PC's....and play games.

Mac's allow gameplay, and so much more. (Especially after this update.)

Money is not an argument here. If you can't afford it, sorry bye.

You wouldn't go into a Astin Martin thread and say man, I can get a way faster car for the price of a **** Corvette!
Click to expand...


I don't see why you wouldn't, aside from the few negative responces you would get...

People use macs for media production because they come bundled with the stuff needed to do so, not because Macs are better than PCs at anything other than being completely idiot-proof. Now, considering in media design you don't need to be a computer wiz, being idiot proof is a plus, and so they are used. If you are a hardcore gamer, you most likely know a fair bit about computer and either: A) Aren't stupid enough to **** up your system, or B) Know how to fix it on the off chance that you do.

I, for example, have somewhere between 100-200 gigs of games, and the only time I have EVER had a problem on my PC was when I was trying to uninstall my linux partition.


Now, as for your "Macs can allow for gameplay and much more" statement: Before this Macs had almost 0 games (Now, we aren't talking about little flash games or downloadable games with no plot. We are talking about full fledged games like Sims 3 or Spore (Even though those two are aimed at casual gamers)), and there is not a single thing you can do with a mac that you cannot do with a Windows running computer. (Using Program XYZ is not what I mean here, I mean do specific functions.) Now, the same is becoming more and more true as time goes on for macs, but there is still a large gap, and one that is too large to be worthwhile for anyone who enjoys using computers for things such as programming.

Also why would you NOT want to be able to upgrade your computer? I mean games such as Crysis have already come out, and the scale will only keep going up from there (Though Crysis has not been properly surpassed yet, it WILL happen, and probably soon). And with a Mac, when Valve finally does give you a few games you will most likely: A) Get VERY few titles, or B) Need to get a whole new mac just to play them.

Now I, as a Windows user, can just pop in a new graphics card for MAYBE $100 if I sell my current one. and even that is most likely more than it will cost.
 
The car analogy is just bad anyway. It's like comparing Ferrari's to Lamborghini's; Both are good at what they do.

For performance : price, custom built PC's will always win no contest.

For usability, it's always been a matter of personal taste to me. I prefered Macs to PC's for a long while, but I moved to 7 from XP and now they're both pretty awesome. Hell, I even like some Linux disto's.

In the end I stuck with PC's because of the better software availability (games especially) and abilility to upgrade on a whim. Depending on how many games are made available through steam, I might consider getting another mac.
 
rmbrown09 said:
Paying for quality bro, just because you cannot afford it, can't understand and utilize the software, or need your super SLI PC because you want to play a couple games on Max and thats it, doesn't mean your paying for bull.

Think of it logically. The people that use these things are at the highest level. These people are much smarter than you. It's like saying college is a waste of money, I can go get a job right now without it and spending all that money.

Cars and PC analogy does work to some extent though.

Professionals = Luxury Cars = Macs

Little Kids = Beater Cars = Supper cool SLI PC i can't afford.
Click to expand...



Oh come now, now you are just being illogical.

A great computer that can play all games on max will most likely cost near the price of a mac. Your analogy is really:

Macs = Paying 40k for a beater car = "Creative" job

Windows users = Paying 10k for a pretty good car or 40k for an amazing one = Jobs in things that actually matter (i.e. jobs relating to science.)
 
Soylent Green said:
I don't see why you wouldn't, aside from the few negative responces you would get...

People use macs for media production because they come bundled with the stuff needed to do so, not because Macs are better than PCs at anything other than being completely idiot-proof. Now, considering in media design you don't need to be a computer wiz, being idiot proof is a plus, and so they are used. If you are a hardcore gamer, you most likely know a fair bit about computer and either: A) Aren't stupid enough to **** up your system, or B) Know how to fix it on the off chance that you do.

I, for example, have somewhere between 100-200 gigs of games, and the only time I have EVER had a problem on my PC was when I was trying to uninstall my linux partition.


Now, as for your "Macs can allow for gameplay and much more" statement: Before this Macs had almost 0 games (Now, we aren't talking about little flash games or downloadable games with no plot. We are talking about full fledged games like Sims 3 or Spore (Even though those two are aimed at casual gamers)), and there is not a single thing you can do with a mac that you cannot do with a Windows running computer. (Using Program XYZ is not what I mean here, I mean do specific functions.) Now, the same is becoming more and more true as time goes on for macs, but there is still a large gap, and one that is too large to be worthwhile for anyone who enjoys using computers for things such as programming.

Also why would you NOT want to be able to upgrade your computer? I mean games such as Crysis have already come out, and the scale will only keep going up from there (Though Crysis has not been properly surpassed yet, it WILL happen, and probably soon). And with a Mac, when Valve finally does give you a few games you will most likely: A) Get VERY few titles, or B) Need to get a whole new mac just to play them.

Now I, as a Windows user, can just pop in a new graphics card for MAYBE $100 if I sell my current one. and even that is most likely more than it will cost.
Click to expand...

Bootcamp means any mac (Intel Mac) can play any PC game.

I was you! I was a gamer PC fanatic. I had tons of YoutTube tutorials PC tweaks etc, i had the most popular boost FPS and get Windows 7 free video in the world (300,000 views)
My account was deleted for copy right infringement (surprise)

You evolve to mac though.

My last computer purchase was a gaming laptop, and now I will never go back for sure.
 
Soylent Green said:
I, for example, have somewhere between 100-200 gigs of games, and the only time I have EVER had a problem on my PC was when I was trying to uninstall my linux partition.


Now, as for your "Macs can allow for gameplay and much more" statement: Before this Macs had almost 0 games (Now, we aren't talking about little flash games or downloadable games with no plot. We are talking about full fledged games like Sims 3 or Spore (Even though those two are aimed at casual gamers)), and there is not a single thing you can do with a mac that you cannot do with a Windows running computer. (Using Program XYZ is not what I mean here, I mean do specific functions.) Now, the same is becoming more and more true as time goes on for macs, but there is still a large gap, and one that is too large to be worthwhile for anyone who enjoys using computers for things such as programming.

Also why would you NOT want to be able to upgrade your computer? I mean games such as Crysis have already come out, and the scale will only keep going up from there (Though Crysis has not been properly surpassed yet, it WILL happen, and probably soon). And with a Mac, when Valve finally does give you a few games you will most likely: A) Get VERY few titles, or B) Need to get a whole new mac just to play them.

Now I, as a Windows user, can just pop in a new graphics card for MAYBE $100 if I sell my current one. and even that is most likely more than it will cost.
Click to expand...

I'm stayin out of this one, suffice to say Steam on mac=good times, but for numerous reasons gaming on windows (with or without Steam) is still tough to beat, but for everything else I'll use OSX (except crappy office 2008 daggnammit)
 
Soylent Green said:
Oh come now, now you are just being illogical.

A great computer that can play all games on max will most likely cost near the price of a mac. Your analogy is really:

Macs = Paying 40k for a beater car = "Creative" job

Windows users = Paying 10k for a pretty good car or 40k for an amazing one = Jobs in things that actually matter (i.e. jobs relating to science.)
Click to expand...

Jobs relating to science?
haha, let me explain something. I will be starting my computer science classes next year at Gonzaga University, one of the highest ranked Jesuit Universities in the country (up with Georgetown)

I asked personally, the chairman of the computer science department, hey, what kind of PC should i get??

he said MAC
everything is going there

so I said ok

But I'm guessing you're smarter or he is wrong yea?
 
rmbrown09 said:
Bootcamp means any mac (Intel Mac) can play any PC game.

I was you! I was a gamer PC fanatic. I had tons of YoutTube tutorials PC tweaks etc, i had the most popular boost FPS and get Windows 7 free video in the world (300,000 views)
My account was deleted for copy right infringement (surprise)

You evolve to mac though.

My last computer purchase was a gaming laptop, and now I will never go back for sure.
Click to expand...


Bootcamp effectively means you are using a PC, not a mac.
 
Soylent Green said:
I don't see why you wouldn't, aside from the few negative responces you would get...

People use macs for media production because they come bundled with the stuff needed to do so, not because Macs are better than PCs at anything other than being completely idiot-proof. Now, considering in media design you don't need to be a computer wiz, being idiot proof is a plus, and so they are used. If you are a hardcore gamer, you most likely know a fair bit about computer and either: A) Aren't stupid enough to **** up your system, or B) Know how to fix it on the off chance that you do.

I, for example, have somewhere between 100-200 gigs of games, and the only time I have EVER had a problem on my PC was when I was trying to uninstall my linux partition.


Now, as for your "Macs can allow for gameplay and much more" statement: Before this Macs had almost 0 games (Now, we aren't talking about little flash games or downloadable games with no plot. We are talking about full fledged games like Sims 3 or Spore (Even though those two are aimed at casual gamers)), and there is not a single thing you can do with a mac that you cannot do with a Windows running computer. (Using Program XYZ is not what I mean here, I mean do specific functions.) Now, the same is becoming more and more true as time goes on for macs, but there is still a large gap, and one that is too large to be worthwhile for anyone who enjoys using computers for things such as programming.

Also why would you NOT want to be able to upgrade your computer? I mean games such as Crysis have already come out, and the scale will only keep going up from there (Though Crysis has not been properly surpassed yet, it WILL happen, and probably soon). And with a Mac, when Valve finally does give you a few games you will most likely: A) Get VERY few titles, or B) Need to get a whole new mac just to play them.

Now I, as a Windows user, can just pop in a new graphics card for MAYBE $100 if I sell my current one. and even that is most likely more than it will cost.
Click to expand...

It's funny cause the games you used as examples (Sims 3, Spore) are both on OSX.
 
rmbrown09 said:
Jobs relating to science?
haha, let me explain something. I will be starting my computer science classes next year at Gonzaga University, one of the highest ranked Jesuit Universities in the country (up with Georgetown)

I asked personally, the chairman of the computer science department, hey, what kind of PC should i get??

he said MAC
everything is going there

so I said ok

But I'm guessing you're smarter or he is wrong yea?
Click to expand...
I can't help but wonder if you're making things up as you're going along?

Besides, Linux rules supreme for computer sciences.
 
I buy Macs, I buy/build PCs. I like playing games on both. Anything which makes it simpler (not having to reboot into bootcamp) is a good thing. :) If you read my posts from earlier, I have almost weekly mini LAN parties with Steam games, most of the machines on the LAN are Macs running bootcamp. Now I dont have to run bootcamp for a lot of that. A load of people game on Macs already. It's not about one platform beating another. I'm happy with the Mac as it is, this is just an *awesome* convenience if this all plays out like it seems to be.

I got what was at the time the best GPU'd iMac and MBP (over the lower end models) for their gaming potential. I'm sure a lot of other people do the same. If they're buying them for Bootcamp gaming prowess, they're pumped for Source and other engine support in their OS of choice as well.

This really has nothing at all to do with Windows gamers. They have Steam already, obviously their game library crushes the osX one. That's pretty irrelevent to everyone here. And Valve, i'd imagine, who're due to make a boatload of money off of this new market segment.

And you can service much of a Mac, and when I've had to have Applecare it's been the best tech support I've had. Saying that, the only time I've needed it was for a G3 iBook replacement, everything since has never had a problem. Ok.. A trackpad error on a friends MBP I fixed, and a borked HDD in my MB - which I replaced myself. No big deal. Taking apart Macs pre-unibody is usually trivial to anyone with some sense, the right tools and confidence. (not sure about the unibodies, never tried to disassemble one)

Also, I'd bet a small fraction of PC users buy games through Steam. :)
 
Soylent Green said:
Native speed =/= playing a game natively.
Click to expand...

Ok I will explain since you aren't familiar.

The windows API is translated into a Unix readable Osx code. That is what the game goes off of.

Technically the game IS reading open GL code to run the game after its translated.

So it IS native.
 
Go, go, Apple gaming!

Without reading any of the other comments in this thread, I have to think that this potential new business opportunity is huge for Apple. I can only imagine countless hordes of PC Gamers who only use PC for gaming because for the most part only the PC has had games worth playing. I'm not going to say that I am "right" about this, but I do think that that impression has been out there for a long time. I welcome the effort to counter that thinking!

DD
 
mixel said:
Also, I'd bet a small fraction of PC users buy games through Steam. :)
Click to expand...
Digital distribution is pretty huge now. Last 10 games or so I've bought have been through steam.

You might be right about PC users in general, but a very significant number of PC gamers have been using steam to buy and catalogue their games for a while now. It's pretty much transformed the PC gaming market.
 
rmbrown09 said:
Ok I will explain since you aren't familiar.

The windows API is translated into a Unix readable Osx code. That is what the game goes off of.

Technically the game IS reading open GL code to run the game after its translated.

So it IS native.
Click to expand...

Playing a game natively requires no translating. The machine simply reads the code.
 
Soylent Green said:
Playing a game natively requires no translating. The machine simply reads the code.
Click to expand...

Do you know what binary is?? everything you do is translated. From C, to Assembler, to binary (with tons in between)

If your operating system was native, you would be typing in 1's and 0's.

It is simply one more translator.(on top of many others) BUT IT IS NATIVE.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back