I've been gaming a long time now. I can remember playing on the Atari 2600, though I grew up on the NES. Our first computer was a Commodore 64. All that said, I'm pretty new to online gaming and the process of downloading games. However, I'm in no way new to The Elder Scrolls or these forums. Skyrim though is the first game that I've purchased that required me to install a third party software platform in order to run it. Early on I was a bit apprehensive about it, but, knowing I couldn't play the game without it, I decided it was worth it.

Now that I've got Steam installed, I can't understand what all the fuss is about. It demands very little system resources, is extrememly easy to use, allows you to play your game pretty much anywhere, guarantees you don't lose game files or have to repurchase a game because something damages said files, makes updating a snap, provides you with a large online gaming community, easily accessible in-game, and gives you access to hundreds of other games at some really incredible prices. I'm not trying to sound like a Steam-fanatic, but I don't understand why some people hate Steam so much.

On the other hand, I'm also fearful that there is some terrible feature or imminent update that is going to make me rue the day I committed to Steam. If such a thing is coming, please, let me know. For now though, it's been a wonderful experience. I can't find anything to complain about. Yesterday, I purchased Deus Ex: Human Revolution and all of its DLC for less than $14, had it downloaded and installed in under two hours. I also purchased a Steam code for Sonic Generations (though, it was through Amazon and took a lot longer to download). Thus far, Steam has really impressed me. I think it's a brilliant innovation that helps protect the game industry's IP without the use of more malicious DRM like SecuRom.

So, what's the beef? Why do some people hate Steam so much? What am I missing that is soon to make me resent Steam?

There's a thread in Community Discussion for this, though I can't find it at the moment.

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1359009-unofficial-steamdrm-discussion-27/