DVDChris

Valve announced a new TV optimized version of Steam so you can play with your controller. What do you guys think of it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFrL6-OhN94

mattysemo247

I think Steam needs to get off their ass and make a console

I'd buy one

Trevor

I thought about not taking the time for the extra click, but then thought I'd help out the DVDTalkers who feel the same way, so I'll fix that link for you.

kgrogers1979

I'm not sure what the point of this is. You already can hook up a computer to an HDTV and get Steam on your TV.

SunMonkey

I love Steam and have a PC hooked up to my TV so I can play games through it, but if I was really wanting to play a game using a controller that likely will not function as well (for me) as my keyboard/mouse combo, I would simply boot up my 360.

DVDChris

Thanks Trevor, I couldn't figure it out.

DVDChris

And play from your couch? I can't imagine trying to view the text from far away.

flashburn

Get a bigger TV.

Drexl

The point is to be able to use only a controller to navigate the interface, without having to install something like Joytokey. Even that "solution" is flawed since the regular interface isn't designed for a gamepad. It also has larger fonts that are easier to read from several feet away. Think of it as Windows Media Center or XBMC, but for games.

There are still problems though, because some games have to have the controller support enabled (using a mouse and/or keyboard) before you can even start playing them with a controller.

RichC2

I'm using Steam on my desktop, using wireless hdmi to my projector, Borderlands looks awesome in 1080p maxed out.

That said while I think Big Picture is nice, they need a way to filter by controller - ie - only games that fully support Gamepads.

RocShemp

I play from my couch with a wireless keyboard and mouse setup and a 52" TV. I seem to recall Steam announcing their Big Picture mode ages ago. I'll try it out once it's released.

Now if only this'd encourage more games to include optional gamepad support. Including games that were made at the same time as their console counterparts.

RichC2

It's been released hasn't it? Or did I unintentionally sign up for Beta?

starseed1981

I've never jumped on the Steam bandwagon. I just think I'd feel like I was renting the games instead of owning them without a physical copy.

RocShemp

You can burn physical install discs as backups with Steam.

starseed1981

Really? I had no clue. I do always get tempted when I see those incredible sale prices everyone posts. Maybe I'll give it a try then.

RichC2

Steam is far from the "OMG SPYWARE!" status it was when it launched 9 years ago. It's lax on a lot of stuff now, and the sales make it more than worthwhile.

Plus it's tremendously handy to be able to log in and re-download any game you've previously purchased or any machine. How well this will last down the line is anyone's guess, but for right now I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Groucho

I don't have the "Big Picture" button shown on that video inside Steam, and I'm having a hard time understanding how this would work. Wouldn't I need some sort of client on my Xbox / PS3 / etc?

DVDChris

A computer hooked up to your TV.

RichC2

or wireless HDMI, or a Laptop/Desktop plugged into a TV, or Steam's HTPC if it comes out next year.

Groucho

Oh. Well I can do that now, so I'm not sure what the big deal is. Special interface, cool I guess.

RichC2

That's all it is, a special made-for-tv interface.

flashburn

You need to opt in to the beta. It's a menu option somewhere.

All it is is a new fullscreen interface that caters towards those of us that game on an HTPC. It's pretty nice looking.

edit: Looks like I missed the conversation.