Yay, just before my new computer gets here. I am going to literally have to download 200gb of games onto it.
Valve Unveils Long-Awaited Steam Improvements
- Thread starter Andy Chalk
- Start date
Well, good. I just wish they would make the Steam application itself more responsive now. Even on my pretty decent system, pages in the store and the update news feed seems sluggish to scroll though somehow, and none of my other applications are like that. The steam website is faster when viewed by other browsers (even Firefox).
Regarding patching: I believe that what they mean is that if the developer releases a "patch" that is a revised version of a massive resources file, Steam will do a DIFF of the current resources file and the new one, and then send your client the differences and instructions on how to patch, instead of the whole file. Assuming this is the case, it's good that Steam is handling the case of a stupid developer.KingsGambit said:
Your work will probably just block the Steam content, if they were intentionally blocking steam's old protocol.
Yeah, my only real complaint with Steam is that when they have a truly epic sale on, for example the summer or Xmas/January sales, around 6pm each day it becomes impossible to start games, browse the store or really do anything as they're hammered by millions of people viewing the store at once.
Perhaps, as it's a worldwide thing, update it in sections, do the US at their midnight, then choose a time zone to do europe at midnight by, split the massive rush a little.
Hopefully these improvements might help ease that burden too!
I'm also totally in favour of not being forced to update before playing, unless of course it's a multiplayer only game that needs it, I imagine a box will pop up to explain that, when an update is needed to play online, it'll update before letting you play rather than letting you start the game, then not be able to do anything, quit out then get the update.
Perhaps, as it's a worldwide thing, update it in sections, do the US at their midnight, then choose a time zone to do europe at midnight by, split the massive rush a little.
Hopefully these improvements might help ease that burden too!
I'm also totally in favour of not being forced to update before playing, unless of course it's a multiplayer only game that needs it, I imagine a box will pop up to explain that, when an update is needed to play online, it'll update before letting you play rather than letting you start the game, then not be able to do anything, quit out then get the update.
Just another reason to love Steam. Except for you heathens that don't love it. HEATHENS.
I can understand, Steam isn't perfect, and if you don't have a particularly good connection speed it can be problematic. For instance, during the summer sale I bought Fallout New Vegas. I just installed it two days ago. I had to work, so before I left I started the download, went to work a double shift (10 AM to 9 PM) and when I came back it still wasn't done. It took a full 14 hours to finish. I'm just thankful I don't install new games that often. It's not all bad, I can download most indie games pretty quick. Amnesia only took about 40 minutes, and Frozen Synapse took 8.
I can understand, Steam isn't perfect, and if you don't have a particularly good connection speed it can be problematic. For instance, during the summer sale I bought Fallout New Vegas. I just installed it two days ago. I had to work, so before I left I started the download, went to work a double shift (10 AM to 9 PM) and when I came back it still wasn't done. It took a full 14 hours to finish. I'm just thankful I don't install new games that often. It's not all bad, I can download most indie games pretty quick. Amnesia only took about 40 minutes, and Frozen Synapse took 8.
Mind explaining why you don't like Steam? Auto updating keeps the online community from patching splits (unpatched vs patched) It has a great friendlist that consolidates all your games together. Game doesn't have a friendlist? Steam's got you.Andy Chalk said:
I have a cellphone connection, it tops at about 180kbs, so I feel the pain when I have to download a 1gig patch, but its a small price to pay for consistency. Also gets rid of all CDs and boxes. Plus preloading before release date is the best thing since preorders.
The only thing I care about is not having to tab out of a game in order to resume downloads.
Stupid auto-pause is stupid.
Especially if I'm playing a single player game. I mean wtf. If the game functions exactly the same in offline mode, why does it freeze my downloads?
Stupid auto-pause is stupid.
Especially if I'm playing a single player game. I mean wtf. If the game functions exactly the same in offline mode, why does it freeze my downloads?
I still hate Steam for butchering me $20+ on prices when the exchange rate means it should be CHEAPER. I always have and always will despise Valve and am glad I haven't bought a single product they have developed (barring L4D but they bought out the game pretty much).
I may have to let my computer run over night to complete the 10 hour process of downloading a modern game but with my inability to get to a store on a regular basis its still better then nothing. Here's hoping this will somehow reduce the stuff I need to download overall but I don't think its going to make full games any quicker to get.
