Random Gaming Thoughts

[Sarge]

My only point is, if a game is supported by Steam's offline mode, is there any appreciable difference? I'd argue there isn't. I completely understand not wanting to deal with games that want to connect online, however.

[MrPopo]

I bet you're the type who also distrusts the coming brain uploading.

[Exhuminator]

[Sarge]

This is the correct response. Good show.

Pistols at dawn could also work.

[Gunstar Green]

My only point is, if a game is supported by Steam's offline mode, is there any appreciable difference? I'd argue there isn't. I completely understand not wanting to deal with games that want to connect online, however.

I think there is. You still can't back those games up outside of the Steam client.

Granted that's not going to be a concern for most people but in the doomsday scenario where Steam disappears you're not going to be putting those games on any PC that doesn't already have them downloaded.

[Sarge]

My only point is, if a game is supported by Steam's offline mode, is there any appreciable difference? I'd argue there isn't. I completely understand not wanting to deal with games that want to connect online, however.

I think there is. You still can't back those games up outside of the Steam client.

It's really spotty on console and handheld, too. I suppose you can do it on 3DS eShop, but you're still locked to that console unless you do a license transfer to another system. It's got its own tradeoffs, I suppose.

Look, I'm not trying to be a champion of Steam here, although it may seem so. I've already expressed my preference. I just don't find it as unpalatable as others. To each their own.

(I also know a lot of folks that don't back up through the Steam client, they just copy their 'steamapps' folder. Suppose that could work, too.)

[ElkinFencer10]

Some very passionate opinions here. I can only speak from experience, but I've never had a problem with Steam. The few times I've had account issues, I've always had the resolved very quickly and easily. Their game selection and sales are the main reason it's my preferred client along with, as has been mentioned, the fact that I just like the feel better than GOG Galaxy. Don't get me wrong, I think GOG is great, and I've bought games from them, and when Galaxy gets better (as it inevitably will; as has been said, it's a new client), I'll probably use it as much as I use Steam. I agree that DRM-free is better than DRM, but I really don't think Steam's DRM is that bad.

[Sarge]

I do think Galaxy is going to get better, no question. Steam didn't start out as easy to use as it is now. I remember all the wailing and gnashing of teeth when it was required for Half-Life 2 (myself included!). GOG puts out some quality product for sure.

[Gunstar Green]

Look, I'm not trying to be a champion of Steam here, although it may seem so. I've already expressed my preference. I just don't find it as unpalatable as others. To each their own.

(I also know a lot of folks that don't back up through the Steam client, they just copy their 'steamapps' folder. Suppose that could work, too.)

I don't dislike Steam myself, I'm just playing devil's advocate here. As far as DRM solutions go, Steam is far better than crap like SecuROM and StarForce was, especially in that the Steam client offers benefits to using it instead of detriments that punish you for purchasing a game legally. I can't even play my Taito collections for PC without cracking them thanks to StarForce.

If Steam is the only way I can play a game, that's how I'm going to play it.

[Jmustang1968]

Rental is a poor term to use, and is bandied about too much. Rentals are typically for set time intervals or something that is indefinitely borrowed with a periodic payment. Steam games are purchasing software licenses that don't go away.

Nowhere else have I had a rental that I pay for once and lasts for 10 years and counting...