Hi Escapist, how are you doing? Is your chair comfy enough? How about a coffee, you look like you need one.
Now, I've mentioned this in passing before but it's worth repeating: I'm fairly new to PC gaming. At least, I'm fairly new to current gen PC gaming. It seems like these days, it's possible to be a PC gamer without using Steam in some capacity. It's a marvelous little invention, isn't it? A vast catalogue of games, merely a broadband connection and an hour or two away at the simple click of a mouse.
And, of course, perhaps it's best feature - the sale.
Ever since it's release, I've been intrigued by Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I love RPGs, I love Sci-Fi and I will accept I do quite enjoy cyberpunk. But I never really desired Deus Ex. I tried to play the original, and must admit I am too shallow to get past the awful, awful graphics. I played... Um, no I can't have because it didn't exist. Whatever that memory is, it isn't very good. I have also noticed that, since not at all long after release, DE:HR has not been a considerable investment. It got down to under £30 for the 'limited edition' on Xbox in what felt like weeks. But even then, as a 360 player, it was simply too much money. Other games happened, and on numerous shopping trips, I found myself clutching the bright green case, wondering if I was bored enough to finally give it a try. I looked at preowned copies, and said no. The price dropped to an inconsequential £15, and still I passed on it.
Today, after dropping out of a quick Skyrim sesh(by the by, God bless the superior PC version and the legion of talented modders), Steam yelled at me that Deus Ex was in the midweek sale. It's price: £3.47.
Three. Forty. Seven.
Without hesitating, I clicked buy. Earlier today, I spent £1.90 on a bottle of Fanta and a large packet of maltesers pretty much solely because a stroll had taken me into a shop. For only a little more money, I now own an hours-long RPG that I've been thinking about playing for a long time.
I should be really pleased, right? A game I wanted to play but could never justify spending cash on is now mine. But I did it without thinking. I did it because, even though I'm recently unemployed, such a small amount of money means nothing to me. I did it because it's so easy to click a button and instantly have digital 'money' leave my possession in exchange for a digital piece of entertainment.
So, the crux of the matter. Steam. Is it, along with its sales, a blessing or a curse? Is it a fantastic way to get games cheaply, or is it the precipice of a swift plunge into consumerist, impulsive nihilism where nothing has value and all it takes to sucker you into a purchase is a salesman assuring you you're getting a great deal (but only if you act NOW, damnit)?
I honestly don't know. All I do know is that I could start this game up tomorrow (it's getting late here in Blighty), absolutely hate it and not give the tiniest shit because I've spent more money on disappointing food than I have on this.
EDIT: Oh, right. Discussion value. Okay then, what's your take on digital distribution, and for Steam users, what's the best deal you've ever got on a game?
Now, I've mentioned this in passing before but it's worth repeating: I'm fairly new to PC gaming. At least, I'm fairly new to current gen PC gaming. It seems like these days, it's possible to be a PC gamer without using Steam in some capacity. It's a marvelous little invention, isn't it? A vast catalogue of games, merely a broadband connection and an hour or two away at the simple click of a mouse.
And, of course, perhaps it's best feature - the sale.
Ever since it's release, I've been intrigued by Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I love RPGs, I love Sci-Fi and I will accept I do quite enjoy cyberpunk. But I never really desired Deus Ex. I tried to play the original, and must admit I am too shallow to get past the awful, awful graphics. I played... Um, no I can't have because it didn't exist. Whatever that memory is, it isn't very good. I have also noticed that, since not at all long after release, DE:HR has not been a considerable investment. It got down to under £30 for the 'limited edition' on Xbox in what felt like weeks. But even then, as a 360 player, it was simply too much money. Other games happened, and on numerous shopping trips, I found myself clutching the bright green case, wondering if I was bored enough to finally give it a try. I looked at preowned copies, and said no. The price dropped to an inconsequential £15, and still I passed on it.
Today, after dropping out of a quick Skyrim sesh(by the by, God bless the superior PC version and the legion of talented modders), Steam yelled at me that Deus Ex was in the midweek sale. It's price: £3.47.
Three. Forty. Seven.
Without hesitating, I clicked buy. Earlier today, I spent £1.90 on a bottle of Fanta and a large packet of maltesers pretty much solely because a stroll had taken me into a shop. For only a little more money, I now own an hours-long RPG that I've been thinking about playing for a long time.
I should be really pleased, right? A game I wanted to play but could never justify spending cash on is now mine. But I did it without thinking. I did it because, even though I'm recently unemployed, such a small amount of money means nothing to me. I did it because it's so easy to click a button and instantly have digital 'money' leave my possession in exchange for a digital piece of entertainment.
So, the crux of the matter. Steam. Is it, along with its sales, a blessing or a curse? Is it a fantastic way to get games cheaply, or is it the precipice of a swift plunge into consumerist, impulsive nihilism where nothing has value and all it takes to sucker you into a purchase is a salesman assuring you you're getting a great deal (but only if you act NOW, damnit)?
I honestly don't know. All I do know is that I could start this game up tomorrow (it's getting late here in Blighty), absolutely hate it and not give the tiniest shit because I've spent more money on disappointing food than I have on this.
EDIT: Oh, right. Discussion value. Okay then, what's your take on digital distribution, and for Steam users, what's the best deal you've ever got on a game?
