Aspyr moves Mac owners into The Gamerhood
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Aug 1st 2006 at 9:57PM }
Aspyr has announced plans to launch a new game downloading service intended specifically for Mac gamers. Dubbed The Gamerhood, the application will enable gamers to purchase and download full Mac titles directly to their spinning platters, neatly avoiding disc-based media and inept cashiers in the process. Some of the promised features of the service include the automagic checking of system requirements, easy access to game patches and effortless organization of your personal catalogue.The service launches in Fall 2006, giving Aspyr plenty of time to prep that elusive, purely hypothetical Mac version of Dreamfall: The Longest Journey and start up the online catalogue with a bang. If The Gamerhood can strike a balance between content and convenience, Mac gamers may find it awfully difficult to resist. If not, endless "gamer ghetto" jokes are sure to ensue (and they will all be terrible).
[Via TUAW]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ms @ Aug 1st 2006 10:35PM
Let me guess: The "Gamerhood" will be released late, won't support any Mac with a G4 or lower (not to mention any Mac with a video card having less than 64 MB of dedicated RAM), and probably won't be updated when the next version of Mac OS comes out.
I wish Aspyr would stop. All too often, they release poorly supported half-baked products that work flakily (if at all) and are released a full 6 months to a year after their PC counterparts. And they wonder why they only sell a few copies! No thanks, Aspyr -- we don't need your charity.
biPolar bear @ Aug 1st 2006 10:59PM
Wait, what has aspyr done again? Does anyone know?
biPolar bear @ Aug 1st 2006 11:02PM
thats pretty cool, i guess. im a mac owner and i'll admit these computers are not known for its games, so it'll have to intice me well.
warren @ Aug 1st 2006 11:12PM
Aspyr is selling product to a market that's 3% of the PC market (and that's assuming that the same percentage of mac users are gamers, which is doubtful). Since you sound like a customer, are you going to turn your nose up at a company that's finding a way for you to get games that your local retailers don't want to carry?
I'm also kind of curious as to which games you bought were "poorly supported half-baked products that work flakily (if at all.)" Every Aspyr Mac game that I've played in the last few years has been as good or better than the PC game when played on an equivalent machine.
Marco @ Aug 1st 2006 11:25PM
like "manhood" only ga... mer! :)
GSI @ Aug 1st 2006 11:31PM
So that means all 5 Mac "gamers" can buy their games online now! WOW!
(...and I'm being generous by saying there are 5 Mac "gamers".)
:-P
biPolar bear @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:07AM
Wow then what do you suggest GSI, to buy a shitty PC that is too busy showing pop ups then getting to the point (ie word processing, web designing, gaming, using any part of a damn computer) There has'nt been a single PC that ive seen where it didnt take less than 8 minutes too fucking start the damn computer.
"Wait biPolar bear, whats that you say? Maybe you dont know anyone that knows how to use a computer."
Well maybe I dont want to know anyone who has to spend hundreds of dollars just to make there computer as fast as a Mac. Dont be bitter about it guys its alright, its just another mental disorder like absessive gambling or porn addiction. Only your porn pictures come quicker when you press the power button on a Mac then a PC.
GSI @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:01AM
Wow someone is a sucker and has bought into the BIASED and false commercials released by Apple. Congrats! You are officially a sucker.
Just like with ANY computer (or anything for that matter), if you don't know what you are doing you will screw it up. If the tables were flipped and there were more Macs then PCs (keep dreamin')...there would be spyware on Macs. Why? It's called common sense...the more of a product there is, the more problems there will be.
If every PC you've ever used takes more then 8 minutes to boot up, then (a) you don't know how to use a computer, (b) the person who owns the computer doesn't know how to use a computer or (c) both you and the person who have used the computer have screwed it up.
Oh and guess what? Macs do crash. I've seen BRAND NEW out of the box Macs lock up shortly after being booted up.
...oh and for the (over-priced) cost of a Mac, I can build a more powerful PC that runs completely solid AND *GASP* plays the newest games without a problem.
The ZeroCorpse @ Aug 2nd 2006 3:02AM
Geez, GSI. Just drop it. This subject apparently has nothing to do with you. You hate Macs, you love Windows, we get it. If your only purpose was to come here and troll and tell us Mac users how stupid we are, then congratulations--- You did it.
Now go away.
We're happy with our choice. Most of us were diehard PC users before we switched. Some of us even worked the tech bench in PC land and know more about building or upgrading a PC than you could ever hope to know... And we still switched to Mac.
And you know what? That's our business. What did you hope to accomplish here? Did you expect that one of us happy Mac owners would exclaim, "Oh my goodness! You're right! I've been mislead! I will sell my Mac tomorrow and go shopping for a Dell immediately! Or better yet, I'll buy a bunch of cheapass Taiwanese parts from the mom & pop store and slap them together in my spare time. Then I can play the same game I am playing on my Xbox 360, but with a lot more hassle!"
It isn't going to happen, sparky.
Really. Just STFU and go away. We're not interested. Every time anybody ever mentions the word "Mac" there's a half-dozen PC weenies who HAVE TO pop in to tell us that "Macs suck" and flame away. We're used to it. We see it daily.
So again- Congratulations! You've managed to pop in and do the exact same thing as about a billion loser before you, and with absolutely nothing new, unique or compelling to say, to boot! You've proven that you are- at best- a mediocre, bitter Windows user, and at worst, a troll with no sense of style.
Now, before you go, make sure to tell us how much Macs suck because you think we can't right-click. That's sure to change our minds!!!
Dork.
GSI @ Aug 2nd 2006 3:29AM
Go away? No thanks.
I got news for you...I'm not a "bitter" Windows user. You know why? I know HOW to use Windows and what & what not to do.
I got more news for you. You mentioned "cheapass" Tiwanese parts...yet who do you think makes the parts for Mac computers? They sure as hell aren't "Made in the USA." In fact, some of the most reliable computer parts brands are FROM Taiwan. *GASP*
Oh and guess what else Macs aren't used for...making REAL video games (PC games, console games, etc.) The leading program for creating 3D assets for games is 3dsmax and it is ONLY available for Windows. *GASP*
...dick.
Umgawa @ Aug 2nd 2006 5:12AM
Wow. I feel like I'm watching one of those Mac & PC commercials, except in this case, the PC is going through a nasty case of drug withdrawal.
In any event, the Mac is a fundamentally sound platform for coding a game, given that the development tools ship with the computer. However, the technical downside to the current Mac lineup is the lack of a dedicated GPU for doing 3D on the Mac mini and the Macbook, whereas the iMac and Macbook Pro all ship with Radeon chipsets (now I eagerly await anti-ATI commentary), which effectively cripple the 3D capability of the mini and the Macbook. Granted, this makes them excellent computers to send your son to college with (try playing Counter-Strike on THIS!), but the Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics chipset is notoriously bad hardware for gaming as most of us think of it.
Furthermore, hardware issues aside, the real reason, GSI, that "Macs aren't used for...making REAL video games" has nothing to do with Max not being available for the Mac. The real reason for a lack of games on the Mac is because of DirectX, or rather a total lack of a similar game-design focused SDK. While I'm sure there are people out there who will say that DirectX isn't specifically designed for games, games are what make it necessary to put out revision after revision of the software. A lack of games for the Mac means there's no need to create a similar SDK, which means a continued lack of games for the Mac.
However, given the fact that Apple computers can't process the glorified abstraction layer known as DirectX, Aspyr has to make necessary conversions to the underlying source code to make the game run without DirectX being present. Conversions like this take time, and large games likely take considerably more time than others, hence the six month or more wait that was referenced in the first comment.
With regard to Aspyr's announcement as it is, I can't say much. I'm typing this comment on a G4 iBook with a mid-range PC across the room. It plays games, the Mac does everything else, and this is the situation I've relegated myself to as a gamer who prefers the Mac, which is not unlike the question of exclusive games in the console market: If you want games that are not released for your favorite system, you're just going to have to buy the other system. While I'm a fan of digital distribution, such as Steam or Stardock's distribution system, I don't see Aspyr's Gamerhood affecting me one way or the other, except to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth at the name.
GSI @ Aug 2nd 2006 6:00AM
...you are also forgetting that PCs are much cheaper for production studios to obtain versus the ridiculous prices that Apple keeps charging for thier systems (and they are using components that are INDENTICAL to Windows PCs now.)
There is more to games then coding and when all the art assets being made on PCs, there is no reason to have 2 different platforms b/c it is much easier to having everything be unified...ie all be PCS.
Randomm @ Aug 2nd 2006 6:21AM
My God Umgawa!
That was the most intelligent thing I've ever heared anybody say about anything ever. Just kidding. But that was by far the most intelligent thing I've heared anyone say on the Windows / Mac war in ages.
To each his own.
I say to each his own. My next laptop will probably be a Mac because I love their laptop design. But I will be running Windows on it because it is what I love. Yes I love Windows. As for my desktop, I will always build my own because it is a great hobby and customization is key for gaming. Plus, all the noobs at LAN parties will make fun of you if you have a Dell.
Kasumi-Astra @ Aug 2nd 2006 7:59AM
"...you are also forgetting that PCs are much cheaper for production studios to obtain versus the ridiculous prices that Apple keeps charging for thier systems (and they are using components that are INDENTICAL to Windows PCs now.)"
You idiot. A developer doesn't need to refit their offices completely with Macs to make Mac games. They're needed at some stages of the development process, but not all. Do you really think games like Gran Turismo were coded exclusively on PS2s, for example?
As you've already been told, the real problem facing Macintosh gaming is a lack of support and a decent SDK from Apple. DirectX would be nice, but Microsoft will keep it exclusive to Windows, because it's a major selling point of the OS.
I suggest you actually use a Macintosh day in, day out before you start talking about lock-ups again. Macs aren't infallible but they require much less attention and care than PCs with Windows do. The Macintosh is in the minority when it comes to marketshare, but you haven't taken into account the superior security and stability of OS X over Windows. Don't you think the claim of "one of the most stable, secure OSs ever" wouldn't prove an attractive target?
You clearly have very little experience with anything else other than Windows. If you can't start stating facts, then expect to be corrected.
onetrueping @ Aug 2nd 2006 8:06AM
Wow, GSI, you just don't know when to give up, do you? It's not like every single reasonable Mac user's post here is a punch to your cajones, now is it? Unless you custom-built one heck of a force feedback system, that is.
I was a die-hard Mac gamer until a few years ago. Unfortunately, there is no way currently that I could purchase a Mac, simply because I don't make enough money to do so. If I had the cash, I'd jump back in an instant, simply because I like how smooth the system runs, and it's flexibility in using non-native software (read Linux) that I'd require for my job.
Oh, and you might want to know that, between the three PCs I have at home right now, two are running windows, two are running Linux. We only HAVE Windows because, darn it, Linux isn't very game friendly. For anything else, we'd rather not touch the system, even as stripped down as we have it.
I'd ask you to go away now, but I know that, in three minutes, you will once again obsessively answer a post on a subject that doesn't affect you, then pat yourself on the back for sticking it to the "loser Mac users." Seriously, get a life.
---
More on topic, I think Aspyr's service will be great, provided they adjust the cost of the games appropriately. If they are doing digital distribution, they can avoid the packaging costs and whatnot associated with more mainstream publishing. It might even provide an outlet for the smaller gaming companies to get more face time, like Spiderweb Software, Ambrosia, and such.
Loque @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:18AM
OSX has major security flaws. Go try to hack it. Easy as Linux.
...having only 3% of the marketshare is security enough. Wait till it's at about 20-30%. Then you will start to see viruses and spyware and other PC nastys.
biPolar bear @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:22AM
Wow GSI did you even read my comment? If you did you probably wouldnt have responded exactly how I said you were going to respond, but you did when you mentioned how no one I knew knows how to run a PC.
Thats OK, its just if I had to be that kind of guy that cared more about programming my computer so it wouldnt annoy the hell out of me, then the kind of guy who goes to film school surrounded by G5's (cause everyone knows their programs are better, not like Avid) then Iid have to kick my own ass.
Jecrell @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:59AM
@biPolar bear
With all due respect, you got flustered and made it very easy for GSI to jump all over your comment and start a flame thread. Although, I do believe The ZeroCorpse doomed us by calling him out directly in the worst (and most hilarious) way. GSI, even though he did make an ass out of himself, was just making a joke about Mac gamers that is a relatively well-known stereotype from the late 1990's that doesn't apply anymore with the mixing and in-breeding between PCs and Macs. Even those Mac advertisements on the TV are almost like 'historical documents' about arguements from a previous age in the history of the world.
It's all good in the gamerhood.
Andy S. @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:34AM
"...will be released late, won't support any Mac with a G4 or lower (not to mention any Mac with a video card having less than 64 MB of dedicated RAM)"
Because that's so radically different from the PC world, right? I mean, all new-release Windows games support hardware that was released in 1999, don't they? I know I still do all of *my* gaming on a Pentium III rig.
It's not exactly fair to criticize how things work in the Mac world when that's exactly the way they work in the PC world also, kiddo.
Bulky @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:36AM
Woah. Its just a computer guys. If one was forced to use a Mac when they prefer Windows, then alright, I could understand why one would be upset...but lighten up.
That being said, I would most certainly purchase Dreamfall if it came out for the Mac. Hey, I can dream.
Erik @ Aug 2nd 2006 11:23AM
For the "PC v. Mac" debate:
I run an older WinXP computer as well as a new Ubuntu box (but both 3.2 Ghz) at work. WinXP consitently boots about 20% faster (about a minute before Ubuntu's ready).
Miharu @ Aug 2nd 2006 11:40AM
I'd much rather have Aspyr drop their Mac game prices, and then I might just buy some Mac games. It is important for me to have the box, instructions etc., otherwise I'd rather just download the game the illegal way.
warren @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:16PM
onetruping-- More on topic, I think Aspyr's service will be great, provided they adjust the cost of the games appropriately. If they are doing digital distribution, they can avoid the packaging costs and whatnot associated with more mainstream publishing. It might even provide an outlet for the smaller gaming companies to get more face time, like Spiderweb Software, Ambrosia, and such.
Unfortunately, Aspyr probably won't be allowed to reduce the prices for the games due to retailer agreements.
However, it will probably allow smaller developers and games to get good Mac distribution.
Randroid @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:21PM
To add a different perspective on this whole debate, I would like to mention that Aspyr has also released PC titles. Keeping this is mind, it is quite possible they will release their future PC games with this service as well.
tjgg @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:27PM
I would easily choose a Mac over a PC anyday, if it weren't for the fact that I'm a PC gamer. If only Apple's new OS had the equivalent of DX10 and a whole lot of supported games. Macs are easier to use and much more appealing, I just don't feel like missing out on games like Crysis, Alan Wake, and some other Vista only games that I neeed. If only I had enough money to pay for my gaming computer and a Mac latop..
BTW, I've had my computer for 2 years, and I don't have one virus or any pop-up ads, I just regularly do virus scans and the like.
GSI @ Aug 2nd 2006 3:16PM
Ahh...I love how Mac "gamers" say that the "there are no mac games" is an old obsolete stereotype. If that was the case then it wouldn't take 3 months to over a year for the good games to come out on the Mac.
As for Macs being "easier" to use? Pfft...that is an old 1990's stereotype. Anything a Mac can do, my PC can do and then some.
gee_tar_man @ Sep 19th 2006 3:07PM
same old pc vs mac battle. I'm actually looking forward to gamerhood. I have a pc, but I recently bought a mac book pro and would like to have some games on it for those times on the road, basically some portable gaming. I purchased Quake 4 and it runs and looks great. Sometimes I like go back and play older games for the hell of it, like many of you, I've been using computer's since the ol' Commodore64, Amiga and Atari ST, and remember games like the original Wolfenstein when it came out, during those MS-DOS days. So even if they put games I may have missed out on the first time around (like Black and White) or wouldn't mind another run through and oldie but goodie (Max Payne) and it's cheap enough I'll check it out. When I'm home, I'll play half-life2 on the PC. If it came out for the mac, I probably buy it for the Mac, on one hand because of curiousity to see how it performs and looks, and on the other, just to that I have the game on the go. It's not about what operating system.. It's about the end user's experience and needs which are as different as each one of us. I like my PC, but my for my profession (broadcast graphic, design and animation), the mac book kicks ass and I can't do without it, I've even tried using the PC, but the experience and workflow just isn't the same. For tinkering with, and cheap parts and available software, especially games, I like the PC. And FYI, I started on the 3D Studio Max.. but I also like, Lightwave, Maya, and Hash Animation Master... all of which run on the Mac OS. As consumers, it's in our power and choice to enjoy whatever products we like and give loyalty to whatever company we choose.... so... enjoy and choose... and keep demanding excellence from all of them. It only benefits all of us.