Azure Dream
Member
As many people have expressed, TotalBiscuit most notably (for what that's worth to you), Valve has been burning through a fair amount of goodwill as of late, and it's time to stop giving them a free pass on glaring Steam issues that have existed for longer than they should have. This isn't about Valve being stuck on DotA2, or not making HL3, etc, it's primarily focused on Steam as a platform and service. Here's a few that come to mind:
1. Massively Retool Greenlight
They know Greenlight is busted, but their changes seem to be more subtle and behind-the-scenes, rather than the big ones we'd hope for. It's too easy to push garbage and asset flips through the system, and at the same time, there's some obvious games from accomplished, high-rated developers that still have to push through for some silly reason. The idea was good, but the execution did not work.
I'm also disappointed they never followed through on their idea of Greenlight being a way to pitch game ideas, a collaborative tool. I'd like to see them actually deliver on that, a sort of Workshop for game making. Includes code samples for Unity, UE4, Source, etc, tutorials, assets (free and marketplace), project building and team-up structures, it could be great for fostering the next generation of game developers, or even helping out the current one.
2. Better Communication
Hard not to think of recent events. They did eventually come out and were very detailed about what happened (but slightly understated it, as some have pointed out 4 credit card digits could be seen in certain situations, not just 2). But in general, Valve kind of sucks at using their official communication channels. Sometimes they only speak to select audiences, sometimes they rely on third-party sites to carry the message... It's been stated that they are working to improve their customer service, I hope this is part of it.
3a. Bundles Give Extra Copies
At this point, virtually all software that can be purchased on Steam can be stored in the Inventory. This includes multiple copies of the same title. So why on earth is it that when you buy a bundle that includes a game you own, it's okay to just throw that part of the bundle away? It's not as if we're dealing with the CD-ROM days where it's stuck on the disc, it's all digital licenses. I've heard the "publishers offset the pricing" argument, but it's beyond mad that sometimes it's cheaper to buy the whole game and DLC bundle over just buying the DLC, except you don't get the copy of the game someone else would. The functionality is there, and it's nonsense Valve doesn't make it standard.
OR
3b. Bundles Automatically Discount Existing Copy
GOG already does this. They often sell games for a certain percentage off individually, but if you buy the bundle, it's additionally cheaper. If you already own a title in that bundle, however, it discounts the bundle's cost by that amount, while still retaining the increased discount. Basically, you aren't punished for previously rewarding them with purchases.
What are some things about Steam you want to see changed? Something that's been bugging you for a long while now?
1. Massively Retool Greenlight
They know Greenlight is busted, but their changes seem to be more subtle and behind-the-scenes, rather than the big ones we'd hope for. It's too easy to push garbage and asset flips through the system, and at the same time, there's some obvious games from accomplished, high-rated developers that still have to push through for some silly reason. The idea was good, but the execution did not work.
I'm also disappointed they never followed through on their idea of Greenlight being a way to pitch game ideas, a collaborative tool. I'd like to see them actually deliver on that, a sort of Workshop for game making. Includes code samples for Unity, UE4, Source, etc, tutorials, assets (free and marketplace), project building and team-up structures, it could be great for fostering the next generation of game developers, or even helping out the current one.
2. Better Communication
Hard not to think of recent events. They did eventually come out and were very detailed about what happened (but slightly understated it, as some have pointed out 4 credit card digits could be seen in certain situations, not just 2). But in general, Valve kind of sucks at using their official communication channels. Sometimes they only speak to select audiences, sometimes they rely on third-party sites to carry the message... It's been stated that they are working to improve their customer service, I hope this is part of it.
3a. Bundles Give Extra Copies
At this point, virtually all software that can be purchased on Steam can be stored in the Inventory. This includes multiple copies of the same title. So why on earth is it that when you buy a bundle that includes a game you own, it's okay to just throw that part of the bundle away? It's not as if we're dealing with the CD-ROM days where it's stuck on the disc, it's all digital licenses. I've heard the "publishers offset the pricing" argument, but it's beyond mad that sometimes it's cheaper to buy the whole game and DLC bundle over just buying the DLC, except you don't get the copy of the game someone else would. The functionality is there, and it's nonsense Valve doesn't make it standard.
OR
3b. Bundles Automatically Discount Existing Copy
GOG already does this. They often sell games for a certain percentage off individually, but if you buy the bundle, it's additionally cheaper. If you already own a title in that bundle, however, it discounts the bundle's cost by that amount, while still retaining the increased discount. Basically, you aren't punished for previously rewarding them with purchases.
What are some things about Steam you want to see changed? Something that's been bugging you for a long while now?
. Then again Valve would surely remove the ability to sell cards well before that happened.
