It was something to do with content-prefs.sqlite. I found that if I renamed that file (with Firefox closed, obviously), then ran Firefox (so it could create a clean content-prefs.sqlite) Gamespot.com looked fine. I have no idea what happened, but that was weird.

I ended up editing content-prefs.sqlite with SQLite Database Browser and deleting the gamespot.com row from the "groups" table. I didn't feel like losing all the other settings. No more issues.

I run Firefox 31.0, and never had an issue with the site until about a week ago. Suddenly, the site started forcing the site into what looks like a view designed for mobile devices. It's unmistakable, and it's not just a font size difference, it's a total reformatting of the site--it's the mobile version.

Now, you say, it's my extensions. Except that even when I run Firefox in safe mode, the same thing happens. In safe mode, all extensions are disabled. It's not my extensions.

I briefly tried spoofing the Firefox user agent, but that made no difference.

Next, you say, clear my cache and cookies. But my cache and cookies have been cleared ad infinitum. It's not that either.

I've been having to use MSIE, which I despise.

What gives? Anyone?

What's Steam? You mean water in the gaseous form?

Kidding.

I've had a Steam account since January, 2005. (I thought it was since 2004 but Steam tells me 2005...) I hated it when it first came out, when it was unreliable and had little to offer other than hassles. But now, I love it, and use it whenever I can. It's just so much easier buying, installing, managing, and running games that way.

People usually talk about DRM and other anti-piracy measures as if they are intended and expected to curb all piracy. They are not. They are intended and expected to curb casual piracy, and that, I think, they typically do.

The other thing that strikes me is how so many people lash back at those who dislike piracy. It reminds me of people who complain about obnoxiously-loud motorcycles; they get derided by people who already take part in the offensive activity and who will make whatever mental leaps they need to in order to convince themselves that it's OK. An oft-used approach is to say "There are worse problems in the world!". Oh, so OK, let's no one complain about anything but real-world war and starving children. As if the people resorting to this ridiculous defense don't go around complaining about their own pet issues every day.

The OP makes good points and I agree.

Oh, and I wonder how many people who admit to pirating in this thread have noticed the blurb up top that states:

Warning!: Admitting to pirating video games, or playing pirated video games will result in moderation with a possible suspension duration.

I've been building my own PCs since the 1990s, and I'm sick of it. I'm buying a full system next time.

I find it pretty ridiculous that people are equating building a PC from scratch with playing with Legos. It's not even in the same league.

When you build a PC, you have to figure out what parts to buy. What works together. What is compatible. What is affordable. What has a warranty. (Warranty? What's that?) What won't be too outdated by the time you open its box.

Ever installed a fan and heatsink on a CPU? It's nowhere near as easy as snapping Legos together--I don't care how 3li73 you think you are. And if you make a mistake, you could be out a lot of money, because yes, you can destroy that CPU. (No, I've never destroyed a CPU.)

I don't remember ever having to use a grounding strap for fear of destroying Legos with electrostatic discharge.

The last time I built a system (which admittedly was "way back" in 2003; that system is still running strong), I had to decipher awful documents and jumper diagrams that were poorly translated from Chinese. Not fun. Back then, I had an awful time dealing with limited-length IDE cables, but SATA is much better to work with.

I remember going through a lot of grief to figure out how many and what kinds of fans to use, so I'd have enough cooling, but not feel as if I was sitting next to a Boeing 747 engine at full throttle.

So basically, there are multiple aspects of building a PC: Figuring it out (before, during, and after the actual building), and of course physically putting it together. Depending on your choices, experience, and luck, the former can be anywhere from a challenge to a total nightmare. And while the latter is very doable for someone with patience and good sense, it's not child's play. Not by a long shot.

I didn't vote because there is no option applicable to me. I hate--and I mean utterly DESPISE "limited installation" but am generally OK with online authentication. Don't misundestand; I totally despise the whole idea of online authentication as well, but I accept it because it helps reduce piracy, and piracy hurts us all (well, those of us who don't pirate).

I agree with the other user, though. I'd be happy if Steam was all I ever needed.

I don't like things handed out to me, I don't see the point in a run through game. It feels too much like a movie then. Papitar

I don't see anyone advocating an easy game. What you consider easy and boring might be "just right" to me. (I suck, and I'm not afraid to admit it!)