Seriously, if the game is locked until release date the store should be able to sell to the customer as soon as the shipment arrives. Screw this midnight release stuff.
Just saying.

I know wat you mean but they can't break procedure.

I freaking hate it when hard copies of a game are tied to Steam. I don't mind using Steam to download and play a game when I buy it through Steam... but I didn't do that with Skyrim!

If a publisher decides they have to have a DRM, then Steam is the best choice for them to make. It is a DRM that actually adds value for the customer, where as no other DRM does that, plus it is free for the publisher to use.

Yeah I'd much rather have Steam than SecuRom lol.

Mind explaining how it adds value for the customer?

I'd prefer something like Secrom. I've never had any problems with Securom and it's never prevented me from using software when I've got it.

When they come up with DRM that actually works let me know. Until then let me freaking install a game I buy a hard copy of without having to install through Steam.

Break disk? No problem. Just download it again through steam.
Lose CD-Key? No problem. Steam stores it.

I just feel sorry for those who have a nice PC and currently no internet. God knows I've been in that predicament before, and when it's a single player game, it can really piss you off that it requires the internet.

I'm not a child. I never lose or break a disc*

Nor do I lose my CD Keys

Invalid argument

When a publisher chooses to use Steamworks it comes with MP servers, Cloud Saving, Stats and Achievements, Match Making, Peer to Peer networking. Lost or scratched disk? Just download it again from Steam. Lost the authentication key? No worries it is tied to your Steam Account anyways.

What does Securom give you?

I like Steam, but I don't like being forced to use it. The increasing fascism of DRM is off-putting for me, this industry is becoming unappealing.

No/poor internet? Tough luck.

For a single-player game, I'd much rather need to have a physical CD than an internet connection.

There is Offline Mode for a reason...
Just get the connection once to update the game, and you're golden.

I'm still not totally convinced that's adding value but I can certainly see the convenience of not having to have disks or cd-keys.

I've not lost or damaged a disk in very long time though. *shrugs*

I'm with you there. Every time someone mentions breaking / scratching / losing discs, I'm like.... what?


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(While I think that Steam is great for what it does - digital distribution, esp of indie and old titles - I don't see it's inclusion in a program as a bonus. Reduced freedom to patch, reduced freedom to install when & how you want, etc. Personally, I'd prefer the good old disc check - "omg, I have to find my disc and put it in the drive!" has never struck me as a burden. Yeah, I've got some Steam games. But I'd certainly never cripple one of my non-Steam games by linking it to my Steam account.)


edit: using Steamworks isn't really about DRM. As mentioned, determined pirates will blow past anything. Steamworks is really about preventing used sales.

Adds value?
The only value it adds is counted in Gabe Newells fat wallet.

Doesn't always work, particularly for long periods of time.

Where "update the game" could mean "download several hundred megabytes". If you're on a poor internet connection, that can take days (during which time you can't at all play). Not every one is blessed with uncapped, fast, stable internet.

I dont even have a cd drive anymore. god bless digital downloads

Its a good point; if you can't play it until a certain time due to steamworks what's the harm in letting the retailers distribute when they get it?

You're assuming that DRM exists to prevent piracy.

It doesn't.

It exists to kill used sales which the industry equates with piracy. From a publisher standpoint, a pirate and someone buying it used at Gamestop are both stealing your game.

Would drastically increase the chances of pirated version hitting the torrent website before actual release. I imagine most of the Data if not all is on the disc already and steam is only there as an installer. Not sure exactly but I know what I just said is a good possibility.

seems thats true,just did a boredom google,and it turns out steam games are ratted much more and faster than other DRM`s,aside from leaked beta`s whatever that is.

steam might have started out as a digital distributor,but as with others is trying its hand at market coralling,as in trap your userbase into using thier services while sneakily increasing the services for profit via advertising and subs.

and some even think steam pays for this privilege,which if true means they are supporting the games devs via the wallet,which is good for the devs.
then again if beth is paying steam to do with you as it sees fit,its more like a slaver selling you off to a fagin.

sneaky bastages aint they..

Game Stores have not taken back PC games for as long as I can remember as trade-in credit so your point is invalid.

Also IF I were to want to sell my copy of Skyrim to someone I'd simply make a new Steam Account for the express purpose of playing Skyrim. That way when I sell the account with Skyrim attached to it I don't lose my other games.

There is always a way around it. Your point is left meaningless. Just like DRM in its current form.

Wow...Pointless anti-Steam thread number #8412732 not using/ignoring facts reporting in I see.