Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

Matrix needs a Steam like portal

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [General] >> General Discussion >> Matrix needs a Steam like portal Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 5:42:15 AM   
JFalk68


Posts: 223
Joined: 11/5/2007
Status: offline 		It's 2014, it's time to move forward!

Why doesn't Matrix have it's own Steam like portal? I want a portal to shop for for games just like Steam and I want all the benefits of a Steam like experience as well. I like how Steam makes it easy to redownload games and it keeps track of your library so nicely. Steam is huge and the success of it is huge as well, so why doesn't Matrix capitalize on it and invest in creating their own version for wargamming? I see more and more wargames migrating to steam and taking advantage of it, does Matrix want to lose on on those games and future games as well? Steam is quite attractive to the people that sell games as well!

Many of us get new PC's every so often and Matrix has been since 2000 and they will be around much longer. One problem with getting a new PC is updating and reinstalling your old PC games and making space for new ones. If we had a Steam like product to use, it would remember every single you game you bought and you could easily install those games on your new PC by logging into your Matrix account portal.

There are always a small anti Steam minority but every year that minority gets smaller because those old guys die off :P Anyways, still give the old guard/anti-steam guys their usual support and allow them to tediously reinstall games and find codes with whatever archaic system them use like saving old PC games and DVD's and grant us the new option of having a Steam like portal that keeps all of our wargames in one spot!
Post #: 1
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 6:57:51 AM   
gradenko2k

 

Posts: 935
Joined: 12/27/2010
Status: offline 		Alternatively they could just put their games on Steam.

They're already most of the way there what with a weekly sale and DRM that's as free or as restrictive as Matrix might want and offline-capability that's as free or as restrictive as Matrix might want.

(in reply to JFalk68)
Post #: 2
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 3:17:22 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Steam sucks. Straight up. Thank goodness Matrix has avoided that soul-sucking death spiral. I (and many others I know) will never buy another game on Steam under any circumstances.

_____________________________


(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 3
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 3:28:51 PM   
PipFromSlitherine

 

Posts: 1446
Joined: 6/23/2010
Status: offline 		Many of our games are already on Steam. Buy from us (DRM free, yours forever) and get the free Steam key if you wish. Win-win.

Cheers

Pip


_____________________________

follow me on Twitter here

(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 4
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 4:03:29 PM   
terje439


Posts: 6813
Joined: 3/28/2004
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: PipFromSlitherine

Many of our games are already on Steam. Buy from us (DRM free, yours forever) and get the free Steam key if you wish. Win-win.

Cheers

Pip



I must say that I really enjoy this feature, and use it on all games bought here. Makes it really easy to load up a game I have not played in ages.
Still make my purchases here though.

_____________________________

"Hun skal torpederes!" - Birger Eriksen

("She is to be torpedoed!")

(in reply to PipFromSlitherine)
Post #: 5
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 4:06:15 PM   
radic202


Posts: 598
Joined: 6/7/2012
From: Ontario, Canada
Status: offline 		As much as I agree with OP and would use one by Matrix/Slitherine, I have never had any issues with Steam, heck transferred all my Matrix Games (the ones that I can) to the Steam Portal for better access or actually for a much cleaner Desktop. Think I have like 198 games on the Steam portal at the moment. The only thing that bothers me is if Steam went "belie up" what would happen to all my games that I have no hardware for?

< Message edited by radic202 -- 9/17/2014 5:06:51 PM >

_____________________________

It is much harder to think about doing something than actually doing it!

(in reply to terje439)
Post #: 6
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 4:28:03 PM   
MrsWargamer


Posts: 1655
Joined: 6/18/2014
Status: offline 		I only went to Steam as it meant go or no Civilization V.

I don't hate Steam, and I don't mind Steam, but I refuse to like Steam over the alternative that is Slitherine Groups method of installer serial and no other requirements.

All of my Steam games are schlock I wouldn't care a hoot over losing if it ever came to that.

I like that Steam is giving Slitherine valuable exposure. I consider it merely the cost of advertising. I like that I was given Steam keys for all my purchases. A major cool move on the part of Slitherine Group. All the perks of both worlds none of the downsides.

And there ARE downsides. If Steam gets in a snit they CAN sever you from your legal purchased product in a heart beat.

I don't require Slitherine Group to pretend they need to compete with Steam though. I'm happy to let them USE Steam, and that really is how I see it. Steam is being exploited not the other way around. Advertising isn't free, it is a very real cost of business, so if Steam has sales and seems to be giving away product, it is really the cost of advertising and nothing more.

Wargaming is a very small niche, and advertizing is vital. Going to Steam had to happen. I'm just glad Slitherine Group has been able to have it both ways. I'd rather pay full price at Slitherine Group rather than buy it cheap on Steam. I like KNOWING hell will freeze over before I can't play any of the games I buy here. But I have them all listed on my Steam account. Just doing my part to make the games visible eh.

(in reply to radic202)
Post #: 7
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 5:11:52 PM   
radic202


Posts: 598
Joined: 6/7/2012
From: Ontario, Canada
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: MrsWargamer



I like that Steam is giving Slitherine valuable exposure. I consider it merely the cost of advertising. I like that I was given Steam keys for all my purchases. A major cool move on the part of Slitherine Group.



That is the part I love the best. I can guarantee you that some of had never heard of Matrix/Sliterine or even the type of wargames that they produce, for that I am thrilled that they made the move over.

The best part is to see how active Iain and many others from the Developers post regularly and answer questions on the appropriate Steam Forums. It may not be a big significant sign to Matrix/Sitherine Management but it does have an impact in the short and long run. Believe me, many will purchase a game when they see direct input from the Company Developers. For that, thanks Iain and others for posting there, as it makes it much easier for me to steer possible purchasers to these type of games.

_____________________________

It is much harder to think about doing something than actually doing it!

(in reply to MrsWargamer)
Post #: 8
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 8:24:56 PM   
aaatoysandmore

 

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Steam sucks. Straight up. Thank goodness Matrix has avoided that soul-sucking death spiral. I (and many others I know) will never buy another game on Steam under any circumstances.


I 2nd this ^^^ post. I like being able to get my games here "without" having to jump thru hoops with DRM schemes. Storing your games here is just as easy just takes a bit more intelligence is all.

(in reply to Chickenboy)
Post #: 9
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 8:35:52 PM   
t001001001

 

Posts: 322
Joined: 4/30/2009
Status: offline
quote:

Steam sucks. Straight up.


No. Actually it doesn't. All my games are organized, I can re-download anything I've ever bought there w/ a click. It works perfectly. For gaming it's the best client software since sliced bread.

quote:

Thank goodness Matrix has avoided that soul-sucking death spiral. I (and many others I know) will never buy another game on Steam under any circumstances.


That's odd. I bought Panzer Corps on Steam months ago. I've also bought expansions via steam by simply clicking on what I want to buy. Point-click-purchase. Very convenient.

You don't have a clue what you're talking about.



< Message edited by t001001001 -- 9/17/2014 9:37:57 PM >

(in reply to radic202)
Post #: 10
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/17/2014 11:38:45 PM   
t001001001

 

Posts: 322
Joined: 4/30/2009
Status: offline 		Man. I'm sorry, Chickenboy. I try not to be unseemly

I didn't like Steam at first either, but it really does work perfectly and ur not doing urself or anyone else any favors to trash it offhand.

Matrixgames are marketing their products there already. They expose their product to millions of gamers rather than thousands.

No doubt it costs im a percentage of sales. It's always a balance of units sold vs how much*per. It'd be interesting to see how they've done since steam releases. Not b/c I'm nosey, it'd just be interesting. I'm pulling for im, I hope they do well. I think releasing the games on steam was a really good idea. The devil is in the P/L.

(in reply to t001001001)
Post #: 11
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 1:06:37 AM   
aaatoysandmore

 

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: t001001001

quote:

Steam sucks. Straight up.


No. Actually it doesn't. All my games are organized, I can re-download anything I've ever bought there w/ a click. It works perfectly. For gaming it's the best client software since sliced bread.

quote:

Thank goodness Matrix has avoided that soul-sucking death spiral. I (and many others I know) will never buy another game on Steam under any circumstances.


That's odd. I bought Panzer Corps on Steam months ago. I've also bought expansions via steam by simply clicking on what I want to buy. Point-click-purchase. Very convenient.

You don't have a clue what you're talking about.




Yes actually it does. Steam is the worst thing this side of cancer.

(in reply to t001001001)
Post #: 12
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 1:28:22 AM   
Aurelian

 

Posts: 3916
Joined: 2/26/2007
Status: offline 		Never had a problem with Steam.

_____________________________

If the Earth was flat, cats would of knocked everything off of it long ago.

(in reply to aaatoysandmore)
Post #: 13
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 1:33:09 AM   
Werewolf13

 

Posts: 511
Joined: 7/31/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: aaatoysandmore


quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Steam sucks. Straight up. Thank goodness Matrix has avoided that soul-sucking death spiral. I (and many others I know) will never buy another game on Steam under any circumstances.


I 2nd this ^^^ post. I like being able to get my games here "without" having to jump thru hoops with DRM schemes. Storing your games here is just as easy just takes a bit more intelligence is all.


Then you've never dealt with STEAM for there are no hoops to jump thru at all. You put your money on the table, download the product and you're done. That's it. It's easier than going to the store and hoping there's a boxed version on the shelf or ordering online and waiting days and days to get it unless you pay a huge premium for 1 day delivery.

Your talking STEAM about like you talked HOI3 and Brazil aaatoysandmore. In other words out the nether parts of your body.



_____________________________

Freedom is not free! Nor should it be. For men being men will neither fight for nor value that which is free.

Michael Andress

(in reply to aaatoysandmore)
Post #: 14
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 2:45:05 AM   
Rosseau

 

Posts: 2757
Joined: 9/13/2009
Status: offline 		Matrix gets the DRM-free award, that is for sure. Actually, the only DRM that really drove me nuts was Ubisoft and required Ubiplay registration.

(in reply to Werewolf13)
Post #: 15
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 4:29:20 AM   
Tejszd

 

Posts: 3437
Joined: 11/17/2007
Status: offline 		My preference is for Matrix to offer direct downloads and Steam keys for those that prefer the pros/cons of being tied to Steam.

(in reply to Rosseau)
Post #: 16
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 4:44:09 AM   
gradenko2k

 

Posts: 935
Joined: 12/27/2010
Status: offline
quote:

And there ARE downsides. If Steam gets in a snit they CAN sever you from your legal purchased product in a heart beat.


AFAIK this has never happened. Steam can pull a product off their catalogue to prevent any new people from buying it (as was what happened with AGEOD a while back), but they've always allowed people who have already purchased the game to keep playing the game and even keep re-downloading it from their servers. They just don't sell any more of them.

quote:

Matrix gets the DRM-free award, that is for sure. Actually, the only DRM that really drove me nuts was Ubisoft and required Ubiplay registration.


How does Matrix get the DRM-free award if you have to type in a serial key every time you install their game, compared to hitting one button to install and hitting another button to play?

(in reply to Tejszd)
Post #: 17
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 5:24:25 AM   
Kayoz


Posts: 1516
Joined: 12/20/2010
From: Timbuktu
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: gradenko_2000

quote:

And there ARE downsides. If Steam gets in a snit they CAN sever you from your legal purchased product in a heart beat.


AFAIK this has never happened... they've always allowed people who have already purchased the game to keep playing the game and even keep re-downloading it from their servers. They just don't sell any more of them.


Wrong. Do a Google search for "steam account locked" - you'll find plenty of cases where they've locked accounts - prohibiting their customers from playing the games they've purchased.

Sorry, the facts simply fly in the face of your assertion.

*edit*
In case the task of checking your facts is too onerous, here's one example:
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/02/01/thought-do-we-own-our-steam-games/

Never happened? Really?

quote:

ORIGINAL: gradenko_2000
How does Matrix get the DRM-free award if you have to type in a serial key every time you install their game, compared to hitting one button to install and hitting another button to play?


Well, so long as you keep the serial key, it doesn't matter what happens to Matrix. If they don't like you and ban you, you can still play and re-install at your pleasure. Can you really fail to see the difference between this and some desk-jockey at Steam clicking a button and denying you access to each and every purchase you've ever made from Steam?

I thought rosseau's point was quite clear.

< Message edited by Kayoz -- 9/18/2014 6:29:45 AM >

_____________________________

“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.” ― Christopher Hitchens

(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 18
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 5:35:38 AM   
gradenko2k

 

Posts: 935
Joined: 12/27/2010
Status: offline
quote:

Wrong. Do a Google search for "steam account locked" - you'll find plenty of cases where they've locked accounts - prohibiting their customers from playing the games they've purchased.


I was operating under the impression that she meant something on the scale of a game being pulled from everyone's accounts, not a scenario where a specific individual's account access is pulled over a legalistic issue.

I withdraw my claim.

quote:

Well, so long as you keep the serial key, it doesn't matter what happens to Matrix. If they don't like you and ban you, you can still play and re-install at your pleasure. Can you really fail to see the difference between this and some desk-jockey at Steam clicking a button and denying you access to each and every purchase you've ever made from Steam?

I thought rosseau's point was quite clear.


That's not really any different from a scenario where the publisher/developer asks Steam to not put any DRM on their game as it's released on Steam. Take a Paradox game for example - as long as I keep my downloaded copy of the game stored somewhere (which is not essentially different from having to store a Matrix installer+serial key text file), Paradox and Steam could collapse into a black hole tomorrow and I'd still be able to play Crusader Kings 2 as much as I want.

< Message edited by gradenko_2000 -- 9/18/2014 6:38:19 AM >

(in reply to Kayoz)
Post #: 19
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 5:41:22 AM   
parusski


Posts: 4804
Joined: 5/8/2000
From: Jackson Tn
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: radic202

As much as I agree with OP and would use one by Matrix/Slitherine, I have never had any issues with Steam, heck transferred all my Matrix Games (the ones that I can) to the Steam Portal for better access or actually for a much cleaner Desktop. Think I have like 198 games on the Steam portal at the moment. The only thing that bothers me is if Steam went "belie up" what would happen to all my games that I have no hardware for?


I have also never had any problem with Steam. The hatred of Steam makes no sense.

_____________________________

"I hate newspapermen. They come into camp and pick up their camp rumors and print them as facts. I regard them as spies, which, in truth, they are. If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast."- W.T. Sherman

(in reply to radic202)
Post #: 20
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 5:55:04 AM   
aaatoysandmore

 

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: gradenko_2000

quote:

Wrong. Do a Google search for "steam account locked" - you'll find plenty of cases where they've locked accounts - prohibiting their customers from playing the games they've purchased.


I was operating under the impression that she meant something on the scale of a game being pulled from everyone's accounts, not a scenario where a specific individual's account access is pulled over a legalistic issue.

I withdraw my claim.

quote:

Well, so long as you keep the serial key, it doesn't matter what happens to Matrix. If they don't like you and ban you, you can still play and re-install at your pleasure. Can you really fail to see the difference between this and some desk-jockey at Steam clicking a button and denying you access to each and every purchase you've ever made from Steam?

I thought rosseau's point was quite clear.


That's not really any different from a scenario where the publisher/developer asks Steam to not put any DRM on their game as it's released on Steam. Take a Paradox game for example - as long as I keep my downloaded copy of the game stored somewhere (which is not essentially different from having to store a Matrix installer+serial key text file), Paradox and Steam could collapse into a black hole tomorrow and I'd still be able to play Crusader Kings 2 as much as I want.


No you wouldn't because the Steam "Client" is required to "Install" Steam games. Try reformatting your harddrive and reloading all your games without the Steam "Client" and watch them NOT WORK. That is the difference between Matrixgames and Steam. Matrixgames doesn't require you to have a specific "client" for the game to work.

Edit: But, Barnum was right of course.

< Message edited by aaatoysandmore -- 9/18/2014 7:00:45 AM >

(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 21
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 6:04:10 AM   
gradenko2k

 

Posts: 935
Joined: 12/27/2010
Status: offline
quote:

No you wouldn't because the Steam "Client" is required to "Install" Steam games. Try reformatting your harddrive and reloading all your games without the Steam "Client" and watch them NOT WORK. That is the difference between Matrixgames and Steam. Matrixgames doesn't require you to have a specific "client" for the game to work.


Yes, but you don't store the installer (because there isn't one), you just store the entire installed game. I carry my copy of Steam-bought Papers Please around in a flash drive and I don't need to have a Steam client to play it.

(in reply to aaatoysandmore)
Post #: 22
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 7:08:15 AM   
aaatoysandmore

 

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: gradenko_2000

quote:

No you wouldn't because the Steam "Client" is required to "Install" Steam games. Try reformatting your harddrive and reloading all your games without the Steam "Client" and watch them NOT WORK. That is the difference between Matrixgames and Steam. Matrixgames doesn't require you to have a specific "client" for the game to work.


Yes, but you don't store the installer (because there isn't one), you just store the entire installed game. I carry my copy of Steam-bought Papers Please around in a flash drive and I don't need to have a Steam client to play it.


That part is true. You did "install" it the first time through Steam. Reformat your harddrive and load it from the flashdrive without installing your steam client and tell me it works. I'm talking about a full reformat and reboot now, clearing your "register" as long as the steam client has or is still in your register then sure you can save any file on just about any media and rerun it. But, the difference here is you don't have to do that with Matrixgames games you just reformat, reboot and click on the setup.exe file. Steam requires most of their AAA title games to have the steam client installed before you can even goto the site and download those games origionally. If you don't believe me try reformatting and rebooting and then reinstalling something like Shogun II or Empire or Rome 2 from that scan disk after you reformat your harddrive.

Let's face it harddrives fail (thas why I store my games on 3 different devices) and when you have to install a new drive that is when you will find out the difference between Steam and Matrixgames. That's the big gripe about Steam mostly is that it (steam) is "required" to install the game the "first" time and every time you reformat and reinstall your games. But, I am certain without a doubt that very first time you download the game you "have" to have the steam client installed. Matrixgames has no client you have to install. Just input the cd key and you're off.

(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 23
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 8:02:23 AM   
chemkid

 

Posts: 1238
Joined: 12/15/2012
Status: offline 		.

< Message edited by chemkid -- 4/24/2018 12:14:30 PM >

(in reply to aaatoysandmore)
Post #: 24
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 8:35:38 AM   
gradenko2k

 

Posts: 935
Joined: 12/27/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: aaatoysandmore
That part is true. You did "install" it the first time through Steam. Reformat your harddrive and load it from the flashdrive without installing your steam client and tell me it works. I'm talking about a full reformat and reboot now, clearing your "register" as long as the steam client has or is still in your register then sure you can save any file on just about any media and rerun it. But, the difference here is you don't have to do that with Matrixgames games you just reformat, reboot and click on the setup.exe file. Steam requires most of their AAA title games to have the steam client installed before you can even goto the site and download those games origionally. If you don't believe me try reformatting and rebooting and then reinstalling something like Shogun II or Empire or Rome 2 from that scan disk after you reformat your harddrive.

Let's face it harddrives fail (thas why I store my games on 3 different devices) and when you have to install a new drive that is when you will find out the difference between Steam and Matrixgames. That's the big gripe about Steam mostly is that it (steam) is "required" to install the game the "first" time and every time you reformat and reinstall your games. But, I am certain without a doubt that very first time you download the game you "have" to have the steam client installed. Matrixgames has no client you have to install. Just input the cd key and you're off.


Why is it important that you have to explicitly install your game? Yes, if I reformat my drive on a Monday and Steam goes belly-up on a Tuesday then I won't have access to any of my games anymore, but if I reformat my drive on a Monday and Matrix goes belly-up on a Tuesday then I can't re-download a Matrix installer from a Matrix website that doesn't exist anymore, either.

"Back-up the installer!", you might say. Ok, then why can't I back-up a folder-copy of Papers Please as well? Hell, why can't I upload a folder-copy of Papers Please to Dropbox to protect myself against a hardware failure the same way you'd upload WITE's installer (and its latest patch, and its serial key on a text file) to achieve the same effect?

The only way Steam comes off as worse in this scenario is if DRM requiring that it be launched from a Steam client is activated, and whether or not it is, is completely up to the publisher/developer when they put their game up on Steam in the first place.

If Matrix opted to they could sell War in the Pacific on Steam and make it so that you can double-click the executable outside of Steam and it'd run without a hitch, and if you wanted to retain access to War in the Pacific by backing-up the entire folder to your alternate-storage of choice and it'd be free of any dangers from formatting your drive, and it'd still be faster than the current model because you wouldn't even need to input the CD-Key.

(in reply to aaatoysandmore)
Post #: 25
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 12:17:19 PM   
aaatoysandmore

 

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline 		True, I agree with that. But, let me ask you this. Can you install your "whole" library of games (providing you have 100's) on "one scan disk"? I can do that with Matrixgames setup.exe files.

The other principle is that one "has" to use Steam in the first place to download "exclusive" games like the Total Wars from I believe it is Empire onwards. I'm not against the idea of steam as a source of getting games online. I'm against their install through us or nobody policy on most of the games they sell. Now Matrix was able to cut a deal where they use their site and the Matrix site to download games and I don't have a problem with that a bit because it leaves me with a choice of where I want to purchase and how I want to store my games.

Let's take Gamersgate for instance they are like I wish Steam were. While "installing" their games one can goto that folder where the game downloaded to and the setup.exe file will appear (otherwise you get some kind of crypic codes show up in the file when first downloaded) but during that installation of the game I can actully see and save that setup.exe file and save it for later on to reinstall the game if Gamersgate goes belly up. Still need a cd key but that is not the kind of DRM I am talking about when it comes to steam.

Steam on the other had on a lot of the AAA titles still requires not only the steam client but also DRM. Matrixgames if they go bellyup I can reformat, reboot, blow my computer up but all I have to do is just click on one of those setup.exe files on one of my 3 storage savings devices and the game will load and play. It's more about feelings of security that I will have that game forever and ever (as long as I keep it backed up in many places) as opposed to Steam and we don't really know what they will do in a going out of business or bankruptcy event.

So, while I say Steam sucks it's not that they are an online distributer. It's the way they do their distributing and pretty much force us into their way or the highway. I like options and will always favor options. For years I bought nothing but Amazon.com used games and ebay used games. But, they are trying so hard to eliminate the ability to sell used games on Steam as well. Though they are not a monopoly they sure seem like one when you still have to use them to download and install the game you bought from say Green Man Gaming or Gamersgate or any other site and they tell you that a 3rd party "client" is required and the 3rd party is always steam.

Just as an example. SSI, Microprose and several other developer sites have come and gone over the years. I have most of their games on 5-1/4" floppies, harddrives and scan disks. So since the 80's games I bought back then I still own and have and can play. Try to find a copy and play Rails West from SSI. With the games I have on steam as long as this computer and harddrive stay active I own and can play but if something happens to this harddrive I'm sol as far as steam goes if steam goes belly up like SSI and Microprose. Now sure I can save complete installations and do it the way you are talking but that is some hellacious storage from a few mb's to millions of gigabytes.

I have every game I ever bought from 1982 onward and I have an extensive library. Of course now I'm reaching the end of the line but still I'd hate to lose a single one of them until my train stops. Then of course I don't care.

I have no doubt you that have had the easy life like Steam and the ease of which you can "get/buy" games but I don't think you all are looking at the full picture as a whole. You'll turn around one day and all your games save a few will be gone or no longer able to be installed or used. Your idea is a wise one for "some" games, but I do not see it working for my extensive library of games by saving full instalations of the game. I personally miss the trips to the brick n mortar stores and sometimes being first or even only person of my gaming group to have an own the game. I still goto Bestbuy and Gamestop every couple of weeks but sadly PC software is dwindling from the shelves.


(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 26
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 12:31:27 PM   
MrsWargamer


Posts: 1655
Joined: 6/18/2014
Status: offline 		Some of you boys I think like to argue to hear yourself argue :)

Fact, There is no game without Steam if you got it from Steam. That's not debatable. But feel free to argue.
Fact you can't install a Steam game without Steam.
Fact Steam HAS cut off people in the past. If you lose Steam access your games are gone.
Fact people do occasionally need to re do their machines, and it can be a hassle, especially if you have no internet at that instance.

I have bought Civilization V via hard copy off the shelf. All it gave me was a no download duration install option. There is no game without Steam though.Or I can just use the download option which is increasingly necessary with game patches updates dlc etc. The disks lose their worth eventually.

Now, if Matrix Games or Slitherine or both were to just die on us for any reason at all we lose access to them, not our games. We lose access to convenient re downloads, not our games. We lose access to forums, not our games. We lose access to stored lists of our serials, not our games. We lose access to new work done on the games through them, not necessarily the developers though, as they could be out there somewhere else and perfectly happy to continue evolving your game(s). But I have no idea what that might mean to your installer/serial.

I have my games on my laptop, on storage drives, on physical disks, and I could have them in the cloud if I wanted. If you have access to cloud storage and an internet connection you can install them anywhere you feel like. I have access to online storage as a response to my laptop brand (Asus perk). So I have a lot of redundant storage available to me. I also have all the Steam Keys on Steam which was very generous of Slitherine Group. So I could always have both methods open.

If Steam died tomorrow, Slitherine Group loses all that sales potential advertising route and really I am sure they would miss it.
I'm fairly sure if Slitherine Group died, Steam likely would not be able to continue selling the games. They don't own them.

I don't buy any of my games from Slitherine Group as physical purchase as it is a dumb waste of money, a pointless waste of 10 bucks. But hey, if some of you jus haaaaave to spend the 10 bucks, there is no reason to think they won't sell that way. It's not hurting Slitherine Group to sell that way I suppose. But I can and do download the games just fine, and then I shunt the files to my various places and then I can re install for whatever vague reason I might generate. It takes no effort to store the install and the serial number. And it takes no effort to re install them as well. Comparing mouse clicks employed is hilarious though :) And comparing installing from a file on my drive to speed of install from an online source, well here's your sign eh.

Men are not all created equal. Some of your boys really seem to hate that too :)

Feel free to continue arguing. I think some of you like it :)

(in reply to gradenko2k)
Post #: 27
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 12:53:28 PM   
gexmex

 

Posts: 150
Joined: 11/13/2008
From: Nashville, TN
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: parusski


I have also never had any problem with Steam. The hatred of Steam makes no sense.


I'm with you. I'd be curious to know why the people that are locked out of their Steam accounts end up that way. Surely they must have done something improper to elicit that response from Valve. Just speculation though. Luckily, Matrix graciously gives folks the option to use Steam to download their games, or to not use Steam if it offends your sensibilities. This really shouldn't be such a big deal anymore. Use it if you like it, don't use it if you don't like it. There's no sense getting into a tizzy about it.

< Message edited by gexmex -- 9/18/2014 2:02:08 PM >

(in reply to parusski)
Post #: 28
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 5:11:23 PM   
t001001001

 

Posts: 322
Joined: 4/30/2009
Status: offline 		Missus Wargamer, if ur trying to 'win friends and influence ppl'; calling a pack of grown ass men discussing client software: "boys", prolly isn't going to get u very far Maybe it's just me, but when someone calls me "boy", I consider it an insult. But it doesn't matter to the discussion.

-----------


quote:

I'm with you. I'd be curious to know why the people that are locked out of their Steam accounts end up that way.


I think so too, gexmex. I doubt a person getting banned from Steam and losing all their games is "John Q Innocent".

(in reply to gexmex)
Post #: 29
RE: Matrix needs a Steam like portal - 9/18/2014 6:12:44 PM   
GaryChildress

 

Posts: 6830
Joined: 7/17/2005
From: The Divided Nations of Earth
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: PipFromSlitherine

Many of our games are already on Steam. Buy from us (DRM free, yours forever) and get the free Steam key if you wish. Win-win.

Cheers

Pip



I think this pretty much sums everything up for me. I prefer DRM free and forever for a game. If Matrix and Slitherine (M&S here forward) offer their games on Steam then more power to them. I am thankful and glad that M&S do business the way they do. More options = more happy customers. No need for M&S to become Steam themselves. Let Steam do what they do and let M&S do what they do. If you want to get your M&S games on Steam then go to Steam to get them. But don't burden the rest of us "old farts" to do the same.

QED

_____________________________


(in reply to PipFromSlitherine)
Post #: 30
Page:   [1] 2 3   next >   >>
All Forums >> [General] >> General Discussion >> Matrix needs a Steam like portal Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

1.844