We love console games.
There’s something about a big HD TV and digital surround sound that fills up a living room. Shooters, platformers, sports games, arcade classics and experimental indie games just feel bigger on a TV screen. It’s how most of us grew up gaming.
But maybe people are missing out.
We get it – smartphones and tablets are getting all the new titles – they’re “what’s hot.” The console market is pushing developers away. We’ve seen a brain drain: some of the best, most creative gamemakers are focused on mobile and social games because those platforms are more developer-friendly. And the ones who remain focused on console games can’t be as creative as they’d like.
Deep down, you know your best gaming memories happened in the living room.
You busted your ass just to find out the princess was “in another castle.” You fought bosses that told you repeatedly how much “you suck.” You taped a blanket to half of your screen so your friend couldn’t see where you were. You traded the best players onto your team just so you could have the perfect season. And you did it all on the TV.
It’s time to upend console gaming.
We’re handing the reins over to the developer with only one condition: at least some gameplay has to be free. We borrowed the free-to-play model from games like League of Legends, Team Fortress 2, Triple Town, and many others. Developers can offer a free demo with a full-game upgrade, in-game items or powers, or ask you to subscribe.
CUBEBOX: The revolution will be televised
Cubebox is a new game console for the TV, powered by Steam.
We’ve packed this little box full of power. Developers will have access Cubebox’s open design so they can produce their games for the living room, taking advantage of everything the TV has to offer.
Best of all, Cubebox’s world-class controller, console, and interface come in one beautiful, inexpensive package. All the games on it will be free, at least to try.
Great games come from great developers.
Developers can wave farewell to the roadblocks of bringing a console game to market. Anyone can make a game: every Cubebox console is a dev kit. No need to purchase a license or an expensive SDK. It’s built on Steam, so developers already know how it works.
That doesn’t mean Cubebox is an Steam port. You can create the next big title in your bedroom – just like the good old days! Who needs pants!?
Cubebox could change AAA game development, too. Forget about licensing fees, retail fees, and publishing fees.
And developers agree:
“This has the potential to be the game developer’s console. It’s about time!” — Brian Fargo (founder of inXile)
“Who wouldn’t want a beautiful piece of industrial design that sells for $199, plugs straight into your TV, and gives you access to a huge library of games?” – Jordan Mechner (creator of Prince of Persia, Karateka)
“If Cubebox delivers on the promise of being the first true open gaming platform that gives indie developers access to the living room gaming market, yes that is a great idea. We will follow the development of Cubebox and see how it resonates with gamers. I could see all current Mojang games go on the platform if there’s a demand for it.” –Mojang (developer of Minecraft)
“The prospect of an affordable, open console — that’s an idea I find really exciting.” —Adam Saltsman (Semi Secret, creator of Canabalt)
“Our games will work so well on a TV, we just need an easy way to get them there. Cubebox could be it.” — Marek Rabas (Madfinger Games)
“An open game console that gives independent game developers the flexibility to experiment with their games and business models on the TV, is something that’s long overdue.” – David Edery (Spry Fox, creator of Triple Town)
Design matters.
We are designing the controller to be a love letter to console gaming. It will have everything you’ve learned to love: fast buttons, triggers, laser-precise analog sticks, a D-Pad – and it will have a touchpad for any games making the trek from mobile or tablet to the TV. It’ll be just the right weight. We are working with select developers to play-test the controller through development. We call it ‘the Stradivarius of controllers,’ and we hope developers will be inspired to take gameplay to a new level with it.
How Does Cubebox Differ From OUYA and Steam:
The cubebox runs on the steam platform like the steambox, although they are much the same the steambox is probably going for around 5-1000 USD unlike the cubebox, but the ouya runs on the android system so that’s completly different!
More Info Here!
http://www.cubeboxconsole.com
Published: Oct 6, 2013 07:38 pm