[QUOTE="BPoole96"][QUOTE="lowe0"] Sure. Let's go with an easy one: auto login. For a single purpose device like a console, it makes sense to secure certain areas (microtransactions, mature games) and leave the rest of the system open for convenience. On a general purpose device that might contain copies of your tax returns, access to your bank or brokerage accounts, etc., it's irresponsible to have an automatic login. The ability to use the PC for many things other than gaming can add significant value, but precludes optimizing for a specific use case. Another good example is the ongoing debate about certification for apps: it's great for ensuring that developers follow a set of guidelines for a consistent user experience, but it also precludes the development of things like DayZ or even Minecraft. Valve takes a lighter touch with developers because the idea of strict testing and refusing certification is a non-starter on PC.lowe0
You have a point with the auto login, but for those whom are using an HTPC as an multimedia hub for their living room, I doubt that they will be storing any valuable documents on there.It would make much more sense to keep that kind of stuff in a safer area and possibly on an external HDD that is locked with other valuables.
As for quality assurance and app certification, sure, that kind of stuff is more standardized on consoles, but that is not to say that most PC games are a mess and require all sorts of tinkering outside of game in order to play. For things like DayZ, that is a Mod in Beta testing, so obviously that is going to be buggy. Is that any different than console games getting beta tests for games? The purpose of that is to make a better product in the long run. If the standalone version of DayZ is still bug ridden, then it is open for harsh criticism.
Not having a certifying authority manifests itself in other ways, too. Like I pointed out earlier, take a look at the category for "partial controller support" on Steam. On a console, there would be no partial support - even Guitar Hero had a gamepad mode. In the rare case where console manufacturers allow deviation from the platform's standards, only disaster results - see Metal Gear Online for an example of what happens without firm enforcement of standards.The partial support thing is kind of wonky, but BPM just released. Now that Valve has created this interface built around controllers, I would expect they would encourage devs to offer full controller support into their games. That, of course, is only speculation, but I think this is a great step for those whom are interested in PC gaming but are accustomed to consoles and don't like change.
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