Steam on Playstation: Why?

[MajWound]

I got excited today, then disappointed. Let me start from the beginning.

I'm a PC gamer, which makes me better than you. Of course, I got Portal 2 and New Vegas this year. I heard about this "linking Steam to Playstation" thing, but then the network went down so I kind of forgot about it. My brother, a PS3 gaming scrub, recently got all the current DLCs for New Vegas and really really wants me to check out Old World Blues. That suddenly make me think: if I link my Steam account to his PSN account, would we be able to play each other's games?

It turns out you can only link accounts if you bought a copy of Portal 2 for PS3. There is no other way. According to Wikipedia, you can't share any games except Portal 2, and then only the one direction: from PS3 to PC. Yeah, you can talk to your Steam friends from your PS3, but that's about it.

What, then, is the purpose of Steam on Playstation?

 

[sms_117b]

Perhaps more is to come?

Or at least I hope so, because that sounds petty bad.

 

[Kae]

Wow that's lame, I'm not a big fan of steam anyway, I think the only purpose is to play partal 2 in Co-Op with 1 PC gamer and 1 PS gamer, but it still sucks.

 

[MajWound]

Oh, and you can play Portal 2 cross-platform I THINK. That would be niftier if you could do it for more games.

 

[bushwhacker2k]

Money.

True, but doesn't that explain pretty much everything done by anyone in the past 300 years?

 

[HazelrahFiver]

It's a step toward the future. It's been far too long already for games to be cross platform. It's only one game, Portal 2, but Steam has proved that it's possible. What's the point? What's the point in creating the internet in the first place? From here hopefully more and more games, and services, will open themselves and risk all the litigation and monetary issues (that I'm sure were involved), to broaden their audience. It will also hopefully help in the console war nonsense and allow players to play together regardless of what system they are on (get over yourselves Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony).

It's still quite a long path ahead, but a cobblestone on the path is a cobblestone. Besides, I played Portal 2 on my PS3 with a buddy many miles away on his PC, and it was awesome.

 

[DirgeNovak]

It's a start, isn't it? A successful cross-platform multiplayer is a first in the industry (after the pathetic failure of Crackdown), and THAT was the goal of Steam on PS3. I suppose future Valve PS3 games will support this as well, but I never expected being able to play my entire Steam library of games on my PS3. That's just fantasy.

 

[DigitalSushi]

Patience young one, Steam is new to the PS3, hopefully we will get Team Fortress in all its updated glory (dapper hats et al).

Actually if you call PS3 gamers scrubs why are you moaning about Steam on PS3, its not like you are going to worry about it in future, are you just ranting for the sake of ranting?.

 

[ChupathingyX]

Actually if you call PS3 gamers scrubs why are you moaning about Steam on PS3, its not like you are going to worry about it in future, are you just ranting for the sake of ranting?.

I don't how to say this without it sounding bad, but...

...I guess it's because people who think themselves PC elitists and that PC is superior in every way like to show this "fact" off every chance they get, no matter how minor or trivial.

 

[DigitalSushi]

Actually if you call PS3 gamers scrubs why are you moaning about Steam on PS3, its not like you are going to worry about it in future, are you just ranting for the sake of ranting?.

I don't how to say this without it sounding bad, but...

...I guess it's because people who think themselves PC elitists and that PC is superior in every way like to show this "fact" off every chance they get, no matter how minor or trivial.

Well the whole "PC elitist" kinda sounds bad, but then again OP had no qualms about calling PS3 owners "scrubs",
*rolls up newspaper* bad OP!, no treats for you!.

On topic, I'm not too fond of having Steam as a closed system to sell/use my games on my PS3, but for userbase wide updates, I'm all for it. But where does it stop?, EA's origin on my PS3? do I have to install a client for every developer on my PS3 out there?.

There's a reason I don't use my beast PC for gaming, installing clients left right and centre is one of them.

 

[Vault101]

uuugghhh part of the reason I own a console is for the "put it in and PLAY" apeal....

I know its a while off but I'm a hard copy-type person

 

[ChupathingyX]

But where does it stop?, EA's origin on my PS3? do I have to install a client for every developer on my PS3 out there?.

I really hope it doesn't come to that, needing different publisher/developer systems installed on my PS3 just to play their games and access features would be horrible.

 

[Vault101]

Actually if you call PS3 gamers scrubs why are you moaning about Steam on PS3, its not like you are going to worry about it in future, are you just ranting for the sake of ranting?.

I don't how to say this without it sounding bad, but...

...I guess it's because people who think themselves PC elitists and that PC is superior in every way like to show this "fact" off every chance they get, no matter how minor or trivial.

you know what? I found PC elitism seems to manifest itself to the point of absolute stupidity/being illogical

like "oh you should have used that money upgrade your systm rather than buy a console!"

I mean why? I would rather play Red dead redemption to starcraft 2, and countless other exclusives, and even if my PC was top of the line Id rather play certain games that they actually work rather than be buggy messes

mouse and keybord will always be better (decided to get deus ex on PC) but thease days personally I cant see as much apeal for going all out with PC

or..."you use a laptop???WTF!!??"

I like a laptop because of portability..no its not Ideal but it works so NER!!!!

orrr "you got ALIENWARE???? you deserve to BURN IN HELL!!!"

if I had that much disposable income Id get a gaming laptop so screw you, I dont want to build by own desktop nor do some other people

 

[DigitalSushi]

But where does it stop?, EA's origin on my PS3? do I have to install a client for every developer on my PS3 out there?.

I really hope it doesn't come to that, needing different publisher/developer systems installed on my PS3 just to play their games and access features would be horrible.

Our friend [user]Vault101[/user] (all round good guy*, smells of strawberries) above got it right, its the put it in and play .... apart from the whole "making a sandwich" thing from installations.

I remember being really excited for BioShock, on the train home reading the manual, getting in cracking open a beer and putting in the BluRay/DVD/CD (whatever the fuck it is) and waiting 14 minutes for the install before I could play it... damn you BioShock, so I learnt Sanskrit!

Still install's I don't mind, patches I don't mind because they are "invisible", but clients? no. If Acti, EA, THQ and others want me to install clients as well, no developers I shall refuse your arbitrary bullshit and I'll vote with my wallet.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/2/6/

Mod Edit~ *Vault101 is actually a girl, remember, on The Escapist, you have a penis until proven otherwise

 

[ChupathingyX]

Our friend [user]Vault101[/user] (all round good guy, smells of strawberries) above got it right, its the put it in and play .... apart from the whole "making a sandwich" thing from installations.

I remember being really excited for BioShock, on the train home reading the manual, getting in cracking open a beer and putting in the BluRay/DVD/CD (whatever the fuck it is) and waiting 14 minutes for the install before I could play it... damn you BioShock, so I learnt Sanskrit!

Still install's I don't mind, patches I don't mind because they are "invisible", but clients? no. If Acti, EA, THQ and others want me to install clients as well, no developers I shall refuse your arbitrary bullshit and I'll vote with my wallet.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/2/6/

Yeah installations turn me off, but that isn't the main reason.

The main reason for me is that I just don't have a good computer and for the moment I'm in no position to upgrade. Even then there are too many exclusives on PS3 and other consoles that I like and I just prefer the feel of a controller (except for RTS and some RPGs).

Oh, and I'm better on consoles with FPS games than I am on computer, so the whole "mouse is better" thing doesn't apply to me.

 

[DigitalSushi]

Our friend [user]Vault101[/user] (all round good guy, smells of strawberries) above got it right, its the put it in and play .... apart from the whole "making a sandwich" thing from installations.

I remember being really excited for BioShock, on the train home reading the manual, getting in cracking open a beer and putting in the BluRay/DVD/CD (whatever the fuck it is) and waiting 14 minutes for the install before I could play it... damn you BioShock, so I learnt Sanskrit!

Still install's I don't mind, patches I don't mind because they are "invisible", but clients? no. If Acti, EA, THQ and others want me to install clients as well, no developers I shall refuse your arbitrary bullshit and I'll vote with my wallet.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/2/6/

Yeah installations turn me off, but that isn't the main reason.

The main reason for me is that I just don't have a good computer and for the moment I'm in no position to upgrade. Even then there are too many exclusives on PS3 and other consoles that I like and I just prefer the feel of a controller (except for RTS and some RPGs).

Oh, and I'm better on consoles with FPS games than I am on computer, so the whole "mouse is better" thing doesn't apply to me.

I have a good PC, I still prefer my trusty DualShocks, I get cramps from using Xbox controllers (Dukes are fine though).

The whole "mouse and keyboard" is better is an urban myth, people who say that are merely repeating something from a decade ago, sure you get more headshots with a mouse and keyboard but it takes away from the immersion because its disjointed (and I used to play PC at tournie level). The way developers make FPS games now its geared towards control pads, you've got a DualShock, your opponent has a DualShock, the playing field is levelled.

While PC power reigns supreme (with a lot of bleeding in terms of performance), consoles are a lot more streamlined and focused, ergo less power, same sort of experience, I just prefer my DualShocks with no clients over Mouse and Keyboards and waiting to log in to play (I actually have steam on this, I don't like it).

Thanks Chupa, you've made me rethink my own arguments, I'm actually sitting at my desk thinking "why do I play my PS3 more than my PC?", your a squire for sure.

 

[ChupathingyX]

Thanks Chupa, you've made me rethink my own arguments, I'm actually sitting at my desk thinking "why do I play my PS3 more than my PC?", your a squire for sure.

Hahahaha, no problem.

I like both consoles and PC for different reasons and they both have their pros and cons.

For the moment I'm happy playing most games on PS3 and Dawn of War I/II on PC, but maybe in the future I'll play some more games on PC when I get the chance to upgrade.

 

[DigitalSushi]

Thanks Chupa, you've made me rethink my own arguments, I'm actually sitting at my desk thinking "why do I play my PS3 more than my PC?", your a squire for sure.

Hahahaha, no problem.

I like both consoles and PC for different reasons and they both have their pros and cons.

For the moment I'm happy playing most games on PS3 and Dawn of War I/II on PC, but maybe in the future I'll play some more games on PC when I get the chance to upgrade.

I must clone you, the world needs more Chupa!

I don't play RTS's, but if I did then yeah I'd be using my PC, I have an interest in them such as watching those industrious Korean fellows go mad on StarCraft, but to play, doesn't appeal to me.

 

[5t3v0]

Thanks Chupa, you've made me rethink my own arguments, I'm actually sitting at my desk thinking "why do I play my PS3 more than my PC?", your a squire for sure.

Well the way I see it with PC gaming is that both sides are arguing the wrong way about it. Console gamers tend to think that all we care about is graphics because we spend so much money in upgrading/building machines, and the Retorts us PC gamers, while true, often come off as us being elitist pricks.

The thing is, we have to remember that many of us (myself included) build and upgrade our own PC's not to have a graphical hard on, but the fact is for me and many others the games (which in my opinion are superior in the realms of well done FPS games, RTS's, Certain RPGs and any other type of game for mods and custom content) are only half to 3 quarters of the fun of it.
I can't explain why, but there is a Euphoria about building your own PC. Purchasing all the parts, slotting in the CPU, Pressing in the RAM, preparing the case and PSU, Adding SATA devices, inserting the Graphics card... etc. Boring to the uninitiated Technical Stuff etc.
Despite the fact that I know its not for everyone, There is just something about building your own gaming machine that is custom built to what YOU want and not some copy/paste by a large corporation is very appealing

Basically, PC gaming is a hobby, and like all hobbies, there is a market for it, and you can't ignore it. Both sides of the gaming world need to acknowledge this, and game developers need to stop treating us like basement dwellers whose opinions do not matter because we don't buy as many games because there are less of us. That last bit also applies to us too, we need to remember that, but embrace it.

 

[ChupathingyX]

I must clone you, the world needs more Chupa!

I don't play RTS's, but if I did then yeah I'd be using my PC, I have an interest in them such as watching those industrious Korean fellows go mad on StarCraft, but to play, doesn't appeal to me.

Awwww thanks, that's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me on this site (although, many people would disagree with you).

Basically, PC gaming is a hobby, and like all hobbies, there is a market for it, and you can't ignore it. Both sides of the gaming world need to acknowledge this, and game developers need to stop treating us like basement dwellers whose opinions do not matter because we don't buy as many games because there are less of us. That last bit also applies to us too, we need to remember that, but embrace it.

Well those are defiantely better arguements than most PC gamers make, you come off more like someone who really doesn't care about PC vs console and is angered by being left behind in certain instances which is true, but consoles don't have much mod support (even though I don't know why).