Guild Wars on Steam
Cherng Butter
I nabbed Bioshock for $5 through Steam
street peddler
hating steam is so 2004. only reason you would hate it now is if youre european.
pigdestroyer
this is a seriously facepalm inducing thread.... oh god
Chocobo1
I'm so amazed at the people who have never even heard of Steam.
It's amazing, you get such good deals on games. I bought Left 4 Dead for half price and that is one of the best games I've ever bought. Never would have got it without Steam. Don't knock it till you try it.
It's amazing, you get such good deals on games. I bought Left 4 Dead for half price and that is one of the best games I've ever bought. Never would have got it without Steam. Don't knock it till you try it.
bitchbar player
i think this is just a trail for gw1 which will probably get the full steam support
papryk
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Originally Posted by street peddler
hating steam is so 2004. only reason you would hate it now is if youre european.
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MajorTomG
What this should mean, at least, is that we will see GW2 distributed through Steam.
Every now and then steam get slated for having bad bandwidth recently but that's only really around the first few hours of a major release. On the whole I download games from steam at my full bandwidth (about 2.3megabytes per second) which is a LOT faster than the GW servers can offer me (0.2 - 1 megabytes per second). If I can get my guild wars account through steam somehow I would be very happy. If it means buying it on steam then i Imagine all this will do (other than give you a new CD key that you can use to add to your current account etc) is add the ability to install the game client through steam. You should then be able to log into any account from there as usual. I guess this because this is the way it works with other account based games that have been added to steam. Company of Heroes being one.
Steam's account based purchase system that has been mentioned here is indeed fantastic. I prefer it to buying retail games these days as with fast Internet it's just more convenient. You can re-download content as much as you like. You can also create installation disks for any game you bought through steam.
Also, steam accounts are free, so if you want to check it out (there are some free games and demos on there if you want to test performance) just go to steampowered.com and click 'get steam now' on the left of the page.
I hope that is some useful info for people who don't know about steam.
Every now and then steam get slated for having bad bandwidth recently but that's only really around the first few hours of a major release. On the whole I download games from steam at my full bandwidth (about 2.3megabytes per second) which is a LOT faster than the GW servers can offer me (0.2 - 1 megabytes per second). If I can get my guild wars account through steam somehow I would be very happy. If it means buying it on steam then i Imagine all this will do (other than give you a new CD key that you can use to add to your current account etc) is add the ability to install the game client through steam. You should then be able to log into any account from there as usual. I guess this because this is the way it works with other account based games that have been added to steam. Company of Heroes being one.
Steam's account based purchase system that has been mentioned here is indeed fantastic. I prefer it to buying retail games these days as with fast Internet it's just more convenient. You can re-download content as much as you like. You can also create installation disks for any game you bought through steam.
Also, steam accounts are free, so if you want to check it out (there are some free games and demos on there if you want to test performance) just go to steampowered.com and click 'get steam now' on the left of the page.
I hope that is some useful info for people who don't know about steam.
MajorTomG
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Originally Posted by Empress Amarox
I've never bothered to even look at steam.. Sounded like garbage to me.
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Lonesamurai
I was working in the games RETAIL industry back when Half Life 2 was released (before I became a journalist, etc) and when STEAM first came out (really with the release of Half Life 2, as its DRM) I couldn't honestly recommend it to anyone... since they've updated it and cleaned it up massively, I'm a massive fan of steam, they are reasonably priced and it makes life with Patching so much easier
MajorTomG
Well put Lonesamurai. I think people who were forced to use Steam back in the early days when it was new and the net was slow and the early systems couldn't handle the huge HL2 player base from the work go, were put off for good. It got some bad press over this despite the huge potential the concept had. That potential has been realised now.
This isn't the hideously limited Direct to Drive or the cumbersome EA Downloader. This is Digital content delivery as it should be.
A lot of people I know prefer it to buying a game in stores now. Fire up steam on any PC connected to the net, login and all your games are there. Bloody handy!
This isn't the hideously limited Direct to Drive or the cumbersome EA Downloader. This is Digital content delivery as it should be.
A lot of people I know prefer it to buying a game in stores now. Fire up steam on any PC connected to the net, login and all your games are there. Bloody handy!
Chocobo1
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Originally Posted by MajorTomG
Well put Lonesamurai. I think people who were forced to use Steam back in the early days when it was new and the net was slow and the early systems couldn't handle the huge HL2 player base from the work go, were put off for good. It got some bad press over this despite the huge potential the concept had. That potential has been realised now.
This isn't the hideously limited Direct to Drive or the cumbersome EA Downloader. This is Digital content delivery as it should be. A lot of people I know prefer it to buying a game in stores now. Fire up steam on any PC connected to the net, login and all your games are there. Bloody handy! |
Lonesamurai
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Originally Posted by Chocobo1
Yeah, I'm going to buy from Steam as much as I can in future, the download speeds I get from there are amazing and you get fantastic deals.
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on day of release, some games are still cheaper retail and I will buy them that way
recent case in point:
Dawn of War 2
Steam : £34.99
Play.Com: £24.99 with bonus content
hmm...
It arrived a day BEFORE release, but the DvD has never been taken out of the case... I entered the activation code into Steam, the game downloaded, updated and 20 minutes later I was playing... Hell, I'm hoping my next gaming rig build won't even have a DvD drawer in it... especially as I have a 50meg business broadband line
MajorTomG
yeah you still need to look around for the best price. The best case scenarios is a game that supports steam works. These can be added to your steam account but still bought from any shop and you get a DVD if you have a slow connection. Best of both worlds really.
Steam have had a couple of weird pricing choices with some new games recently. On the whole though. Good deals to be had. I'll be picking up GW2 through steam so long as it's not more than £5 more than retail. If it's got steam works though, I'll just get it as cheap as I can and add to steam.
It's good to see more developers and publishers using the system. Gives us more options as consumers and competition is always a win for us.
Steam have had a couple of weird pricing choices with some new games recently. On the whole though. Good deals to be had. I'll be picking up GW2 through steam so long as it's not more than £5 more than retail. If it's got steam works though, I'll just get it as cheap as I can and add to steam.
It's good to see more developers and publishers using the system. Gives us more options as consumers and competition is always a win for us.
Riot Narita
I'm another one who's not familiar with Steam... so this is doubtless a dumb question... but what is all this about being able to download your paid-for steam games on another PC?
I mean, how do they stop people sharing an account? eg. say one guy buys a game... what stops him giving his account details to his buddies so they can download and play the same game for free?
What if your Steam account was compromised by malware or something? Can other people download/play the games you paid for? Or run up bills on your account?
I mean, how do they stop people sharing an account? eg. say one guy buys a game... what stops him giving his account details to his buddies so they can download and play the same game for free?
What if your Steam account was compromised by malware or something? Can other people download/play the games you paid for? Or run up bills on your account?
Lonesamurai
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Originally Posted by Hissy
I'm another one who's not familiar with Steam... so this is doubtless a dumb question... but what is all this about being able to download your paid-for steam games on another PC?
I mean, how do they stop people sharing an account? eg. say one guy buys a game... what stops him giving his account details to his buddies so they can download and play the same game for free? What if your Steam account was compromised by malware or something? Can other people download/play the games you paid for? Or run up bills on your account? |
What is Steam?
Steam is a broadband platform for direct software delivery and content management. It is an integral part of all Valve software.
Steam...
- Allows you to purchase and immediately download games via the internet.
- Allows you to register retail versions of Valve games as well as some third-party games.
- Lets you access your games from any PC that can connect to the Steam network.
- Automatically keeps all of your games up-to-date with the latest available patches.
- Allows you to chat with friends in the Steam community even during gameplay.
- Makes it easy to browse and connect to online and LAN game servers.
- Allows you to view which games your friends are currently playing and join them.
How do I use Steam?
First, please see the Installing Steam topic for instructions on downloading and installing Steam.
Once you have installed Steam, create an account and add games to it by Buying Games through Steam or by Activating a Product on Steam.
What games are available through Steam?
The list of games available through Steam is constantly expanding.
For a full list of games currently available for purchase through Steam, please visit the Steam Storefront.
How can I protect my account?
NEVER give out your Account password to anyone over Steam. Please see the Account Security Recommendations topic for instructions on protecting your Steam account.
MajorTomG
Basically you can only log into an account from one place at a time. If I log in at home and then go to my mates house and log in there. It will kick me off at home.
There is the very useful 'Offline mode' which allows you to use your account without a net connection. The only thing you need to make sure of is that you have played the game at least once since the last update before you can run it in offline mode. This can be very handy for laptops.
There is the very useful 'Offline mode' which allows you to use your account without a net connection. The only thing you need to make sure of is that you have played the game at least once since the last update before you can run it in offline mode. This can be very handy for laptops.
fb2000
Last I used it I hated it.
Was several years ago tho. Guess I might check out the list of games they got these days. Never was a huge fan of Valve, just the hl1 series were awsome
Was several years ago tho
. Guess I might check out the list of games they got these days. Never was a huge fan of Valve, just the hl1 series were awsome
Riot Narita
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Originally Posted by Lonesamurai
Lets let steam themselves answer those:
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Somebody above mentioned getting Bioshock through Steam. That's a single player game, not an online game. Do you still have to have an internet connection and be logged into Steam when you play it?
Edit:
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Originally Posted by MajorTomG
Basically you can only log into an account from one place at a time. If I log in at home and then go to my mates house and log in there. It will kick me off at home.
There is the very useful 'Offline mode' which allows you to use your account without a net connection. The only thing you need to make sure of is that you have played the game at least once since the last update before you can run it in offline mode. This can be very handy for laptops. |
pamelf
I don't buy from Steam for the pure reason that most Australian ISPs give SHIT deals on downloads, and it's just too large a download and I get capped at the beginning of the month. 
Apart from that I adore Steam. I run all my games through it, even when not bought through it.
Apart from that I adore Steam. I run all my games through it, even when not bought through it.
MajorTomG
Hissy: See my post above
Lonesamurai
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Originally Posted by Hissy
Aha. Well then, how do they stop a single purchase being played by multiple people in "offline" mode?
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fb2000
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Originally Posted by Hissy
Aha. Well then, how do they stop a single purchase being played by multiple people in "offline" mode?
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Developers are starting to realize all those hillariously complex and supposedly secure protection methods arent really working out. Every single game out there has been cracked (unless purely online ofc, so no access to server). IN the end, adding more useless stuff to "protect" the game only ends up being a huge pain in the butt for the people that legally bought the game.
Riot Narita
Furthermore, if I am mid-game and my connectivity to Steam goes down (Steam blows up, my ISP is FUBAR, or anything in-between)... is that an instant Game Over? It sounds cool and all, but is it adding a possible extra point of failure for my online games?
Edit:
Well exactly. They must have some protection in there - I am interested to know what it is, and whether it has any effect on me. If there are negatives, I want to know what they are - they may affect where I choose to buy.
Edit:
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Originally Posted by fb2000
What do you think is worse, 1 guy buying, possibly 2-3 playing, or 0 guys buying, 5000 playing
Developers are starting to realize all those hillariously complex and supposedly secure protection methods arent really working out. Every single game out there has been cracked (unless purely online ofc, so no access to server). IN the end, adding more useless stuff to "protect" the game only ends up being a huge pain in the butt for the people that legally bought the game. |
Lonesamurai
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Originally Posted by Hissy
Furthermore, if I am mid-game and my connectivity to Steam goes down (Steam blows up, my ISP is FUBAR, or anything in-between)... is that an instant Game Over? It sounds cool and all, but is it adding a possible extra point of failure for my online games?
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ONLY happens if your steam account activates elsewhere, like it does for me when I load up on my laptop
Dzjudz
Hissy: it's basically like Guildwars: you can download the client (Guildwars or Steam) on any computer, but you can only log in on one at a time. So for example: me and my friend can both download Guildwars and play on the same account, but we can't play simultaneously on the same account. Same thing with Steam. (This was an example, I do not actually share my accounts with anyone). I'm not sure about the Offline mode. Maybe you can go offline on one PC and log in on another to play a game on more than one PC, but you wouldn't be able to play online games in any case.
Ebeneezersquid
Personally, I think that the best thing that could come with this, for those of us already playing GW, is Steam's Voice chat system.
It's pretty relatively high quality, and if we are lucky, it will become the default VC instead of the melange of Ventrilo/Teamspeak/Xfire/Skype that people are running now. (And yes, I have seen people use Skype for gaming, believe it or not).
I also think it's relatively low bandwidth, since it is usually used for FPSs which are pretty hectic and unforgiving of lag. (L4D FTW. I'm still cursing that the Birthday and Survival Mode updates are so close together).
It's pretty relatively high quality, and if we are lucky, it will become the default VC instead of the melange of Ventrilo/Teamspeak/Xfire/Skype that people are running now. (And yes, I have seen people use Skype for gaming, believe it or not).
I also think it's relatively low bandwidth, since it is usually used for FPSs which are pretty hectic and unforgiving of lag. (L4D FTW. I'm still cursing that the Birthday and Survival Mode updates are so close together).
MajorTomG
Offline mode does indeed allow you to log into the same account on more than one PC. It is very limited however as obviously you can't access the friend network, the store, any updates. So keeping more than one PCs that are regularly used for the steam account, logged into it and able to play games would be hard work. On the other hand offline mode is very useful if you are the only person trying to use it and because you are genuinely just not able to get online.
If you are logged in as default with online access you get the lot and it's bloody marvelous
Because all games on steam still have a game directory all to themselves within the steam folder, this means mods still work. This is very important to PC gaming obviously and Valve know this better than anyone.
Handy tools such as the ability to defragment just a single game on your hard disk allow you to keep things running smoothly.
If you think you have messed up a game folder through tinkering around (most people won't even look in the folder though as you don't need to) you can use the 'verify integrity of game cache' option. This looks at your folder, then looks online to see how it should be. It then fixes what is broken and downloads anything that's missing or needs replacing.
All in all it's a very user friendly, open application that is very efficient at what it does, support independent developers and has a vast, helpful community.
And the new addition of achievements (although blatantly xbox live's idea originally) is very well implemented with many new games supporting them.
If you are logged in as default with online access you get the lot and it's bloody marvelous
Because all games on steam still have a game directory all to themselves within the steam folder, this means mods still work. This is very important to PC gaming obviously and Valve know this better than anyone.
Handy tools such as the ability to defragment just a single game on your hard disk allow you to keep things running smoothly.
If you think you have messed up a game folder through tinkering around (most people won't even look in the folder though as you don't need to) you can use the 'verify integrity of game cache' option. This looks at your folder, then looks online to see how it should be. It then fixes what is broken and downloads anything that's missing or needs replacing.
All in all it's a very user friendly, open application that is very efficient at what it does, support independent developers and has a vast, helpful community.
And the new addition of achievements (although blatantly xbox live's idea originally) is very well implemented with many new games supporting them.
BenjZee
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Originally Posted by Ebeneezersquid
Personally, I think that the best thing that could come with this, for those of us already playing GW, is Steam's Voice chat system.
It's pretty relatively high quality, and if we are lucky, it will become the default VC instead of the melange of Ventrilo/Teamspeak/Xfire/Skype that people are running now. (And yes, I have seen people use Skype for gaming, believe it or not). I also think it's relatively low bandwidth, since it is usually used for FPSs which are pretty hectic and unforgiving of lag. (L4D FTW. I'm still cursing that the Birthday and Survival Mode updates are so close together). |
I may have to invest in another account just so i can run gw from steam
Sarevok Thordin
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Originally Posted by SmithyBen
I'm sorry but is the steam overlay on this game too? that is awesome....we now have voice chat?
I may have to invest in another account just so i can run gw from steam |
Like community page stuff.
Tullzinski
I will take steam any day over the horrible EA Downloader. Steam had alot of issues when it first came out but it is much better now.
DarkWasp
Steam messenger is beautiful, and they keep updating the community features so they may end up making something like xfire. Though I find steam to be a wee bit more accessable.
Using steam can possibly take a lot of the load off the Anet servers durring updates, they should have done this sooner. Provided they use the steam servers for updates that is. I think it's faster too.
Using steam can possibly take a lot of the load off the Anet servers durring updates, they should have done this sooner. Provided they use the steam servers for updates that is. I think it's faster too.
SpiritThief
THe only issue i have with steam is loading seems to take longer then it should on SOURCE games at least. But I think that's just source. I'm not sure I'd want to put GWs on steam if given the choice, tho I do love steam, great St*d*eals, they support their modders and the voicechat.
I'd still want boxes for GW2, but they could easily make it add to by key I'm sure. Be nice if they could do it with old accounts now but I doubt it.
I"ll get me a second account now on steam when one of them is put on the weekend steal. XTH farm
I'd still want boxes for GW2, but they could easily make it add to by key I'm sure. Be nice if they could do it with old accounts now but I doubt it.
I"ll get me a second account now on steam when one of them is put on the weekend steal. XTH farm
MajorTomG
Steam has no effects on loading time. Sounds like you just think the source engine could load faster. Source loads like crazy on mine Damn efficient engine for what it can produce even if it is starting to show it's age.
Bring on a GW sale on steam that will be ace.
yes if they add steamworks to GW2 so that we can buy with a box and add to our accounts that will be spot on.
Damn efficient engine for what it can produce even if it is starting to show it's age.Bring on a GW sale on steam
yes if they add steamworks to GW2 so that we can buy with a box and add to our accounts that will be spot on.
Skuld
3rd party games are rarely well integrated into steam. I'm sure all this is is the ability to pay for & download the game through steam.
immortius
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Originally Posted by Lonesamurai
Nope
ONLY happens if your steam account activates elsewhere, like it does for me when I load up on my laptop |
Overall Steam is very good, and is one of the few digital distributors that has sales, which is definitely a plus.
One thing, it is possible for non-valve games to allow CD-key entry for registration (Unreal Tournament 3 is a prime example), but it is rare and probably doesn't make sense in Guild War's case.
![Ec]-[oMaN](/static/static/../Img/avatar8384_2.gif){kind=avatar}
Ec]-[oMaN
Can't you just go to the My Games tab, then activate a product on Steam using the GW cd keys?
FoxBat
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Originally Posted by Ec]-[oMaN
Can't you just go to the My Games tab, then activate a product on Steam using the GW cd keys?
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Ec]-[oMaN
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Originally Posted by FoxBat
Actually tried this, nope.
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I don't really see any benefit to having it linked directed in Steam, other than the fact that Anet and NCSoft have another outlet to make the game known about. You could always just have Steam running and using it's features while you play with your friends logged in, but you can do the same with XFire.
Sort of a side rant about Steam and games now becoming purely streamed online for download.
Long download times
I like CDs!!!!!
If you lose account info to Steam the main app which has all info tied to the games oh boy.
Currently at least in Canada the big ISP are really starting to hamper down on unlimited bandwidth offers, virtually trying to take it away and going the tiered or per gig pay methods for the month. They want to control these aspects because they are all trying to gain ground in their media/TV outlets. Have you pay for limited internet bandwidth so you don't stream or download what they are offering in their own TV packages.
If one day I have to reformat or buy a new PC how are the users going to be able to download 20+ games on a platform that offers it online requiring bandwidth? Hell I'd hit my BW cap in a few days and then be forced to pay over usage charges.
Steam and things like it sound good in theory, bad in practice though. Or maybe it's the backwards approach here in Canada relating to ISPs, then again they want to control every aspect available in order to make money.
Longasc
There is STEAM...
There is IMPULSE...
There is BATTLE.NET...
... there are some more digital distribution platforms.
They games there do not have Securom/Safedisc protections, as they are all tied to your Steam/Impulse/xxx account. You also download all patches from there. The advantages of the system. The system is also a very good copy protection in itself.
"Empire: Total War" was released over Steam recently, a fairly huge game, several GBs download. Even people with fast connections had problems, as Steam could just not handle so many downloaders. But this does not happen too often.
I actually prefer to have different accounts for different games.
Having to register for more and more different digital distributions platforms to download, online activate and run games, I personally do not like it.
Besides that general dislike of the system, all these systems still have issues that are not yet ironed out, like the mentioned $ / EUR / whatever conversion of Steam.
There is IMPULSE...
There is BATTLE.NET...
... there are some more digital distribution platforms.
They games there do not have Securom/Safedisc protections, as they are all tied to your Steam/Impulse/xxx account. You also download all patches from there. The advantages of the system. The system is also a very good copy protection in itself.
"Empire: Total War" was released over Steam recently, a fairly huge game, several GBs download. Even people with fast connections had problems, as Steam could just not handle so many downloaders. But this does not happen too often.
I actually prefer to have different accounts for different games.
Having to register for more and more different digital distributions platforms to download, online activate and run games, I personally do not like it.
Besides that general dislike of the system, all these systems still have issues that are not yet ironed out, like the mentioned $ / EUR / whatever conversion of Steam.
ceolstan
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Originally Posted by MajorTomG
What this should mean, at least, is that we will see GW2 distributed through Steam.
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- Steam is traditionally tied into the FPS/Team Shooter demographic. Guild Wars was envisioned as a PvP endgame with minimal preparation, but the release version of the game included a significant amount of grind. Since release, grind to have an optimal, PvP character has been greatly eliminated, which would possibly entice the team shooter players to take a first look.
- Steam runs weekend specials that make it easy for players to fork over money for games they may have heard about, but haven't yet purchased, by offering some great sales. Steam sales enticed me to buy World of Goo, Mount and Blade, and Assassin's Creed.
- Steam is also an efficient content delivery system. I remember hearing all sorts of bad things about Steam in about 2004, but I've been a fan of Steam ever since I bought Half Life 2.
- Steam has some interesting potential for grouping that can potentially overcome some of the inherent deficiencies in GW's own social infrastructure. For example, I belong to a PvX guild. We're fairly active in all areas of GW, but even so, it's sometimes hard to get a team going for an ad hoc GvG match (i.e. for the Zaishen Quest). We all have PvPers on our friends lists, but we have very inefficient ways of determining who's online at any given time. Steam, though, would allow us to belong to multiple Steam groups. We could be in our own guilds, but also belong to a HA Steam Group, a GvG sub Steam Group, etc. Steam allows for in-game announcements of group activities, so it'd be easy to advertise for players needed for a randomway or pug activity.
Overall, I'm very pleased by the availability of Guild Wars on Steam. I'm very much interested in seeing how much this development is a harbinger of things to come with respect to Guild Wars 2.
--ceolstan