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The cost of developing and maintaining Proton, Linux driver improvements, and their own Arch-based OS has probably exceeded the amount they saved by not shippin
by a2128 2y ago
The cost of developing and maintaining Proton, Linux driver improvements, and their own Arch-based OS has probably exceeded the amount they saved by not shipping Windows on Steam Deck.
But what they got in return is a much more usable gaming operating system that doesn't constantly pester you about switching to Edge, using Copilot or draining all your battery for an update while you game
What they got in return is freedom from Microsoft's arbitrary OEM hardware requirements like having a front camera for Windows Hello, or having a TPM
What they got in return ultimately is leverage. As sibling comment mentioned, they were in fear that they could be kicked off of Windows by Microsoft. Now, Microsoft is the one in fear that if they ever kick Steam off, gamers now have a perfectly functioning alternative operating system to switch to.
- albrewer 2y ago> The cost of developing and maintaining Proton, Linux driver improvements, and their own Arch-based OS has probably exceeded the amount they saved by not shipping Windows on Steam Deck. So far. Depending on Microsoft's continued benevolence is probably not a great business strategy when you're as big as Valve. You don't want to be caught with your pants down when MS wants their pound of flesh from your $8 billion company.
- acdha 2y agoIsn’t that basically the last paragraph of the comment you replied to?
- pjmlp 2y agoAssuming Windows games, developed for Windows, keep runing in Proton and Microsoft doesn't come up with specific Windows API requirements not possible in Proton, like plugging into Pluton that is now a requirement for upcoming PCs.