Speaking with OPM in the UK, Randy Picthford has questions the motives behind the discussion not to support the PS3 by Vavle. Randy Picthford has worked with vavle in the past, and gave his opinion on the PS3 to the magazine. He states "the PS3 is awesome. I think Valve...I don't know why they are doing that. It's weird. but yeah, the Playstation platform's really cool. It's different to others and it's certainly a challenge to be able to develop software for. But that's where the fun is, right?".
After praising the PS3, Randy Picthford say's "I noticed something on the net not too long ago. Doug Lombardi (Valve's VP Marketing) had to take a swipe at the PS3 again, and I thought it was foolish. I read it the same way I read fanboys. Like there's a guy who brought the Sony platform and he's a Sony guy, so he decides he's going to spend a certain percentage of his time bashing Microsoft. And there's a guy on Microsoft doing the same thing. Those guys are childish and narrow minded, It's the same kind of thing" Randy then takes the comments to a more personal level "Valve think their own stuff is the only stuff that matters, to the point where they have their own distribution platform. It's like, I don't care about retail, about Marketplace, or PSN, I'm going to have Steam. It's cool, it's good, and they're doing a good job but at the same time they're reliant on the rest of the world. They had to do that deal with EA. When I see the L4D ad on the television I don't see a Valve logo, I see a EA logo, and when I bought it, I bought it at a store".
Gearbox has a multi-platform game out, which everybody seems to be enjoying on both the PC, PS3 and Xbox360, so Randy couldn't help but also comment on the Orange box fiasco. "I'm actually kind of mad at Doug because with the Orange Box, he said the 360 and PC versions are the good ones and the PS3 version is like the stepchild because some other developer made it. Well you Valve don't really think that, because look what you've done on the PC side. You've supported that, you've added all this content to Team Fortress 2, and you've left us hanging. It's hard to accept that genuinely, because I know the business, I know you guys make half the money on the PS3 version because you've got other fingers in the pie, and other developers getting a cut. It benefits you if nobody buys that, and only buys the PC version, because you make the most money. There's this underlying sleaziness. You know what, I thought the performance was a little slower on the PS3, but it Looked better. The colors were nicer, I thought the image looked better on PS3. It was a trade-off between the performance and the visuals. And I like visuals".
What you guys think? do you agree with him? or is Valve doing the right thing?
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November 4, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Good on him, I agree with him 100 percent and admire him for speaking out.
November 4, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Now i really like gearbox software and started being a ”fan”… I’ll look forward to their next releases, and i loved Borderlands, even tough with minor changes it could be alot better. I got it on xbox but i think i’m gonna buy it for ps3 too (and for my friend as a x-mas present so we can play co-op together).
November 4, 2009 at 3:36 PM
OMG Im glad it was a representative from Gearbox to lay the smack down on valve i agree with you Randy 110%
November 4, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Randy is pro, simple as that.
Was a fan of Gearbox, now thanks to Borderlands I’m a bigger fan now and I look forward to future titles from them.
November 4, 2009 at 4:33 PM
I admire his bravery for calling them out like that. Of course, he also makes very valid points. Valve evidently has some of the most skilled programmers in the business; but if they can’t program for anything that dowsn’t look lika a PC internally, then they lack something important. And with the PS3’s lineup for fall ‘09 to spring ‘10, I see few reasons to doubt that it may indeed become a very tough challenge for Microsoft to handle. Valve probably should prepare for a time when the worldwide PS3 install base might equal that of the 360, because there will probably be loads of mony in it.
November 4, 2009 at 4:47 PM
I really don’t see the point for hating on Valve for having a preference and opinion. If they don’t like the PS3 or want to work on it, then they don’t have to. It is their right. Valve is a quality company. You can hate if you like, that will change nothing. Besides, no one seems to bitch when companies prefer to work exclusively on the PS3. Eh, fanboys will be fanboys I guess.
November 4, 2009 at 5:35 PM
If Valve is allowed to have an opinion on the PS3 then why isn’t Randy at Gearbox allowed to have an opinion on Valve. How do you not see the point of hating on Valve and have no issue with Valve hating on the PS3… doesn’t make sense to me.
November 4, 2009 at 10:30 PM
I don’t have an issue with Valve because they software company giving an opinion on potential hardware that would execute their software. Gearbox is a software company as well, but they are giving their opinion on another software company. See the difference. Valve has the right to choose where their games go and such. Randy at Gearbox commenting on Valve’s choices to do what they want with their products is something completely different. Due to this, I do not see the point. It is simple really.
Besides, do yo profit from either company? Do you profit from Sony? Why does this matter to you then? It is laughable to see people not only defend their own bias, but also attack people that don’t share said bias. While you have the right as a consumer to have an opinion of Valve or any business for that matter, the reasoning behind said opinion is important. Do you not like Valve because of their software (which objectively speaking has been influential), or because they are not fond of you beloved system of choice? Since I systems for games, and don’t have any real bias towards any system (okay, perhaps I like the Dreamcast too much) I don’t see the point Randy’s comments. There are many non-first party software companies that choose to not make games for the 360 or Wii. Why is it that no one complains about them?
November 5, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Yes, I own Sony stock.
November 4, 2009 at 5:32 PM
I agree with him 100%
and to Michael Ajibade, people are bashing at valve because they bashed on the ps3, and besides the other companies dont bash on the xbox like valve did, what valve is basically doing is saying that the ps3 is shit without even trying to do anything on it
November 4, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Valve’s games really aren’t that great. They have terrible visuals and it’s clear the company can only produce on PC’s or PC-like systems. They company just lacks talent.
PS. Gabe sucks cock
This comment was posted from a mobile device.
November 4, 2009 at 6:05 PM
yea Gabe is just too lazy!!! Gabe bash PS3 now its Randy’s turn to talk smacks about valve, valve is just too childish and narrow minded that’s all, good for them not to make much money.
November 4, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Haven’t played many gearbox games, but randy is awesome. I always like to read and hear what he has to say. He gets to the point and is a real character. Randy FTW!
Oh and valve sucks balls… but steam is awesome too.
November 4, 2009 at 7:03 PM
I agree with this guy and the way I see it is if Valve isn’t going to take the time to even try and commit to making a proper PS3 game then please don’t even bother. If they don’t have the Talent or time or whatever it is just label yourselves XBOX 360 & PC ONLY developers and be done with it. Stop talking about how the PS3 can’t do this & can’t do that & prove it by making better games than the PS3.
Personally when I see games like Crisis I wonder if the PS3 is capable of such graphics but when I see any Valve games I know that the PS3 is perfectly capable of the same exact thing that the XBOX 360 & PC have if not somewhat better, if the Developer tries & puts any effort into it.
November 4, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Valve fails as a business, even if ps3 has a smaller install base the simple fact remains that it is still profitable. By bashing on ps3 valve is hurting themselves bacause when they finnally decide they cant ignore the ps3 anymore they wont know how to make stuff for it. Also i think valve games have sub-par graphics.
November 4, 2009 at 7:33 PM
I like the content of this article but really had a problem with the large number of typographical and grammatical errors within the article. For example, the company name “Valve” was mispelled twice in the first two sentences of the article and a grammatical error occurs in the first sentence. A writer’s credibility is earned and begins with the basics, i.e., correct spelling and proper grammar.
Spelling and grammar issues aside, it’s interesting to get an insider’s view (Pitchford’s in this case) on the underlying motivations at Valve in not supporting the PS3. Given that Mr. Newell is a former employee of Microsoft and given Microsoft’s past aggressive business and marketing tactics, designed to obliterate competitive products (e.g., the bundling and integration of Internet Explorer into Windows and their past contracts with PC vendors that required a vendor to pay for a Windows license even if it wasn’t installed on the PC) I wonder if Mr. Newell’s attitude is simply a holdover mindset from his Microsoft days?
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November 4, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Proud owner of PS3 verison of Borderlands. It kicks ass. I own both consoles but I prefer to game on the PS3. I own a gaming PC and I prefer to game on the PS3. Seriously he is right, Valve from day 1 has been bitching and complaining every chance they get. I dont see Carmack or Epic bitching about the PS3 or any other substantial PC developer. I see only Valve. Makes you wonder about motives now doesnt it?
November 4, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Stupid Randy!!! What Valve doing is their problem !! who the Fcuk are you pointing finger to them !!?? mind ur own business buddy !! and don’t be jelous abt stream.. u know.. we know.. its BIG profitable thing… stop nagging !!! peace !!
November 4, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Honestly this guy seems like he’s whining a little to Valve. The 360 version of the Orange Box is as bad as the PS3 version minus a class limit update. Plus, I think Gabe just really dislikes the PS3. They’ve always been a PC company, it was a stretch for them to get to the 360.
November 4, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Oh my goodness….Juan, you didnt have to b!tchslap Michael Ajibade like that…lol
November 4, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Wow… Glad Randy spoke up but let’s take a step back and look at the situation. Valve aren’t accustomed to working with consoles and the 360 is easier to program than the PS3 in that respect. Now, I’m aware of a certain snaffu between Valve and MS because they wanted Crash Course to be free DLC and MS made them charge (MS makes a percentage) on the 360 version. So I’m hoping L4D2 comes tothe PS3 soon!!! The more the merrier!
This comment was posted from a mobile device.
November 4, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I find it hard to think Valve would keep L4D2 off the PS3. They would be turning down profit by doing so. Besides, the more people that get to play a good game (that is if L4D2 turns out to be good) the better.
November 5, 2009 at 12:42 AM
I shall buy Borderlands next week, you sir are a great man,that does not sip fanboy juice.that said…screw the 360 lol
November 5, 2009 at 12:54 AM
hmmmmmmmmm he should talk!
do me a favour mate, before you blame someone for not supporting the PS3, make sure your doing a great job at it.
bought the ps3 version of borderlands and had to reinstall the game 6 times because it was corrupt for some reason.
than finally got it working, spent 10 or so hours playing the game, next time i loaded the game saved data was corrupt.
there goes 10 hours of work down the drain!
so i delete the file, and create a new one, play for a few hours turn it off, next day turn it on AND AGAIN MY SAVE DATA IS CORRUPT!
ive owned over 40+ PS3 games and this has NEVER EVER EVER happened to me, borderlands is the first.
so i took it back, demanded my money back than went to the video store hired the 360 version and it works PERFECTLY!
not only is the 360 version missing those problems, the pop in, frame rate and slow down are no where near as bad on the 360.
so next time gearbox before you give a company a lecture on supporting a particular system, maybe you should make sure your doing a proper job yourself?
i would much rather have them not make games on the ps3, that way i get it for the 360 and im happy.
than them port it over to the ps3, and have it not work, so i wasted my 110 bucks.
November 5, 2009 at 6:14 AM
Sounds more like a hard drive failure.
November 5, 2009 at 6:21 AM
thats what i first thought, so i used my other older PS3 and the same thing happened.
its a bug with the ps3 version of the game, the guy told me he has had a few returns because of that on the ps3 version.
none on the 360 side though.
also GG mentioned it today because a reader sent them a letter complaining they did not mention it in there review.
gearbox are just shining it over and pretending it never happened.
last game of theirs i ever buy thats for sure.
November 5, 2009 at 3:13 AM
Randy is an idiot who’s he to call anyone out? I don’t see him naming names over ps3 exclusive developers who’ve never made a game for any platform besides sony claiming oh this couldn’t run on anything but cell and blu-ray… please stfu randy your a tool!
Developers need to stop the lame game oh it can’t run on my competitors platform because like the reality is you were never gonna make a game for it anyway.
And no ones happy with a simple no. everyone keeps harassing valve when you gonna do do ps3 when they keep saying there not.
and for all you morons who say oh they will make much money on the ps3 version as if 360 versions of your ps3 exclusives wouldn’t sell or make money… please.
by the way left 4 dead sucks ass! I have an idea why don’t we trade exclusives you take l4d and ill take demon souls.
November 5, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Funny for him to brag like that when the PS3 version had huge problems at launch. Don’t know if they are all fixed now, but he should play a little more low profile there, Gearbox support of PS3 is not perfect, to say the least.
November 6, 2009 at 2:25 AM
Valvle => fps
fps on console => sucks & Unplayable
So valve don’t want to develop fps for ps3, Xbox, etc
Is it so hard to understand?
November 6, 2009 at 7:22 AM
what the?
you seriously cant believe that.
if thats true, than why is halo the most popular series on the 360?
and valve do release games on the 360 just encase you have not noticed theve released heaps.
the orange box.
L4D and soon L4D2.
some of the most popular games on consoles are FPS.
November 6, 2009 at 8:49 AM
I wonder what crawled up Pitchford’s ass. I get the feeling someone doesn’t like sharing profits with digital distribution companies.
Valve not planning on developing for the PS3 isn’t too surprising. They’re a small company, and the PS3 is notoriously difficult to develop for. Given that they tend to be very PC centric, though the L4D2 demo feels very console friendly, it’s no wonder they aren’t hiring a new set of employees to develop on Sony’s platform.
November 6, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Everyone, the PS3 has a cell processor, PC, Xbox, and Wii all use a different processor type from the PS3, so the coding is alot different, and it would cost so much just to make the game for the PS3
November 8, 2009 at 12:43 AM
The PS3’s Cell processor uses the Power architecture (PowerPC, PPC, etc.)
The Xbox 360 uses a Xeneon processor, which is also based on the Power architecture (not Xeon, which is an x86/x86-64 processor).
The Wii uses a custom “Broadway” CPU, again, Power based.
Macs use either a Power processor or a x86/x86-64 based processor.
Other generic PCs use an x86/x86-64 processor.
The coding is different because you are not writing assembly language directly to the processor, but using the SDK to write C/C++/etc. code with console specific APIs. But for graphics, that’s another story…
Graphic Library:
DirectX: Microsoft’s proprietary game programming API, Used by Windows and Xbox / Xbox 360, no others.
OpenGL: Open standard used by Windows, PS2/PS3/PSP, GameCube, Wii, iPhone/iPod touch, Mac, Linux, many other companies.
I may be mistaken, but from what I can tell, all of Valve’s games are written in DirectX.
That being said, if you just ported a PC app to PS3, it would work, but not as good as it could if the people coding it actually knew what they were doing. Look at how Uncharted 2 splits graphics tasks up and ends up using 100% of the PS3’s SPUs and looks far better than Uncharted 1. If you just ported a game over without any optimizations, it would be a much higher burden on the main processors, and look good, but mediocre compared to what it could look like if the coders knew how to actually optimize for the PS3.
November 7, 2009 at 12:00 PM
is this real ??? everyone here agreeing with the man is pretty intelligent it seems, but the rest are pretty blatant fanboys starting bs with no facts as usual.
November 7, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Dear Pitchford:
You are a hypocrite, yes YOU ARE. If you are going to throw stones at someone for being biased toward a hardware vendor first make sure you are not doing the same. Why is performance of ATI videocards in Borderlands crippled by your game? Oh that’s right because you have a marketing deal with Nvidia, It looks now that you sold yourself to Sony as well. You still need some coaching to be an effective shill. I’m sure many of the fanboys here will be able to instruct you properly on that, so don’t worry they got it covered
November 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM
The Truth indeed.
November 8, 2009 at 3:52 PM
I thin anyone who bashes a platform is foolish and doing all gamers a disservice. Valve has shown that they are often unwilling to accept criticism. This is true of most companies because they’re more interested in profit.
They’ve yet to address the issue of highly weighted profit margins on Steam. Many developers are screwed, but like the itunes app store, they don’t have other options because they are small developers.
Valve is willing to hang other developers and other gamers out to dry if it doesn’t suit their bottom line. That’s fine, they’re a business so it should be expected. However, they need to step out of such discussions because part of being a business is being professional. They’ve shown themselves to be “fanboys” of their own profit margins.
They’ve shown disregard for the people playing their games by supporting one format over another. If they want to be exclusive to 360 then go for it. I have a Wii, 360 and PS3 so it doesn’t affect me whoever “wins”. What’s best for me? If Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have to compete for my dollars.
Valve actively working against Sony doesn’t benefit gamers or games, only profits. Active support of multiple platforms is what benefits gamers…all of themr egardless of what system(s) they own. So stop being fools and supporting views that harm gamers.
November 9, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Website commenter questions Analoghype’s lack of apostrophe support.
November 9, 2009 at 2:17 PM
LMAO!!!!! Touche good sir. Touche I say.
November 9, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Randy Pitchford has an axe to grind. I’m not sure what that axe is, but it’s there. Within the last two months he’s been riding on Valve repeatedly.
1) First was the article accusing Valve of taking advantage of indie developers. Indie developers with less money to spend than Gearbox have been debating Randy’s point in Valve’s favor, so the matter isn’t quite cut and dry at least.
2) Second was a parallel Randy drew to the Half-life franchise when explaining that he understood how annoying DRM was when you had the product in hand. This is a minor, more understandable point to raise, but it’s still there.
3) This article, which is taking Valve to task for something they said months ago.
I love Borderlands. I also think Randy’s Borderlands promo (MAINSTREAM’d!) was pretty damn funny. Unfortunately, I wasn’t born yesterday, and it seems far too coincidental that they’re taking this shot at Valve so quickly after their last one. I get the impression that Valve recently did something to get under Randy’s skin – given the timing and the things being said, he probably didn’t get as good a deal for Borderlands on Steam as he would have liked.
I’m not the only one thinking the timing of all this is pure coincidence: this Escapist article popped up when I was Googling to confirm that Valve’s PS3 slams were as far back as I remembered: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/95945-Gearbox-Prez-Calls-Valve-out-on-the-PS3)
November 9, 2009 at 5:29 PM
the ps3 is a piece of shit get over it
November 9, 2009 at 6:41 PM
IN THE NEAR FUTURE…….
President of Valve questions Gearbox’s Gamespy support
November 12, 2009 at 1:26 AM
This guy has a huge chip on his shoulder. How he has the nerve to bash another company after his downright lies in interviews and ads about the PC version of Borderlands I don’t know.
November 17, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Hell yea Randy! Valve isn’t talented enough to develop for the ps3, or they’d make real games like Unchart 2! Damn fanboys lol
December 1, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Personally, the sudden instant lack of PS3 support from VALVe makes me think that theyre being bribed or something along the line of persuasion. I openly admit that the Orange Box is my favorite game of all time. Ive played all 3 versions of it and i just have to go with the PS3 version, somethings just have a lasting effect to it. But the complete lack of support for this feels like i paid 60 bucks when it came out to expect the overwhelming support VALVe is being praised for its community and add-on selection, so why no rumble or trophies or add-ons at all? Why give the axe to sony, what did they do and you shun them like outcasts? Hell if VALVe won’t even look in sony’s direction after numerous complaints, why not ask if gearbox themselves take over this lost golden nugget and finally give the respect a AAA title deserves, or the devs at project Black Mesa and them too are total badasses, i just hope someone will port that game and the updates, not EA though.
December 10, 2009 at 4:20 PM
“President of Gearbox questions Valves lack of PS3 support”
“PC Gamers questions Gearbox’s lack of playable PC game”