Steam and its DRM

[galdon2004]

Wow, it's amazing how people are defending Steam. I mean... it's like they can't even fathom why someone wouldn't want to run Steam along with their game. Do any of you own a computer perchance?

Steam may be the best DRM out there but it's still DRM. I'll choose a DRM free version any day.

I'd like you to know, that statement there makes me hate you. Also that it is actually difficult to make me strongly dislike someone in one move. Congratulations.

The problem with DRM is not that DRM exists; but that CERTAIN companies have taken to an invasive and inconvenient form of DRM that HAMPERS the gaming experience. Considering that millions of potential profit are lost on people who think they DESERVE to play the game for free, that game companies need to earn millions just to break even, AND that game companies only earn a small slice of what you pay at the store counter, a fact you would know if you bothered to watch Extra Credits on this very site, Game companies NEED to do SOMETHING to protect themselves.

What EA did with SecureROM, and what Ubisoft did with it's DRM where it would BOOT you from the game while playing if your net slipped, are both WRONG, and you should go rage at them

Steam did things right, they did things better. Steam doesn't invade on your gaming, it doesn't make your gaming difficult, the verification is in the background I don't even notice it asking at the start when i play on my snail computer on a standard DSL connection.

In exchange for it asking the server ONCE at the start to confirm it's a legitimate copy? We got: Extremely nice customer support. A chat client. A social network. The ability to play on any computer you want. it's own achievements system. Player profiles and stats. Things that ENHANCE your gaming experience, ESPECIALLY for people who enjoy multiplayer games.

Do not shut them out because it's DRM and you hate it in all forms, respect that they came up with not just a non-intrusive DRM, but one that ENHANCES your experience rather than impedes it.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Steam doesn't update while you're in-game (provided it's a game you activated via Steam). It will pause ALL downloads as soon as you launch a game. Even if it's not a game you purchased via Steam, but added to your games list.

Well that's generally the problem, I also play non-Steam games and I don't add them to my Steam list.

 

[AlphaOmega]

It's DRM, but its in my opinion the least annoying form of it.

to the OP: boot up steam, if your connection drops its no problem you can just keep playing.

 

[Plazmatic]

[

thats really suspicious op... I have heard nobody but from people play on Hitachi and pirate games complain about steam DRM, its not invasive and not unfair.

Damn... being called a pirate... takes me back to a year ago, the first time I posted on the Escapist about my opinion on Steam and I instantly got called a pirate for disliking it.

Just because I dislike Steam it does not make me a pirate...

its not that you don't like steam, lots of people don't like steam. Its that you don't like steam DRM. Don't try to simplify what i'm trying to say in order to try to move people to your side next time.

Steam doesn't update while you're in-game (provided it's a game you activated via Steam). It will pause ALL downloads as soon as you launch a game. Even if it's not a game you purchased via Steam, but added to your games list.

Well that's generally the problem, I also play non-Steam games and I don't add them to my Steam list.

then simply stop the updates to the games, simple as pause all, and even if you restart you computer, the updates will still be paused. If your talking about steam client updates (the actual update to steam itself) it does not update unless you tell it, it can.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

its not that you don't like steam, lots of people don't like steam. Its that you don't like steam DRM. Don't try to simplify what i'm trying to say in order to try to move people to your side next time.

Oh I see... well not really.

Well I do not use Steams other features... to me Steam = DRM, there is no difference.

To clarify, I'm fine with DRM, I realise developers have a right to protect their properties and deserve to be paid for what they do.

I simply do not like Steam.

 

[Zechnophobe]

Huh?

Why is steam such a big deal? You open your library, and doubleclick the game.

Care to elaborate why having running Steam is such a big deal?

I posted somewhere up there my problem with Steams offline mode, Steam doesn't like to stay running when my internet is being dodgy.

I also turn Steam off so that it doesn't start a huge update without me realising while I'm playing an online game.

Just to note, Steam will not download things while you are playing a game. It automatically stops all downloads if you are playing another steam game. (you can tell it to resume the download by alt tabbing out of the game, and clicking resume however).

 

[Signa]

Huh?

Why is steam such a big deal? You open your library, and doubleclick the game.

Care to elaborate why having running Steam is such a big deal?

I posted somewhere up there my problem with Steams offline mode, Steam doesn't like to stay running when my internet is being dodgy.

I also turn Steam off so that it doesn't start a huge update without me realising while I'm playing an online game.

Well there's your problem right there. Steam will NOT update while you are in-game. This actually bothers me because I have a very strong internet connection, and I'd like to save time by multitasking. Also by closing Steam, you are preventing the game from doing whatever DRM thing it needs to do. Blah Blah, all DRM is bad etc, etc, but I don't think that Steam asks for too much blood considering what you get.

Also apologies if some one else addressed this already. I didn't feel like reading 3 pages to find out.

 

[Delusibeta]

I have bought games through Impulse, Capsule and GamersGate and all of those have been DRM free.

If by "Capsule" you mean "Green Man Gaming", then nope, that's not DRM free.

Also, my masterwork of the New Vegas Nexus Forums, How To Install Steamworks Games From The Disc (without having to download a silly amount of stuff) [http://www.thenexusforums.com/index.php?/topic/248306-how-to-install-steamworks-games-from-the-retail-disc/] will help you the next time you install Steamworks games from the disc (although why the hell some people have Steam automatically download any game it feeds while others e.g. me has it install from the disc as intended is beyond me. I suspect it's more likely something at your end or something, or a dodgy ClientRegistry.blob, or something).

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Just to note, Steam will not download things while you are playing a game. It automatically stops all downloads if you are playing another steam game. (you can tell it to resume the download by alt tabbing out of the game, and clicking resume however).

Well there's your problem right there. Steam will NOT update while you are in-game. This actually bothers me because I have a very strong internet connection, and I'd like to save time by multitasking. Also by closing Steam, you are preventing the game from doing whatever DRM thing it needs to do. Blah Blah, all DRM is bad etc, etc, but I don't think that Steam asks for too much blood considering what you get.

Also apologies if some one else addressed this already. I didn't feel like reading 3 pages to find out.

I realise that, but I do mean any online game. I often play non-Steam games, and more often than that I'm playing an online Xbox 360 game while my PC is running.

But thanks for the help anyway!

 

[Zechnophobe]

its not that you don't like steam, lots of people don't like steam. Its that you don't like steam DRM. Don't try to simplify what i'm trying to say in order to try to move people to your side next time.

Oh I see... well not really.

Well I do not use Steams other features... to me Steam = DRM, there is no difference.

To clarify, I'm fine with DRM, I realise developers have a right to protect their properties and deserve to be paid for what they do.

I simply do not like Steam.

So after reading this entire thread it appears that your disslike of Steam comes from:

1) the loading screen that pops up when you open a game from your library.

2) ???

Am I missing something here? You asked if steam games require Steam (DRM) but have no problem with DRM. You don't like the offline mode because you live in a constant blizzard (or something).

I can understand it being jarring to go from nothing to Steam. At first it seems like an extra step for little value. But it seems that whenever I investigate someone's reasons for ABSOLUTELY NOT wanting to use steam, they always end up weirdly. Like a kid who can't swim being afraid of the water. Yes it is deep and you could drown in it, but man, when you learn to swim it's really a lot of fun!

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

If by "Capsule" you mean "Green Man Gaming", then nope, that's not DRM free.

Also, my masterwork of the New Vegas Nexus Forums, How To Install Steamworks Games From The Disc (Without having to download a silly amount of stuff) [http://www.thenexusforums.com/index.php?/topic/248306-how-to-install-steamworks-games-from-the-retail-disc/] will help you the next time you install Steamworks games from the disc (although why the hell some people have Steam automatically download any game it feeds while others e.g. me has it install from the disc as intended is beyond me. I suspect it's more likely something at your end or something, or a dodgy ClientRegistry.blob, or something).

I'm fairly sure it is. I installed a game called DefCon through Capsule and I double checked by Alt-tabbing mid-game just to check. No noticeable DRM is running while I play it.
It even ran while my internet was out.

Also I'll check that guide out if I ever have another disc based game that requires Steam (Napoleon: Total War and Shogun 2 seem likely).

 

[Zanaxal]

Making me download 6 gigs every patch for COH, Empire Total War. No thanks, never again.

Also having to edit game files just to get the damn patches to work.

My singleplayer adventure indie game for 10$ really needs to check with the net on every launch! ya right. i'm only buying stuff off impulse. Cheaper most of the time.

 

[Zechnophobe]

I realise that, but I do mean any online game. I often play non-Steam games, and more often than that I'm playing an online Xbox 360 game while my PC is running.

But thanks for the help anyway!

Somewhat understandable. But also realize that on the flip side, the automatic update means that often times updates will get pulled for you, and be ready without you having to waste time on them. I have occasionally told steam to pause an update while I was, say, streaming a video off net flix. The extra work there is balanced by the oft times when I get home from work and a game has already been updated with the latest patch or whatever.

Oh, and did you know you can often pre-load games? ME2 coming out next week? I'll download it all now, so when it unlocks i can 'instantly' play it.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

So after reading this entire thread it appears that your disslike of Steam comes from:

1) the loading screen that pops up when you open a game from your library.

2) ???

Am I missing something here? You asked if steam games require Steam (DRM) but have no problem with DRM. You don't like the offline mode because you live in a constant blizzard (or something).

I can understand it being jarring to go from nothing to Steam. At first it seems like an extra step for little value. But it seems that whenever I investigate someone's reasons for ABSOLUTELY NOT wanting to use steam, they always end up weirdly. Like a kid who can't swim being afraid of the water. Yes it is deep and you could drown in it, but man, when you learn to swim it's really a lot of fun!

My reasons don't all have to be technologically based and founded.

Psychological reasons too, I prefer the way GFWL boots up with my game, the GFWL client starts up after my game has started and to me that seems more time effective and I like the little bleep. The way Steam starts up doesn't appeal to me. Yes it's a stupid reason but hey, I'm all about the stupid reasons.

I dislike the fact that it restricts my play offline, I tried again last night when my internet was out and it resumed it's updating screen indefinitely.

What does it matter to you if I dislike Steam?

Please don't preach to be about the benefits of it, as I've stated I prefer GFWL and love using it, but I wouldn't try and push its use on others because it's their perogative which distribution platform they use.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Somewhat understandable. But also realize that on the flip side, the automatic update means that often times updates will get pulled for you, and be ready without you having to waste time on them. I have occasionally told steam to pause an update while I was, say, streaming a video off net flix. The extra work there is balanced by the oft times when I get home from work and a game has already been updated with the latest patch or whatever.

Oh, and did you know you can often pre-load games? ME2 coming out next week? I'll download it all now, so when it unlocks i can 'instantly' play it.

Yes I was aware of that but I'm a nostalgic man, I love the whole experience of trekking to the nearest game shop, buying a nice big case with a shiny disc inside and then subsequently nearly getting run over as I read the manual on the trek back.

Also my service provider hates me enough for abusing my unlimited downloads without me downloading 9GB games every now and then.

 

[Zechnophobe]

So after reading this entire thread it appears that your disslike of Steam comes from:

1) the loading screen that pops up when you open a game from your library.

2) ???

Am I missing something here? You asked if steam games require Steam (DRM) but have no problem with DRM. You don't like the offline mode because you live in a constant blizzard (or something).

I can understand it being jarring to go from nothing to Steam. At first it seems like an extra step for little value. But it seems that whenever I investigate someone's reasons for ABSOLUTELY NOT wanting to use steam, they always end up weirdly. Like a kid who can't swim being afraid of the water. Yes it is deep and you could drown in it, but man, when you learn to swim it's really a lot of fun!

My reasons don't all have to be technologically based and founded.

Psychological reasons too, I prefer the way GFWL boots up with my game, the GFWL client starts up after my game has started and to me that seems more time effective and I like the little bleep. The way Steam starts up doesn't appeal to me. Yes it's a stupid reason but hey, I'm all about the stupid reasons.

I dislike the fact that it restricts my play offline, I tried again last night when my internet was out and it resumed it's updating screen indefinitely.

Ah, well whatever. Just realize the decision you are making then. I keep steam running at all time and don't turn my computer (gaming laptop) off all that often.

What does it matter to you if I dislike Steam?

Please don't preach to be about the benefits of it, as I've stated I prefer GFWL and love using it, but I wouldn't try and push its use on others because it's their perogative which distribution platform they use.

Er, is this a response to me? I'm not sure how you went from a good natured discussion of gaming platforms to "Don't preach to me". Just having an opinion isn't the same as preaching right? Chillax man, and seriously, don't be conceited enough to think I somehow care what gaming platform YOU use.

 

[Delusibeta]

If by "Capsule" you mean "Green Man Gaming", then nope, that's not DRM free.

I'm fairly sure it is. I installed a game called DefCon through Capsule and I double checked by Alt-tabbing mid-game just to check. No noticeable DRM is running while I play it.
It even ran while my internet was out.

Nah. SecuROM. Activation every 3 days. Not DRM free. Or at least it was at their launch, dunno if that stands today.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Er, is this a response to me? I'm not sure how you went from a good natured discussion of gaming platforms to "Don't preach to me". Just having an opinion isn't the same as preaching right? Chillax man, and seriously, don't be conceited enough to think I somehow care what gaming platform YOU use.

I deal with too many fanboys daily... also it's late and I should be drunk by now.

The last bit of your post got a bit preachy when you were saying about pushing people for reasons why they dislike Steam and the reasons turn up unfounded.

Apologies for saying you were preaching.

 

[Zechnophobe]

Somewhat understandable. But also realize that on the flip side, the automatic update means that often times updates will get pulled for you, and be ready without you having to waste time on them. I have occasionally told steam to pause an update while I was, say, streaming a video off net flix. The extra work there is balanced by the oft times when I get home from work and a game has already been updated with the latest patch or whatever.

Oh, and did you know you can often pre-load games? ME2 coming out next week? I'll download it all now, so when it unlocks i can 'instantly' play it.

Yes I was aware of that but I'm a nostalgic man, I love the whole experience of trekking to the nearest game shop, buying a nice big case with a shiny disc inside and then subsequently nearly getting run over as I read the manual on the trek back.

Also my service provider hates me enough for abusing my unlimited downloads without me downloading 9GB games every now and then.

Okay, one last comment, because it is starting to get eerie how similar this conversation is whenever I have it. I have almost never had a discussion with someone about 'why they don't like steam' that didn't involve basically this: The desire to have a physical object in their hand.

Now, I don't really care that you like that, I just think it's interesting how often that is cited as a desire, and is (often) at the root of many of these desires. I wonder if it is cultural or simply a random human trait? I want to do tests on people who feel this way, and see what happens.

Alas, that would probably be illegal.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Nah. SecuROM. Activation every 3 days. Not DRM free.

Wasn't aware of that, I'll see how DefCon is in a few days.