Steam & Launcher Poll + Discussion

[carlsojos]

I would personally prefer to keep the game launcher, but I won't complain if things convert to Steam. The big issue I've had with Steam is that their launcher struggles to start when the internet connection is on the fritz- unless I know it's coming and can set the launcher to offline mode, I generally wind up going to Gog and indie games instead.

The other issue I've had with Steam is that it tends to burn a lot of bandwidth performing updates, causing other internet-using programs to grind to a halt if they don't communicate with Steam to tell it to pause. Mostly just minor issues I've had, and I would admit it would've been nice if my copy of Spacechem would've had the option to be moved over to Steam or Gog when the developer discontinued his own store.

[GusBus]

With the amount of updates this game gets, Steam would be a much preferable option as i wouldn't have to wait every once in a while when i want to check up on the game

but i think it would still be a good idea if at all possible to continue the launcher for people who don't like to use the valve service

[07CobaltGirl]

Well, actually in CrossOver (almost the same thing), and it was no easy task. hahaha (I had to make a couple of modified scripts to get it to run) I suppose I don't HAVE to run it on Linux, but since 5 of my 7 computers run this OS, it makes sense to have it as an option.

I have never used Steam in particular, but have tried other similar portals in the past with unsatisfactory results. I didn't mind D2D much, but the GameFly takeover really pissed in my post toasties when I lost the only 2 games (Anno1701 and Anno1502) I actually played on it. Uplay is horrid, laggy, ad-intensive (same with GameFly though), and generally pissing in my post toasties on a weekly basis as I really love the Anno series. I like stand-alone games better. It's nobody's business what games I play or how often I play them. I'm not much of a game chatter, nor do I play online much (except for WoW), so the multi-player and chat isn't of much interest to me. I like modding games, I like cars in general, and I want to be left alone when I play them, so I don't want a bunch of ads flashing at me. I quit playing SimCity when it went online, as it takes far more away than it added, for me. If I do HAVE to use Steam (one more stupid account to keep up with) I will, but it isn't my personal choice.

/whining

[Tortelli]

I would prefer steam anyway, got most of my games on there .

[Daffyflyer]

I have never used Steam in particular, but have tried other similar portals in the past with unsatisfactory results.

It is worth noting that Steam is a massive improvement over those other portals, and basically (unless you want to use it for other things) only acts as a storefront, game library and autopatcher, a task that it does quite well. It does have 1 advert pop up on launch, but besides that it leaves you alone, and the social features can be turned off.

I totally agree about Simcity's online integration, that was a total mess and should never have happened.

I'm not trying to do the hard sell on you here, but just pointing out that a lot of the glaring flaws in things like Origin and D2D are not present in Steam.

[Reaper392]

I use steam regularly anyway, so the only reason that I personally would want you to carry on with your current launcher as well as supporting steam would be if there was a major feature that you could do with your own launcher that you could not do in steam. Assuming you can keep track of who was a beta user before steam integration, and which type they were, then I would be all for steam integration and dropping the launcher. Also, steam workshop would be great for the mod support that has just started up.

Actually, one reason for keeping the current launcher working would be to stop steam from showing how many hours I've played automation

[07CobaltGirl]

Well, it was put to a poll, so I have exercised my opinion.

If it becomes Steam only, I will have no choice but to make the leap. I just don't really want to. GameFly is only a portal also, but since they refuse to honor the Anno purchases made on the system they bought (D2D), then they suck big sweaty balls, IMHO.

[Hexxiteqqit]

I would definitely vote for Steam. It would be nice for everything to be in one place and to build a community off of that. It would also be easier for you to update and communicate.

[Daffyflyer]

Well, it was put to a poll, so I have exercised my opinion.

If it becomes Steam only, I will have no choice but to make the leap. I just don't really want to. GameFly is only a portal also, but since they refuse to honor the Anno purchases made on the system they bought (D2D), then they suck big sweaty balls, IMHO.

Oh yes, I'm glad to hear your opinion. I'm just pointing out that the portals you've experienced are the god-awful ones

[BigFatStupidHead]

If it becomes Steam only, I will no longer be able to access the game. A major factor in my original purchase of Automation was that it was available on a platform other than Steam.

[10meghalfduplex]

I'd prefer steam.

Really really want to see the business sim part of the game implemented asap, so this also helps with that

[Janekk]

It's worth noting that installing Automation currently requires two steps. Downloading and installing a launcher. Then logging into it and installing patches

It's worth noting I was talking about standalone installer not launcher like the one you currently use . Yes, I know this isn't even an option right now and I don't even particularity care to have it.

One question though, what is the chance you'll put this on GOG in the future (because if you're converting my key to major distribution platform that's where I'd rather end up)?

[Daffyflyer]

If it becomes Steam only, I will no longer be able to access the game. A major factor in my original purchase of Automation was that it was available on a platform other than Steam.

My question is, what prevents you from accessing it via Steam. As this may be something we can fix?

[Daffyflyer]

It's worth noting I was talking about standalone installer not launcher like the one you currently use . Yes, I know this isn't even an option right now and I don't even particularity care to have it.

One question though, what is the chance you'll put this on GOG in the future (because if you're converting my key to major distribution platform that's where I'd rather end up)?

Uh.. so Steam is harder than some hypothetical method of installing Automation that doesn't actually exist and won't exist?


GOG might be something we look at eventually, but for now we want to keep maintenance as simple as possible and keep it on as few platforms as possible. As far as we can tell from talking to some publishers, going onto GOG wouldn't justify the extra work required to maintain it. Plus of course there is the whole piracy thing, and the fact that I'm not sure how we'd handle the multiplayer stuff in the GOG version.

[shaunisradd]

Sounds like you may be stuck doing at least both for some early access guys. The only thing I can think of is someone got caught cheating and got banned from multiplayer. Steam does not bond the developer to it. Steam is not an ugly evil thing. It was created for indie developers who don't have the net-worth of a small country (EA....) to promote and distribute their game. I have used it for more than seven years and have had no problems. They have always been cheaper than other methods of buying games, more reliable with reviews, and generally on-par with everything. Granted, they buy popular mods and make money on them, if you're going to hate them. Do so for that reason.