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STEAM- Announcements & Updates 2011 Edition |OT2|

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StuBurns said:
So in the middle of a mission in Assassin's Creed for example, what happens if the server dies?
While it's been patched to be less of an issue (as I recall), in AC2 you'd be told there were server/connection issues and kick you out. Easy to see why most people hated it.
 
While that's pretty shitty, still doesn't seem such a big issue unless it actually impedes your ability to play. If it's happening hourly or whatever, certainly that's disgusting. I think a greater implication would be Ubisoft have to want to keep the servers on. I imagine it's possible that in ten years you couldn't play it if they decided not to allow it, but I doubt that'd happen.

It seems to me most the time people just don't like the implication they should be treated like pirates if they aren't, where in fact that happens with almost every game (and film actually), it's just not so in your face.
 
That's bullshit. They need to re-evaluate their stance on this. It's realistically reducing sales as much as it's preventing piracy. I won't buy a game like that for sure.

And people need to stop making excuses for anti-consumer policies. Really.
 
RetroGreg said:
That's bullshit. They need to re-evaluate their stance on this. It's realistically reducing sales as much as it's preventimg piracy. I won't buy a game like that for sure.
Do you have any evidence for that bold claim?
 
Internet connections are not guaranteed. Maybe I just want the security of knowing I can play the games I buy anytime I want, but that really doesn't seem like much to ask for since I paid for it.
 
RetroGreg said:
Internet connections are not guaranteed. Maybe I just want the security of knowing I can play the games I buy anytime I want, but that really doesn't seem like much to ask for since I paid for it.
So you don't use Steam? Because unless I'm mistaken, you have to either actually be on Steam when the net goes out, or you have to 'go offline' when you leave in case your net drops out or you can't play those games either.
 
StuBurns said:
It seems to me most the time people just don't like the implication they should be treated like pirates if they aren't, where in fact that happens with almost every game (and film actually), it's just not so in your face.
While I think that applies to a lot of other forms of DRM (or if is at least it's a more reasonable assumption you might be doing something for piracy) this one hits closer to home since, well, who hasn't had connection issues every so often? Plus some people just have fairly unstable connections so it's as good as unplayable. As for Steam, I don't believe it's ever actively dropped you from a game unless it was one you played online in the first place, and it has the out of "play offline" as you stated. Ubisoft's solution lacks that last one.

There's always the console version to get, my stance has been to either get the console version (have yet to do that) or wait until it's patched out or at least an irresistible offer (which HAS happened.)
 
StuBurns said:
So you don't use Steam? Because unless I'm mistaken, you have to either actually be on Steam when the net goes out, or you have to 'go offline' when you leave in case your net drops out or you can't play those games either.

Most games from Steam still have their standard exe files where they are installed, you don't need Steam running at all to use those.
 
StuBurns said:
So you don't use Steam? Because unless I'm mistaken, you have to either actually be on Steam when the net goes out, or you have to 'go offline' when you leave in case your net drops out or you can't play those games either.

No, that's not correct. If you come back and your internet connection is not available, you have the option of loading directly to offline mode to play your games (except the Ubi DRM ones of course!)

The only time it doesn't give you that option is if your internet is very bad (slow, unstable, what have you) but still technically online which can cause issues with login without allowing offline mode but if you just yank the cord out, it will give you the option then.
 
Aselith said:
No, that's not correct. If you come back and your internet connection is not available, you have the option of loading directly to offline mode to play your games (except the Ubi DRM ones of course!)
That's cool, I've not been able to in the past, maybe it was another issue.
 
Eusis said:
While I think that applies to a lot of other forms of DRM (or if is at least it's a more reasonable assumption you might be doing something for piracy) this one hits closer to home since, well, who hasn't had connection issues every so often? Plus some people just have fairly unstable connections so it's as good as unplayable. As for Steam, I don't believe it's ever actively dropped you from a game unless it was one you played online in the first place, and it has the out of "play offline" as you stated. Ubisoft's solution lacks that last one.

There's always the console version to get, my stance has been to either get the console version (have yet to do that) or wait until it's patched out or at least an irresistible offer (which HAS happened.)

YeaH, but a game like From Dust just seems like it would be much better with a mouse and keyboard. That's really too bad. And I agree about it hitting close to home. I have internet problems maybe once every four months, but it would still really piss me off if I was locked out of playing a single player game. I mean really? That's as bad as it can get for consumer rights.

I can't stand when people act like corporate apologists for things like this. It always makes me think they have to work for the company or be related to someone who does because what would be the reason for someone to support this? It's as bad as middle class americans voting republican. They think they are doing the right thing in their mind, but they are only harming themselves and everyone else.
 
StuBurns said:
That's cool, I've not been able to in the past, maybe it was another issue.

Probably you had a very poor connection. If it detects any internet service at all, it will try to log in rather than give you the option to go offline. Remedy would be to unplug the wall cord. I think it wasn't as good a long time ago but I've never had any issues recently when I needed to move to it.
 
The Broken Ska Record said:
But it doesn't use Steamworks. I mean, I understand not liking always on DRM, but authenticating upon first launch isn't NEARLY as bad as some people make it out to be. But no, let's get on the "I hate Ubi" train. It's good for moral.

This is not about Revenge.

"Liar"

This is about saving the future of consumer rights!

"Buy the damn game!!"

NO! NOOOOO!!! *crash*

*cue dramatic music*

I will not sacrifice my consumer rights. We make to many compromises already, to many retreats. They invade our computers with obnoxious DRM, and we fall back. They require online accounts and activation limits, and we fall back. Now they require always online authentication for single player games. Not again, the line must be drawn hear!! This far, no further! Consumers will make them pay for what they've done!

I was bored, and I bet you smiled when you got the reference. ;p
 
Aselith said:
Probably you had a very poor connection. If it detects any internet service at all, it will try to log in rather than give you the option to go offline. Remedy would be to unplug the wall cord. I think it wasn't as good a long time ago but I've never had any issues recently when I needed to move to it.
This was a couple of years ago, quite possible. The Steam servers are much less reliable than my connection of late. Seems like they have issues at least once a week.

Ultimately I don't think it's that vital I have constant access to my games. If it's a choice between always on DRM and an excellent game or neither, I'd choose the DRM and game.
 
StuBurns said:
This was a couple of years ago, quite possible. The Steam servers are much less reliable than my connection of late. Seems like they have issues at least once a week.

Ultimately I don't think it's that vital I have constant access to my games. If it's a choice between always on DRM and an excellent game or neither, I'd choose the DRM and game.

As a paying customer why should you have to make this concession? At least buy it on a console if you HAVE to play it.
 
RetroGreg said:
As a paying customer why should you have to make this concession? At least buy it on a console if you HAVE to play it.
Because that's what's on offer. You are making that choice. If you're choosing not to buy it because you don't like the DRM, or to 'send a message' to the publisher, you're still choosing not to support the DRM and the PC version of the game.
 
StuBurns said:
This was a couple of years ago, quite possible. The Steam servers are much less reliable than my connection of late. Seems like they have issues at least once a week.

Ultimately I don't think it's that vital I have constant access to my games. If it's a choice between always on DRM and an excellent game or neither, I'd choose the DRM and game.
You need to have automatic login for Steam offline mode. I've tested it a couple times and haven't had problems.

I think it's sad you don't think much of your consumer rights. Online authentication DRM needs to die.
 
StuBurns said:
Because that's what's on offer. You are making that choice. If you're choosing not to buy it because you don't like the DRM, or to 'send a message' to the publisher, you're still choosing not to support the DRM and the PC version of the game.

Yeah. It's a lost sale for me. I'm sure I worry too much about being able to play my games for eternity, lol. Things break. Games get outdated. But I can still hook up my SNES as long as I have power. I'm too unsure about how internet services may still change or whatnot to let this type of restriction be ok with me. What if UBI goes bankrupt in 4 years and their servers go down for what might be forever? What then? I realize after about 10 years I'll probably never play a game again, but I just can't give in to this.
 
I honestly don't mind TOO much for checking at boot up, so long as we don't have a PSN-style scenario unfold or it's excessive (if Capcom and everyone else doesn't abandon this DRM for the PS3 they're fucking imbeciles), but I'd rather not have it happen while playing a game. It's much easier to avoid than a bug or other issue trashing your game.
 
vazel said:
You need to have automatic login for Steam offline mode. I've tested it a couple times and haven't had problems.

I think it's sad you don't think much of your consumer rights. Online authentication DRM needs to die.
It's the exact opposite. I know my consumer rights, they offer a specific product with a service requirement and as an informed consumer I can make the decision myself.

To be clear though, I don't own a single Ubisoft game on PC as far as I know. That's nothing to do with this DRM though.
 
StuBurns said:
What's so bad about the 'always online' DRM? Are people just against the principle?
I'm on a connection right now (temporarily) where I can't even stay connected to GFWL for more than a few minutes.

This would impact me.
 
If I get a dc/router restart............ etc.... things happen. I dont want to have to stop playing a single player game because the drm kicks me.... its punishing me for no reason >.>
 
Anybody willing to gift me today's deal (Capsized) and From Dust pre-order from the US? I'll paypal you right away. Just PM me your paypal ID and I'll PM you my Steamid. Thanks in advance!

Ookami-kun said:
How is Bethesda related to the Quakecon thing?

Zenimax owns id.
 
SalsaShark said:
c9cd77fe70029b1a015537366a1c588392216539.PNG


THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE


lol
 
StuBurns said:
What's so bad about the 'always online' DRM? Are people just against the principle?

You're at the liberty of a questionable publisher to ensure it'll be playable in the future.

LocoMrPollock said:
Pretty sure it hasn't even been confirmed to have an always on DRM scheme. Last tidbit from Ubi was "It does not." Whatever that means.

In any case, I see no reason to punish the developers of the game just to spite the publisher. The game is great and unique enough to justify the $15. If it was $60, I would definitely give it pause.

Also it's a bit hypocritical to pick it up at 50% off sometime down the line, imo. Either stick by your principals or not, but don't use it as an excuse to be a cheap scumbag.

That was awfully harsh of you. I agree with the other guy. If a publisher wants to turn it into a glorified rental product, I'll only pay a disposable rental price.
 
3chopl0x said:
Wow, E.Y.E Is leading the top sellers list in all regions, pretty awesome.

If the numbers we're seeing with Chantelise are any indication, the guys at Streum-On must be doing fucking backflips in their office or something, they're making an absolutely obscene amount of money.

Also glad that people like Chantelise :3
 
Carm said:
HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS AND CREATION OF A UBISOFT ACCOUNT ARE REQUIRED TO ACCESS THIS VIDEO GAME AND ONLINE FEATURES AND TO PLAY ONLINE.

That's on the store page right now.

Here's what it would have said if it required a permanent connection -

A PERMANENT INTERNET CONNECTION AND CREATION OF A UBISOFT ACCOUNT ARE REQUIRED TO PLAY THIS VIDEO GAME AT ALL TIMES AND TO UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE CONTENT.

as seen on The Settlers 7 page - http://store.steampowered.com/app/901436/

or it would be

3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft’s Online Services Platform. Ubisoft requires a permanent Internet connection to play this video game at all times.

as seen on the Driver San Francisco page - http://store.steampowered.com/app/33440/

I wonder how many people are going to skip From Dust because they still believe it has the always online DRM implemented.
 
SpaceDrake said:
If the numbers we're seeing with Chantelise are any indication, the guys at Streum-On must be doing fucking backflips in their office or something, they're making an absolutely obscene amount of money.

Also glad that people like Chantelise :3
Ah, so Chantelise is doing pretty good for you, yeah? Glad to hear that, even though I haven't made the jump myself yet.
 
How good is the combat in chantelise? I quite liked reccetear (but not the dungeon crawling, the combat was really bad).

People are comparing it to YS... if they also thought recettear combat was anything like ys quality then I'm going to facepalm and walk around this game in a really big circle.
 
NBtoaster said:
Most games from Steam still have their standard exe files where they are installed, you don't need Steam running at all to use those.

In my experience this is not true. Can you please provide a list of games you have personally tested that have exe files that don't require Steam running? Because that's how Steam DRM works, it is integrated into the .exe to interact with Steam when it runs. I personally have tested this on most of the games I have downloaded and the vast majority of them require Steam to be running. The few that don't tend to be the DOSbox games and such, even though plenty of the really old .exe's also require Steam running.

I know you can just as easily turn around and say "Well, you provide a list of games that do require Steam to work," but since you're the one claiming Steam doesn't actually work how it says it works, I think the onus is on you.
 
SpaceDrake, any reason why Chantelise doesn't appear in community profiles? No icon, no time played, screenshots don't work, doesn't even show when someone is playing it either, just says 'in-game.' I guess this issue is more so on Steam's end, but yeah.
 
Most sold list in Steam makes me happy. EYE, From Dust, Vampire, Chantelise, Deus Ex, Stronghold, Terraria. Good to see these games are doing so well.
 
coopolon said:
In my experience this is not true. Can you please provide a list of games you have personally tested that have exe files that don't require Steam running? Because that's how Steam DRM works, it is integrated into the .exe to interact with Steam when it runs. I personally have tested this on most of my games and well over 90% of them require Steam to be running. The few that don't tend to be the DOSbox games and such, even though plenty of the really old .exe's also require Steam running.

I know you can just as easily turn around and say "Well, you provide a list of games that do require Steam to work," but since your the one claiming Steam doesn't actually work how it says it works, I think the onus is on you.

You seem to be right, I just tested with the games I have installed and only a few of them work without Steam.. Cthulu Saves the World, Dungeons of Dredmor, Fallout 3, and Oblivion. I just assumed because I tried Oblivion once and it worked fine that the others were like that.
 
SpaceDrake said:
If the numbers we're seeing with Chantelise are any indication, the guys at Streum-On must be doing fucking backflips in their office or something, they're making an absolutely obscene amount of money.

Also glad that people like Chantelise :3
Today is a good day.
 
StuBurns said:
Then it would be a bizarre decision to buy the game.
But my connection back at my apartment is fine.

Regardless, internet connection stability or no, I should be able to play any game without requiring something that the user can't completely control.
 
spindoctor said:
Here's what it would have said if it required a permanent connection -

A PERMANENT INTERNET CONNECTION AND CREATION OF A UBISOFT ACCOUNT ARE REQUIRED TO PLAY THIS VIDEO GAME AT ALL TIMES AND TO UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE CONTENT.

as seen on The Settlers 7 page - http://store.steampowered.com/app/901436/

or it would be

3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft’s Online Services Platform. Ubisoft requires a permanent Internet connection to play this video game at all times.

as seen on the Driver San Francisco page - http://store.steampowered.com/app/33440/

I wonder how many people are going to skip From Dust because they still believe it has the always online DRM implemented.

I know what it normally should say, but this is UBIsoft, until release and confirm, no one really knows. Why require a High speed internet connection, just to authenticate once? Authenticating every time you want to play a single player game is no better than always online.
 
I cant find a Dead Island thread because the google search function on this site sucks.

If anyone wants to host a 4 way pack I am game for one.
 
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