Steam has System Shock 2

[Valkrex]

Just bought it. I missed this game the first time around, and now I can experience the glory!

 

[The White Hunter]

Question: What actual DRM is on the Steam version of System Shock 2? Older games like that typically only have whatever copy protection they came with implemented, and since it's usually just a disc check, they tend to strip even that out. Now granted, you can't always launch it properly through Steam itself if you're screwed up on the DRM, but typically all you have to do to launch it is go into the folder it's installed to and click on the exe file, whether you're logged in to Steam or not. They don't typically spend the extra money to get Steamworks implemented on these ancient games.

OT: This is good news. Competition is a good thing, it forces stores to compete on prices. Store exclusives are not a good thing when it comes to unique products like videogames. This isn't like a house brand of toothpaste, here.

If you get banned on Steam, that's it- you lose the game. Then there's stuff like having to turn Steam on (not to mention having it installed on your PC) and all the annoying popups/chat windows to manage and turn off...

If you buy it on GoG- it's yours, no strings attached.

Not to mention since it doesn't have steamworks you don't get those advantages so if you want to use the overlay just run it through steam as a non-steam game.

Actually wait, I think my GOG copy doesn't get along with the Steam overlay...

BUt with the DRM free copy I can try run it on every device i own

 

[TaboriHK]

Are people really questioning why someone would use Steam? I've literally lost count of major titles that I've spent 3 DOLLARS for.

 

[The White Hunter]

Spoiler: All you need is one of these

Thats far too small for all the delights that GOG can provide to you

 

[Teoes]

I'm very happy indeed to see it on Steam given the hassle that was apparent in getting it on GOG.. but I bought it on GOG the nanosecond it was available; so sorry Valve, no sale!

What's wrong with wanting it on Steam anyway?

I like to keep my games there...

This is a relevant point. I've often in the past bought games on Steam despite them being potentially being cheaper elsewhere. But you know what happened? The odd freebie plus a few weekend sales on GOG happened and now I have 36 games on my GOG shelf plus, yes, all the extra gubbins that GOG tempted me with means they're just going to keep stealing my monies.

Bottom line: no Valve hate from me. Just love. And love for another provider also. Competition is mmgood.

 

[DementedSheep]

Are people really questioning why someone would use Steam? I've literally lost count of major titles that I've spent 3 DOLLARS for.

Well yeah, steam sales are great. I don't think anyone disagrees with that. However in this case it isn't that much more expensive to get it from somewhere else that doesn't require you to run steam to play it, specializes in old games and gives you extra stuff with it.

Steam is slightly cheaper and means your games are in the same place but I still prefer GOG.

 

[The Artificially Prolonged]

Spoiler: All you need is one of these

Thats far too small for all the delights that GOG can provide to you

HAHA true, but it is a start. Thankfully external hard drives aren't too expensive

 

[ThreeName]

Many games can be opened independently from Steam client.

That's... that's just incorrect. Like, outright wrong. Like, fake moon landing on a moon made of cheese wrong.

You couldn't be more wrong, is what I'm saying.

 

[Blitsie]

Nice to see it on steam, I still think its much better to get it off GOG though, I love the fact that I can have a backup of all my GOG games and know that as long as the hard drive survives I can just easily install and play them without having to worry about updates or online DRM or anything, that's still the worst part about steam for a slow internet user like me, ugh.

Captcha: Lunch Tuesday? Nah thanks, I'm busy.

 

[Ragsnstitches]

I got this on GoG not more then a week ago. I was willing to spend 9.99 quite eagerly, so the sale price isn't bothering me.

I'd still recommend people get it on GoG. Those guys are a beacon of hope for digital distribution. I love steam, but it's nice to support the underdog especially when they actively, and functionally, campaign against practices that negatively affect the customer (DRM).

You can always add it to your steam overlay library, though I wouldn't recommend running the game with the in-game community feature running in the background as old games like this don't seem to like it.

Regardless, it's a classic. Though age does it no service, for those willing to tackle it's clunky and cumbersome Inventory and Interface (and the, virtually, no hand-holding learning curve) it's a real treat to see how so many modern games stem from one games unique formula.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Many games can be opened independently from Steam client.

That's... that's just incorrect. Like, outright wrong. Like, fake moon landing on a moon made of cheese wrong.

You couldn't be more wrong, is what I'm saying.

Actually, not only is he right, but this is likely to be one of those titles, because they're not likely to bother to implement Steamworks on something so old. That was my point in the post I made earlier -- old games on Steam generally don't have DRM added. It will throw up a DRM error if you try to use the shortcut Steam sets up while not logged in, but if you go to the actual .exe file in the game's folder, it doesn't even need Steam running to work, and you can even set up your own shortcut from that file, if you want. I've got quite a few games like that. Rule of thumb, if it's non-Valve and pre-2004, there's no Steamworks on it, and really most non-Valve stuff pre-2007 or 2008 is likely to work just fine. A fair few indie titles don't use it, either.

I actually find it really weird how when I joined this site, I was one of Steam's greatest detractors in a nest of Valve worshippers, and I now find myself pretty frequently defending it against people who have the wrong impression of how it works. I /hate/ DRM, and I hate that Steam is little more than a pretty implementation of it, but to hear some people talk you'd think it was Starforce or something.

 

[Mycroft Holmes]

What is Steam actually offering over GOG that makes its DRM worth it?

It's 30% off right now...so-o-o, I suppose if you really want those extra three dollars for yourself, it might be a tradeoff you can take. Otherwise...I'm not sure.

GOG has a team that updates software compatibility. Steam only updates if the developer patches it. So if you want to still be able to play it 5 years from now, GOG is the better bet. That is what you get for your 3 bux.

 

[ThreeName]

Actually, not only is he right, but this is likely to be one of those titles, because they're not likely to bother to implement Steamworks on something so old. That was my point in the post I made earlier -- old games on Steam generally don't have DRM added. It will throw up a DRM error if you try to use the shortcut Steam sets up while not logged in, but if you go to the actual .exe file in the game's folder, it doesn't even need Steam running to work, and you can even set up your own shortcut from that file, if you want. I've got quite a few games like that. Rule of thumb, if it's non-Valve and pre-2004, there's no Steamworks on it, and really most non-Valve stuff pre-2007 or 2008 is likely to work just fine. A fair few indie titles don't use it, either.

I actually find it really weird how when I joined this site, I was one of Steam's greatest detractors in a nest of Valve worshippers, and I now find myself pretty frequently defending it against people who have the wrong impression of how it works. I /hate/ DRM, and I hate that Steam is little more than a pretty implementation of it, but to hear some people talk you'd think it was Starforce or something.

Deus Ex is an old game, and you can't run it from the .exe. I'm not sure which games do, but I certainly don't own any of them on Steam. I'll keep an eye out for games that can though; I hate having to activate the VPN to specifically let Steam connect so I can just play some damn single-player.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Actually, not only is he right, but this is likely to be one of those titles, because they're not likely to bother to implement Steamworks on something so old. That was my point in the post I made earlier -- old games on Steam generally don't have DRM added. It will throw up a DRM error if you try to use the shortcut Steam sets up while not logged in, but if you go to the actual .exe file in the game's folder, it doesn't even need Steam running to work, and you can even set up your own shortcut from that file, if you want. I've got quite a few games like that. Rule of thumb, if it's non-Valve and pre-2004, there's no Steamworks on it, and really most non-Valve stuff pre-2007 or 2008 is likely to work just fine. A fair few indie titles don't use it, either.

I actually find it really weird how when I joined this site, I was one of Steam's greatest detractors in a nest of Valve worshippers, and I now find myself pretty frequently defending it against people who have the wrong impression of how it works. I /hate/ DRM, and I hate that Steam is little more than a pretty implementation of it, but to hear some people talk you'd think it was Starforce or something.

Deus Ex is an old game, and you can't run it from the .exe. I'm not sure which games do, but I certainly don't own any of them on Steam. I'll keep an eye out for games that can though; I hate having to activate the VPN to specifically let Steam connect so I can just play some damn single-player.

You can't? I can on my version. It may be because the first thing I do on Unreal Engine 1 games is download a modernized replacement exe, though. I'm surprised anyone who still plays those games doesn't, it fixes all sorts of problems with modern operating systems, and makes it prettier, to boot.

 

[ThreeName]

You can't? I can on my version. It may be because the first thing I do on Unreal Engine 1 games is download a modernized replacement exe, though. I'm surprised anyone who still plays those games doesn't, it fixes all sorts of problems with modern operating systems, and makes it prettier, to boot.

That may have something to do with it I get a dialog box saying "Cannot detect Steam" and it doesn't run.

I'll have to search around for those exe's, cheers

 

[Stryc9]

^What he said. Why would I buy it on Steam when I can get it DRM-free on GOG already? What is Steam actually offering over GOG that makes its DRM worth it?

How about that my bank allows me to buy from Steam but because GOG is based outside of the US I can't purchase anything from there with out going to my bank and jumping through a bunch of hoops?

 

[Dr.Awkward]

To add to the discussion, there is also centralization. People like to keep all their games in one place, and Steam got there first - It's one of the other reasons similar programs like UPlay and Origin get so much hate.

 

[Auron]

Many games can be opened independently from Steam client.

That's... that's just incorrect. Like, outright wrong. Like, fake moon landing on a moon made of cheese wrong.

You couldn't be more wrong, is what I'm saying.

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/list_of_drmfree_games_on_steam/page1

I'm very happy indeed to see it on Steam given the hassle that was apparent in getting it on GOG.. but I bought it on GOG the nanosecond it was available; so sorry Valve, no sale!

What's wrong with wanting it on Steam anyway?

I like to keep my games there...

This is a relevant point. I've often in the past bought games on Steam despite them being potentially being cheaper elsewhere. But you know what happened? The odd freebie plus a few weekend sales on GOG happened and now I have 36 games on my GOG shelf plus, yes, all the extra gubbins that GOG tempted me with means they're just going to keep stealing my monies.

Bottom line: no Valve hate from me. Just love. And love for another provider also. Competition is mmgood.

Yeah I have the D&D games from gog and a few other oldies, but your mindset is perfectly rational the "die steam die" thing is what I don't understand.