» Wed Jun 13, 2012 3:21 am Fallout 3 Windows Live (worse thing ever)
FONV started Steam
Skyrim Steam now with full modding integration.
I expect bethesda to have more plans for integration.
As for online distribution networks on next gen totally possible.
Why? because for one the Wii U already confirmed origin integration. Secondly using or having a network available that is as large as Steam allows developers and publishers make money after the starting release week 90% of the income to the developers/publishers is made within pre orders and the first week on console. After that buying a used game does not reach the developer/publisher pockets instead it goes to shady used game store.
Now full digital? I doubt that will happen next gen hell I doubt integration will happen next gen but possibly more bonuses if you are in fact connected too the network as they have now for certain games. 10 Years it will possible I think to do full digital.
Now before that they need adjust the laws of what you own digitally right now Steam can block access to your games without having legal repercussions because no laws against such they do not take digital into place especially when you purchase a game fully your "renting" a license for it.
But networks such as steam can bring all parties like MS Sony Nintnedo publisher/developers alike more revenue so I will stick to my gut feeling and predict that a system will at least be available across all platforms next gen and will build upon that later on. And I will even go to the extent that the majority will not mind they already have to pay a sub to play MP on games (xbox of course) or be connected to play MP in general. Yes not everyone is connected too the internet but enough people are which is the majority sales in this case and will continue growing because infrastructure keeps get better in all countries the cheaper it becomes. No disrespect to console players but they are not a "active" or "vocal" consumer base PC is the loudest not everyone is forum goer but there are more then there is on consoles.
In Fact: One of the requirements of selling a "License" instead of a "Product" is that you have to maintain a certain amount of oversight and control. In the old days, PC games were unsupervised and not controlled at all. Thus, there couldn't be a lot of enforcement for their claim to be selling a license.
However, what can they do differently today? You guessed it, sell it with Steam. Steam is a monitoring and control agent, and grants a huge amount of validity to the claim that PC developers only sell licenses.
That's the real reason Steam is never going away. It makes End User License Agreements 100% more valid than they used to be.
It has nothing to do with DRM. It has everything to do with policing software use to ensure compliance with licensing terms and conditions.
However, what can they do differently today? You guessed it, sell it with Steam. Steam is a monitoring and control agent, and grants a huge amount of validity to the claim that PC developers only sell licenses.
That's the real reason Steam is never going away. It makes End User License Agreements 100% more valid than they used to be.
It has nothing to do with DRM. It has everything to do with policing software use to ensure compliance with licensing terms and conditions.
What you just describe is what DRM is.
EULA can be forced easier on a network such as steam but they can be forced on consoles as well now. However because you can just "disconnect from the interwebs" on a console its fighting a uphill battle. Same goes piracy on consoles as modded consoles that does not connect to the MS/Sony network makes it impossible for anyone to stop them. If you buy a game from steam you are required be online to play it offline mode can only be achieved by being online then going to offline mode resulting into a very intrusive DRM network. GOG however is one site against DRM because DRM does get in the way and PC consumer does not like it.
