Yeah, I agree with the "anywhere accessible / downloadable" perk. One I like is that I can buy, download, and instantly play any random game they offer if the mood strikes me without having to drive to the store.
However, all the other negatives IMO are what sink it for me. I see you conceded the "forced update" issue, and that is pretty much the only issue that is screwing us. That is not Bethesda, that is Steam. Bethesda sucks for their lack of the slightest effort and consideration while coding, but the ones not allowing us to benefit from the "clean up" work others have done... Steam. The forced updates, no company published "user implemented" patches or reverts available, no freedom, the crappy user interface, the switching of preferences without warning; all Steam. Not to mention all the EULA details that, contrary to the practicality of "disk bought" games, you don't own what you buy, they can yank it without refund, etc.
The following IS from Cracked, but is no less true...
[quote]
What many people don't realize about buying digital files online is that you aren't really buying the file; you're just buying a license to use it. Such as video games. The wording from the Steam download services says that paying full price for a game grants ...
"... a limited, terminable, non-exclusive license and right to use the Software for your personal use in accordance with this Agreement and the Subscription Terms. The Software is licensed, not sold. Your license confers no title or ownership in the Software."
Steam
So you aren't buying Rage. You're buying a Rage license.
That wording is standard -- you find the same in competing download services like EA Origin. If you are playing a game that requires access to the service and they decide to ban you from using it, your ability to play that game is gone and they don't have to offer a refund (or as they put it, "No refund will be granted, no Entitlements will be credited to you or converted to cash or other forms of reimbursement, and you will have no further access to your Account or Entitlements associated with your Account or the particular EA Service").
Not to mention that, though I may be wrong, I always seem to see a lot of postings from people with problems getting Steam games to work, not being compatible or as easy to implement certain mods, etc. as the normal install versions of game software.
And the social issue... I could be wrong with that as well, but I don't see any great difference or advantage that doesn't already exist on every other platform on the market. Than again, I'm not too social, so there you go! :-)
This is getting off topic, so this is my last post on the subject, don't feel like I'm ignoring your valid arguments, but what Cracked so validly pointed out is that you don't own the games, you merely own a license for the game. However, just because you own a disk, doesn't mean that you own the game (from a legal standpoint). Almost all big name software coming from companies with any kind of legal team have the same clause in their own EULAs. Microsoft, Apple, Avast, Adobe, etc... all only sell (or give, ie Avast) licenses for their software. It all comes down to what we, as consumers, are willing to tolerate in order to use said software. Windows phones home every so often to verify that you have a valid license, as does Adobe, and most games you install from a disk. Have to put in a key and you are connected to the internet? Even if internet access isn't required, you can almost certainly bet that there will be a license validation check at some point. Sure, you have a disk with your game's code, but if you'd like, you can make one with Steam games (Steam->Backup and Restore Games). Sadly, the current state of the software industry as a whole isn't kind enough to grant free and unlimited use of its products to any and all... or even a few, and some.
Personally, I think Steam is the best, least evil, option available today. That may change, but I feel like they provide the most features I can and do make use of while only requiring things that I'm willing to agree to. 24/7 internet access? Sure. Personal account? Fine. Only allow me to be logged into one computer at a time? I'm the only one using my account, so that's cool with me. Do I wish it could do things better? Of course, but I'd rather deal with Steam than have to repeat the awful experience Games for Windows recently put me through.
You're free to disagree (in fact, I encourage debates on such topics), and I'm hopeful that things will change, but I'd rather play games than argue over which game provider/DRM method is the shittiest. And also, this is a Thread about Skyrim, not Steam's annoyances.
Login
FAQ
Search
Members
