How do you feel about PC games that require Steam installed?

[burgbrand22]

I recently heard that Civilization V will require Steam in order to access exclusive content like the Babylonian empire, soundtrack, and video featurettes? Is anyone bothered that certain games require a third party client like Steam installed.

For example, in order to play Modern Warfare 2 on the PC, you need to install Steam and link your game key code to your account. Apparently it means they can't sell it later.

 

[Sajuuk-khar]

I kind of like it. Now I can go on both my PC and laptop, access steam, press install and nothing else to worry about.

I do like boxed games though, I like owning a physical representation of the game. Since I am planning on buying Civ5, this makes me kind of uncertain on whether to go for the box, or for Babylon.

Probably going to be Babylon.

 

[erbkaiser]

I have no problem with that at all, since Steam is awesome. Yes, it does stop reselling, but in return you get a disc free launcher without the need for an active internet connection (only once needed per PC to download and authenticate), you can install it on multiple PCs at once, and it is auto-updated.

Many DRM schemes suck, but Steam actually adds value and does not punish the customer.

 

[Yureina]

I may use and like Steam, but I don't really like the forced registration business. Even if it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, what would happen if Steam croaked? Would I be unable to play any of these games I had gotten through Steam or required Steam registration to play?

Aside from that little bit, i've not no real problem.

 

[Maltyz]

It use to not bother me, but I'm starting to hate it now! Lol!

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

I was never Babylon, but if they keep Persia, or France or the Celts!... I rather have the box with me as I am a great fan of the series.

 

[wordsmith]

I may use and like Steam, but I don't really like it. Even if it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, what would happen if Steam croaked? Would I be unable to play any of these games I had gotten through Steam or required Steam registration to play?

Aside from that little bit, i've not no real problem.

Valve have already developed a patch that will disable the need for internet activation IF the company goes under. It's unlikely, but they won't just switch off and leave us in the dark.

 

[Abedeus]

I always use it, so no problem at all.

 

[burgbrand22]

Yes, lots of Steam fans at the escapist here just like me.

But I can understand the frustration from PC gamers who don't use Steam (and I guess one obvious reason why is Valve requiring them to install the client when they don't want to).

 

[Sajuuk-khar]

I may use and like Steam, but I don't really like it. Even if it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, what would happen if Steam croaked? Would I be unable to play any of these games I had gotten through Steam or required Steam registration to play?

Aside from that little bit, i've not no real problem.

Valve have already developed a patch that will disable the need for internet activation IF the company goes under. It's unlikely, but they won't just switch off and leave us in the dark.

Besides it's a lot more likely that they'd be bought by another company.

 

[oliveira8]

I was never Babylon, but if they keep Persia, or France or the Celts!... I rather have the box with me as I am a great fan of the series.

You still need to use Steam with the Box version. Games that need Steamwork you can buy with boxes or buy it digitally via Steam.

As for the thread I don't care really. It used to annoy me 5 years ago when it didn't work, now it actually functions, and I use it for all me games...so yeah.

 

[Daedalus1942]

I recently heard that Civilization V will require Steam in order to access exclusive content like the Babylonian empire, soundtrack, and video featurettes? Is anyone bothered that certain games require a third party client like Steam installed.

For example, in order to play Modern Warfare 2 on the PC, you need to install Steam and link your game key code to your account. Apparently it means they can't sell it later.

Steam is most likely the best and least invasive form of DRM ever conceived and while I don't like either of those games, I don't see it as a bad idea.

 

[Yureina]

I may use and like Steam, but I don't really like it. Even if it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, what would happen if Steam croaked? Would I be unable to play any of these games I had gotten through Steam or required Steam registration to play?

Aside from that little bit, i've not no real problem.

Valve have already developed a patch that will disable the need for internet activation IF the company goes under. It's unlikely, but they won't just switch off and leave us in the dark.

Well, that's reassuring. Short of Fallout 3, virtually all of my good games have either been downloaded or needed a registration for Steam. That's reassuring

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

Well since Steam is a decent form of DRM no I wouldn't mind in the slightest in fact I was thinking of getting it from steam.

 

[Tony2077]

Not a problem!!

i wonder does anyone know where i got this from

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

I may use and like Steam, but I don't really like it. Even if it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, what would happen if Steam croaked? Would I be unable to play any of these games I had gotten through Steam or required Steam registration to play?

Aside from that little bit, i've not no real problem.

Valve have already developed a patch that will disable the need for internet activation IF the company goes under. It's unlikely, but they won't just switch off and leave us in the dark.

Well, that's reassuring. Short of Fallout 3, virtually all of my good games have either been downloaded or needed a registration for Steam. That's reassuring

Well actually there is offline mode as well which means that you don't have to be online to play the game you just need it updated and you can play it offline no disk.

 

[Yureina]

I may use and like Steam, but I don't really like it. Even if it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, what would happen if Steam croaked? Would I be unable to play any of these games I had gotten through Steam or required Steam registration to play?

Aside from that little bit, i've not no real problem.

Valve have already developed a patch that will disable the need for internet activation IF the company goes under. It's unlikely, but they won't just switch off and leave us in the dark.

Well, that's reassuring. Short of Fallout 3, virtually all of my good games have either been downloaded or needed a registration for Steam. That's reassuring

Well actually there is offline mode as well which means that you don't have to be online to play the game you just need it updated and you can play it offline no disk.

Actually, I was referring to a situation if Steam itself melted down sometime in the future, rather than my internet. Even so, i've always had trouble getting offline mode to work anyway. It pretty much means I play Fallout 3 or walk away whenever Steam isnt working on my computer for some reason.

I hope that things will remain secure.

 

[armaina]

I have a personal policy, I never purchase a game that I wouldn't keep. So, it's no big deal to me if I can't re-sell it because I wouldn't even buy it if I wanted to re-sell it eventually.

I've never had a problem with steam as a program itself and I have been able to use it in offline mode without issue. I think it's managed well and the deals that they do are awesome.