Steam Adds Matchmaking, Sticks a Fork in Games for Windows Live
Image of matchmaking in Left 4 Dead
Steam is quickly shifting from being just a distribution system to becoming an actual platform that’s single handedly making PC gaming what it needs to be. In an interview with CVG.com, Robin Walker (Valve Programmer/Designer) revealed that Valve is currently working on including matchmaking/lobby functionality for Counter-Strike: Source, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2, as well as the Steamworks development tools. So expect AAA and indie titles alike to feature current and upcoming Steamworks features.
When asked about specific feature sets, Robin Walker replied, “We’ve no firm plans in terms of being able to say what exact feature-set you’ll get, but there’s absolutely some matchmaking systems going in. In terms of more generalized matchmaking, not so much on the individual level, but on team and clan levels, that’s something we’d really like to get into Steam at a basic level, so that it supports any product.”
I’m wondering what how much abuse Microsoft will take before they give up; probably a lot considering how deep their pockets are. I seriously wonder if they’re just sitting in a room contemplating what the next step is. It better be something big, pull out all the stops so they can get beaten while at least putting some effort forth.
