80
Steam
Released September, 2003
The Pros:Users can play their games on any system they're logged in on, can redownload games at any time. Patches are applied to games automatically. Over 500 titles from a variety of well known developers.
The Cons:You don't get physical copies of your game - but you pay the same price. You cannot give games that you've already played. Requires an Internet connection to play/get games.
Steam is a PC game content delivery system from the makers of the Half Life 2 series, Valve. Fairly light on system resources, the system allows for social networking as well as third and first party game delivery over the internet.
The system is highly secure, yet the DRM is not intrusive - allowing users to play any game they own on any system they own - also allowing for them to redownload any games you may have lost or not installed.
User Reviews (10)
Pros & Cons
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8
users can play their games on any system they're logged in on, can redownload games at any time
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8
patches are applied to games automatically
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7
over 500 titles from a variety of well known developers
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7
easier than going to the store
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6
more secure than using a physical cd/dvd that scratch or be lost
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5
you can gift games to other users
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5
often offer great deals on games
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5
promotes PC as a gaming platform
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3
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2
You don't have to keep track of a bunch of game discs when upgrading/ switching computers
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2
will soon be available for OSX - March 2010 (alongside many of Valves most popular source-based games)
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2
will soon see a complete UI redesign (currently in beta)
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1
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0
Steam community features are very robust and better than Xbox Live
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5
you don't get physical copies of your game - but you pay the same price
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3
you cannot give games that you've already played
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1
requires an Internet connection to play/get games
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Comments (2)
BrileyKenney:
#steam Steam always has awesome deals on great games as well as an easy to use user interface. I however personally tagged it as "hate it" simply due to the fact that the program takes centuries to load and use. I bought "The Orange Box", "Audiosurf", and a couple other games through Steam and in order to play them Steam MUST be active and must constantly check for updates. This ensures the game has the latest fixes, but I hate having to wait so long just to play my games not to mention the fact that I don't have the option to play without Steam loaded; whereas if I had bought the actual game in store then Steam is not required.
On a more positive note the community is massive, and there are tons of clans or groups of similar gamers from around the world. Many different groups even organize tournaments complete with available rankings and prizes.
Don't get me wrong Steam is still a decent program but its good to note that some others, like myself, just won't have the patience.
Dec 27, 08
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Yale:
#steam Steam is offering great deals on games for Boxing day / week. Until January 2nd all games are 10-75% off. Some notable games to pick up: Counter-Strike: Source, 50% off (9.99), Portal, 75% off (4.99), Bioshock, 75% off (4.99), Team Fortress 2, 50% off (9.99) and lots more! http://store.steampowered.com/holidaysale/
Dec 26, 08
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