//# sourceMappingURL=newsletterForm.js.map window.sliceComponents.newsletterForm = newsletterForm; var triggerHydrate = function() { window.sliceComponents.newsletterForm.hydrate(data, componentContainer); } if (window.lazyObserveElement) { window.lazyObserveElement(componentContainer, triggerHydrate); } else { triggerHydrate(); } } }).catch(err => console.error('%c FTE ','background: #9306F9; color: #ffffff','Hydration Script has failed for newsletterForm-exitIntent Slice', err)); }).catch(err => console.error('%c FTE ','background: #9306F9; color: #ffffff','Externals script failed to load', err));

Alienware manager on Steam Machines lull: Windows 10 changed everything

Features
By published

Frank Azor discusses the future of living room gaming PCs, and whether there even is one.

Two years ago, it was hard to discuss PC gaming without the question of Steam Machines arising. In early 2014, Valve announced a long list of hardware companies with SteamOS-operated living room PCs in development, and alongside the still-in-development Steam Controller, it felt like these living room PCs might render the platform more mainstream, while also meaningfully endangering Sony and Microsoft’s console businesses.

Earlier this month, during an interview with Alienware co-founder and current general manager Frank Azor, I asked him why this was the case. His answer? Microsoft, basically.

Article continues below
FRANK AZOR

Gabe Newell announcing Steam Machine manufacturers at CES 2014.

Gabe Newell announcing Steam Machine manufacturers at CES 2014.

At least as far as Alienware’s efforts are concerned, Azor says Windows 10-based Alphas are still king. “We’re seeing the Windows version of Alpha significantly outsell the Steam Machine version because there is a lot of interest in taking PC games and putting them into the living room,” he said. “We’ve made that a reality with these platforms, but I think the Windows platform continues to outperform the Steam one simply because it has a bigger library and a little more flexibility regarding what controller you can use. 

“Maybe then Steam Machine could overtake [Windows 10] Alpha sales, but it could take time, and I don’t think anyone is in a hurry for that to materialise. I think what’s more important is that Microsoft continues to pay attention [to the fact] that they are at risk of losing Windows as a gaming platform if they don’t continue to invest in gamers. I think Steam Machines and what we did with Valve is a reminder to Microsoft, a kick in the butt, so that they realised what they could stand to lose.”

As for Alienware’s future, the latest Aurora and Area-51 desktop PCs demonstrate a desire to make VR a hassle-free pursuit, which has also been a focus on the company’s gaming laptop line-up. While some people still have misgivings about VR and its viability, Azor doesn’t agree. 

“Everyone’s very excited about VR, and then there’s a lot of concern about it. My message to people is: chill the hell out. This stuff only started shipping earlier this year, it took PC gaming 40 years to get to the point where it is right now. I don’t think it’ll take that long for VR, but we’re only on day one.”