Microsoft Xbox exec is 'not sweating it' about Steam Machines

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Valve used CES 2014 to show the first wave of third-party Steam Machine PCs that will use the Linux-based SteamOS. The idea is that these computers will be small enough to be hooked up to a big-screen TV in a living room. In theory, they could be considered competition for dedicated game consoles like Microsoft's just-launched Xbox One.

However, if Microsoft is worried about Steam Machines taking some of its Xbox business away, the company isn't admitting to it. In a chat with Engadget, Microsoft's Xbox Chief Product Officer Marc Whitten said, "I think there's space for both. I'm not sweating it."

Whitten did state that he didn't quite know what to make of Valve's Steam Machine/SteamOS initiative yet, but was quick to say that he was not trying to criticize Valve's plans either. He said, "I continue to think that PC gaming – the sort of uber configuration and I can change everything and I can mod – that's an important thing and there's a lot of people that wanna do that."

Whitten was a bit more enthusiastic about the chances for the Oculus Rift VR helmet, which showed off a new and improved prototype at CES 2014. While Whitten said that he has used the devices and liked it so far, he stopped short of saying if Microsoft has any Oculus Rift dev kits of their own. He also doesn't think that sales of the helmet, which currently does not support any game consoles, will detract from Xbox One sales, stating, "It's just gonna increase the surface area, and I think that's an incredible thing."

Posted: Jan 10, 2014 3:23 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-xbox-exec-is-not-sweating-it-when-it-comes-to-steam-machines

Comments

T0RONTOPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

I like the xbox one, so I don't see myself buying it

EDMPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

I might get one of these, but its not likely. i like to play pc games, but i like playing them on the pc lol

-SignedPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

Kex
Lia I think Microsoft would of been more worried if the Steam console was a lot less money. As the prices are now, I don't see many people purchasing a high end steam console.

I know I wouldn't purchase one if they were that much.

I definitely wouldn't purchase one.

ScizorPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

Prices aside on this, I do see a lot of people who want to get into PC gaming but don't want to build their own computer to go for this. However those with no interest in Steam sales etc will probably just continue on Xbox/Playstation. I have high hopes for the Steam Box

MawderzPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

Lia I think Microsoft would of been more worried if the Steam console was a lot less money. As the prices are now, I don't see many people purchasing a high end steam console.

I know I wouldn't purchase one if they were that much.

SXIPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

think Microsoft main concern is getting more sales then PS4 at the moment not Steam machines

chevyrydinhigh2Posted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

Almost any console that comes out to the market could be a bit weary and could affect sales. I doubt Microsoft cares about the steam machines at the moment considering the steam machines aren't really out yet. They're most likely worried about the PS4 since that's beating them in sales. The steam machines may have an impact but more than likely won't be that big since console will be a bit cheaper by that time and everyone's friends will already have either the Xbox One or PS4.

sir_grecoPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

Australians
VPN Then again you get the social interaction on consoles.

Yeah, overall it's a better vibe, less modders, easier communicating. Overall I'd go with the Xbox any day

nailed it right on here. most people just want to play games for fun. yes having some mods can make it fun, but when ur in a hacked lobby for a game, it just ruins it sometimes. not to mention consoles ajust seem so much simpler to use for general ordinary people.

RacistPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

Lia I think Microsoft would of been more worried if the Steam console was a lot less money. As the prices are now, I don't see many people purchasing a high end steam console.

Yep I agree for sure. The prices are far too steep for it to compete seriously

DissPosted: Sat. Jan 11, 2014

I think Microsoft would of been more worried if the Steam console was a lot less money. As the prices are now, I don't see many people purchasing a high end steam console.

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