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Steam's Big Picture Mode beta starts Monday Sep 10th [out now]

I think there's a misunderstanding here. As I understand it (well, this is more of an assumption given no finer details were presented), the idea isn't to replace traditional split-screen play, but to offer a way to have a split-screen experience in games that offer MP but don't offer split-screen itself.
That's exactly the way I understand it as well, but developers will never bother implementing split-screen into games if they can instead force you to buy two copies. Valve means well, but I think it'll end up being one more thing for publishers to exploit.
 
So, how will this work with games like Skyrim?

Skyrim has native controller support obviously, but when you launch the game from steam, the Skyrim launcher appears. In this launcher, the controller is not supported, so you have to use the m/kb to first hit PLAY. Then, when the game engine is launched, the controller support kicks in.

So, has this been addressed, or will we still need kb/m intervention with native-controller-supported-games that utilize a game launcher?
 
So, how will this work with games like Skyrim?

Skyrim has native controller support obviously, but when you launch the game from steam, the Skyrim launcher appears. In this launcher, the controller is not supported, so you have to use the m/kb to first hit PLAY. Then, when the game engine is launched, the controller support kicks in.

So, has this been addressed, or will we still need kb/m intervention with native-controller-supported-games that utilize a game launcher?

Probably still need kb/m for stuff like that is my guess.
 
So, how will this work with games like Skyrim?

Skyrim has native controller support obviously, but when you launch the game from steam, the Skyrim launcher appears. In this launcher, the controller is not supported, so you have to use the m/kb to first hit PLAY. Then, when the game engine is launched, the controller support kicks in.

So, has this been addressed, or will we still need kb/m intervention with native-controller-supported-games that utilize a game launcher?

They might roll out some BPM updates for games over the week. I know even some of Valve's games don't run well with controllers (like TF2), so those will have to be brought up to BPM standards.

Curious to see if Dota 2 ever gets controller support.
 
No it will support 360 controller natively for the UI and than in game as well. Not sure about 3rd part ones with other apps to control the joystick.
 
They might roll out some BPM updates for games over the week. I know even some of Valve's games don't run well with controllers (like TF2), so those will have to be brought up to BPM standards.

Curious to see if Dota 2 ever gets controller support.
I don't know that I would want anyone on my Dota or TF2 team who's using a controller to play those...

Well I guess you can get away it with if you're playing medic or non-Wrangler engy and don't plan on defending yourself.
 
Totally wishful thinking but I hope BPM brings the rumored "app store" Would be awesome to have Netflix, crackle, youtube apps etc and being able to control them from the couch.
 
So, how will this work with games like Skyrim?

Skyrim has native controller support obviously, but when you launch the game from steam, the Skyrim launcher appears. In this launcher, the controller is not supported, so you have to use the m/kb to first hit PLAY. Then, when the game engine is launched, the controller support kicks in.

So, has this been addressed, or will we still need kb/m intervention with native-controller-supported-games that utilize a game launcher?

there is always a solution ! http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/1068 , but yeah it would be nice if they fix this
 
They might roll out some BPM updates for games over the week. I know even some of Valve's games don't run well with controllers (like TF2), so those will have to be brought up to BPM standards.

Curious to see if Dota 2 ever gets controller support.

I would love Valve to do the dumb thing of allowing you to directly control your character, oh the jukes that could be done.
 
I don't know that I would want anyone on my Dota or TF2 team who's using a controller to play those...

Well I guess you can get away it with if you're playing medic or non-Wrangler engy and don't plan on defending yourself.

It just seems weird to me Valve would release BPM when their two most popular games don't support controller use (well, TF2 does, but it's terrible and requires a keyboard to get working).

I'm sure Valve could figure out a way to make Dota 2 work with a controller.
 
The analog circle/multiple buttons type of on-screen keyboard is clearly the objectively best method for entering text using a traditional controller. It requires the fewest actions to enter any character, it's stateless (!) and it makes use of both hands.

I can understand people not liking it personally or not wanting to relearn anything (I still use qwerty even though it's not the best layout), but I can't see a good argument as to why it isn't better than the cumbersome methods usually employed.
 
original.jpg
Looks like you can just use the Xbox Guide button to bring up the steam overlay? Awesome if so.
 
The analog circle/multiple buttons type of on-screen keyboard is clearly the objectively best method for entering text using a traditional controller. It requires the fewest actions to enter any character, it's stateless (!) and it makes use of both hands.

I can understand people not liking it personally or not wanting to relearn anything (I still use qwerty even though it's not the best layout), but I can't see a good argument as to why it isn't better than the cumbersome methods usually employed.

Another great thing about it is that analog sticks are all gated (whether circular or polygonal) so it's generally fairly easy to rotate a specified amount. If you think "n" is around 45 degrees down, and then you find out it's actually straight down, it's no problem to roll over to adjust.

That's what I found with BG&E; if I accidentally overrotated, it was really easy to correct.
 
I would really like the to let me use voice chat through a 360 headset while in game sound comes through speakers/TV like on 360. I'm already using a 360 pad, why not let me use the headset as intended?
 
This might be the motivation I need to move all my non-steam games into Steam.

Btw, is there a site that acts as a depository for non-Steam game icons and button graphics for Steam?
 
I wild really like the to let me use voice chat througn a 360 headset while in ga,e sound comes through speakers/TV like on 360. I'm already using a 360 pad, why not let memuse the headset as intended?

hmm, it's be neat if it supported this also. I don't think it does, but that certainly would be something I hope they look into
 
I'm wondering if I can use my Raspberry Pi to stream stuff to the TV downstairs via some kind of remote desktop application.
 
Do you guys think this will be practical to use all the time on a regular desktop computer? The current steam application just looks awful and I'd like anything to offer a change (Why can't we have Aero Gabe?)
 
Do you guys think this will be practical to use all the time on a regular desktop computer? The current steam application just looks awful and I'd like anything to offer a change (Why can't we have Aero Gabe?)

Maybe.

USE BIG PICTURE *WITHOUT* A TV
Although Big Picture was designed with TVs in mind, there’s no reason you can’t use it with your usual Steam setup. For best results, plug in a controller, lean back in your chair, and go!
 
Will this support games outside of Steam but added into it?

Also, will the Steam overlay pop up in-game when you push the Xbox button and will it turn on the 360 at the same time?
 
That's exactly the way I understand it as well, but developers will never bother implementing split-screen into games if they can instead force you to buy two copies. Valve means well, but I think it'll end up being one more thing for publishers to exploit.

The vast majority already don't, which is, assuming we're correct on what Valve is exploring, likely the catalyst behind the idea. Creating a method of de facto split-screen can't exactly be used nefariously to effectively remove traditional split-screen if said feature is being ignored.

But at the end of the day, for all we know, all Valve has planned is a system similar to that of the X360 and PS3 in that games that support traditional split-screen can be played with two separate accounts (and, to be honest, a de facto split-screen system is probably setting expectations too high).
 
Oh, so it's not going to work with a mouse at all? That's a bummer.

Says here:

WIRELESS CONTROLLERS, KEYBOARDS, AND MICE
Big Picture has been designed for use with a game controller or a keyboard and mouse. If you’re shopping for a controller, there are several good choices. Logitech’s F710 is one, as is an Xbox 360 controller (either wired or wireless). Razer’s Onza is also one that works well with Steam.

As for wireless keyboards and mice, there are many on the market to choose from. They come in many styles and configurations, so we won’t go into much detail here about how to choose ones that suits your needs best.

Sounds like it should work fine with kb+m.
 
The analog circle/multiple buttons type of on-screen keyboard is clearly the objectively best method for entering text using a traditional controller. It requires the fewest actions to enter any character, it's stateless (!) and it makes use of both hands.

I can understand people not liking it personally or not wanting to relearn anything (I still use qwerty even though it's not the best layout), but I can't see a good argument as to why it isn't better than the cumbersome methods usually employed.

Not that you're biased ;)

How about a variation on the phone text entry model? Use the analog stick to point to 12346789 (centred is 5) and just press A 1,2 or three times to enter a letter. You have the benefit of a recognisable interface (phone keypad), a familiar input method (text message entry), and only one action button so you arent trying to decode what colour does what
 
I'd totally recommend the wired PC 360 controller. It's only like $30-$40 depending where you go. The wireless one is terrible from my experience. I constantly lost signals and it has some issues with certain games.
 
Do you guys think this will be practical to use all the time on a regular desktop computer? The current steam application just looks awful and I'd like anything to offer a change (Why can't we have Aero Gabe?)
What skin are you rocking right now? I think Steam's default skin is fucking garbage.


I'd totally recommend the wired PC 360 controller. It's only like $30-$40 depending where you go. The wireless one is terrible from my experience. I constantly lost signals and it has some issues with certain games.
I have both and never had any issues with either.
 
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