Old School Gamer Magazine chats with Quartercade creator Daniel Jones, who discusses the new console and its arrival on IndieGogo later this month.
Check it out Below:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-quartercade-the-budget-gaming-console/coming_soon
Old School Gamer Magazine: What was the inspiration for this console?
Daniel Jones: Honestly, it was a number of things but I’d say the biggest was the current state of the video game industry.
I think I speak for a lot of folks when I say that we can’t all afford games that are almost $100 a pop–especially if we can’t keep them forever. On top of that, we live in a time where the line between player ownership of a purchased game and what’s considered “piracy” is being moved around by companies so much that some games are being lost to time. So, more people should be able to easily access stores like GOG where they can buy a game, download it and keep it legally without DRM or funny business like their consoles being remotely bricked.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What has the creation process been like?
Jones: It’s funny because most of it involved research. I build computers–no problem and the idea of that led me to thinking about building custom rigs or special setups. After turning an old PC that a friend gave me into a custom arcade cabinet the question went from “What can I do to make a gaming PC that’s different?” to “What’s the difference between a game console and a gaming PC?” The answer was that it’s just mostly software that separates the two. So, then I did some digging to find out what it would take to make a console. From there I was able to form some small business connections that gave me access to manufacturers of whom I were able to secure deals with for sourcing the hardware.
On the software side, there has been some custom configuring here and there but with a ton of testing and benchmarking. I had to make sure that if I was going to offer something comparable to modern gaming console hardware, it would need to be able to perform powerful enough for the price point and give them something they can use to play modern games to a reasonable degree. From there, I used a custom-build combination of hardware and software which resulted in 2 different prototypes that basically demonstrate the experience I want to offer to players. I play on the second prototype whenever I have time–it has practically replaced my stolen Steam Deck—Yeah, it’s not portable but it’s definitely more powerful!
Old School Gamer Magazine: Any hurdles?
Jones: It’s funny you ask because originally, what I just mentioned would’ve been most of what it would have taken to make the QuarterCade. The plan was to use SteamOS with some custom configurations. However, Valve communicated that they were currently only offering their distribution license for the SteamOS behind closed doors to certain select clients and that they’d only offer a general license much later on. So, we’re making our own API to act as an operating system.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What did you learn?
Jones: Not everyone is open to working with anyone. The bigger your pockets, the more brand recognition you have, the more doors that are open to you. This is just the current reality of the system. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t open your own doors to move forward. It just means that it will take more work and creativity.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Who do you think NEEDS this console?
Jones: Definitely gamers who feel they’ve been priced out by the other consoles. Also, those who want to go back and collect older titles that they miss or even explore a backlog of classic titles that are not available on modern consoles.
I also really believe that there will be others who are not a part of that entry-level, budget-gamer crowd that will also support the QuarterCade because they really want to give the power back to the players and support indie developers.
Old School Gamer Magazine: How does it disrupt the marketplace?
Jones: Realistically, this will depend on how far the QuarterCade reaches. When I first talked about the idea with some friends who are now helping me, we were convinced that this could potentially contribute to what some are calling the “modern AAA game crash” because it’s not just offering modern games at an affordable price but it’s offering features such as free online play without subscriptions. It will be hard for some to imagine ever going back to a traditional home console. We’re making plans for the long run so once people get invested into the QuarterCade, there will be future options for upgrades that will retain previous game libraries and be infinitely backwards compatible.
Also, if more gamers play on the QuarterCade, independent developers will be able to reach more players without having to spend as much money, time and resources into bringing their games to other consoles.
It’s just a matter of people noticing what we’re doing and sharing with others.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What are your ultimate goals here?
Jones: World domination, of course.
LOL No, I’m kidding.
I want to eventually make the QuarterCade Console a platform for players who want to build collections of gaming history and of course, I want to keep a budget console on the market alive for gamers who don’t have as much. I also want to put food on the table for me and my wife by doing something meaningful.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What’s next?
Jones: We have an Indiegogo campaign that we will be launching on October 21st! We’ll be handling preorders through that campaign so anyone who supports it through pledges will be the first in the world to get their hands on the QuarterCade!
Old School Gamer Magazine: Anything else you’d like to add?
Jones: Yeah, I just want to emphasize the importance of “voting with your wallet.”
If we continue to buy into the greedy exploitative practices of corporate entities that are no longer interested in delivering fun games, they’ll continue doing whatever they want to. Even if they were to change, they’ll just go back to finding ways to nickel and dime the players.
If, though, these AAA companies were to crash, that wouldn’t necessarily mean the end of gaming or games that we love. There are developers who still work within these companies that care about the experience of the player, many of whom have been laid off by big companies or left them to even make their own games. They will still make games they are passionate about but without those companies, they’ll do so on their own terms without worrying about pleasing investors who could care less about the experiences that are at times very personal to each gamer. The classics of the past that we look back on so fondly were made in smaller rooms, anyway.
So, think about that the next time you consider buying a game console…And maybe just consider buying a QuarterCade instead.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Where can people find out more?
Jones: Definitely check out the QuarterCade website at https://thequartercade.com/
I just recently added a nice little FAQ section there that should answer most questions!
Otherwise, reaching out to quartercade@gmail.com would be fine, too.
Sources
QuarterCade Indiegogo
The QuarterCade – A Budget Game Console/PC Hybrid | Indiegogo
GOG.com
Welcome to GOG.com | best PC games DRM-free
Game prices:
Microsoft raises Xbox prices in U.S. due to macroeconomic environment
Modern AAA Video game crash:
The games industry is screwed.
The Blockbuster Games Bubble Has Burst – IGN
Expedition 33 made by former Ubisoft employee:
The Unusual Story Behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Dev Team – Icy Veins
