Why I hate steam.

(I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I'm not, feel free to correct me though)

I hate steam because I don't have the choice to want it or not.

If I buy a game in a store, If I want to install it, play it and everything, I shouldn't be FORCED to use steam.(Assuming its a game that's steam-able, you know)

If I had the choice not to use it well I wouldn't and people who wants to would, everything would be perfect.

I do not allow company to force stuff on mewhen I don't want them on my computer.

That's why I hate steam and I'm never going to use it, less money to them.

Isn't that just like saying I hate Windows becuase I don't have the choice to want it or not?

Steam takes up almost no resources (unless it's updating or installing a game, then that's a different story :P), it's easy to use, has almost no bugs.

And it's completely free.

Isn't that just like saying I hate Windows becuase I don't have the choice to want it or not?

Steam takes up almost no resources (unless it's updating or installing a game, then that's a different story :P), it's easy to use, has almost no bugs.

And it's completely free.

G013M

I like the way every single other company allowed me to install and play my game(since the beginning of PC gaming), yet this one tries to force me to download this?

There is no reason for them to force using it, its not even remotely needed for anything.

I agree with you OP, but you do have a choice. All the games that you can buy through Steam that aren't made by Valve, such as CoD4, you don't have to buy through Steam. Buy them from any game store near you, or from other online stores. The only time when you have to use Steam is when you buy something such as HL2 or TF2, which are made by Valve. In that case you can't really argue... Those games are made by Valve, which also makes Steam, so if they want you to use Steam in order ot play their game, it's their choice and you have to live with it if. But, again, in all other cases you don't have to go through Steam.MasterYevon

That's true though

Guess I'll have to stay far from valve then.

hmmm I see your point

however given the choice between using Steam and knowing what is being put on my PC and buying a game disc with copy protection that installs rootkits, disables virtual drives and puts god knows what else on my PC etc I would be using Steam every time, it is the lesser of two evils imho.

i love steam.

1) there are a lot of games on it that you can't find anywhere else.

2) great selection of games and neatly organized; easy to browse and find what you want.

3) it's convenient. no need to go outside, which is especially welcome in cold days like today, or wait 3-5 business days for the game to arrive via mail.

4) no cd/dvd check, meaning i don't have to switch cd/dvd everytime i play a different game from the one i was playing previously.

5) updates my games automatically, so i don't have to worry about patches and so forth.

6) sometimes there are really good deals on steam, like the recent 10-50% holiday discount.

7) no plastic bags. no plastic covering. environment-friendly!

[QUOTE="MasterYevon"]I agree with you OP, but you do have a choice. All the games that you can buy through Steam that aren't made by Valve, such as CoD4, you don't have to buy through Steam. Buy them from any game store near you, or from other online stores. The only time when you have to use Steam is when you buy something such as HL2 or TF2, which are made by Valve. In that case you can't really argue... Those games are made by Valve, which also makes Steam, so if they want you to use Steam in order ot play their game, it's their choice and you have to live with it if. But, again, in all other cases you don't have to go through Steam.Sliverwarrior

That's true though

Guess I'll have to stay far from valve then.

That's too bad, because they're brilliant developers.

But anyway, I like steam, I only use it for valve games and mods of valve games, but I think it's a great program.

STEAM...

Is free and therefore a big plus already, nothing better than getting something for free.

Is almost bug free and has come a long way in fixing and improving itself since its humble beginings.

Allows for easy storage and access to games through the one directory on your HD and through the use of a single program.

The automatic updates means no more searching around the internet for patches to download, STEAM does it all for you with almost no problems.

It uses hardly any CPU power unlike many other programs on your PC. So having it run in the background is never a problem.

It has a lot of cool and useful functions like the online store, community, constant updates, friends, VAC etc

All in all its a good program to use and while it might be unsettling to be forced into using it when you dont want to it is relatively hassle free and stays out of the way. I mean in the four or more years i've used STEAM i've never really hated having to use it, its part of the parcel and its here to stay.

I'm a big fan not owning discs. It's very refreshing. I'm basically a messy disorganised person (I thought it went hand in hand with liking computer games :) So to have STEAM look after everything for me competently and free is a plus. Another Plus is the current exchange rate between Australian and US dollar so the games on average are half priced compared to if I walked into a shop.

And yes they do have great deals, especially on slightly older titles. I picked up The Longest Journey and Dreamfall both for $24.

Steam is ok

BUTwhen webuy a digitally downloaded gamewe're saving the distributors loads (really LOADS) of $$$ in packaging, manpower &, prolly most of all, shipping costs (& don't give me that bumpf about server loads, etc'). Also there is less cost involved with the anti-piracy thing (no cdchecks, no securerom), no manuals to print neither.

So why does a game from steam cost the same as in the store downtown?!?!? (I don't mean Valve games).

I recently bought orange box, with 25% holiday discount & itwas a good buy but I find the new 3rd party stuff for sale on steam expensive for the above reasons. This is why I have never bought any3rd partyproduct on steam.

I've no problems with Steam, but does anyone know why Steam is required in order to play Valve games, other than because they want us to?Herrick

copy protection.

You should look at the bright sides of Steam. For example you don't need the disc to install or play the game. Steam also auto-updates the game for you, if you choose so. Nowadays Steam records how long you've played every game, like Xfire.

You have the wrong attitude towards. You take it as the ultimate evil, because a game installs it for you. Use it for a while and you will understand how handy it is. Then you will be thankful when a game uses Steam.

Steam is awesome and these days any arguments against it are irrational and stupid.

BUTwhen webuy a digitally downloaded gamewe're saving the distributors loads (really LOADS) of $$$ in packaging, manpower &, prolly most of all, shipping costs (& don't give me that bumpf about server loads, etc'). Also there is less cost involved with the anti-piracy thing (no cdchecks, no securerom), no manuals to print neither.

So why does a game from steam cost the same as in the store downtown?!?!? (I don't mean Valve games).IMP_ACT

I agree that digitally distributed games have no business costing the same as retail copies, but this is not a problem inherent to Steam alone. I suspect there are two main reasons to this: 1. A lot of pressure coming from retailers, but also from other game companies. 2. Because they can get away with it.

Steam is awesome and these days any arguments against it are irrational and stupid.UpInFlames

Whoa? What? That sounds like the most irrational reasoning to me :)

What if you like to buy used/sell/trade/borrow etc and don't want your games tied to accounts?

What if you are primarily a single player gamer and don't like the fact that you are going to need to additionally pay for an internet connection at all times for the rest of your life to access games you've already "purchased"?

What if you like to create and manage your own game install directory/folder system?

What if you don't like having unnecessary apps/services running in the background on your machine, regardless of the debate how much difference it makes?

What if you find the additional features of Steam (community, auto-patching, etc) useless?

What if there's another digital distribution service you prefer more than Steam?

What if you like to have the physical boxes/manuals of your games for your collection (display purposes or whatever reasoning)?

etc.

I'm growing more and more tolerant of Steam, I don't hate it, and I've certainly never had a problem with it, and Valve rocks :D However, I still think there are a number of reasons certain individuals may choose to not go that route -- just a preference.

What if you like to buy used/sell/trade/borrow etc and don't want your games tied to accounts?Nitrous2O

Buy them from retailers.

What if you are primarily a single player gamer and don't like the fact that you are going to need to additionally pay for an internet connection at all times for the rest of your life to access games you've already "purchased"?Nitrous2O

I am a primarily single-player gamer and if you don't have an Internet connection at all times regardless of your gaming preferences then I have no idea what you're doing with a computer in the first place.

What if you like to create and manage your own game install directory/folder system?Nitrous2O

:lol:

What if you don't like having unnecessary apps/services running in the background on your machine, regardless of the debate how much difference it makes?Nitrous2O

I got over it once I realized it really doesn't affect performance.

What if you find the additional features of Steam (community, auto-patching, etc) useless?Nitrous2O

Don't use them.

What if there's another digital distribution service you prefer more than Steam?Nitrous2O

Use that instead. Use both.

What if you like to have the physical boxes/manuals of your games for your collection (display purposes or whatever reasoning)?Nitrous2O

Buy retail copies.

These are all minor quibbles at best. I understood all the Steam hate back in 2004, I wasn't a fan back then either, but since the service is nowadays working perfectly, I guess I just don't get it. For the most part, Steam gives you options, it's entirely up to you whether you want to use them or not. Yes it may be inconvenient to be forced being connected to the Internet when all you want to do is play a single-player game, but let's take a step into reality - it's 2008...Internet connections have become as common as electricity and water installations. I live in a small Southeastern European country and I don't know anyone without an Internet connection--who owns a PC in the first place, that is. :)

Yeah, it's no problem if you like Steam, I understand many of the advantages, everyone has their own preferences.

And you say "Buy them from retailers"....are you just agreeing with me here? That's my whole point, some people will prefer to have the non-Steam versions of games.

What I don't get it from your post, is why it's so bad to want to manage your own folder system? I do it, you can structure the games how you like, I never install to the default "Program Files" location. I'm a software developer (no, not a game dev :)), so maybe it's my inherent nature to always be in Windows Explorer, can't imagine I'm the only one though.

Yeah, chances are we will always have an internet connection. But, does yours go out on occasion? Mine does. Do you have a large number of computers? I do, not all are always connected. What about when you move? Internet is expensive here (U.S.), what if I want to wait a bit before getting it connected again? Do you have a laptop? I do, it's doesn't always have an internet connection available to it. When you get old, maybe you care less about the internet than gaming, who really knows? There are just many, many reasons.

You like Steam? That's perfectly cool IMO.

I hate steam.Sliverwarrior

Yeah, it's no problem if you like Steam, I understand many of the advantages, everyone has their own preferences.

And you say "Buy them from retailers"....are you just agreeing with me here? That's my whole point, some people will prefer to have the non-Steam versions of games.

What I don't get it from your post, is why it's so bad to want to manage your own folder system? I do it, you can structure the games how you like, I never install to the default "Program Files" location. I'm a software developer (no, not a game dev :)), so maybe it's my inherent nature to always be in Windows Explorer, can't imagine I'm the only one though.

Yeah, chances are we will always have an internet connection. But, does yours go out on occasion? Mine does. Do you have a large number of computers? I do, not all are always connected. What about when you move? Internet is expensive here (U.S.), what if I want to wait a bit before getting it connected again? Do you have a laptop? I do, it's doesn't always have an internet connection available to it. When you get old, maybe you care less about the internet than gaming, who really knows? There are just many, many reasons.

You like Steam? That's perfectly cool IMO.Nitrous2O

Oh yeah, I still very much prefer to buy retail copies of games, I like having boxes to put on my shelf. However, that's no reason to "hate" Steam which is what the OP explicitly states. Steam is an awesome alternative. You can buy old games for very low prices that are really hard to find and you can get sweet deals on new games as well - I just bought S.T.A.L.K.E.R. for $22.45 as a special holiday offer off Steam. It's a great place for small, indie developers to get started - the guys who made Rag Doll Kung Fu are now making the big-budget Sony-backed LittleBigPlanet. Also, Steam is a lot more than a digital distribution service.

I manage my folders as well, I have them grouped into games and programs seperately, I hate everything being crammed into Program Files. But it was me who decided where to place Steam, so the fact that Steam sorts all of my Steam-related stuff into its own folder really doesn't bother me at all.

Believe me, Euro Internet prices make American ones look dirt-cheap.

I like having boxes to put on my shelf. However, that's no reason to "hate" Steam which is what the OP explicitly states. Steam is an awesome alternative. You can buy old games for very low prices that are really hard to find and you can get sweet deals on new games as well - I just bought S.T.A.L.K.E.R. for $22.45 as a special holiday offer off Steam. It's a great place for small, indie developers to get started - the guys who made Rag Doll Kung Fu are now making the big-budget Sony-backed LittleBigPlanet. Also, Steam is a lot more than a digital distribution service.

I manage my folders as well, I have them grouped into games and programs seperately, I hate everything being crammed into Program Files. But it was me who decided where to place Steam, so the fact that Steam sorts all of my Steam-related stuff into its own folder really doesn't bother me at all.

Believe me, Euro Internet prices make American ones look dirt-cheap.UpInFlames

Agreed bro :) I'm just throwing out some defense for those that don't like Steam. I'm not enamored with it at this point, but I don't hate it. Think there's any chance I'd miss out on The Orange Box?? :P

[QUOTE="MasterYevon"]I agree with you OP, but you do have a choice. All the games that you can buy through Steam that aren't made by Valve, such as CoD4, you don't have to buy through Steam. Buy them from any game store near you, or from other online stores. The only time when you have to use Steam is when you buy something such as HL2 or TF2, which are made by Valve. In that case you can't really argue... Those games are made by Valve, which also makes Steam, so if they want you to use Steam in order ot play their game, it's their choice and you have to live with it if. But, again, in all other cases you don't have to go through Steam.Sliverwarrior

That's true though

Guess I'll have to stay far from valve then.

That wouldn't be smart.

"What if you are primarily a single player gamer and don't like the fact that you are going to need to additionally pay for an internet connection at all times for the rest of your life to access games you've already "purchased"?"

That's funny, I always thought there was an option to run in offline mode.

yes steam isn't that great, but atleast it's not as bad as the Games for Windows LIVE program... that is the worst gaming program manager thing like steam I've ever used.-Origin-

Couldn't agree more on that one, I made the mistake to buy gear of wars for pc.(Its a game for windows live)

I will never ever buy a game for Windows live program.

What if I run out of internets? Then I couldn't play my games. :(Ninja_Dog

Yes you could. Steam has an offline mode.

The only time I disliked Steam was when HL2 first came out. It took me several hours just to install the game and then do the copy protection check. Steam was flooded with users so it was very very slow. RPhilMan1

Yep, I'm with OP. Steam sucks. I only have it on my machine when I'm playing Dark Messiah or Orange Box. Then, I just remove it. For some reason, on my machine, it does seem to rob me of resources at inconvenient times (like taking processor or network bandwith when I'm in the middle of an on-line game). For something I don't even use on my computer, this is unacceptable. I nuke it and don't leave it on my machine. God knows what else they do to your computer. Once it's entrenched, it can do a lot of things to screw you, as much as any CD / DVD you run. Plus, there are other places to download games, here for example. Steam doesn't really do anything for you that you can't get elsewhere, except allow you to play Valve games as a sort-of one off copyright protection.Srinivassa

Steam "robs" an insignificant amount of computers resources (unless you have 256 megs of RAM), and you can simply turn off automatic patching (or turn off Steam itself when you're not using it). It's not THAT hard to do. You don't have to uninstall Steam everytime you don't feel like using it.

For some reason, people are convinced that you have to run Steam 24/7. It's not true at all.

Steam at times, steals.

You buy a game, and in your library you have probably from 2-some high number. I have a friend, that was playing a game in steam. He then killed someone that was inportant or perhaps the host of the server. My friend killed this guy 10 times in a row. So this guy filed him for cheating and my friend was banned. He lost all of his games that he spent on, and he could never come back. He then tried PacSteam, but it didint work, just to hack them and make them loose money. If I had an option of choosing wheather or not to have them as the provider (steam) I would not.

He then killed someone that was inportant or perhaps the host of the server. My friend killed this guy 10 times in a row. So this guy filed him for cheating and my friend was banned. He lost all of his games that he spent on, and he could never come back. He then tried PacSteam, but it didint work, just to hack them and make them loose money. If I had an option of choosing wheather or not to have them as the provider (steam) I would not.

nacho7600

He was hacking. Probably made up that BS story so he didn't look like an idiot. If you go onto steam's support page and look in the VAC section it says

contacting Steam Support to report cheaters is not necessary, nor will Steam Support act on any information provided.

I'm bored so I found the link for you: http://support.steampowered.com/cgi-bin/steampowered.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=370