Should 1C/UBI make Steam optional?

[Les]

This is a deliberately biased poll to show 1C/UBISOFT/Maddox Games how many people here want Steam to be optional with the new release, and so perhaps help make it so.

The suggestion is, that the publishers include all the Steam features in the new series, but only make it compulsory to install Steam if you want to use those features, relying on SolidShield for DRM protection in the case of those users who choose not to install Steam and use third-party multi-player browsers and manual patching instead.

To quote myself from the other thread -

"They should release the game in such a form that it only requires SolidShield activation for online or off-line use.

But the default built-in multi-player browser should still be linked to Steam, so that you require a Steam account to use those default built-in multi-player features.

That way, anyone can play off-line with or without installing Steam, and play online with or without installing Steam, though not using Steam would require connecting to a server via direct ip or by using a third-party browser...

...SolidShield for DRM online activation, Steam registration for optional use of the default built-in multi-player browser.

Patches and extra content released through Steam and through the traditional channels..."

[DellBoy321]

I don't understand the hostility towards Steam- you don't even need to be online to use it, and you don't have to manually patch. Or you could set Steam to only log in when using the game.

[#402FOX]

The options seem a bit one sided. I bet you always join the team with the most players

[Strike]

Where is the alternative:

"I like steam, and I see no reason for it to be made optional"

It comes with options such as "Online" and "Offline" modes

I play a lot of games that require steam and pretty much all of them are playable in "offline" mode Only a few times I have accidently shut down my PC unknowing of a client update, it has required me to reconnect to the internet to complete the update!

Steam updates your games for you, you get EXCELLENT speeds when downloading (I usually download at around 1-1,5 mb/s). All steam-supported games are installable/un-installable from steam, and they remain in your library as "greyed out" to show that they are purchased games, but not installed. Games that aren't supported can still be added manually so that you can remove any eventual shortcuts from your desktop. Steam also provides a nice ingame chat/friends/community access feature, which allows you to single out players you enjoy socializing with and add them quickly to your friends list. Then you can choose to have steam alert you if your friend has started playing the same game as you, and you can simply click the "(FRIEND) is playing IL-2:Cliffs Of Dover" icon and select "join friend's game". At least that is the scope of steam.

And even if you are an offliner. Steam will simply be your "portal" to your games News, patches, updates, mods and servers if you should play online. Start steam in offline mode, and it lets you choose your game. Or better yet, have steam closed, click IL-2 CoD's desktop Icon, and it will start steam in offline mode first (takes a few secs) and then starts your game!

Steam is also a great thing to help you become aware of your gaming addiction. Such as checking stats:

"Empire: Total War - You have played it 90 hours in the past 3 weeks"

[AWL_Spinner]

I can only presume this poll is an attempt at humor.

What do you want for breakfast?

a) Cornflakes?
b) Flakes of Corn?
c) Flaked Corn?
d) Corn in Flakes?

[Strike]

Actually, some people are getting way too emotional about these things.

I've had steam since the early days of Half-life 2 etc, it had a bumpy start, but BOY has it improved over the years. Valve has done an excellent job here in creating a user experience that allows gaming and access to games, even old games, instantly available and never more than a click away from download. Stuff like this is going to be the future anyways. App stores, marketplaces, VOD and soon games on demand, even game streaming... generally the digital market is moving in this direction. Get your stuff at home, without mail, without lifting your ass to go to the shop, without entering your credit card details (cause they're already linked to your account). See, want, click and play! It's yours along with a receit in your inbox.

[Codex]

Originally Posted by Les

This is a deliberately biased poll to show 1C/UBISOFT/Maddox Games how many people here want Steam to be optional with the new release, and so perhaps help make it so.

The suggestion is, that the publishers include all the Steam features in the new series, but only make it compulsory to install Steam if you want to use those features, relying on SolidShield for DRM protection in the case of those users who choose not to install Steam and use third-party multi-player browsers and manual patching instead.

To quote myself from the other thread -

"They should release the game in such a form that it only requires SolidShield activation for online or off-line use.

But the default built-in multi-player browser should still be linked to Steam, so that you require a Steam account to use those default built-in multi-player features.

That way, anyone can play off-line with or without installing Steam, and play online with or without installing Steam, though not using Steam would require connecting to a server via direct ip or by using a third-party browser...

...SolidShield for DRM online activation, Steam registration for optional use of the default built-in multi-player browser.

Patches and extra content released through Steam and through the traditional channels..."

You've obviously got no idea how Steam works and how it is integrated into games. Steam can never be optional, if you want to use its features you need to install it.

[Fritz X]

^ Pretty much correct.

The only way to let owners of retail games (without Steamworks) and players with games bought the same game on Steam together is making use of an alternative matchmaking system, like Hyperlobby, Gamespy or something similar. So it's possible for retail owners of IL-2 1946 to play on the same servers as Steam users. In case of CoD it seems like they use Valve's matchmaking system, so Steam is (for some people unfortunately) a must.

An optional choice would be nice, of course.

[Biggs]

flat-out biased poll...

why was this even posted?

EDIT.. ROFL nice 'edit' OP... facepalm

[ElAurens]

ArmA II's own browser works just fine for both Steam and non-Steam users.

Cliffs of Dover would be better with a setup like that.