STEAM and my opinion...PLEASE READ.

There's something that's been on my mind for a while and wanted to discuss with u guys.

Please be patient and understand my point of view.

I've had Steam since it was first released, but never really used it. I just had an account because of Half Life 2 and CS (back when I used to play it).

Steam now has taken off in the Digital World.

I would still buy my games retail, because I liked going into the shop and then having the box. Another MAJOR issue was that I was on slow ADSL1, with only 30GB x month so I couldn't download games thru Steam.

FAST FORWARD a bit and now I have ADSL2 with 150GB, and I can clearly see why so many people love STEAM. (something I couldn't understand before)

You have cheaper prices, comfortable without leaving ur house, game is there anytime u need it (even when not installed, just download again), and now with Screenshots Gallery and Cloud, no need to even back up ur saves and play it from any PC.

Without going on too much longer, the point of this topic is that I WANT to use STEAM for all my games... but every time I want to purchase a game.... even if it's cheaper, comfortable, faster, safer... I feel that I am hurting my beloved Game Shops (and the employees).

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

It would nearly kill me to see the same thing happen to Game Shops...

Understand my view?

Opinions?

If game stores (much like bookstores) weren't ripping us off with $90+ price tags I might feel sorry for them. But I agree entirely about seeing the benefits of Steam once you have the right Internet connection. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes you preorder a game months in advance and yet other sites open the game days earlier. I don't know if thats a region thing or what. But it is slightly annoying. biggest_loser

[QUOTE="biggest_loser"]If game stores (much like bookstores) weren't ripping us off with $90+ price tags I might feel sorry for them. But I agree entirely about seeing the benefits of Steam once you have the right Internet connection. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes you preorder a game months in advance and yet other sites open the game days earlier. I don't know if thats a region thing or what. But it is slightly annoying. masterdrat

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

FelipeInside

Wait what

Games are hilariously expensive in my country and on Steam. The concept of dropping the price after years is still alien to most retailers. I import most titles and use any digital stores where I can get a better deal. I don't give a **** if physical stores here stop selling them. We don't have specialised game shops though.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"]

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

Baranga

Wait what

Games are hilariously expensive in my country and on Steam. The concept of dropping the price after years is still alien to most retailers. I import most titles and use any digital stores where I can get a better deal. I don't give a **** if physical stores here stop selling them. We don't have specialised game shops though.

I guess it's different for you since you don't have specialised game shops.

[QUOTE="masterdrat"][QUOTE="biggest_loser"]If game stores (much like bookstores) weren't ripping us off with $90+ price tags I might feel sorry for them. But I agree entirely about seeing the benefits of Steam once you have the right Internet connection. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes you preorder a game months in advance and yet other sites open the game days earlier. I don't know if thats a region thing or what. But it is slightly annoying. FelipeInside

do we really want a WORLD where there are no more RETAILS shops anymore? or no shopping centers?FelipeInside

Ain't that hard, you know:P

[QUOTE="biggest_loser"][QUOTE="FelipeInside"] Yes, both these points are valid. But of course the shop has to sell them more expensive... they have staff to pay and here the RENT prices for the actual shop are INSANE.masterdrat

Yes your right Music Stores should have invented something better than the internet in order to keep competitive, wow how dumb of them.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] do we really want a WORLD where there are no more RETAILS shops anymore? or no shopping centers?Baranga

Ain't that hard, you know:P

And why how does it affect you? You're getting cheap games through steam, what exactly do you want? If they will close down they will and I don't see why you're making a fuss about it since it's doesn't affect you at all. What an inconsequential thread to begin with...NerubianWeaver

[QUOTE="Baranga"]

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] do we really want a WORLD where there are no more RETAILS shops anymore? or no shopping centers?FelipeInside

Ain't that hard, you know:P

I like browsing online more. I don't even like browsing for clothes lol

And why how does it affect you? You're getting cheap games through steam, what exactly do you want? If they will close down they will and I don't see why you're making a fuss about it since it's doesn't affect you at all. What an inconsequential thread to begin with...NerubianWeaver

A gaming retailer provides more jobs than a digital distribution firm. And in the state of the global economy that we are in, I'd like to think we'd want to keep as many of the jobs we have left.

I'm playing devil's advocate here to show that this thread has merit and your arrogance is unwanted.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="Baranga"]

Ain't that hard, you know:P

Baranga

I like browsing online more. I don't even like browsing for clothes lol

may I ask how old you are? Also, have you watched Wall-E...?FelipeInside

Well I'm pretty sure I'm younger than you:P

I liked Wall-E except for the plant in space thing and the ending. It should have ended three minutes earlier, you know...

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] may I ask how old you are? Also, have you watched Wall-E...?Baranga

Well I'm pretty sure I'm younger than you:P

I liked Wall-E except for the plant in space thing and the ending. It should have ended three minutes earlier, you know...

Yes, I was referring to Wall-E and the state of the humans at the end of it. I believe we are heading that way. FelipeInside

Not fast enough. Hook the PC directly to my brain and feed me through my veins. Cypher from The Matrix was right.

I read a pretty amusing science-fiction short story years ago about a dude that was living in this huge apartment complex. The machines were taking care of all the people, feeding them, dressing, washing them. This guy's only occupation was to play chess with his girl neighbour - on a virtual board from the comfort of his couch, of course. And then while the machine was feeding him a liquid meal, a rebel drop made him cough. So the machine killed him thinking he got sick, and promptly replaced him with another braindead male who also started playing chess. The girl never knew, and perhaps she wouldn't have cared anyway.

(it's 5 AM, please excuse the artistic moment)

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] Yes, I was referring to Wall-E and the state of the humans at the end of it. I believe we are heading that way. Baranga

Not fast enough. Hook the PC directly to my brain and feed me through my veins. Cypher from The Matrix was right.

I read a pretty amusing science-fiction short story years ago about a dude that was living in this huge apartment complex. The machines were taking care of all the people, feeding them, dressing, washing them. This guy's only occupation was to play chess with his girl neighbour - on a virtual board from the comfort of his couch, of course. And then while the machine was feeding him a liquid meal, a rebel drop made him cough. So the machine killed him thinking he got sick, and promptly replaced him with another braindead male who also started playing chess. The girl never knew, and perhaps she wouldn't have cared anyway.

(it's 5 AM, please excuse the artistic moment)

steams, good for certain games, not for others depends on how long youll be playing that specific game, and how often you reformat your computer, stuff like that.NTjordon

If you live in the US, steam is usually the better deal. Tough to find a brick n' mortar that carries PC games ( the good stuff at least), although Best Buy does carry a couple here, but they NEVER go on sale or drop in price for any reason. if i buy a physical copy of a game, it'll be from newegg or Amazon.

[QUOTE="Baranga"]

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] Yes, I was referring to Wall-E and the state of the humans at the end of it. I believe we are heading that way. FelipeInside

Not fast enough. Hook the PC directly to my brain and feed me through my veins. Cypher from The Matrix was right.

I read a pretty amusing science-fiction short story years ago about a dude that was living in this huge apartment complex. The machines were taking care of all the people, feeding them, dressing, washing them. This guy's only occupation was to play chess with his girl neighbour - on a virtual board from the comfort of his couch, of course. And then while the machine was feeding him a liquid meal, a rebel drop made him cough. So the machine killed him thinking he got sick, and promptly replaced him with another braindead male who also started playing chess. The girl never knew, and perhaps she wouldn't have cared anyway.

(it's 5 AM, please excuse the artistic moment)

Cyberpunk dystopia lol

I like retail games too, especially when those wonderful UK retailers pack in a free t-shirt or whatever. I can't remember the last game I bought at retail where I live - it might have been a hilariously expensive Black Ops but I wanted to get it day one so I paid for it (and then the game was broken but whatever). I buy my books online from the UK, which is more than 2000 kilometers away.

When I got my license in journalism, online stores were the only places I bought the necessary books from. I used to like browsing bookstores, but I haven't set foot in one in years. Why would I do it when they turned into hipstershops where the flavour of the month occupies three walls and the interesting stuff is hidden from view?

Online - that's the only place where I feel like a respected customer. I can browse, filter junk and get informed at my own leisure and better than in any retail store.

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

It would nearly kill me to see the same thing happen to Game Shops...

Understand my view?

Opinions?

FelipeInside

There is nothing you can do about it. If you look through human history you will find it littered with the corpses of ONCE successful businesses and practices. That is just the way of things, there will always be something "better" coming along to replace what currently exists. It isn't a case of if game shops close but a question of when, nothing you can do will stop it. Hell I have no doubt that one day something will come along and endanger Steam, god knows what but it will happen.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"]

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

It would nearly kill me to see the same thing happen to Game Shops...

Understand my view?

Opinions?

charmingcharlie

There is nothing you can do about it. If you look through human history you will find it littered with the corpses of ONCE successful businesses and practices. That is just the way of things, there will always be something "better" coming along to replace what currently exists. It isn't a case of if game shops close but a question of when, nothing you can do will stop it. Hell I have no doubt that one day something will come along and endanger Steam, god knows what but it will happen.

Yes I know deep down that I can't stop it.... or be buyin retail won't help that much either.

I guess Game Shops are still going because of Console, and consoles still need the CD to play (for now).

It's just that we are on the verge of a global change imo.... yes yes, businesses have come and gone in the past, but business were still there after.... Now, they are actually disappearing....as in the actual CONCEPT.

The fact that the game shops don't sell games that I want to buy or sell the games I want to buy at a higher price than digital downloads is the reason I now solely depend on digital distribution. But sometimes the good side to them is that you get merchandise for special offers on pre-orders or sometimes a poster with the game (got that with ME2).

The fact that the game shops don't sell games that I want to buy or sell the games I want to buy at a higher price than digital downloads is the reason I now solely depend on digital distribution. But sometimes the good side to them is that you get merchandise for special offers on pre-orders or sometimes a poster with the game (got that with ME2).

mhofever

[QUOTE="mhofever"]

The fact that the game shops don't sell games that I want to buy or sell the games I want to buy at a higher price than digital downloads is the reason I now solely depend on digital distribution. But sometimes the good side to them is that you get merchandise for special offers on pre-orders or sometimes a poster with the game (got that with ME2).

FelipeInside

That's why I get my collector's edition in retail copy because you get all the goodies with it :).

Well its a very interesting perspective but the thing i that digital distribution is going to take over no matter what, less problems to deal with for the publisher.

Also I studied in a different country where they had specialised stores for games, in my country currently its non existent, if you even manage to find a store that sells games, titles from 10 years ago cost the same amount of money as it did at launch. I am all in favor on supporting the economy and workforce really, but why would you do less with your money if you can do more.

I just started using steam for about a year now, before I would hae always gotten my games retail.l

that is a very good point, but frankly all the game shops here (in the US) have essentially abandoned the PC market. The Gamestop where I live has one of the best and most diverse selections of PC games I have ever seen, and it only takes up two shelves, four racks high and about four feet wide.

I really would not worry about game shops going out of business because people do not buy PC games from them anymore.

I must be missing something with regards to digital distribution prices, because in my experiences DD is more expensive than if I were to buy a hard copy. Hence why the majority of my game purchases are hard copies.

Yet most people seem to think that it's cheaper to buy off Steam. The only games I buy from Steam are ones that I can't find in the shops anymore...

I must be missing something with regards to digital distribution prices, because in my experiences DD is more expensive than if I were to buy a hard copy. Hence why the majority of my game purchases are hard copies.

Yet most people seem to think that it's cheaper to buy off Steam. The only games I buy from Steam are ones that I can't find in the shops anymore...

hrt_rulz01

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

FelipeInside

I don't really care about local game stores because there's none near me except for Gamestop and it's not exactly my favorite business. So many times when I've walked in there, the employees don't really know much about games, although there is one guy I talked with who actually knew his stuff. I think he left the store though.

Oh and TC why do you sometimes capitalize STEAM and RETAIL? Just curious.

that is a very good point, but frankly all the game shops here (in the US) have essentially abandoned the PC market. The Gamestop where I live has one of the best and most diverse selections of PC games I have ever seen, and it only takes up two shelves, four racks high and about four feet wide.

I really would not worry about game shops going out of business because people do not buy PC games from them anymore.

mrbojangles25

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"]

As you might know, BORDERS closed down here in AUS, and took with it another huge book shop called ANGUS & ROBERTSON. This was a VERY SAD day for me since now we basically don't have bookstores anymore, and I used to love going in there and browse books.

cain006

I don't really care about local game stores because there's none near me except for Gamestop and it's not exactly my favorite business. So many times when I've walked in there, the employees don't really know much about games, although there is one guy I talked with who actually knew his stuff. I think he left the store though.

Oh and TC why do you sometimes capitalize STEAM and RETAIL? Just curious.

mrbojangles25

I just don't know....hahahahaha...I even do it in emails sometimes....

I like steam, but god damn why does it have to freeze up on my PC all the ****ing time.Lonelynight

Also true, although I don't know about DOUBLE here in AUS.... but still more expensive than online. Bottom line is that I don't want them to disappear.... do we really want a WORLD where there are no more RETAILS shops anymore? or no shopping centers?FelipeInside

I still like shopping centers and I still feel some items have their place in retail, hell I still enjoy bookstores. However, I could totally like without having a designated game store. I just do not see the point when I prefer doing my research on games I want online and then trying to find the cheapest deal. It's not like buying a tv where I want to see it in person before I spend the cash. There is almost never a way to try a game I want at gamestop (since the kiosks nowadays are just used for motion control titles) so I never really see a need to go to a game retailer and spend more than I would online

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] Also true, although I don't know about DOUBLE here in AUS.... but still more expensive than online. Bottom line is that I don't want them to disappear.... do we really want a WORLD where there are no more RETAILS shops anymore? or no shopping centers?Evz0rz

I still like shopping centers and I still feel some items have their place in retail, hell I still enjoy bookstores. However, I could totally like without having a designated game store. I just do not see the point when I prefer doing my research on games I want online and then trying to find the cheapest deal. It's not like buying a tv where I want to see it in person before I spend the cash. There is almost never a way to try a game I want at gamestop (since the kiosks nowadays are just used for motion control titles) so I never really see a need to go to a game retailer and spend more than I would online

Maybe that's the fix.

Some EB Game Stores here now have a table where they have XBOX and PS3 games you can try out.

Maybe also put PC games for trying out as well....since demos are rare now....

The game stores don't actually give much back to the community in the way of jobs anyway so you might as well save your money and go digital. I mean if they closed you'd have some teenagers looking for a new summer job and 1 manager hopefully finding something else. Do their managers even make decent money?

I rarely buy games from high street stores any more, be they specialist retailers or general entertainment stores. Price is a major component of that given that I'm not going to get anything out of the retailer once I've bought the game (some kind of ongoing service is worth paying extra for). I'll even avoid Steam if another online store sells the physical copy cheaper (DE:HR for £4 cheaper!).

The jobs argument is a bit of a non-issue - while DD or online stores don't have retail staff, they will have a bunch of technical support people, server maintenance staff and so on (online stores will no doubt have pickers/packers). With profit margins so thin in high street retail, games retailers are lucky if they have more than a couple of staff working at any one time, and would no doubt attempt a one-man store if they thought they could get away with it.

I'm an informed buyer (i.e. I do my research ;) ), so I really don't need whatever services games stores are purporting to offer me.

Felip you do realise gamestop is hurting themselvs now right..They are opening there own digital download service on the xbox and ps3 and wii..Guess they want to do it first before valve does lol..Though i dont think it will hurt gamestop..You cant pre order for five bucks like you can in the store..You should be able to on steam and the new online store..How ever you have to pay the full ammount;.So in a way i wouldnt feel sorry for them..In the long run it may hurt the store..

Also think of it this way with borders..There one of my companies clients also..Armed guard here not telling you what company though lol..They hurt themselfs the book stores..They promoted this nook business..Eventually it was going to happen..Some one wouldve made it if the book stores didnt..Its just technology..Its like the post offices..Now there hurting because of emails..Also the ims on phones..Teck is good and bad for things..Its good as it helps make our lifes easier..It hurts jobs in the long run teck always has and always will..The more things seams easier the worst they become..Its a shame also..You dont realise your actually hurting some ones pay check..

Here in the UK there are hardly any small game shops left, game have bought up all the competition and if they went **** up I wouldn't give a toss.

Unfortunately it seems like this process is inevitable. People will go with what is cheaper, shops require overheads and thus everything will always be more expensive. Sooner or later town centres will simply be clothes shops and little else. Personally I love Steam but I can see a downside to shops being closed down. I don't really see what the alternative could be though. I hope that whatever happens some shops will survive.