Valve's Steam has over 12 million users. Sadface.

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Oh, and just as a small point.

Steam has 35 million accounts. They've stayed with Steam for 8 years.

Origin has 4 million. It's not even activated yet. And most of those are from people who didn't sign up to it.

ALL of Steam's are.

Now hold on a second.

I was forced into Steam when I bought HL2 way back when.

At the time I wasn't pleased.

So, don't play HL2.

Problem is, if I want to play The Godfather 2 or visit EA's site, I HAVE to sign up for Origin.

And I can't sue them for that. Because they say so.

And they can change the TOS at will. Without telling anyone.

And you can't challenge it - because it says so in the EULA that you're forced to accept to read it.

With Steam, you can view everything on there without even having an account.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

To be fair though:

Regional restrictions and pricing
Some games purchased in one region become unplayable if user moves to another.

Steam allows developers and publishers to change prices and restrict game availability depending on the user's location. This can cause some games to cost more than retail prices, despite digital distribution removing the costs of manufacturing, packaging, design, and logistics.[85][86][87]

Valve also restricts game registration and playability to the buyer's country of residence. One example of this regional restriction can be seen where Valve uses Steam's authentication to prevent boxed versions of their games sold in Russia and Thailand, which are priced significantly lower than elsewhere, from being used outside those territories.[88]

Steam offers products in four currencies: US Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling and Russian Ruble. The currency is selected automatically based on the user's location, and cannot be changed. Steam has been heavily criticized by European users for pricing games much higher in Eurozone countries.[89]
Authentication

It is necessary to authenticate every Steam game online, whether purchased via Steam itself or installed via a retail disc, the first time it is played.[90] After the initial authentication, an offline mode allows games to be run without being connected to your Steam account.

According to the Steam Subscriber Agreement, Steam's availability is not guaranteed and Valve is under no legal obligation to release an update disabling the authentication system in the event that Steam becomes permanently unavailable.[91]

Trademark Reuse

EA acquired the trademark Origin when it purchased Origin in 1992. Origin Systems was a major game studio in the 80s and 90s best known Ultima, Wing Commander, and Crusader game franchises.[13]
Removal Crysis 2 from Steam & Origin Exclusives

Shortly after the launch of Origin, Crysis 2 was pulled from Steam and appeared on EA's website with an "only on Origin" disclaimer, though it remains available on other distribution services. This led to speculation that EA would be pulling games from Steam and possibly other download services to make them exclusive to Origin.[14][15] EA has since stated that Valve removed Crysis 2 due to imposed "business terms" and that "this was not an EA decision or the result of any action by EA."[16] Valve has yet to comment.

EA's Crysis 2 page no longer carries the "only on Origin" disclaimer,[17] though there has been no sign of it returning to Steam. Alice: Madness Returns, a title initially released with the "only on Origin" disclaimer (but was also on other services besides Steam), has since appeared on Steam.[18] EA have confirmed that Battlefield 3 would not be available through Steam,[19] though the game is currently listed for pre-order on other non-Origin services such as Direct2Drive.[20]

The download version of Star Wars: The Old Republic is the only game so far to be announced as Origin exclusive.[21] EA has also announced that limited editions of games would be exclusive to Origin.[22] An example of this is Alice: Madness Returns The Complete Collection which included DLC items available on the console version, but have yet to be made available again for PC since the promotion ended.[23][24]
Sharing Of Personal Information

[HEADING=2]EA's Origin has recently come under criticism for deciding to share any and all available information they collect from your PC to third party vendors, as long as you agree to install their application.[/HEADING][25][26] The two specific sections of the EULA drawing criticism were sections 2 and 3.[25]

Section 2 was interpreted to grant EA the right to log data on application usage, IP addresses, operating system usage, installation and removal of software, and usage of software and peripheral hardware.[27]

Section 3 stated that using the software allowed them to monitor your activity: ?EA reserves the right to monitor communications on the Application and disclose any information EA deems necessary to (i) ensure your compliance with this License; (ii) satisfy any applicable law, regulation or legal process; (iii) protect the rights, property and interests of EA, its employees or the public. EA also reserves the right to edit, refuse to transfer and/or to remove any information or materials, in whole or in part, in EA?s sole discretion.?[27]

On August 24 2011, EA revised its End User License Agreement, removing several of the controversial sections.[28] They released a statement saying that they had no intention to sell marketing data to third parties, nor install software akin to spyware on its customers PCs.[28] The specific changes to the EULA removed EA's right to transfer collected personally identifiable data to third party users.[28] However, Origin's EULA states that if there is a conflict with EA's Privacy Policy, the terms of the Privacy Policy shall control. [HEADING=3]EA's Privacy Policy gives EA rights to share anonymous non personal information with third parties. [29][/HEADING]

A few months and this much criticism already? Hmmmm.

 

[SquirrelPants]

Since this thread is basically a joke, I am going to throw in the one thing I don't like about Steam.

I brought my computer over to a friend's house to play some hotseat stuff and mess around in some games, but I couldn't use any of my Steam games due to lack of a wireless card in my computer. (EDIT: ie, Steam has an offline mode, but you need to be online first to use it.)

that's pretty dumb. But it's also literally the only thing I mind that much about Steam, otherwise I think it's a decent platform.

 

[theriddlen]

Nowadays almost every game has DRM, and publishers force developers to include it even if the latter doesn't want to - and Steam is the only DRM that's working good. Other ones have activation limits, need non-stop internet connection, need authentication process and require me to find the game disc. Steam, on the other hand, allows me to play without putting the dvd in drive, has no installation limit, and is itself a great gaming and social platform, you also shouldn't forget the one-of-a-kind sales where you can get many games you wanted to play but didn't want to pay the full price.

I call use of Steam a win for consumer.

 

[Sneaky-Pie]

Oh, and just as a small point.

Steam has 35 million accounts. They've stayed with Steam for 8 years.

Origin has 4 million. It's not even activated yet. And most of those are from people who didn't sign up to it.

ALL of Steam's are.

Now hold on a second.

I was forced into Steam when I bought HL2 way back when.

At the time I wasn't pleased.

So, don't play HL2.

Problem is, if I want to play The Godfather 2 or visit EA's site, I HAVE to sign up for Origin.

And I can't sue them for that. Because they say so.

And they can change the TOS at will. Without telling anyone.

And you can't challenge it - because it says so in the EULA that you're forced to accept to read it.

With Steam, you can view everything on there without even having an account.

So, don't play The Godfather 2.

The point is Steam was very, very rough around the edges upon release and even used some of the same techniques of getting users that EA is currently doing and I remember hating it. Now, eight years later they have polished it into being something I love.

Of course Steam is better. Origin isn't really all that bad, but I'll still use Steam for everything possible. Origin is just merely another tool to play something I want to play which in this case is BF3.

 

[strum4h]

Why would anyone praise it so much? Oh maybe because they have an amazing service that brings great deals to people who love games.

 

[ruben6f]

I see what you did there good sir.

 

[Neverhoodian]

I think the outcry is more about the companies behind each service rather than the services themselves. Valve has generated a substantial amount of goodwill over the years by actually listening to their fans, embracing community content and generally being honest and up front concerning how they operate. EA on the other hand has a reputation of ruthlessly buying out other developers and destroying their legacy (Westwood, Origin Systems), having an obnoxious marketing department, restrictive DRM, abusing their workers, etc.

Since EA is easier to hate, people are more likely to dismiss Origin out of hand.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

So, don't play The Godfather 2.

Is that an offer I can't refuse?

Sorry, laws are NOT retroactive. I didn't sign up to that, therefore I cannot be held responsible for it.

You sign up to allowing Steam to allow the installation of Halflife 2. Difference.

Origin is just merely another tool to play something I want to play which in this case is BF3.

While it lets you. And while it gives out your information to other parties. Anonymously. So you can't check up on it. And you have to check up on their TOS.

Your call.

 

[mrblakemiller]

I have Steam.

I got Portal for free.

I got Team Fortress 2 for free.

I got Alpha Protocol for $2.

Give me a DRM suppository; at those prices, I couldn't care less.

 

[Toriver]

Difference: Valve is one of this site's "holy trinity" of companies/devs that can do no wrong: Valve, formerly Bioware but now Bethesda, and Mojang.

Whereas EA is one of the "axis of evil" companies on the site: EA, Activision, and Zynga and (sadly... thanks, Yahtzee... grr...) Nintendo vying for the last spot.

NEVER compare EA and Valve on this site. It will never end well, no matter how right you may be.

 

[Bat Vader]

Snip

Which is fine, don't use it. Bash it even. Also fine.

My point is there is a thread that's shitting on the people who would even dare to use Origin. As if people using Origin is an affront to all of mankind. While he hasn't used Origin ever. But it's existence offends him so much, everyone who uses it is an offense to humankind.

If you feel that the user is breaking the rules than I think the best thing to do would be to message a moderator about the thread and also report the person who created it.

On Topic: Steam and Origin are alright. As long as neither of them give me problems than I am happy to use them.

 

[lslines]

This is a great jab at the other thread.

Why do you even buy a game that requires steam as a retail copy?
I am not trying to say that these problems were your fault (Though they probably were in some way), but by going the extra mile and making it needlessy complicated you definately do not count as an average user.

As I said, buying steam games as physical copies is pretty much pointless, just buy it on steam directly and you won't have and fuss and won't have to go to the store.

There is a reason retail copies are available to purchase, and that is because a great many people do not have the download limit to buy the games online. If you only have a few gig a month to use, and you are given the choice of a hard-copy or having to throw half your download limit away, most people in that situation will choose the hard-copy.

It's not "going the extra mile" if you don't really have a choice, and yeah, people who buy discs do still count as average users.

 

[EvilMaggot]

how dare they supply me video games uber cheap.

steam vs store - much much cheaper, greater range, in some aspects its more convenient in others its not

steam vs other online purchasing- slightly cheaper, much much more convenient

yep i can see how valve are totally screwing me over

actually game.co.uk(i live in europe) are mostly often cheaper than steam <_< im just not the most patient person in the world so ofc i buy it over steam (got 65/65 Mbit internet<3) which goes faster x) but my point is.. that mostly Steam is alot more expensive... they still have freaking AC:Brotherhood on for 49,99? its disgusting!

 

[Frostbite3789]

Snip

I didn't think they were, and that'd be a ***** move. Instead I had fun making a jab at their thread with this one.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

Because I like Valve. I use Steam. But all the Origin hate from people who have pointedly said they haven't used it and won't makes me want to put my head through a wall and cause property damage.

Perhaps because they like Steam?

Perhaps because EA's advertising in the past has been little short of horrific?

Perhaps because Valve don't do the yearly IP release route?

Perhaps because Valve don't get in slagging matches with other companies?

Perhaps because Steam's TOS states that less information is taken, more security is given to it and the results are freely available?

Perhaps because Steam runs some damn good deals and gives away a lot of its stuff for free?

Perhaps because Steam doesn't change its TOS due to massive negative feedback but keep a clause in there to allow it to change back?

Perhaps because Steam doesn't force the customer to keep checking up on how the TOS has changed because they may be in breach of it?

Perhaps because Valve don't put draconian DRM on their games, just enough to keep it safe?

Perhaps because Valve support Indie companies, other platforms and charities and don't just get involved in pissing contests with Acti-Bliz?

Perhaps because Steam is totally up front with what they're doing and, to make up for it, they give you better offers?

Perhaps because even when people run up against Steam - like GOG and the Witcher 2 - Gabe doesn't get on a platform and slag them off?

Perhaps because when Gabe makes mistakes, he apologizes for them, unlike John Riccitello?

Perhaps because Valve print in a separate window all their changes, rather than stealth edit them in like Origin?

Perhaps because Steam doesn't "live where you live", stalking you from the bushes?

Perhaps because Steam is a known evil that has been well-honed to be as minimally intrusive as any DRM can be, while Origin stands over you tapping it's nightstick?

Perhaps because Steam lets you install games anywhere else as many times as you want?

Perhaps because Steam IS better than Origin?

Just a few reasons. I really don't have time to do a comparison between the two TOS's at the moment.

Not only that, but Valve has stated in the past that if they ever go under, all of our games get unlocked from the Steam DRM. I doubt you'll get that deal from EA.

 

[WaffleCopters]

Valve nor steam has never failed me, the people who gets their accounts hacked and lose shitloads of stuff are just idiots. its not that hard to be secure...

 

[Bat Vader]

Steam is an awesome service that provides me with great games. So far I have not had any negative experience with them (You know, in praxis, not in a hypothectical horror scenario)

Steam gives me some hardass time every time I try to register a retail copy of a game that requires Steam. Without fail. It's always something. The Orange Box refused to add it to my Steam library. It'd accept the code that I bought it, then not show up.

Left 4 Dead did the same thing. Then it kept trying to download instead of installing from the disk, when I was following Steam support's specific directions when this happens.

Then with Dead Island it said I had a duplicate CD key, not Steam's fault, but due to it requiring Steam I couldn't even play singleplayer or install the game at all while I waited for this issue to be resolved.

Oh my god, someone has had actual bad experiences with Steam?! El gaspo!

Why do you even buy a game that requires steam as a retail copy?
I am not trying to say that these problems were your fault (Though they probably were in some way), but by going the extra mile and making it needlessy complicated you definately do not count as an average user.

As I said, buying steam games as physical copies is pretty much pointless, just buy it on steam directly and you won't have and fuss and won't have to go to the store.

Not everyone has a good internet connection though. I have great internet but a friend of mine that lives in an apartment has terrible internet and it takes him a long time to download something. I like buying physical copies of games especially Collector's Editions that come with a statue and an concept art book.

 

[Mosstromo]

It saddens me too.
The reason it is massively sanctioned, if your question was not rethorical, is just that it is Valve. Of course this answer could be more detailed, but the main reason it got away with it so fast and so many people and companies embraced their use as a validation of purchase is at its core just that. The huge name.
My very first encounter with Steam was a disastrous one. Four years ago I was surprised by the minuscule words on a box that explained why my game was not running; to this day, after going through several days of needless efforts including tedious correspondance with Customer Services, my LEGALLY purchased game (and I live in one of the biggest hubs of piracy on Earth) is still unworking and unplayed on one of my shelves. Why is it not in the bin? Because it is there as the "Genbaku Dome" to remind me, in case I ever try to make up excuses for myself and buy another product that forces me (in euphemistical words: requires me to accept the blah blah blah blah blah...) to open a Steam account to play or download the rest of MY game (and thus engross the misgiving numbers that point at an "only-willing users" database, or purely non-Hobson's choice ones).

I am aghast as you are, for this numbers show with sad clarity that its existence is fully ensured.

Double sad face.