Steam and its DRM

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

I can understand your qualms in regards to using Steam, based on this and your previous posts. However, it seems to me that your troubles arise, not from Steam, but from your shoddy network setup. I'd imagine if you found a more efficient configuration for your network or perhaps more reliable hardware (can ask some to gift you a better router. xmas is here after all) then pretty much all of your problems would be resolved.

A fair assumption, but it's definitely Steam.

I once tried installing my games on the other PC in our house. This PC is plugged directly into the router which is plugged directly into the phone line.

Exact same problems.

Also I'm not going to change my network configuration, it may be unconventional but it's much faster than a wireless card.

To address your second point, you do have the option of turning auto-updates off for one or all of the games in your library. That way, they'll never download a patch or update until you choose to do so. However, if you're playing a multi-player game, then not getting the updates is just illogical. 99% of Steam servers apply updates as they become available. Ergo, you're version (not being updated) wouldn't be compatible and would therefore be unable to play online. Likewise, you can run some games in offline mode even while logged in. This may help with some of the issues you've been having.

I'd much rather turn Steam off so then I can turn it back on at a time I deem reasonable to receive any and all updates.

I play multiplayer games a lot more on consoles. The only game I regularly play on my PC and access the multiplayer is Dawn of War 2. I also have UT3 but I don't play it much.

 

[Chibz]

But that doesn't change the fact CS had a good map editor. Lets take Super Mario Bros, many say it's what brought gaming from the dead after ET and the flood of games killed the market(or at least help if you ask me). But I can turn around and say I think it didn't do anything worth while because platformers now a days do much more better things. That's saying Super Mario Bros didn't do anything worth while just because you feel games now are doing things better.

Actually, Super Mario Bros 1 is still easily one of the best made platformers. From musical composition to level design, even up the basic character design it's still up there. The only reason why I wouldn't call it the "best" is because, well, Super Mario 3 exists.

And there's the thing. A truly great game ages like fine wine, and never becomes completely "outdated" or "Obsolete".

... Wow. I seem to have bought four "different" copies of that one game. I have a problem.

 

[Pyroguekenesis]

I really hate the apparent fact tha you need to buy a full game in order to open up and have a friends list...i have no idea what a drm is...sorry

 

[Chibz]

I really hate the apparent fact tha you need to buy a full game in order to open up and have a friends list...i have no idea what a drm is...sorry

Digital Rights Management. It's them trying to turn someone who has zero interest in ever being a legitimate customer (IE: Pirates) INTO legitimate customers. It's doomed to fail.

 

[lacktheknack]

'Kay. Still don't see the big deal there. Would you mind explaining? (not trying to start a war, just curious, like I usually am)

My internet is fairly dodgy at times which means I often need to attempt to run offline mode, but my current wireless set up is a bit unconventional (short range wireless ethernet connectors) and this means my computer can't easily tell when the internet has gone down.

Offline mode complains a lot and most of the time won't run, instead bringing up an update screen for some unknown reason.

I much prefer my games to not run Steam. We do not get along particularly well ever since it screwed me around with Empire: Total War.

Are you clicking the Steam menu in the window and then "Go Offline"? Never had problems with it, and dodgy connections don't matter.

 

[Savagezion]

Boy do Steam threads get out of control... I love PC gaming but because I often multitask, because I like 360 controllers and because of ease and accessibility with none of the problems with building a PC I use my console a lot more for gaming.

LOL, I know man I am just spectating and having a blast! Also, feeling a bit sorry for you and your inbox. (I won't do it to you again.) You making this thread has entertained me all morning. Personally I am flipped and use my PC slightly more for gaming than my consoles. Plus, I, like you, enjoy the thrill of a purchase and bringing the game home.

Since we are all stating our feelings, I am indifferent to steam. I don't feel comfortable saying I like it or dislike it because ultimately it is just kind of there. But I don't like the idea of handing over money in good faith that if something happens (god forbid) Valve will use the honor system and let me keep my games.

 

[Arehexes]

But that doesn't change the fact CS had a good map editor. Lets take Super Mario Bros, many say it's what brought gaming from the dead after ET and the flood of games killed the market(or at least help if you ask me). But I can turn around and say I think it didn't do anything worth while because platformers now a days do much more better things. That's saying Super Mario Bros didn't do anything worth while just because you feel games now are doing things better.

Actually, Super Mario Bros 1 is still easily one of the best made platformers. From musical composition to level design, even up the basic character design it's still up there. The only reason why I wouldn't call it the "best" is because, well, Super Mario 3 exists.

And there's the thing. A truly great game ages like fine wine, and never becomes completely "outdated" or "Obsolete".

... Wow. I seem to have bought four "different" copies of that one game. I have a problem.

Um if we are going to talk about obsolete, Super Mario Bros while is a classic is obsolete when compared to Super Mario Bros 3, World, World 2, and the New Super Mario Bros games. I love the original but it's obsolete, because the newer one give so much more in terms of gameplay. The NES my be classic but it's obsolete hardware, same with the games that are on it. Final Fantasy 1 is a classic but if you compare it to the rest it is really obsolete.

On a note it was also remade in All Stars, if it was classic it wouldn't need a remake. You don't pour more wine in a bottle of aging wine now do you

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Are you clicking the Steam menu in the window and then "Go Offline"? Never had problems with it, and dodgy connections don't matter.

Generally as I'm not paying attention to my PC by the time my net has gone out it's too late to click the go offline button without it complaining at me.

I also have a habit of turning the computer back on at night (while my net is off) when I can't sleep, and Steam just won't run then.

 

[Chibz]

Um if we are going to talk about obsolete, Super Mario Bros while is a classic is obsolete when compared to Super Mario Bros 3, World, World 2, and the New Super Mario Bros games. I love the original but it's obsolete, because the newer one give so much more in terms of gameplay. The NES my be classic but it's obsolete hardware, same with the games that are on it. Final Fantasy 1 is a classic but if you compare it to the rest it is really obsolete.

Even comparing it to games of its own time like Perfect Dark (bless that game. Almost made me buy an N64 despite the N64 being awful) it still comes out behind as far as offering gameplay. Even primitive ol' TS1 (PS2 exclusive) offers more gameplay options than CS does. Again, released approximately the same time.

Final Fantasy 1? Obsolete? That's just silliness! It can't ever be made Obsolete because unlike the other titles (we got in north america) it actually allows you to customize your characters & party and even name them. That's why I find myself able to care more about them. I can put myself in their collective shoes better.

 

[Arehexes]

Um if we are going to talk about obsolete, Super Mario Bros while is a classic is obsolete when compared to Super Mario Bros 3, World, World 2, and the New Super Mario Bros games. I love the original but it's obsolete, because the newer one give so much more in terms of gameplay. The NES my be classic but it's obsolete hardware, same with the games that are on it. Final Fantasy 1 is a classic but if you compare it to the rest it is really obsolete.

Even comparing it to games of its own time like Perfect Dark (bless that game. Almost made me buy an N64 despite the N64 being awful) it still comes out behind as far as offering gameplay. Even primitive ol' TS1 (PS2 exclusive) offers more gameplay options than CS does. Again, released approximately the same time.

Yet who plays which one more (and I don't even know what TS1 is, a tip don't use short hand till you first say what it is like Super Mario Bros(SMB)), once again you may not like it but others seem to. I didn't know you made up the gaming market, what games should we deem classic oh master?

 

[Chibz]

Yet who plays which one more (and I don't even know what TS1 is, a tip don't use short hand till you first say what it is like Super Mario Bros(SMB)), once again you may not like it but others seem to. I didn't know you made up the gaming market, what games should we deem classic oh master?

Timesplitters. One of the few FPS series worth buying.

Mario All Stars is pretty much the embodiment of classic. Dungeon Keeper 1 & 2. Nothing quite does what those games do/did. (#1 is better). You know, games that were good then and good now. It's not complicated.

Donkey Kong Country is also good.

 

[Plurralbles]

Introvision (Defcon) and Steam screwed up so people can't play Defcon otuside of demo mode.

So steam kinda' sucks but they gave me portal for free so...


And not requiring a disc kinda' is awesome.

 

[Vigormortis]

Boy do Steam threads get out of control... I love PC gaming but because I often multitask, because I like 360 controllers and because of ease and accessibility with none of the problems with building a PC I use my console a lot more for gaming.

Sometimes they do, but only when the trolls show up. Usually, the ones that start insulting other posters and comparing Valve's games to other games (in an attempt to say how shit Valve's games are). And people say Valve fans are bad. The anti-Valve trolls are much, much worse. To avoid being misunderstood and being flamed, by "anti-Valve trolls" I don't mean people that don't like Valve. I mean people that go out of their way to post insulting and derogatory messages on any and every thread wherein Valve is either the topic or just mentioned in passing.

Believe it or not, Steam (and much of the new or new-ish games running on it) support the 360 controller. Steam has built-in drivers to make full use of it. (as does windows, after you plug a 360 controller in and auto-download the drivers from MS)

I would never buy a game on steam simply because of its DRM. None of the consoles force you to put up with such faggotry. Why put up with it from Valve?

Largely because both Live Arcade and PSN can (and has) have worse DRM. What do you mean I have to be online when I'm not on my home console? What do you mean I have to be online, period?

I play my XBLA games offline all the time.

Unless, of course, your DLC or XBLA license wears out and requires you to "update" the game before you can access your content. This happens A LOT with many 360 games. Take Halo Wars, for example. Too often am I forced to connect to Live and download an "update" just so I can access the DLC I PURCHASED for game. It's no update, it's a license renewal. If I don't download this "update", I can only play the basic game. I can't play on any of the DLC maps.

Same goes for every single indie game on Live. I've yet to see a single one that I can play offline. They literally REQUIRE you to be connected to Live to play. Even if they're single-player. Ergo, if I ever lose my ability to connect to Live, I lose every indie game I've purchased on my 360.

Consoles are the most restrictive form of DRM there is. You can only play your games how, when, and where the consoles makers choose.

Also, everyone needs to ignore Chibz. I've never seen such an obvious trolling attempt in my life. He has no intention on having a rational discussion. His only goal is to piss people off.

I think steam's a great service because it rids me of physical media, and that I can go anywhere and download the game I want to play.

Also, resources? really? I have steam in the back right now, it's taking a whopping 9,050kb. Whoopdie friggin' do.

Finally, someone who actually is aware of what Steam does and isn't just spewing random opinions and bullshit they make up on the spot. Steam uses fewer system resources while active then Windows Media Player uses while sitting idle. And, when you use Steam to load a game (whether it's an actual Steam game or not), it uses even LESS once the game is loaded. Actively pausing all downloads (unless told otherwise) and diminishing it's use of CPU cycles and system memory.

 

[Chibz]

The problem is that Valve fans try to paint Valve as the golden ... Saint (*Begins punching self*) of gaming. Treat every game, regardless of how questionable in quality or how long it had taken to develop, by them as perfect. Almost as a form of worship.

Oh, and they seem to be obligated to view Steam as the best service EVAR.

The fact is, I'd rather have my games in hard copy form than forcefully installed. It allows me to own (far) more games than I'd otherwise be able to, and gives all the legal benefits of actual legal ownership of a copy of a game.

 

[Wintermoot]

yes, but you can set it to off-line mode

 

[Arehexes]

Yet who plays which one more (and I don't even know what TS1 is, a tip don't use short hand till you first say what it is like Super Mario Bros(SMB)), once again you may not like it but others seem to. I didn't know you made up the gaming market, what games should we deem classic oh master?

Timesplitters. One of the few FPS series worth buying.

Mario All Stars is pretty much the embodiment of classic. Dungeon Keeper 1 & 2. Nothing quite does what those games do/did. (#1 is better). You know, games that were good then and good now. It's not complicated.

Donkey Kong Country is also good.

Never cared for Time Splitters, I'm glad you like it though. But here is the thing you keep listing games you like, I bet there are games you didn't like that did do things others didn't do at the time.

 

[Chibz]

Yet who plays which one more (and I don't even know what TS1 is, a tip don't use short hand till you first say what it is like Super Mario Bros(SMB)), once again you may not like it but others seem to. I didn't know you made up the gaming market, what games should we deem classic oh master?

Timesplitters. One of the few FPS series worth buying.

Mario All Stars is pretty much the embodiment of classic. Dungeon Keeper 1 & 2. Nothing quite does what those games do/did. (#1 is better). You know, games that were good then and good now. It's not complicated.

Donkey Kong Country is also good.

Never cared for Time Splitters, I'm glad you like it though. But here is the thing you keep listing games you like, I bet there are games you didn't like that did do things others didn't do at the time.

Well yeah, but it's hard to mention games that I didn't like due to the fact that I didn't play them in depth.

Most people dislike Timesplitters because they fail to see it as parody of one of the mist insipid genres in gaming. Oh, and it's more than just a one trick pony. To be fair, TS1's single player campaign was pretty awful. But the trilogy got steadily better.

Also you have to be online (at some point) in order to use Steam at all? I didn't know that. What a maximum catastrophe of ass!

That'd be like wanting to play ... I dunno, Scott Pilgrim vs The World on my 360 and having to (briefly) have had an active internet connection to play unharassed. Despite the fact the game is single-player with no online support.

 

[Arehexes]

Yet who plays which one more (and I don't even know what TS1 is, a tip don't use short hand till you first say what it is like Super Mario Bros(SMB)), once again you may not like it but others seem to. I didn't know you made up the gaming market, what games should we deem classic oh master?

Timesplitters. One of the few FPS series worth buying.

Mario All Stars is pretty much the embodiment of classic. Dungeon Keeper 1 & 2. Nothing quite does what those games do/did. (#1 is better). You know, games that were good then and good now. It's not complicated.

Donkey Kong Country is also good.

Never cared for Time Splitters, I'm glad you like it though. But here is the thing you keep listing games you like, I bet there are games you didn't like that did do things others didn't do at the time.

Well yeah, but it's hard to mention games that I didn't like due to the fact that I didn't play them in depth.

Most people dislike Timesplitters because they fail to see it as parody of one of the mist insipid genres in gaming.

Also you have to be online (at some point) in order to use Steam at all? I didn't know that. What a maximum catastrophe of ass!

That'd be like wanting to play ... I dunno, Scott Pilgrim vs The World on my 360 and having to (briefly) have had an active internet connection to play unharassed. Despite the fact the game is single-player with no online support.

Eat Lead is a parody on other gaming genres also, and the internet thing is better then a install limit EA pulled with spore.

 

[Chibz]

Eat Lead is a parody on other gaming genres also, and the internet thing is better then a install limit EA pulled with spore.

They're both unforgivable ways to rip off the consumer. But again, by playing off of discs I'm guarenteed to not have to do this. Benefits of legal ownership, love 'em.