Steam Release

[KingHalford]

You don't need Steam to be online or running for many Steam games to work. I boot and play games directly from the steamapps folder without Steam being running, it just depends on the game. Obviously, games with an online component require it, and some that don't still do. It's a developer issue more than anything.

On the topic of Steam, just thank god that they're as good as they are. Imagine if it was a shitshow like EPIC with the market-share? Urgh... it makes me shudder to think.

[eddieballgame]

ORIGINAL: KingHalford

You don't need Steam to be online or running for many Steam games to work. I boot and play games directly from the steamapps folder without Steam being running, it just depends on the game. Obviously, games with an online component require it, and some that don't still do. It's a developer issue more than anything.

On the topic of Steam, just thank god that they're as good as they are. Imagine if it was a shitshow like EPIC with the market-share? Urgh... it makes me shudder to think.

I am not aware there are many...at least in my 'Library'.
But I have no reason to debate the issue.
I can run all my games via the games 'exe' application, but Steam still needs to be 'running in the background' for the majority of them.
Some 'devs' will allow their games to be 'DRM' free & that is a nice gesture on their part.

I agree that Steam is well maintained, particularly their multiplayer lobbies...maybe the best in the world. [:)]

In any event, Shadow Empire deserves & should be on Steam just for the increased market success this great 4x game will generate.
This, in turn, will benefit everyone per more content being added & lining the pocket of 'Vic', who deserves it.

[U235]

You buy from Matrix/Slitherine or GOG you own the games installer. I get more free game offers from GOG then I ever got from Steam, which is a bonus. GOG Galaxy while currently not as polished as Steam, provides auto updates if that's what you want. Much easier to back up the installer than full game files that may or may not work on another computer. Besides, Matrix/Slitherine gives you an anniversary coupon every year. I just bought almost $300 worth of games pre-44% off coupon, some brand new releases. I'm not knocking Steam, it has it's pros. Just never cancel your account or your collection will go bye bye.

[nukkxx5058]

ORIGINAL: mroyer

I've never used Steam. What value does it add? (Just wondering.)
-Mark R.

- A cloud storage for all your games. Never lose a game again. All your games at the same location.
- a great online community (forums, chats, workshops, reviews and more)
- auto updates
- A nice store with frequent sales.

[Malevolence]

I personally like steam for simplifying game updates. In particular, games with mods. It makes keeping up to date mods a breeze.

[zuekamo]

ORIGINAL: mroyer

I've never used Steam. What value does it add? (Just wondering.)
-Mark R.

for many countries, payment methods.

[Hanny]

ORIGINAL: mroyer

I've never used Steam. What value does it add? (Just wondering.)
-Mark R.

Game code has to be compatable with the steam overlay, if not you get bugs, and have to check file integrity to restore the game files to remove them.

Otoh is can auto upgrade for you when patches come out and steam discount offers can make a game quite cheap, all in all i would prefer it over Epic.

[Majick]

The announcement says this is out on Steam, but I'm not able to redeem the Steam Key. Is anyone else having this problem?

[Clux]

ORIGINAL: Majick

The announcement says this is out on Steam, but I'm not able to redeem the Steam Key. Is anyone else having this problem?

The game will be out on steam on December 3

[Majick]

Ah right, I should have read the small print

[Athelas2211]

Will I get the steam key if I buy on MAtrix store?
I only play on steam since its much more comfortable, tracks my game time, achievemnts, have a lot of friends there, automatic updates rule, steam cloud save, workshops are awesome, and all games except ubisoft which I never play, play offline without steam authorizations.
Even MP in LAN.
so....

steam is much better then ordinary MAtrix store download.

[jimwinsor]

Yeah, everyone's Steam key should show up on your My Page game list here on the Matrix site, as soon as it officially launches on Steam. All my other Steam keys are there, so this should be no exception.

[Destragon]

Do we know if this happens instantly on the 3rd by the way or is it gonna take some days to roll out all the keys?

[eddieballgame]

Based on all other purchases...the Steam Keys are immediate.

[Dehimos]

The key can now be claimed, but it cannot be played until tomorrow.

[Athelas2211]

Its on! Game uninstalled from windows, steam installed,
)

[Stinkeye]

Where do you find the Steam code? I can't find it anywhere.

[Dehimos]

Go Matrix, "My Page" and you should see your games with your codes. Claim the Steam key.

[Stinkeye]

Found it, thank you very much!

[perde]

ORIGINAL: Twotribes

Steam REQUIRES a third party ( them) to run the game and if they are down NO game. And unless they fixed it occasionally they screw up and wipe your account, you lose all your games and have to work with them to get them back if you can at all. Happened to me twice, I will NEVER use steam again.

Steam doesn't "occasionally screw up and wipe your account". If you lost access to your Steam account it's because you screwed up.

I've been using Steam since 2003 as have hundreds of my friends and I've never heard of anyone losing access to their Steam account, aside from someone forgetting their password AND their e-mail password. Nor have I heard about a single thing disappearing outside of purchases made with stolen credit cards. Steam is the most reputable and established digital delivery service for video games and I have a much harder time believing they "occasionally screw up" their core business than I have believing you simply mistyped your password.

As for the upsides of using Steam: cloud saves, auto-updates, convenience. That's about it. Though GOG Galaxy does all the same while offering the choice of DRM-free installers and is therefore superior.