Christian Gaming Community

SteamOS coming to a HTPC near you!

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Created on Monday, 23 September 2013 19:35

Last Updated on Monday, 23 September 2013 19:40

Written by Rooster

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SteamOS

Steam will soon be releasing it's own flavor of Linux dubbed SteamOS.  Not only will Steam be embedded in it at it's core, the entire OS is rumored to be 'enhanced' for gaming.  This allegedly means better performing drivers and attention given to the GPU and it's drivers, many of which are left in the hands of every day dedicated fellas (IE not nVidia/ATI/Intel etc) who try to recreate Win-based drivers for the linux experience.  Steam is also working with content providers to possibly bring anything from tveristy/xbmc-style systems to your HTPC as well as direct 1st party inclusion (no details, but others seem to infer they mean tv networks and the possibility of bringing 'live' streaming tv in some form, very sketchy details).
    Here's where I get on my podium, fellas, and why I bring this to your attention - No, Steam isn't paying me, rofl, so don't fret..
    I use Linux.  For those who know or care, mostly Fedora, Debian, Mint and I just launched an Ubuntu box to see what all the fuss was over their latest GUI (first time Ubu user, simply stunning gui btw).  Like 99% of the world though, there are just far too many 'daily' tasks I can only do on a Windows machine.  Gaming is largely one of those things.  The problem with Linux is also it's best feature.  It's free, and ANYONE can contribute to it.
     How's that bad??  Okay.  Take this example, and remember I'm not biased, I strongly dislike Apple, in fact, but this example is golden.  Apple is so successful for various factors, but the strongest reason is one they don't mention often.  Design.  No, not pretty, shiny cases.  I mean, like a console gaming system, a specific version of an Apple product IS identical to every other one made.  This is why there are TONS of accessory gadgets for iPads and iPhones, even though Android offers it's SDK for FREE and is completely open-source.  A developer/company cannot promise 100% compatibility across ANY android phone, because of the open standard.  Program it for an iPhone however, and you almost guarantee 100% compatibility.  The same is true, for the most part, with their computer line.  Sure, you can make small "alterations" to your Apple custom order, but nothing like the world that is rest of the PC world.  Why does this matter, you ask?
     Companies, game companies specifically, but ANY company who wants to offer a product across multiple platforms are reluctant to release on linux.  Unlike Apple, or even Microsoft, releasing on the Linux platform means supporting well over 200 "versions" of linux.  Now, many versions fall back onto a handful of "flavors" (Knoppix, Ubuntu, Gentoo, RPM, Slackware, etc).  Each version of every flavor was designed because someone didn't like the way the main 'flavor' was going, and wanted to branch off and do their own thing.  Luckily, the popular ones use only a handful of GUI experiences (Gnome and K being two popular ones, but Mint and the newer Ubu's have equally popular ones now).  So while the linux experience is free to the user, right, it also becomes a nightmare to any serious developer.  While many flavors/distros of linux are similar there's no way a developer can realistically ensure compatitability, which means generally they pass on the option to release a game to Linux, even though the PC running it is certainly capable.  
     About a year ago, Steam released a cleint for linux, and slowly built up a small group of companies willing to port some of their titles to the linux platform.  I would speculate between this occuring and them (Steam/companies) noticing the problems between linux flavors as well as the whole Windows8 thing, it would appear Steam decided to take matters into it's own hands and work on their own version of linux to "avoid" these problems, or at least, to throw another flavor of linux into the world.  
     Ever since Win8 came out, actually BEFORE it came out, several companies went up publicly and fought some of the "enhancements" that Microsoft deemed necessary for the success of Win8.  Steam was one of those organizations and now we see what they are doing about it.  It will be interesting, to say the least, to see how things turn out down the road.  
    Several industry sites claim "the PC is dying", I strongly disagree, though I do see it's daily focus changing to meet today's needs.  They claim everyone clammours to tablets and their smartphones - And I do, too (use them, that is), but there are far too many tasks, and files, which belong right here on my PC.  The question is what operating system will be on it, not whether I have one or not!  If Steam gets the support they are looking for, they 'could' be the force that reckons with the big juggernaut Microsoft to impact on an uncountable number of home PC's.  Or, like so many brilliantly thought out linux distributions, they could simply shatter taking on so much, and just add another fragment to the linux realm.

TS Outtage / BF3 Outtage

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Created on Thursday, 25 July 2013 23:39

Last Updated on Monday, 29 July 2013 02:07

Written by Rooster

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Update #3:  Guess I should point out the issue has been fixed as of last night it seems - Server is back online and kicking :)  Come join the fun!!

Update #2:  Uri msgd me in TS last night and let me know the host informed him our BF3 server is down for a reason they don't know and "can't fix quickly".  This seems to mean there is a hardware failure with the physical server.  They did give the option to move to a new machine, but they will not move our IP with it (for some unknown reason) which we don't want..  ETA is currently unknown at this time.

Update:

TS Back and running.  Our game server is not, however - And I don't have any info on that whatsoever :(  Host isn't saying there's an issue with BF3's location.

From our host:

 We are currently experiencing an outage in our Dallas facility. A technician is looking into the issue and we will provide an update once one is available. We do not have an ETA on restoration of service as there is insufficient information available until the technician reports back.

A new BF3 Server

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Created on Friday, 28 June 2013 18:32

Last Updated on Friday, 28 June 2013 18:32

Written by Rooster

Hits: 2673

[Global broadcast on site+FB]

     Our CTF Server has been massively popular, there's no doubting that!  It has accumulated the right mix to bring just about the perfect atmosphere in terms of balance and fun.  Even in a time where BF3 is starting to show some signs of wear, and in the dead of summer, where traditionally gaming/gamers are usually at an all-time low, we have been thriving.  So to all of you who've sweated the hours away working on that, and getting the server going, and rolling with the fun (and rough) times (depending on which team you're on, lol), I can't thank you enough!

     A good friend, and now new member recognized a problem, however, and stepped up to do something about it.  What if you don't want to play CTF all the time?!!?  I mean, it's fun, but it's sort of like playing Metro 24/7, right?  You can only take so much of it!  Well, as a result, I'm proud to announce that cKs has an official second server, one whose goal is to run mixed types and fill that gap!  Please add this server to your fav's if you haven't already and know when you want to get your BF3 on, there are now TWO great choices out there for a family-friendly server to play on!

Missing out on all the buzz?

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Created on Tuesday, 21 May 2013 22:52

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 May 2013 22:52

Written by Rooster

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This is your call-out!  If you haven't been by our wildly popular CTF server, take a little time and swing by and get involved!  The server has been climbing up the ranking ladder off the charts, and it's thanks to many of our dedicated members as well as our valued regulars to keep the place hopping!  Day or night swing by, only takes a handful to get it going if it's not already, and believe me, it gets going quick and before you know it, it's full (w00t!)  It's a great situation to be in!

If you are a regular, you're by no means obligated - we value your time spent with us, not your money - but if you can and want to donate a bit to help with costs, linkage is on the side (clan servers payment program link).  Feel free!

If you frequent our server, you'll notice the TS info posted in-game (as well as here on the site, right column also) - Why not drop by and take past in the best possible BF3 enhancement tool out there:  Live comms (like BF2 featured many years ago, yet EA couldn't figure out how to get it in BF3??)  We're all about the game and the Lord!  You don't have to be, all we ask is ya be mindful of what ya say and keep it G/PG rated, just like in-game typing :)  Whether you want to plan strategies, work together as a squad, or just chat there's a channel for you!  See ya on soon!