3 ms·

> the web needs a proper "DirectX initiative" like what Microsoft did in the late 90's to get Windows gaming off the ground Why? We can already play AAA games

> the web needs a proper "DirectX initiative" like what Microsoft did in the late 90's to get Windows gaming off the ground Why? We can already play AAA games on our computers. It works very well, much better than anything web-based. Why would anyone put effort into replicating the same thing inside the browser?

flohofwoe 5y ago
Mostly independence from the whims of platform owners who control the distribution, a space to try out quirky new ideas, and less hassle both for devs and users (no lengthy download or installation process for instance). This is much more important for indie devs than AAA devs though (the current problems of the web platforms are not really 'AAA specific'). Also, don't forget that PC gaming could very well have died out during the transition from DOS to Windows without Microsoft actively supporting game development on Windows (with the DirectX APIs), without this, AAA gaming could very well be console-exclusive now.
- perryizgr8 5y ago
  > Mostly independence from the whims of platform owners who control the distribution Agreed, however platforms that restrict app distribution also heavily restrict what you can run via the browser (see Ios). So the benefit is minimal. > a space to try out quirky new ideas This has nothing to do with web. Look at steam's catalog. Plenty of whacky quirky stuff is available. > no lengthy download or installation process for instance Why do you think AAA games will not need downloading assets and logic? > This is much more important for indie devs than AAA devs though I agree, but this is a solved problem with Steam. No need to develop your own over the web.
  - flohofwoe 5y ago
    > Why do you think AAA games will not need downloading assets and logic? As internet connections get faster it makes sense to stream/prefetch data directly from CDNs as needed instead of downloading everything upfront. > Look at steam's catalog. Plenty of whacky quirky stuff is available. Agreed, but that's the exception, not the rule. Look at Apple's app store ecosystem for a counter example where apps and developers are banned on Apple's whim. This couldn't happen on the web.

flohofwoe 5y ago

Mostly independence from the whims of platform owners who control the distribution, a space to try out quirky new ideas, and less hassle both for devs and users (no lengthy download or installation process for instance). This is much more important for indie devs than AAA devs though (the current problems of the web platforms are not really 'AAA specific'). Also, don't forget that PC gaming could very well have died out during the transition from DOS to Windows without Microsoft actively supporting game development on Windows (with the DirectX APIs), without this, AAA gaming could very well be console-exclusive now.

perryizgr8 5y ago
> Mostly independence from the whims of platform owners who control the distribution Agreed, however platforms that restrict app distribution also heavily restrict what you can run via the browser (see Ios). So the benefit is minimal. > a space to try out quirky new ideas This has nothing to do with web. Look at steam's catalog. Plenty of whacky quirky stuff is available. > no lengthy download or installation process for instance Why do you think AAA games will not need downloading assets and logic? > This is much more important for indie devs than AAA devs though I agree, but this is a solved problem with Steam. No need to develop your own over the web.
- flohofwoe 5y ago
  > Why do you think AAA games will not need downloading assets and logic? As internet connections get faster it makes sense to stream/prefetch data directly from CDNs as needed instead of downloading everything upfront. > Look at steam's catalog. Plenty of whacky quirky stuff is available. Agreed, but that's the exception, not the rule. Look at Apple's app store ecosystem for a counter example where apps and developers are banned on Apple's whim. This couldn't happen on the web.