Lupin the Third
Member
We're seeing a lot of posts in Xbox One threads comparing its DRM to Steam as if it's one-to-one. It's been debunked numerous times, but I think it's important enough to warrant a thread comparing the two.
(** asumptions based on info we have)
Steam: No fee for social connectivity services or online play, monthly or annually.
XBOne: Monthly or annual fee, cheapest @ $60/year**
Steam: Game prices frequently and steeply discounted from retail, though not all titles at all times.
XBOne: Gears of War 1 is still $29.99 on XBox 360 Marketplace, XBOne expected to be similar pricing.**
Steam: Cannot resell games, end of story.
XBOne: Allows limited resale of licenses, through specific "participating" retailers only.
Steam: Once set up, Offline Mode allows for offline play of Steam-DRM-only games indefinitely.
XBOne: Requires near-constant internet connection, a minimum of once every 24 hours.
Steam: Offline mode does not limit your playtime on Steam-DRM-only games nor does it limit what you can do offline with your computer.
XBOne: Once offline for more than 24 hours, the XBOne can ONLY be used for DVD/Blu-ray Disc playback, or using the HDMI pass-through for TV features. Game playback is disabled.
Steam: Sharing games is prohibited, as it requires multiple PCs logging into the same account.
XBOne: Allows game sharing among family members, most flexibly when running on the same home console.
Steam: Exists on open platforms, where non-Steam games and other applications can co-exist peacefully. Effectively, Steam is entirely optional.
XBOne: All games are limited ENTIRELY to those available in the Xbox Marketplace and require online registration to play.
Steam: DLC can made available by game publishers at no cost to the consumer without limitations.
XBOne: MS limits what DLC and patches can be made available and institutes price floors (based on X360's Marketplace history).**
I know there are other differences. Anyone care to contribute their own or correct mine?
(** asumptions based on info we have)
Steam: No fee for social connectivity services or online play, monthly or annually.
XBOne: Monthly or annual fee, cheapest @ $60/year**
Steam: Game prices frequently and steeply discounted from retail, though not all titles at all times.
XBOne: Gears of War 1 is still $29.99 on XBox 360 Marketplace, XBOne expected to be similar pricing.**
Steam: Cannot resell games, end of story.
XBOne: Allows limited resale of licenses, through specific "participating" retailers only.
Steam: Once set up, Offline Mode allows for offline play of Steam-DRM-only games indefinitely.
XBOne: Requires near-constant internet connection, a minimum of once every 24 hours.
Steam: Offline mode does not limit your playtime on Steam-DRM-only games nor does it limit what you can do offline with your computer.
XBOne: Once offline for more than 24 hours, the XBOne can ONLY be used for DVD/Blu-ray Disc playback, or using the HDMI pass-through for TV features. Game playback is disabled.
Steam: Sharing games is prohibited, as it requires multiple PCs logging into the same account.
XBOne: Allows game sharing among family members, most flexibly when running on the same home console.
Steam: Exists on open platforms, where non-Steam games and other applications can co-exist peacefully. Effectively, Steam is entirely optional.
XBOne: All games are limited ENTIRELY to those available in the Xbox Marketplace and require online registration to play.
Steam: DLC can made available by game publishers at no cost to the consumer without limitations.
XBOne: MS limits what DLC and patches can be made available and institutes price floors (based on X360's Marketplace history).**
I know there are other differences. Anyone care to contribute their own or correct mine?