Gabe Newell interview

from Demigod Forums

A snippet of an interview of Gabe Newell, CEO of Valve Software, on last night Good Games.
Interesting views about copy protection, piracy and DRM.
Full interview here


 

 

35,548 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Service? What? Like charging all your EU customers the same price in a 1:1 ratio between dollars/euros? Or how about refusing refunds for any reason? Or maybe quoting pre-scripted responses to issues spouting out agreements and contacts?

Pffft.

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

I remember reading a quote from an executive over at Microsoft years back who said, 'The only way to stop piracy is to offer products people want at a price they are willing to pay.'

Sounds like this guy has a similar idea.

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting BrotherAlpha, reply 2
I remember reading a quote from an executive over at Microsoft years back who said, 'The only way to stop piracy is to offer products people want at a price they are willing to pay.'

Sounds like this guy has a similar idea.

From Wikipedia :

After dropping out of Harvard University Newell spent thirteen years working for Microsoft Corporation, ultimately becoming a "Microsoft Millionaire." Newell has described himself as "producer on the first three releases of Windows". Inspired by Michael Abrash, who left Microsoft to work on the computer game Quake at id Software, Newell and another Microsoft employee, Mike Harrington, left Microsoft to found Valve in 1996. He and Harrington used their money to fund Valve through the development of Half-Life.

 

Reply #4 from Demigod Forums Top

It sounds like he is advocating a form of microlending to fund game creation efforts.  An interesting concept.

 

It would certainly take a lot of work to get the structures in place, but its a good idea.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting XSive_Death, reply 1
Service? What? Like charging all your EU customers the same price in a 1:1 ratio between dollars/euros? Or how about refusing refunds for any reason? Or maybe quoting pre-scripted responses to issues spouting out agreements and contacts?

Pffft.

 

To be honest, that's not true.  I've had Steam refund 3 or so games in the past.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

I am sorry, but I am unable to help you with this issue. As per the Steam Subscriber Agreement, we do not offer refunds.

Please review Section 4 of the Steam Subscriber Agreement for more information.

Steam Subscriber Agreement
http://www.steampowered.com/index.php?area=subscriber_agreement

We will make an exception for pre-ordered games if the request is received prior to the release date.

 

Yup, they sure do.

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

Hmmmm.... I have suggest many times in the past and even offered Frogboy a lot of money before (he refused) specifically for this title. Anyway I do see it as the way of the future for serious gamers.