3 ms·

My options are: 1) Pirate a game + free - slow download - maybe doesn't work, maybe it's a virus - whatever cracked the DRM might cause bugs - multip

by Foy 14y ago

My options are: 1) Pirate a game + free - slow download - maybe doesn't work, maybe it's a virus - whatever cracked the DRM might cause bugs - multiplayer rarely (if ever) works 2) Buy from Steam - not free + but, cheap + 2 to 3MB/s download speed + automatic updates + always works, always seamless + "defragment game folder" options, etc, built in + fast, free, re-downloads for life (install as many times as desired)

jokermatt999 14y ago
To add to 2), most games also back up your saves via Steam Cloud now. Not necessarily something you'll always use, but after a reformat, I greatly appreciated it. However, I have noticed that Steam's offline mode is rather fickle. I try use it when I'm at my friend's house (lack of wireless and a lack of an ethernet port. Weird, unusual scenario, I know), and half the time "Play offline" simply doesn't work. It's put me in the weird position of considering downloading cracks for games I legally own so that I can play them.
- Dylan16807 14y ago
  Are you putting it in offline mode before you head over or after you get there?
  - jokermatt999 14y ago
    After I get there. I have a desktop PC, not a laptop. I can't really leave it on and then head over. Unless what you're implying is that I need "activate" offline mode on my computer by using it when I'm online here? If so, I really wish Valve would make that much clearer than the infuriating error that pops up now when I try to use offline mode while offline.
    - Dylan16807 14y ago
      Yes, the prescribed way is putting it into offline mode before you lose the connection. It sometimes lets you go into offline without a connection but I don't understand the method it uses to make that decision.
      - Foy 14y ago
        Yeah, if I'm headed to my cottage or some place without Internet access I make sure whatever games I want to play are updated then I switch to offline mode. Sometimes I can go straight to offline mode but to be on the safe side, switch before you lose network access.

by Foy 14y ago

jokermatt999 14y ago

To add to 2), most games also back up your saves via Steam Cloud now. Not necessarily something you'll always use, but after a reformat, I greatly appreciated it. However, I have noticed that Steam's offline mode is rather fickle. I try use it when I'm at my friend's house (lack of wireless and a lack of an ethernet port. Weird, unusual scenario, I know), and half the time "Play offline" simply doesn't work. It's put me in the weird position of considering downloading cracks for games I legally own so that I can play them.

Dylan16807 14y ago
Are you putting it in offline mode before you head over or after you get there?
- jokermatt999 14y ago
  After I get there. I have a desktop PC, not a laptop. I can't really leave it on and then head over. Unless what you're implying is that I need "activate" offline mode on my computer by using it when I'm online here? If so, I really wish Valve would make that much clearer than the infuriating error that pops up now when I try to use offline mode while offline.
  - Dylan16807 14y ago
    Yes, the prescribed way is putting it into offline mode before you lose the connection. It sometimes lets you go into offline without a connection but I don't understand the method it uses to make that decision.
    - Foy 14y ago
      Yeah, if I'm headed to my cottage or some place without Internet access I make sure whatever games I want to play are updated then I switch to offline mode. Sometimes I can go straight to offline mode but to be on the safe side, switch before you lose network access.