Our hosts talk about the Steam Hardware launch and Linux gaming news

Introduction

  • 00:00:19 @DerRidda introduces
  • 00:00:20 @HeroOhOne
  • 00:00:22 Nemoder

Our Gaming

  • 00:00:31 Nemoder has been playing ARK: Survival [http://www.playark.com], Don't Starve Together [http://dontstarvetogether.com], Guns of Icarus Online [http://gunsoficarus.com], and Frozen Cortex [http://www.frozencortex.com]
  • 00:00:47 @HeroOhOne has been playing games with Nemoder, as well as Arma 3 [http://arma3.com]
  • 00:01:39 @DerRidda has been playing Insurgency [http://store.steampowered.com/app/222880] and testing the Steam Controller [http://store.steampowered.com/app/353370]

SteamLUG Community Stuff

  • 00:01:55 Past Events
  • Terraria [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/65660201580929484]
  • Left 4 Dead 2 [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/65660201580929298]
  • Team Fortress 2 [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/63405863645908170]
  • Victor Vran [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/63405863645901628]
  • 00:02:44 Upcoming Events
  • Worms Clan Wars [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/65660201580929753]
  • Broforce [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/65660201580929882]
  • Insurgency [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/65660201580930000]
  • Dota 2 Casual [http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamlug#events/65660201580930118]

Steam/Valve News

  • 00:03:12 Multi-packs are now purchasable as gifts on the Steam Store [No longer working]
  • 00:04:37 Interview with Gabe Newell about Steam Machines [http://www.develop-online.net/analysis/steam-machines-console-killer-or-vanity-project/0213448]
  • 00:07:44 Steam Hardware launched [http://store.steampowered.com/hardware]
  • Steam Machine Launch Sale [http://store.steampowered.com/sale/playwsteammachines]
  • 00:12:35 Steam Controllers and Links are selling well, as there is a wait time if ordering now
  • 00:13:02 @DerRidda has a Steam Controller and has lots to say about it [http://store.steampowered.com/app/353370]
  • Steam Controller requires the use of Steam Big Picture Mode [Only for configuration and some special features]
  • udev rule required for full functionality on Linux [http://askubuntu.com/questions/686214/how-do-i-get-a-steam-controller-working]
  • 00:15:59 There is a rudimentary open source Steam Controller configuration tool in the works [https://github.com/ynsta/steamcontroller]
  • 00:16:55 Left 4 Dead 2 has native Steam Controller support but default configuration is not easy to use
  • Any configuration can be modified
  • 00:20:21 The Steam Controller is very different, with a high learning curve
  • Hardware allows for different usage patterns, like using the gyroscope for precision aiming
  • Potential for much higher accuracy compared to traditional controllers
  • 00:26:59 @DerRidda feels that the build quality of the Steam Controller is excellent
  • Small face buttons may be difficult to use for some
  • Two grip paddles are a huge improvement on traditional controllers
  • Buttons can be used in combinations to create mode shifts
  • Analog triggers have a very short pull compared to Xbox style controllers
  • 00:32:24 Typing with the Steam Controller is completely different, with absolute [not relative] input on each pad, to act like a virtual touch keyboard
  • 00:35:55 Steam Link in-home streaming receiver has been released [http://store.steampowered.com/app/353380]
  • 00:38:28 Steam Machines have been released [http://store.steampowered.com/sale/steam_machines]
  • Ars Technica released benchmarks showing the sub-par SteamOS ports [http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/11/ars-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-hit-for-steamos-gaming]
  • Size to performance ratios are very good
  • Zotac and Alienware Steam Machines use custom Nvidia GPUs
  • 00:43:30 Origin hardware vendor is no longer shipping SteamOS with their living room PC
  • 00:44:14 Alienware Steam Machine has an HDMI input for passthrough of cable boxes and other devices in the living room

Tech News

  • 00:45:28 PowerPlay power management support lands in AMDGPU, significantly increasing performance [http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=amdgpu-powerplay-test#=1]

General Gaming News

  • 00:47:28 Trine 3 Linux version officially released [http://steamcommunity.com/games/319910/announcements/detail/42016940698399678]
  • Update includes new level "Quest for Cake"
  • 00:50:58 Left 4 Dead 2 updated with native Steam Controller support and surround sound support on Linux [http://store.steampowered.com/news/19226]
  • 00:51:43 Rocket League port is nearing release [https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3re82v/were_psyonix_developers_of_rocket_league_ask_us/cwnc00g#cwnc00g]
  • 00:53:21 Darksiders I and II is still being worked on for Linux [http://steamcommunity.com/app/388410/discussions/0/496880503063318384/#c496880503064206500]
  • 00:54:17 The Long Dark released for Linux [http://steamcommunity.com/games/305620/announcements/detail/82549786416357453]
  • 00:55:58 Godot Engine joins Software Freedom Conservancy [http://www.godotengine.org/news/25-godot-joins-software-freedom-conservancy-as-a-member] [https://sfconservancy.org]
  • 00:57:59 Grow Home released for Linux [http://steamcommunity.com/games/323320/announcements/detail/45395066538402204]
  • 00:58:50 7 Days to Die Alpha 13 out soon [http://joelhuenink.tumblr.com]

Crowdfunding

  • 01:00:25 Blacksea Odyssey [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/820296110/blacksea-odyssey]
  • 01:01:18 Failsafe [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1659894998/failsafe]

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