When Valve Co-Founder Gabe Newell came out to say he thinks that Windows 8 is a “catastrophe” most gamers didn’t even bat an eye. Not only has Newell been known to make broad generalizations about exciting new pieces of software, he usually ends up eating his words. Case in point, Portal 2’s partnership with the Sony and the PlayStation 3.
Nonetheless his claims about the direction Windows 8 is headed, and his contingency plan for using Linux as an alternate form of computer gaming, had some people talking. In fact, Blizzard, developers behind most of the more popular PC titles in the past decade — among them World of Warcraft, StarCraft 2, and most recently Diablo 3 — has come out to say they agree with Newell’s sentiments.
While Blizzard’s statement, which comes from Blizzard Executive VP Rob Pardo, aren’t nearly as harsh as Newell’s, he does echo the sense of doom and gloom painted by the Valve head’s claim. Specifically, Pardo tweeted Newell’s comment, and added that Windows 8 is “not awesome for Blizzard either.” This could mean that while Blizzard doesn’t have the same problems with Windows 8 that Valve does, they still think it could use some work.
Unfortunately, like Newell, Pardo wasn’t willing to comment further, refusing to back up his complaints with concrete examples. At least, he didn’t go on to tell us about futuristic computers that we will be operating with our tongue.
This can’t possibly be good for Microsoft, who we assume were hoping to use the Windows 8 platform as the basis for integration across all their devices, including the next Xbox. Obviously, the most direct problem is with PC gaming, but if Windows 8 can find a way to placate the PC developers that remain, hopefully we won’t see more of these types of statements. For now, though, it’s interesting to consider that, for once, Newell isn’t the only one trash talking a widely regarded platform.
Does Blizzard’s EVP reaffirming Newell’s comments make you feel like there could be something to this Windows 8 hate? Are there any Windows 8 users out there who can vouch for or against their claims?
Source: Rob Pardo (via CVG)
