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Steam #901609
07/16/13 04:52 PM
07/16/13 04:52 PM
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 3,669
New York
Mary Offline OP
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I've never bought a game from Steam, and don't know if there are reasons NOT to buy from them.
They have Dear Esther at a really good price.


The answer is....chocolate! Who cares what the question is.....
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901615
07/16/13 05:20 PM
07/16/13 05:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,818
Beverly Hills, Florida
kjos Offline
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I've bought quite a few games from steam and never had any trouble.
Richard


***To Error is Human**To Forgive is Divine***
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901619
07/16/13 05:36 PM
07/16/13 05:36 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,779
Lost in the Arizona Desert
oldman Offline
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I too, was hesitant to start buying from Steam but I had a couple of games on disk that required Steam and had no problems and now I have about a dozen games in my Steam library and I have no problems. I still prefer downloading from DRM free sites like GOG, but you take it where you can get it if you really want it. (wow so profound) snicker crazy


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Steam [Re: oldman] #901625
07/16/13 06:36 PM
07/16/13 06:36 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 34,287
United Kingdom
Mad Offline
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What I don't like about Steam is that you have to log in with them to play your games.

I could understand it with games bought through them (especially downloads) because I buy downloads from BigFish and they have a similar requirement.

But I recently bought the disk version of Skyrim from Amazon - where there was no mention of needing a Steam connection. So I got quite a shock when I came to play it and found I could only do so via Steam !! rolleyes

[Having said that, I haven't actually encountered any problems so far.]



Time : The Most Precious Commodity
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901627
07/16/13 06:48 PM
07/16/13 06:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,293
Rivellon
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"I recently bought the disk version of Skyrim from Amazon - where there was no mention of needing a Steam connection. So I got quite a shock when I came to play it and found I could only do so via Steam !!"

Trying to corner the world of gaming an inch at a time, are they?
That's what's known as a stealth manuever and it seriously bothers me.
I foresee the day when I'll be playing only games I can buy at a DRM-free site like GOG and if they don't have it, I'll do without.
Even a copy of Grim that runs perfectly without any need to download a patch or a launcher.

Gil.
On the battlements


"Best not to think about it. I don't want to fall to bits 'cos of excess existential thought."
Re: Steam [Re: Mad] #901633
07/16/13 07:15 PM
07/16/13 07:15 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 336
Alaska
lanlynk Offline
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Originally Posted By: Mad
What I don't like about Steam is that you have to log in with them to play your games.

There is an Offline Mode for Steam. Once you set up your game, apparently you don't have to be online to play. I've never tried this myself, but I've read that some people prefer to play their games offline.

"Offline Mode allows you to play games through Steam without reconnecting to the Steam Network every time you wish to play - this is particularly useful if you do not plan on playing over the internet and would prefer not to download new updates for your single-player games.

Please note that you must connect to the Steam Network and test each of the games you would like to use in Offline Mode at least once to set up your account and configure Offline Mode on your machine."

Steam Offline Mode


"Dragons were never gone. They were just invisible and very, very quiet." ~ M'aiq the Liar (Skyrim)
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901639
07/16/13 08:12 PM
07/16/13 08:12 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,779
Lost in the Arizona Desert
oldman Offline
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Everyone knows of all the down sides to being required to connect to an internet connection to play a game however, there are up sides. The most obvious is updating your game. When you are connected to steam your game is automatically updated with any patches or DLC's that you are authorized to have plus it is much easier to purchase any additions or DLC's you might want.

So there is the good, the bad, and the ugly.

It all depends on your preferences as to whether the good outweighs the bad.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901640
07/16/13 08:12 PM
07/16/13 08:12 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 19,983
Near St. Louis, MO
Draclvr Offline
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I always use offline mode.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901644
07/16/13 08:24 PM
07/16/13 08:24 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,617
Denmark, Europe
Karsten Offline
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While we're talking about Steam, you can get Deponia (the first one) for 4.99 Euros at Steam untill MOnday the 22nd of July smile

I, too, have never had any troubles with games from Steam.


Adventure gaming is fun smile

Re: Steam [Re: Karsten] #901651
07/16/13 09:30 PM
07/16/13 09:30 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 83,238
In the Naughty Corner
BrownEyedTigre Offline
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Originally Posted By: Karsten
While we're talking about Steam, you can get Deponia (the first one) for 4.99 Euros at Steam untill MOnday the 22nd of July smile

I, too, have never had any troubles with games from Steam.


There is a Daedalic bundle here too!


Don't feed the Trolls
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901658
07/16/13 11:00 PM
07/16/13 11:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,310
Larnaca, Cyprus
Butcher Offline
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Relatively new to Steam (after Nov 2012) and never had any problems with it. It keeps my games up to date and the Steam Cloud helps with progress and settings and so on. More and more companies are releasing their own download managers (Origin, Uplay) trying to copy what steam has done and has been very successful.

I always try to buy a boxed version of the game even if it has Steam/Origin required due to the fact that I won't have to download everything again each time I want to install the game. I just install through the disc and just download the remaining data which is usually not that much.

Unfortunately (in my opinion), digital content is becoming even more common and many companies release exclusive collector's editions only as digital downloads in order to promote their managers.


"Cannot The Kingdom Of Salvation Take Me Home?"

R.I.P Cliff Burton
Re: Steam [Re: Butcher] #901664
07/17/13 12:25 AM
07/17/13 12:25 AM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 336
Alaska
lanlynk Offline
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Alaska
Originally Posted By: Butcher
More and more companies are releasing their own download managers (Origin, Uplay) trying to copy what steam has done and has been very successful.

Even Big Fish has a Game Manager for their casual games. There's a way to work around that, but if you start a Big Fish game with the default shortcut, the manager will open with all its latest advertisements. It does check for game updates too. The Sims also has a launcher.

Another big enticement to be online while in-game is the "achievements" you can earn during your game play. Players love those shiny badges! grin


"Dragons were never gone. They were just invisible and very, very quiet." ~ M'aiq the Liar (Skyrim)
Re: Steam [Re: lanlynk] #901674
07/17/13 02:37 AM
07/17/13 02:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 34,287
United Kingdom
Mad Offline
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I didn't know Steam had an "off-line" facility. I might try that at some stage, then.
So thanks for that info smile

[Of course, the total of everything I know about Steam anyway would fit on the back of a postage stamp !! I'm a mere Steam Newbie lol]


Time : The Most Precious Commodity
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #901849
07/17/13 06:34 PM
07/17/13 06:34 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,337
Michigan
M
mcc Offline
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Michigan
I had no problem with playing or buying games from them.

I am normally always connected to internet, then I do not know about this type of requirement, but sometimes the connection falls down for a reason and I don't remember that I had to stop playing because being offline.


If real is what you can feel, smell, taste and see, then 'real' is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain

From The Matrix
Re: Steam [Re: mcc] #901934
07/18/13 05:04 AM
07/18/13 05:04 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 34,287
United Kingdom
Mad Offline
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In the few weeks since I registered with Steam there have already been two occasions when a connection was "not available" and I couldn't play my game.

I had to reboot my computer (both times) before a log-in was possible frown


Time : The Most Precious Commodity
Re: Steam [Re: Mad] #902115
07/18/13 07:30 PM
07/18/13 07:30 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,525
oldmariner Offline
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Originally Posted By: Mad
In the few weeks since I registered with Steam there have already been two occasions when a connection was "not available" and I couldn't play my game.

I had to reboot my computer (both times) before a log-in was possible frown



I come from a place and time where the customer is always right. If someone wants to present a game for me to purchase the conditions are, here is my money, the game is mine.

I will play it and install it when and where I want without grovelling for your permission or become dependent upon your website to activate, install or play----ever.

You don't like those terms then sell to somebody else. You need me the customer, I don't need you.

It is a simple concept and I'm a suscriber.

Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902142
07/18/13 09:43 PM
07/18/13 09:43 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,293
Rivellon
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traveler Offline
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"I will play it and install it when and where I want without grovelling for your permission or become dependent upon your website to activate, install or play----ever."

Lol! I'll move over and make room for you on the battlements, oldmariner.

Gil.


"Best not to think about it. I don't want to fall to bits 'cos of excess existential thought."
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902159
07/19/13 12:53 AM
07/19/13 12:53 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 788
Virginia Beach, VA
Uncle Reg Offline
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Make room for me too, traveler. I'm with you and oldmariner 100%.

Re: Steam [Re: Uncle Reg] #902265
07/19/13 11:47 AM
07/19/13 11:47 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 34,287
United Kingdom
Mad Offline
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Yes. I hear what you are saying grin

However, I do only have the one "Steam" game, AND, as I said, there was no mention of Steam when I bought that.

[And I hope not to get caught that way again rolleyes]

However, sites like Steam are certainly on the increase and if, eventually, they do become the only way to play, I will just have to use them as I don't intend to give up the pleasure my computer games provide whistle


Time : The Most Precious Commodity
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902288
07/19/13 12:34 PM
07/19/13 12:34 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 23,997
UK
Rushes Offline
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Originally Posted By: Mad
However, sites like Steam are certainly on the increase and if, eventually, they do become the only way to play, I will just have to use them as I don't intend to give up the pleasure my computer games provide


And therein lies the conundrum, for those (great many) of us who prefer boxed games as opposed to the download-only varietal. We can stick it out, in the hope that developers will eventually roll back and return to producing boxed versions. Or we can accept the trend, and those conditions and download. Refusing to accept the conditions means missing out on a number of great games. Developers might not necessarily understand/appreciate that the consumer still wants boxed copies. They interpret the reduced sales as general disinterest in the adventure genre. They switch to Casual or Action. And so it goes. Gah. I prefer boxed copies too. But it's double-edged, as technology develops. And it will continue to develop -- look at the rise in popularity of eBooks, and the dramatic slump in sales of CDs/DVDs.


"Bleat, Watson -- unmitigated bleat!" ~ Sherlock Holmes
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902307
07/19/13 01:15 PM
07/19/13 01:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,293
Rivellon
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Rivellon
But the choice is not between downloaded games and boxed.
It is between ownership and a form of rental.
Downloaded games do not have to have the "gotcha" of a game manager.
They don't have to have hoops to jump through if you want to play them.
Developers do not have to market their games through a company that sells you games with "conditions".

Maybe it's generational but I do not understand anyone who doesn't care if they're sold something but don't really own what they buy and find gimmicks like Achievements valid compensation for not having total ownership of what they paid good money for.
And I certainly don't understand people not being furious when a boxed game comes with limiting "conditions", especially if you're not informed of it upfront.

As for automatic updates, GOG updates my games and informs me there are updated versions when I bounce by the website.
I go to the excruciating trouble of downloading them myself, knowing they are still DRM free and I don't have to be ask anyone's permission to play them.
I can live without a box though they're nice.
I am not about to pay for something and then, as oldmariner says, have to ask permission to use it.

Where's that icon? Aha. steamed

Gil.


"Best not to think about it. I don't want to fall to bits 'cos of excess existential thought."
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902312
07/19/13 01:26 PM
07/19/13 01:26 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 23,997
UK
Rushes Offline
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UK
Yes, I think it is generational. The younger set don't seem to think twice about this sort of thing. They've grown up with it, they're used to it. Us olduns tag along, complaining and foaming at the udders. lol


"Bleat, Watson -- unmitigated bleat!" ~ Sherlock Holmes
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902317
07/19/13 01:38 PM
07/19/13 01:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,293
Rivellon
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Rivellon
"Uncle" Reg might take offense at that last comment, Rushes. rotfl

Gil.


"Best not to think about it. I don't want to fall to bits 'cos of excess existential thought."
Re: Steam [Re: Mary] #902318
07/19/13 01:43 PM
07/19/13 01:43 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 23,997
UK
Rushes Offline
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I'd lay odds that he has a set of metaphysical udders tucked away in case of emergencies. yes


"Bleat, Watson -- unmitigated bleat!" ~ Sherlock Holmes
Re: Steam [Re: Rushes] #902322
07/19/13 01:52 PM
07/19/13 01:52 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 34,287
United Kingdom
Mad Offline
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Originally Posted By: Rushes
And therein lies the conundrum, for those (great many) of us who prefer boxed games as opposed to the download-only varietal. We can stick it out, in the hope that developers will eventually roll back and return to producing boxed versions. Or we can accept the trend, and those conditions and download. Refusing to accept the conditions means missing out on a number of great games. Developers might not necessarily understand/appreciate that the consumer still wants boxed copies. They interpret the reduced sales as general disinterest in the adventure genre. They switch to Casual or Action. And so it goes. Gah. I prefer boxed copies too. But it's double-edged, as technology develops. And it will continue to develop -- look at the rise in popularity of eBooks, and the dramatic slump in sales of CDs/DVDs.


Yes, a conundrum indeed !! And I'm all for "sticking it out" too.
But not if my taking that action would be misunderstood by Developers in the way you suggest, Rushes frown


Time : The Most Precious Commodity
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