Is STEAM the way to Go?

Hey,

Is Steam the way to go for buying games for PC? Can someone playing a game from steam play with people who bought the hard cover or anywhere other than Steam?

-Thanks

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

UnknownElement4

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

Alright, thanks, so Steam users and those who have the hard copy can play together online no problem?

-Thanks

I have been using Steam since day one, and now prefer to buy my games off Steam if possible. Yes you can interact and play with anyone who has a hardcopy purchased from a retail store.

But you should be aware that Steam games/expansions will not work if you try to install them with hardcopy games/expansions. So if you have a Steam version of a game and you want the expansion, make sure you get that off of Steam as well, and vise versa.

[QUOTE="UnknownElement4"]

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

HenriH-42

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

I keep a folder on one of my TB hdds with folders containing .ISOs of all my games. Threw out whatever boxes I had, they just took up too much space and are completely pointless. If I have a cd key I'll keep it in a .txt file in the game folder.

I also use steam for about a dozen games but I'm a bit sketched out on their Terms of Service. One wrong move and you get all your games taken away, cause your account will get banned. Not something likely to happen, but it's still really sketchy at best.

If a game has multiplayer, you will play with those who bought a game retail. If developers wanted steam players to not play with relail players, they would have to get out of there way to write some extra code which prohibits the two playing with each other.

I have gotten a few games on steam, mostly by waiting for their weekend deals. Somtimes they sell games for 75% off, and if it has good reception I would download it for 5-10 bucks.

Steam is the #!@$ its awsome! i have every game i own running through it! can always chat with my buddies and keep an eye out for awsome deals! i prefer to buy my games on there cas they auto patch on startup so no need for looking for patches!!!!

all of the games i buy are retail. mainly because i get them cheaper cause i work at a gaming store.

I use steam only to play Half Life 2 and Team Fortress 2 or the games that require Steam to play like Warhammer Dawn of War 2 or FEAR 2

[QUOTE="HenriH-42"]

[QUOTE="UnknownElement4"]

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

True_Sounds

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

I keep a folder on one of my TB hdds with folders containing .ISOs of all my games. Threw out whatever boxes I had, they just took up too much space and are completely pointless. If I have a cd key I'll keep it in a .txt file in the game folder.

I also use steam for about a dozen games but I'm a bit sketched out on their Terms of Service. One wrong move and you get all your games taken away, cause your account will get banned. Not something likely to happen, but it's still really sketchy at best.

I keep a folder on one of my TB hdds with folders containing .ISOs of all my games. Threw out whatever boxes I had, they just took up too much space and are completely pointless. If I have a cd key I'll keep it in a .txt file in the game folder.

True_Sounds

I guess you're not much into collecting then? You might as well just download the games and send the devs directly some money.

Alright, thanks, so Steam users and those who have the hard copy can play together online no problem?

-Thanks

KeithTobberman

you will have no problem playing against people that bought retail versions of the game.

[QUOTE="True_Sounds"]

I keep a folder on one of my TB hdds with folders containing .ISOs of all my games. Threw out whatever boxes I had, they just took up too much space and are completely pointless. If I have a cd key I'll keep it in a .txt file in the game folder.

HenriH-42

I guess you're not much into collecting then? You might as well just download the games and send the devs directly some money.

Isn't that basically steam? It does seem like a waste to buy games solely for a cd-key, only to rip and dump them afterwards. It IS better than steam in that you're not putting all your eggs in one basket, but I'm starting to go with steam more often now either out of impulse or convenience. I hope pretty soon all devs will sell the cd-keys online and either release by ftp, newsgroups, or bittorrent. Would be alot more efficient.

Isn't that basically steam? It does seem like a waste to buy games solely for a cd-key, only to rip and dump them afterwards. It IS better than steam in that you're not putting all your eggs in one basket, but I'm starting to go with steam more often now either out of impulse or convenience. I hope pretty soon all devs will sell the cd-keys online and either release by ftp, newsgroups, or bittorrent. Would be alot more efficient.

True_Sounds

I guess..? But I wonder do the games really take that much space, that you have to throw them away? Especially since nowadays they come in those DVD-style cases. Just put them in a closet or something if you're running low on space. If you just dump 'em, you're wasting money since if you don't need them you can sell them later on, and if you're lucky they might become rare and collector's items. Like the Ultima games, I've seen some of them go for 200€+.

[QUOTE="UnknownElement4"]

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

HenriH-42

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

Me 3.

No, STEAM isn't the way to go imho... It kills used games market and you can't borrow games from friends... Moreover you need internet to install, which is completely dumb unless the game is something like a MMOG...

No, STEAM isn't the way to go imho... It kills used games market and you can't borrow games from friends... Moreover you need internet to install, which is completely dumb unless the game is something like a MMOG...

Rickymog

Agreed. I would never have found out some of the older games if it weren't for the used games market.

No, steam is fascist! I only use steam when I don't have any choice or they have really sweet deals. Long live retail!

No, STEAM isn't the way to go imho... It kills used games market and you can't borrow games from friends... Moreover you need internet to install, which is completely dumb unless the game is something like a MMOG...

Rickymog

There is a used PC games market? Do you mean pirating?

I have not purchased a used PC game in years.

There is a used PC games market? Do you mean pirating?

I have not purchased a used PC game in years.

InfernoBane

There's a lot of stores near me that sell used PC games. Plus there's always flea markets/yard sales etc.

Also I've probably bought 90% of my games used, simply because I wasn't aware of them at the time and they couldn't be found new anymore.

[QUOTE="UnknownElement4"]

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

HenriH-42

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

[QUOTE="HenriH-42"]

[QUOTE="UnknownElement4"]

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

True_Sounds

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

I keep a folder on one of my TB hdds with folders containing .ISOs of all my games. Threw out whatever boxes I had, they just took up too much space and are completely pointless. If I have a cd key I'll keep it in a .txt file in the game folder.

I also use steam for about a dozen games but I'm a bit sketched out on their Terms of Service. One wrong move and you get all your games taken away, cause your account will get banned. Not something likely to happen, but it's still really sketchy at best.

[QUOTE="InfernoBane"]

There is a used PC games market? Do you mean pirating?

I have not purchased a used PC game in years.

HenriH-42

There's a lot of stores near me that sell used PC games. Plus there's always flea markets/yard sales etc.

Also I've probably bought 90% of my games used, simply because I wasn't aware of them at the time and they couldn't be found new anymore.

A neat thing about Steam is that you can pick up old games for $10 and they are compatible with your new OS. I would much rather buy older titles that way then getting the dated original retail version.

A neat thing about Steam is that you can pick up old games for $10 and they are compatible with your new OS. I would much rather buy older titles that way then getting the dated original retail version.

InfernoBane

What if you get banned? Or what if Steam ever shuts down? You'll lose all your games. Yes they could release a patch that lets you play your games, but nothing legally forces them to do so. You're essentially giving all your games away to a third party.

Also I prefer having the box, as I've said. And old games need to be played on old systems, so you get the right feel.

[QUOTE="InfernoBane"]

A neat thing about Steam is that you can pick up old games for $10 and they are compatible with your new OS. I would much rather buy older titles that way then getting the dated original retail version.

HenriH-42

What if you get banned? Or what if Steam ever shuts down? You'll lose all your games. Yes they could release a patch that lets you play your games, but nothing legally forces them to do so. You're essentially giving all your games away to a third party.

Also I prefer having the box, as I've said. And old games need to be played on old systems, so you get the right feel.

so are you keeping around an old 386 just to play games? I don't know how you could keep old systems from every era. Also you don't randomly get banned. You only get banned for doing illegal things or making such a huge nuisance of yourself they have no choice. and if steam ever shuts down you will still be able to play your games offline. I guarantee you if valve didn't release a patch someone else would. adrake4183

What's so strange about it? Console gamers keep their Atari's and NES's around, I keep different PCs from different time periods. I really wouldn't expect a 1989 game to work on a 2009 system. Also 3DFX Voodoo > All. Sound Blaster AWE 64 > All. You just won't get the same feeling if you emulate them. DOS games need to be played on a real DOS using old hardware, emulation is never 100% perfect. I still have my Commodore 64 too.

[QUOTE="True_Sounds"]

Isn't that basically steam? It does seem like a waste to buy games solely for a cd-key, only to rip and dump them afterwards. It IS better than steam in that you're not putting all your eggs in one basket, but I'm starting to go with steam more often now either out of impulse or convenience. I hope pretty soon all devs will sell the cd-keys online and either release by ftp, newsgroups, or bittorrent. Would be alot more efficient.

HenriH-42

I guess..? But I wonder do the games really take that much space, that you have to throw them away? Especially since nowadays they come in those DVD-style cases. Just put them in a closet or something if you're running low on space. If you just dump 'em, you're wasting money since if you don't need them you can sell them later on, and if you're lucky they might become rare and collector's items. Like the Ultima games, I've seen some of them go for 200€+.

I move around enough not to want that extra baggage. I highly doubt any games discs that are being sold now are gonna be worth MORE money in the future, you're dreaming man. You can get pretty much anything you want online for free, and companies sell enough discs that there's no way any good modern pc game will become rare.

I move around enough not to want that extra baggage. I highly doubt any games discs that are being sold now are gonna be worth MORE money in the future, you're dreaming man. You can get pretty much anything you want online for free, and companies sell enough discs that there's no way any good modern pc game will become rare.

True_Sounds

Alright, it's your choice then. Hopefully you at least have backups of the .iso's :P

[QUOTE="InfernoBane"]

A neat thing about Steam is that you can pick up old games for $10 and they are compatible with your new OS. I would much rather buy older titles that way then getting the dated original retail version.

HenriH-42

What if you get banned? Or what if Steam ever shuts down? You'll lose all your games. Yes they could release a patch that lets you play your games, but nothing legally forces them to do so. You're essentially giving all your games away to a third party.

Also I prefer having the box, as I've said. And old games need to be played on old systems, so you get the right feel.

The games are on my hard drive, and you can play with Steam in offline mode. I'm not worried about Steam getting shut down.

Getting banned is only a problem if you are doing something illegal, which I don't.

You can resist it all you like, but Steam is GOOD for PC gaming.

I have 3.5tb total of space, but my room is practically empty other than my computer stuff. Maybe when lack of space in my room is actually a problem I will completely switch to steam and whatnot.

The games are on my hard drive, and you can play with Steam in offline mode. I'm not worried about Steam getting shut down.

Getting banned is only a problem if you are doing something illegal, which I don't.

You can resist it all you like, but Steam is GOOD for PC gaming.

InfernoBane

It is, if you like DD. I don't, I need the box.

What is BS is that some games when bought retail need Steam to use. :evil:

[QUOTE="HenriH-42"]

[QUOTE="InfernoBane"]

A neat thing about Steam is that you can pick up old games for $10 and they are compatible with your new OS. I would much rather buy older titles that way then getting the dated original retail version.

InfernoBane

What if you get banned? Or what if Steam ever shuts down? You'll lose all your games. Yes they could release a patch that lets you play your games, but nothing legally forces them to do so. You're essentially giving all your games away to a third party.

Also I prefer having the box, as I've said. And old games need to be played on old systems, so you get the right feel.

The games are on my hard drive, and you can play with Steam in offline mode. I'm not worried about Steam getting shut down.

Getting banned is only a problem if you are doing something illegal, which I don't.

You can resist it all you like, but Steam is GOOD for PC gaming.

No, STEAM isn't the way to go imho... It kills used games market and you can't borrow games from friends... Moreover you need internet to install, which is completely dumb unless the game is something like a MMOG...

Rickymog

Used games have the same affect as pirating. DON'T DO IT.

You can install ANY game you buy through steam on ANY pc and play it, so yes, you can let your friend borrow it. Your friend would just have to log in as you and then he could play it.....you couldn't be logged in at the same time, but he could still play it.

It's not as good as letting him borrow a game, but then again, paying for a game once and then distributing it out to others is pretty much pirating....so I have no problem with steam.

[QUOTE="Rickymog"]

No, STEAM isn't the way to go imho... It kills used games market and you can't borrow games from friends... Moreover you need internet to install, which is completely dumb unless the game is something like a MMOG...

mudman91878

Used games have the same affect as pirating. DON'T DO IT.

You can install ANY game you buy through steam on ANY pc and play it, so yes, you can let your friend borrow it. Your friend would just have to log in as you and then he could play it.....you couldn't be logged in at the same time, but he could still play it.

It's not as good as letting him borrow a game, but then again, paying for a game once and then distributing it out to others is pretty much pirating....so I have no problem with steam.

Used games are the same as pirating? Now tell me why selling used books never hurt and no one complained about it? Isn't it the same?

Retail can't compete with this or this.

[QUOTE="Rickymog"]

No, STEAM isn't the way to go imho... It kills used games market and you can't borrow games from friends... Moreover you need internet to install, which is completely dumb unless the game is something like a MMOG...

Agreed. I would never have found out some of the older games if it weren't for the used games market.

[QUOTE="UnknownElement4"]

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

HenriH-42

Me too. I like having game boxes on my shelves, you can call that a collection... If you buy from Steam you don't get a box, it's like "hey wanna see my game collection" and then just opening a folder. :?

I'm the same way. There are some games that were only available via Steam for people in the USA, like Track Mania United, Zeno Clash and The Path...so I really like Steam for that.

It depends. Most prefer steam because of no discs but there are also other services like Good old Games and Impulse. I personally use a combination of the store, steam, and GoG.

I still prefer to go with retail. I just like the boxes so much. :)

UnknownElement4