I just may end up being forced into using Steam

I knew Gamestop would ruin my Impulse purchases eventually. Now I have a game I paid for that I cannot reinstall without accepting a 3rd party contract. Oh well.. guess I'll write it off.

The longer digital distribution goes on the more companies screw us and give me reason not to like it. I'll throw a hissy and when they tell me politely to go screw myself thats the end of my dealings with impulse/gamestop.

not that i support irrational steam hate, but you could check out FAF for all your forged alliance needs:

http://www.faforever.com/

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 2

not that i support irrational steam hate, but you could check out FAF for all your forged alliance needs:

http://www.faforever.com/

Even the original Sup Com from Impulse now requires steam.

P.S. Its not irrational to not want to submit to a one sided agreement which leaves one with no recourse. Although one could argue it is irrational to agree to it.

Regardless of my feelings toward steam its pretty shady that they would switch a game to the steam version after having sold people the non steam version.

Had they been selling the steam version in the first place I never would have bought it.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 3

Even the original Sup Com from Impulse now requires steam.

can't speak for installation because my copy of FA is still installed. but FAF runs its own match-making service for which you definitely don't need steam.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 3

P.S. Its not irrational to not want to submit to a one sided agreement which leaves one with no recourse. Although one could argue it is irrational to agree to it.

blah blah yeah i've heard all the irrational nonsense re steam before, primarily from people that have barely used it and don't know what they're talking about. you can make up as many "reasons" as you like, the rest of us will keep playing and enjoying the opportunities steam provides. FYI steam is a huge part of the continuing success of PC gaming and is one of the best things to ever happen to the platform.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 3

Regardless of my feelings toward steam its pretty shady that they would switch a game to the steam version after having sold people the non steam version.

Yeah, much better to leave new purchasers of the game without the MP client that shipped with the original game, lol. how dare they want to provide the MP infrastructure now GPGnet has gone! those bastards.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 3

Had they been selling the steam version in the first place I never would have bought it.

irrational indeed.

i am sorry i have to agree. there is a lot of stuff i hate about steam and i am a bit peeved that i now have to have my forged alliance go through steam. and don't tell me i haven't tried steam enough. it is because of the items i have through steam that i bear my dislike of steam. now i have and still buy ocationally through steam mainly things that are at least 75% off or more to be worth me putting up with steam. But the fact that something i bought through impulse because even though it cost a bit more because i didn't have to put up with steam and now i have to put up with steam peeves me. And i have rational behind it.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 3

Regardless of my feelings toward steam its pretty shady that they would switch a game to the steam version after having sold people the non steam version.

agreed

MP client change should not equal installation change. period.

The switch to Steam for MP has nothing to do with Impulse or the sale to GameStop. GPGnet service is terminated and needed to be replaced. Here's a post from the Steam forum from GPG that explains the situation a bit.

My own opinion is I'm glad it's on Steam now. Impulse's archive function tends to be unreliable when you try to re-install from the archive. It's why I avoid GameStop purchases when I can.

Here is an official update

http://forums.gaspowered.com/viewtop...12cf20b61e107b

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servo

On March 1st, 2012 GPG was notified that support for GPGNet's backend services had been terminated. We apologize to our fans and players that we were unable to provide any advanced warning of this termination. After several weeks of inquiries, we have determined that resurrecting GPGNet will not be possible under current circumstances.

GPG was able to receive authorization from our publishing partners to grandfather ALL existing CD keys for both SC and FA into updated SC:Gold Editions on Steam. This means that even if you purchased only SC or FA in a boxed version, you can now redeem that key for BOTH games automatically updated to version 3603 utilizing Steam, and also take advantage of Steam's integrated matchmaking and chat services for free.

We understand that not all of the functionality you were accustomed to in GPGNet is present on Steam, naturally we were huge proponents of the innovations we created, but we encourage you to give Steam a try and get involved in the SC/FA community there.

As an alternative to Steam, there are significant community-driven initiatives for matchmaking services already operating. Among them at present, is FA:Forever (http://www.faforever.com/), which has built a strong following of fans and modders looking to extend features and matchmaking of the game.

These forums themselves are wholly owned and operated by GPG, and we hope players and fans will continue to use them to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate for many years to come.

GPG would deeply like to thank all the volunteers, admins, moderators, and tournament directors who have kept GPGNet running smoothly for so many years, and the fans who have been patient and understanding in the times when it wasn't.

Although this chapter is now closed, there is always the possibility that future discussions with publishers could open the door to resurrecting the platform in an updated fashion, and we will be keen on promoting the innovations that worked well for us.

The GPG Team

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servo

Hosting of Vault maps/mods/utilities is still being sorted out. For the near term, if you are able and interested to hosting the 8+ Gb of data from the Vault archives, please contact me directly at [email protected], and I will provide you access to the raw archive.

We are developing a longer-term solution to the problem, but will take any short-term assistance the community can offer us.

- Servo

Oh jee, they just had to terminate it without any warning ...

and you still trust these people?

And people wonder why I'm content with CD/DVDs. "Oh no, it's so hard to store such a large object and to keep track of it!" Pfft... I can load up FA anytime, net or no.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 4

blah blah yeah i've heard all the irrational nonsense re steam before, primarily from people that have barely used it and don't know what they're talking about. you can make up as many "reasons" as you like, the rest of us will keep playing and enjoying the opportunities steam provides. FYI steam is a huge part of the continuing success of PC gaming and is one of the best things to ever happen to the platform.

LOL your response actually fits the definition of Irrational.. perhaps you should look the word up. You repeating the same accusations over and over again don't make them true.

I provided you with a fully logical and rational reasoning for my distaste of steam, and you replied with empty accusations that have nothing to do with logic or rationality. Its pretty amusing that you throw that word around when you actually do well to exemplify it yourself.

Now On topic: A change in multiplayer match making shouldn't change the installation process.. it should be an optional install. Gamespy was never required when it was used for MP matchmaking.

As for gamestop/impulse, no its not their specific doing however since they sold me a game under the pretense it didn't require steam they should still offer the older non steam version for installation. This is the crux of the issue with Digital distribution. Had I bought a disc copy instead I wouldn't be required to install steam if I wanted to install it. It would be an optional update.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 4

blah blah yeah i've heard all the irrational nonsense re steam before, primarily from people that have barely used it and don't know what they're talking about. you can make up as many "reasons" as you like, the rest of us will keep playing and enjoying the opportunities steam provides. FYI steam is a huge part of the continuing success of PC gaming and is one of the best things to ever happen to the platform.

Your attitude is so typical, it's nauseating.

loved impulse before gamestop took over... now stardock is selling on steam with DRM?! its the end of an era steam has won.

i bought skyrim hard disc, expecting not having to also install it through steam......why the fuck did I buy the hard disc copy again? Oh ya, I am not a fan of DD.

I'm okay with digital copies that allow archiving, and I know Steam does that. A bigger issue, for me, is accessibility. Whether it be Steam servers or the ISP, I can be blocked from playing an already installed game (and don't give me grief, I have plenty of experience with Steam). There are other little things I don't care for, but those are secondary. Point is that a CD/DVD comes with some certainty that I can insert the disc and play the game with a minimum of technical issues, even if the CD/DVD is required to play. Knowing that some games require Steam even if I purchase a CD/DVD or from another distributor, I make sure to look over the small print and know what I'm getting.

Oh, and I don't do much MP, so arguments concerning stats and match-making mean nothing to me.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 11

I provided you with a fully logical and rational reasoning

no you didn't. you made some stupid comment about being in a contract with a third party against your wishes. it ultimately makes no difference whatsoever, but the irrational steam hate will continue im sure.

Quoting Fistalis,

reply 11

Now On topic: A change in multiplayer match making shouldn't change the installation process.. it should be an optional install. Gamespy was never required when it was used for MP matchmaking.

As for gamestop/impulse, no its not their specific doing however since they sold me a game under the pretense it didn't require steam they should still offer the older non steam version for installation. This is the crux of the issue with Digital distribution. Had I bought a disc copy instead I wouldn't be required to install steam if I wanted to install it. It would be an optional update.

how is steam meant to be used for the MP infrastructure (plus patches etc) without having steam installed exactly?

Quoting Wintersong,

reply 12

Your attitude is so typical, it's nauseating.

typical of what exactly, somebody that stopped wishing it was 1990 again? move with the times kids.

Quoting Tasunke,

reply 9

Oh jee, they just had to terminate it without any warning ...

and you still trust these people?

there was a warning. pay more attention.

Quoting swordguyj,

reply 5

i am sorry i have to agree. there is a lot of stuff i hate about steam and i am a bit peeved that i now have to have my forged alliance go through steam. and don't tell me i haven't tried steam enough. it is because of the items i have through steam that i bear my dislike of steam. now i have and still buy ocationally through steam mainly things that are at least 75% off or more to be worth me putting up with steam. But the fact that something i bought through impulse because even though it cost a bit more because i didn't have to put up with steam and now i have to put up with steam peeves me. And i have rational behind it.

it was either that, or lose MP and updating delivery. i suggest GPG did the right thing by still providing those to its customers (not to mention you even got the 3603 update GPGnet users never got). you say you buy some stuff through steam, so you've already got it installed. so, using FAF for the MP service, what exactly is the problem?

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 16

being in a contract with a third party against your wishes.

That doesn't bother you? Sweet, I'm going to get Stardock to change their forum user agreement without any notice to allow them to share all of your information on file with my "very reputable" company to sell your data to the highest bidder.

And no, I'm not suggesting Steam would do this, but being in any contract against ones wishes shouldn't be taken lightly (even if in this case it might be justified). Maybe you don't care but its rather "irrational" to expect others shouldn't either, right?

And there are people I'm sure who would gladly give up MP to keep there game steam free. Maybe it doesn't make sense to you and maybe it is irrational, but I don't see why you're so determined to try and prove something.

Calm down. No one is trying to offend you. This is a discussion about an unfeeling network of machines.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 16

no you didn't. you made some stupid comment about being in a contract with a third party against your wishes. it ultimately makes no difference whatsoever, but the irrational steam hate will continue im sure.

Yes, he bought the game prior to Steam, thus with the understanding that it was unnecessary. Later they made it necessary. He did not agree to this when the monetary transaction transpired. That is a logical argument.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 16

how is steam meant to be used for the MP infrastructure (plus patches etc) without having steam installed exactly?

Like Gamespy, I think he meant that MP accessibility should be optional based on one's agreement with the new EULA. Since the conditions of loading the game changed, he should at least be allowed to sacrifice MP access in order to install only the software he originally agreed to.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 17

typical of what exactly, somebody that stopped wishing it was 1990 again? move with the times kids.

Many Steam users, at least the most verbal of them, respond as if they were personally insulted when Steam is criticized as a program. This has given said users a negative reputation.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 19

it was either that, or lose MP and updating delivery.

Yes, that is what he is willing to trade.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 19

i suggest GPG did the right thing by still providing those to its customers (not to mention you even got the 3603 update GPGnet users never got).

Some of us have all the patches we need archived and I have found patches from Steam independently available. It is nice that they offer an easy means of access, but some of us are willing to sacrifice that for various reasons.

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 19

you say you buy some stuff through steam, so you've already got it installed. so, using FAF for the MP service, what exactly is the problem?

I believe the cheap purchases were made expressly to make being forced to use Steam worth it to him. I do not think he would bother with said purchases otherwise.

Example of patching done right.

Civ IV BTS ... the initial launch patch, or one very soon after at least, is the standard for all digital and hard copy purchases for the game.

To get updated to "the here and now" digi copies use a digi patch to get to 3.19, while hard copy patches use a server patch.

In this platform ... if there was ever a 3.20 or 4.11 etc that required steam (for new Steam multiplayer), then only those that are interested in multiplayer should need contemplate whether to get the latest patch or not.

But what do we get instead? All digital availability gets updated, so that 'archaic' patches are never left alone/ standardized/ archived. No, instead, download the game one day and its patch X, download the next and its patch Y.

Automatically doing this across the board just doesn't seem smart for any game with less than 49% multiplayer base.

Is it easier? Yes, probably. Slightly easier for 'newcomers' to multiplayer, and MUCH easier to the company. I think it is ultimately just cutting corners, in the guise of 'convenience' to the customer.

Makes no difference to hardcore multiplayer persons, and makes a HUGE difference to single player persons.

Quoting GoaFan77,

reply 20

That doesn't bother you? Sweet, I'm going to get Stardock to change their forum user agreement without any notice to allow them to share all of your information on file with my "very reputable" company to sell your data to the highest bidder.

And no, I'm not suggesting Steam would do this, but being in any contract against ones wishes shouldn't be taken lightly (even if in this case it might be justified). Maybe you don't care but its rather "irrational" to expect others shouldn't either, right?

And there are people I'm sure who would gladly give up MP to keep there game steam free. Maybe it doesn't make sense to you and maybe it is irrational, but I don't see why you're so determined to try and prove something.

well to be fair other than the OP in question, steam doesn't require you to sign a contract against your wishes. you can simply not use the service if you wish. but i agree, it sucks that someone is forced to use a service they don't wish to, in order for their product to work properly. but given the anti-steamers are in the minority, i think GPG made the right choice in order to provide the same services after GPGnet was taken down. it is unfortunate some people are unhappy with this, but they can't please everyone.

you would've found me in complete agreeance with the OP in 2003, but times have changed. the PC platform isn't quite what it once was, and despite the protests steam is a big part of the continued viability of the #1 gaming system

Quoting Draakjacht,

reply 21

Yes, he bought the game prior to Steam, thus with the understanding that it was unnecessary. Later they made it necessary. He did not agree to this when the monetary transaction transpired. That is a logical argument.

and i find that argument fair enough. i was commenting on the general steam hate. which is silly. some gamers need to move with the times, it isn't 1990 any more. steam is a huge part of the reason we're still getting some titles (as watered-down and consolised as some may be).

Quoting Draakjacht,

reply 21

Like Gamespy, I think he meant that MP accessibility should be optional based on one's agreement with the new EULA. Since the conditions of loading the game changed, he should at least be allowed to sacrifice MP access in order to install only the software he originally agreed to.

i guess so, but from memory supcom was patched from release => latest via GPGnet as part of the installation process so i can understand why GPG would move that to steam, to save players having to search for the manual updates.

Quoting Draakjacht,

reply 21

Many Steam users, at least the most verbal of them, respond as if they were personally insulted when Steam is criticized as a program. This has given said users a negative reputation.

such is life i guess! of course the irrational steam haters also share in the negative reputation.

Quoting Draakjacht,

reply 21

Yes, that is what he is willing to trade.

unlucky i guess! since supcom is only good when played MP, then i think steam is the least of his worries

Quoting -RAISTLIN-,

reply 24

i was commenting on the general steam hate.

Since there was none here, it is not an issue.

The Forums Are Now Closed!

The content will remain as a historical reference, thank you.

I just may end up being forced into using Steam