STEAM - Widely Used? Why or Why Not?

[Ratsy]

I use Steam to keep my game software organized.  I have also purchased games through Steam and like the convenience of it.

Is anybody else using it?  Why?  Why Not?

 

[Latrobe]

I use it because Steam Sales. 

[Wiley]

I use it because Steam Sales. 

This.  I don't have a problem with always connected requirement, it doesn't appear to get in the way of the operation of my system.  If something reminds me of a game I never got around to playing a year or two back, I can just pop on there and grab it for somewhere approximating what I'm willing to pay for it.

Do I consider the Steam client useful?  Not particularly, no easier than desktop shortcuts, but there's nothing wrong with it for my purposes.

Wiley.

[Serenity]

I use it. "Always Connected" isn't exactly true. On my laptop, as long as I connect every couple of days, I can still play just fine away from a connection. I use steam because I can buy games on impulse without leaving the house or waiting for shipping, and I can purchase a game on my desktop, but if I'm away from home, I can pull the same games up on my laptop.

[Ack-Ack]

It's a great digital distribution system.

[Spikes]

It has its pros and cons. If you keep a close eye you can get great deals on games and I love the fact that all my stuff is in the same place. Being able to reformat and re-install 80% of my games is a nice relief rather than going to 20 different download sites to find the digital copies, or hooking up the CD-ROM to re-install other games.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I don't buy games from anywhere outside Steam anymore and even there I only hit the 70-80% discounts.

[Volron]

It's a great digital distribution system.

This.

[Beefcake]

Ten or so years ago I scoffed at the idea of Steam and having to download games from the interwebs, I mean who would do that?

Now 95% of all games I buy and play come from Steam. I usually wait until there is a sale on games I want and then nab them up. I also like the fact that I can set the system to offline mode and still play my games without having to validate them all the time. Really is a great system.

[FLOOB]

I don't buy games from anywhere outside Steam anymore and even there I only hit the 70-80% discounts.

Ditto. Though if it's a release I've been salivating for I'll pay full price.

[branch37]

I only use steam because i don't have to go to the store.  Now that I have said that, the convenience is the ONLY reason.  Steam has crapped out on my PC so many times that if there were ANY other service that offered the same convenience as Steam I would GLADLY switch.   

[Ack-Ack]

I only use steam because i don't have to go to the store.  Now that I have said that, the convenience is the ONLY reason.  Steam has crapped out on my PC so many times that if there were ANY other service that offered the same convenience as Steam I would GLADLY switch.

Check out GOG Galaxy, from CD Projekt.  CD Projekt is the studio that brought us the excellent The Witcher games and a few years ago started a digital distribution service called Got Old Games (GOG) where you could buy old classic games that were updated to work on modern operating systems and DRM free.  Just recently, CD Projekt revamped GOG and is now called GOG Galaxy and you can buy both classic and current titles as well as indie documentaries and movies.  GOG Galaxy is a legitimate contender to take on Steam, unlike EA's Origin or Ubisoft's Uplay digital store/distribution services.

ack-ack

[eagl]

I like steam but a few times it has not worked very well at all.  Sometimes when I travel, especially overseas, the internet either doesn't work well or I get hit with country restrictions, even though it is still my laptop with a valid installation of the game already.  It is frustrating to try to play a game and have it take 2 days to phone home and download some patch or something.

Other than it not working sometimes, it seems like a reasonable way to manage some games.  On the other hand, highly customizable games like AH might be hard to work with on steam.  I'm not as comfortable adding aftermarket or custom mods to steam games, not sure when it'll break something and not sure how to restore an installation if I do break it.  A stand-alone game can be fiddled with and not have to worry about breaking it.

[Serenity]

I like steam but a few times it has not worked very well at all.  Sometimes when I travel, especially overseas, the internet either doesn't work well or I get hit with country restrictions, even though it is still my laptop with a valid installation of the game already.  It is frustrating to try to play a game and have it take 2 days to phone home and download some patch or something.

Other than it not working sometimes, it seems like a reasonable way to manage some games.  On the other hand, highly customizable games like AH might be hard to work with on steam.  I'm not as comfortable adding aftermarket or custom mods to steam games, not sure when it'll break something and not sure how to restore an installation if I do break it.  A stand-alone game can be fiddled with and not have to worry about breaking it.

FWIW, fixing a steam game is really simple. You can right-click in the library and go to validate game files first to see if that works. If not, simply uninstall and reinstall.

[PR3D4TOR]

When you travel just turn off automatic updates in the steam settings. And unless it is an online game just turn on offline mode.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3160-agcb-2555