Thanks to Valve, Mac users can finally claim to own a "gaming rig" without resorting to Boot Camp or causing PC gamers to burst into laughter. Sure, you're still going to be better off
cost-for-pixel-crunching with a mid-range PC desktop than anything Apple offers, but for a MacBook Pro user looking to get in a few frags during lunch, the arrival of
Steam for Mac is probably the best news they've heard this year -- and luckily that Source engine isn't too hard on older hardware. Mostly the same crop of games that were available to beta testers are available in the final product, with
Portal and
Team Fortress 2 standing atop the heap (Portal's even free for a limited time!), while
Half-Life and
Left 4 Dead remain notably absent. Check out
Joystiq if you want a full breakdown of the games, including a few of the highlights, we have... um, some stuff to do. You know, boring work stuff. You probably wouldn't be interested. Hit that source link for the download.
Update: We're not seeing
Team Fortress 2, and we're not getting an option for picking up the Mac version of
Civ IV, even though it's a "Steam Play" title. The free
Portal download isn't working either, but at least we're relatively certain that it will at some point.
posted May 12th 2010 3:47PM
Portal downloads seem to work fine now, if a bit slow.
@Faceless Troll hmmm. I'm just getting a message about Steam needs to be online to continue. Well I know the computer is online, else I wouldn't be able to post here. Wish they would get things fixed.
@fflow Look at it this way: Now when you're on the road, with your MBP, you can also get in some pew pew sessions.
This is quite shocking, considering Macs are kinda made for kids and having fun...
All right, FinalCut Pro users, I know you do exist...
@loocas
Gaming isn't for having fun? I'm not sure what your point is there.
@Jack
Gaming is serious business.
@loocas
I'm sorry but I don't understand. I thought Windows was for kids given the volume of games for it.
It seems to me that steam for macs isn't working well because even the computer knows that its not meant for games
@gibiy12 Yeh I think my Macbook Pro knows it's not meant for playing games. Trying to download and play Portal has been a complete fail so far.
@gibiy12
Uh, it's working fine for me, I downloaded it at 2.7MB/sec. It's exactly as smooth as it is in Windows, with everything set to the highest settings.
@HighestRanked2 Do you think Apple will build a dedicated gaming rig or atleast a MacBook Pro or iMac with gamer specs? I know alot of Mac owners who'd love one. The Mac Pro is a lil too beefy for them... but a Macbook Pro with Alienware specs is something I know they'd like.
@cocopuffz
"Do you think Apple will build a dedicated gaming rig or atleast a MacBook Pro or iMac with gamer specs?"
No. This just isn't Apple's target market and goes against the design goals of the company, which as far as notebooks are concerned seems to be less weight, smaller size and longer battery life. Going the Alienware route would be completely contrary to that goal. Stream represents a great addition to the Mac platform but I don't see it likely that Apple will embrace gaming in the same way that the PC platform does (i.e. computers made for games).
But which button for secondary fire? ;)
/ducks and runs
//posting from sister's MacBook
LOL well congratulations your the only one on engadget who has managed to get it to even work much less actually play any of the games.
actually portal can be downloaded successfully. just get into portal app page and click play now
@kevinxucs "just get into portal app page and click play now" .. Done that, but all it does is download a 33MB 'update', and then complains about not been connected to the internet. Probably servers been overloaded on the first day, will try again tomorrow.
For those who don't have dual systems or have never really gamed on Windows before, a few basic tips:
1. On release day for any game, expect the servers to be hammered to oblivion. Usually it is safer to wait 1-3 days and download then.
2. Even if you manage to download and install, the servers are getting hammered to oblivion. Usually best to wait 1-3 days.
3. If you're not in the USA. Really... just wait. Your blood pressure will thank you later.
@Franks Beef
Previous: Cut and paste on iPhone
Next: Flash on iPad
Excellent news. My new Core i7 iMac arrives tomorrow so I'll definitely be giving Steam for the Mac a trial. Mind you, the one game that I do currently play is still only available for Windows so Boot Camp it will be again. Here's hoping that the Dawn of War series makes the migration but I'm not holding my breath.
@Kelmon
Torchlight should also be a nice diversion while we continue to wait for Diablo 3.
I managed to download Portal and now I am hooked
It took me 5 minutes to update Steam today! It usually takes only 10-30 seconds.
Will your Windows version of TF2 for Steam allow you to use TF2 on the Mac