1 yr. ago • 100%

The Steam Deck is changing how normies think of gaming PCs.

Just thought I'd share something I thought was pretty interesting. I have a mother in law who is... well let's just say she's a stereotypical older mom who doesn't own a computer, just an iPad. During the pandemic, she started getting into Nintendo games and bought herself a Switch. Fast forward a few years later and she's interested in getting a Steam Deck, since one of her "mom groups" told her about some pandemic inspired games, similar to Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing that are only available on Steam.

When it comes down to it, she doesn't care about her computer, she just wants to play computer games in a way that's easy and accessible for her. We'll be getting her a Steam Deck for her birthday, which in my opinion is just super neat. Even PC gaming is becoming extremely accessible, and it's a fantastic time to be a gamer.

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139 comments

I don't love the pejorative "normies".

211
Maybe don't call them normies.

85
Post: Uses the word normies in a positive sense and literally says it's great that gaming is more accessible

Fediverse: Is this a neckbeard?

It's amazing that a non-slur single word can get y'all so fucking bent out of shape. It was worth a double take, but not shitting on the entire post. It's literally a post about a non-traditional gamer / not-power-user / etc person finding a sense of community and fun because of the rise of handhelds. Is shutting down that discussion over one word worth more than seeing the good in recent trends?

I hope we continue to see more good handhelds get made - I'd personally love a Steam Deck, but seeing Valve get some good competition would be good for the technology (not you, Apple / Meta). Maybe I'm just too old, but I'd love to see slide-out keyboards again...

84
It's also changing how normies think of Linux.

Also it basically doubled the % of linux users at Steam.

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First off: normies?

Second, you're absolutely right. Steam did a great job with the whole Steam Deck Verified thing. It ensures that the game "just works", which is someone that can't always be said of PC games. It makes sense, given the near uniform hardware of the Deck, of course, but it's still important for reaching the console and/or casual gamer markets.

And let's face it, the Deck is just convenient as hell. It's the mobile gaming solution I've wanted for decades.

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normies is cringe. reminds me of way back when it started to become more socially acceptable to be nerdy and people got mad about it

42
Since when is "normies" a problem?

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Putting the connotation aside for a moment, is it even accurate to call people who are interested on niche secondary gaming devices as "normies"? Whatever may be their backgrounds, seems to me like they are dedicated gaming enthusiasts.

26
I would also like to bitch at you for talking in terms of "normies". Gross.

21
did you say.. normies?

20
I love my Steam Deck.

17
You're probably too young to remember when computers were a huge pia to use. Your MIL probably knows more about PCs than you do if she worked in an office in the 80s and 90s.

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Putting the connotation aside for a moment, is it even accurate to call people who are interested on niche secondary gaming devices as "normies"? Whatever may be their backgrounds, seems to me like they are dedicated gaming enthusiasts.

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Doesn't own a computer, just an iPad

What's a computer flashbacks

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Have her check out Dinkum and Disney Dreamlight Valley when she gets the steam deck.

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This is cute. I hope she enjoys the gift.

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I'm a long time pc gamer and linux gamer. I do not care to play games unless it is in a handheld mode. I have been playing my switch a lot more recently, but am really looking forward to the steamdeck.

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did you say.. normies?

4
It's really sad that Steam deck is not officially sell in my country, and the ones available are all have $200-$300 mark up price.

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