Half-Life 2 online registration

[Phone(6644)]

It appears that to play Half-life2 single player or otherwise, you must create a steam acount and register the product, as Zed pointed out in another thread.
Read game spy for details.
Will this cause a problem anyone wants to reinstall the game for whatever reason, formatting etc.??? :wtf:

If not - Does anyone know how it would work ?

[Rafal Dudek]

It appears that to play Half-life2 single player or otherwise, you must create a steam acount and register the product, as Zed pointed out in another thread.
Read game spy for details.
Will this cause a problem anyone wants to reinstall the game for whatever reason, formatting etc.??? :wtf:

If not - Does anyone know how it would work ?


Here is how it works, Half-Life 2 will be registered for your steam account. If you wish to reinstall the game, just log into your steam account and redownload it. You already purchased it so its already unlocked in steam =]

[Mr. Natural]

I'm really surprised that there hasn't been more complaints since it's been announced that you will be required to register the game online before you will be allowed to play the game, even single player mode.
I realize in this day and age most folks do have access to the internet. But what about those folks that don't? You won't be able to play the game at all if you go out and purchase the game off the shelf and don't have online access.
I thought about this for a while and figured maybe they will offer some 1-800 number in which you can call to activate the game. But according to what has been stated you will be required to login and create a Steam account before the game will run. I don't see any workaround to this situation if you don't have internet access.
There's gonna be some unhappy people out there.

[Bruenor]

I'm really surprised that there hasn't been more complaints since it's been announced that you will be required to register the game online before you will be allowed to play the game, even single player mode.
I realize in this day and age most folks do have access to the internet. But what about those folks that don't? You won't be able to play the game at all if you go out and purchase the game off the shelf and don't have online access.
I thought about this for a while and figured maybe they will offer some 1-800 number in which you can call to activate the game. But according to what has been stated you will be required to login and create a Steam account before the game will run. I don't see any workaround to this situation if you don't have internet access.
There's gonna be some unhappy people out there.

Actually, this is my biggest complaint of all when it comes to Steam(ing pile). I have absolutely no interest in the MP portion, yet I'm still required to register and download the client, something I don't want on my PC at all, just to play the SP portion of the game.

[Rafal Dudek]

actually, there is an offline mode. For the first time you'll have to log into steam to register and very your game. From then on you can play the game in offline mode.

[Bruenor]

actually, there is an offline mode. For the first time you'll have to log into steam to register and very your game. From then on you can play the game in offline mode.

And if I don't want anything to do with Steam on my PC at all, what are my options? That's my point.

Why do I have to register with Steam at all to play SP?

I can play any Blizzard title offline and never have to even look at Battle.net, why can't Valve provide me with the same? Why do I even have to look at Steam to play?

And how does this solve what Mr. N brought up. How to people without any Net access play the game? I realize those are few and far between, but the mere fact that Valve looked at those people and essentially said "kiss our collective asses" really says a lot about Valve and their Steaming Pile concept.

[Rafal Dudek]

you can thank the pirates for that. Its they're way of preventing piracy somewhat =]

[Bruenor]

Maybe, but you know as well as I do that it will only be a matter of time before there is a no-steam crack that will be widely available anyway.

[Rafal Dudek]

true, and I dont doubt it as well. This is to prevent your average Joe friend from getting your copy of the game =P

[Rob]

Mr N, common sense dictates that people without internet connections are not going to get on the internet to complain about needing an internet connection.

On one hand, I definitely understand the complaints and what you are saying.

On the other, with the huge leak already and the rate of piracy going on, can you really blame them for trying something new. Instead of blaming the companies, blame the pirates that are making this a necessary intrusion.

Whether you do it or not, I am sure almost everyone single registered user on this site can attest to how easy pirating a game can be.

[Bruenor]

That's where I disagree Robo, this is not a necessary intrusion to fight piracy (although Valve will sell it that way). Steam will be cracked just like any other form of anti-piracy tactic out there, and Valve knows that as well as anybody. What Steam is really about is Valve controlling, as much as they can, any and all distribution of anything related to their game, including user-made mods and patches.

This is by far about Valve controlling and distributing any and all content related to this (and any future Valve games) than it is about piracy.

EDIT: On one hand, I can agree with this, don't get me wrong. What I don't like is being forced to use the system as opposed to just getting my patches and any SP mods off, say 3D Gamers, if I so choose to. Being forced to install code on my PC that I don't want on my system just to patch a game. :wtf: There are other "issues" as well. Remember a few months back, Valve released data as to what the most common videocards were being used on Counterstike (after Steam, but before CS:Source). Guess how they collected that information without the players knowing? :mad:

[Rafal Dudek]

What I don't like is being forced to use the system as opposed to just getting my patches and any SP mods off, say 3D Gamers, if I so choose to.

currently the 3rd party mods still have to be downloaded seperately =P

[Bruenor]

currently the 3rd party mods still have to be downloaded seperately =P

Currently, yes if the creator so chooses. The creators can send it straight to Valve and choose Steam to be the sole distribution center for mods. Plus Valve has made it no secret that they want to (and prefer) integrate all mods into the Steam distribution system.

[Rob]

Why is it so bad for a company to want to hold all the cards in what they sell? Using Steam is a forced advertisement for Valve, much in the way AOL uses exclusive offers with their service. I hate AOL and refuse to use them, as such I miss out on somethings I may actually enjoy.

By hosting the mods through Steam, Valve can ensure quality control, compatability, stability and so forth.

And just because something will eventually be thwarted we should just assume it will happen, therefore not put up any defenses? I mean, if it is going to happen, why waste time and money in defending it? That does not make any sense. Besides, I imagine the biggest bulk in sales occurs within a few months of launch. If they can protect it long enough to get in that bulk, that may be a stratagy many are gloomily looking at.

Besides, you are not being forced to install anything you do not want. You do not have to get the game. At least this is not hidden spyware like StarForce. Valve is presenting you an option, it is up to you to take it.

As far as your example of how did they get the info on vid cards, since I do not play CS, I can't answer for sure. But getting back to your Blizzard comment, everytime you update they ask if you will anonomously send back your specs, I imagine many people do. This is possibly what happened with CS. Of course, I could be wrong and they could have been shady. Most people click yes to continue without reading what was presented to them.

[Bruenor]

You know, I totally forgot about Starforce until you brought it up, but I don't consider this any better than Starforce, except the fact of what is known to the user upfront. Both install code on your machine that is not necessary (for SP) and leave you no choice to remove the additional code without screwing up the installed game.

Let me turn your question on to you then. Why are certain game companies looked down upon for using Starforce then? It is their IP to protect in any manner they want. Sure they don't tell you up front, but there are tons of Starforce lists out there that you can find out if the game uses it or not.

So exactly what is the difference for a SP gamer like me between Steam and Starforce?

As for my choice, you are right. I keep track of every game that uses Starforce and I don't buy them anymore. If I already have them (which I have) I kill Starforce on my machine, uninstall the game and quickly trade in at EB for store credit.

Ditto for HL2. I won't even consider the game at this point in time. Make no mistake, the only reason why I am excited for this game's release is that Vampire: The Masquerade can finally be released.

So yes, we can agree on this point. As for Steam itself, well I still consider it just another Starforce anyway, so I guess we can agree to disagree.

[Bruenor]

Oh yeah, and there's already a Steam crack out there that let's you play CS:Source without using Steam. So Steam as an anti-piracy measure is already dead in the ground anyway.

[Ojnod]

Remember a few months back, Valve released data as to what the most common videocards were being used on Counterstike (after Steam, but before CS:Source). Guess how they collected that information without the players knowing?

That survey was volentary. They asked you when you first play a game for the first time or first install steam on a computer (I forget which), if you wan't to submit system info for a survey.

[Bruenor]

That survey was volentary. They asked you when you first play a game for the first time or first install steam on a computer (I forget which), if you wan't to submit system info for a survey.

That is a point I am willing to concede, because many, many people just hit OK without ever reading anything (as Robo pointed out), I am guilty of this from time-to-time myself. But that was going off track on my main point anyway.

[Rob]

We are all guilty of it Bruenor. Hell, if a post by Gaim started with a checkbox to Agree and Continue, I am sure many people would miss out on what he had to say.

Let me turn your question on to you then. Why are certain game companies looked down upon for using Starforce then? It is their IP to protect in any manner they want. Sure they don't tell you up front, but there are tons of Starforce lists out there that you can find out if the game uses it or not.

Fair enough. My problems with StarForce stem from a few facts. 1) Unless something has changed, Starforce installs a hidden device driver on your PC without asking. 2) Uninstalling Starforce has caused MANY issues with PC's. 3) Starforce has prevented the legetimate play on many PC's. Clearly there is a problem if people feel the need to post lists on which games to avoid when there are many other copy protections without such lists.

I can see you quickly going to the point that Steam prevents you from legetimately playing HL2, but I make the argument that because you are told beforehand the conditions to play HL2 you are again left with a choice, whereas Starforce does not do this. Steam (yes I have heard it is a crappy service) at least does not install itself in your device manager and prevent use.

I also feel strongly in the difference of a one-time verification system compared to a program installed that is used everytime you try to run a legitimate program.

It boils down to this: I am a regular on the internet and forums. I attend massive Lan parties and I witness first hand the huge piracy going on. I used to be quite the contributer myself. It wasn't until I was slapped in the face (having something stolen from me over the internet in a sense) with it before I saw the error of my ways. Because of this I am more sensitive to piracy and the need to protect yourself.

I think at this point in time car alarms are worthless, but I understand the need to at least attempt to secure something of great value. When someone buys a Toyota truck and the big white letters are engraved onto the tailgate, that is a huge advertisement for Toyota and not something you can turn down at the dealership. You have to get a licence before you drive and at times prove verification. No licence, no liberty of using a car. No verification of game ownership, no liberty of playing Half Life 2. We have been dealing with this same issue for a long time, now it is just a different medium.

[Rafal Dudek]

Currently, yes if the creator so chooses. The creators can send it straight to Valve and choose Steam to be the sole distribution center for mods. Plus Valve has made it no secret that they want to (and prefer) integrate all mods into the Steam distribution system.

this benefits the mod creators so that they dont have to look for slowplanet to help distribute the bandwidth load, through steam they can do so easly and fast =]

[Phone(6644)]

Forgive me for being a complete nOOb here, but whats stopping people from sharing their steam log ons and passing the game around their mates ? :thumbup:

[Rafal Dudek]

Forgive me for being a complete nOOb here, but whats stopping people from sharing their steam log ons and passing the game around their mates ? :thumbup:

only one of you can be logged in at the time

[Mr. Natural]

I'll also be interested to see how well the Steam servers handle the load when millions of people worldwide are trying to create a Steam account at the same time.

[RHooks]

I'll also be interested to see how well the Steam servers handle the load when millions of people worldwide are trying to create a Steam account at the same time.

Yeah. If they are unable to handle the extra load people might get a little.....

wait for it......

"steamed".

:lol3:

[Rafal Dudek]

I'll also be interested to see how well the Steam servers handle the load when millions of people worldwide are trying to create a Steam account at the same time.

Shouldnt be too bad considering almost everyone on Steam already preloaded the game =P

[Cloudw4lker]

exactly the reason why they preloaded it.

By teh way I completely disagree with Bruenor, no one is forcing you to buy it anyway and they tell you what they're doing. As for teh point about cars having advertisements on them, that's kinda the point, to show off what type of car you have. Steam isn't really the same thing, you don't get to show off to all your friends you have the newest model of steam.

As for steam(ing pile) being that, I think it's improved much over it's earlier days. Problem I have: Friends doesn't connect from time to time because of "updating" etc. which basically means it's not very stable.

Also CS: S currently crashes on me like once every hour or 2, not really a big deal to me.

[Bruenor]

By teh way I completely disagree with Bruenor

Good for you, aren't the first won't be the last, have a cookie.

As for teh point about cars having advertisements on them, that's kinda the point, to show off what type of car you have. Steam isn't really the same thing, you don't get to show off to all your friends you have the newest model of steam.

What in the hell are you talking about? Advertising on cars?!?! ROBO was making the point that you still had to license the car to drive it, not compare advertising itself to STEAM.

By the way, it's T-H-E, don't give me any of that 15 year-old net speak BS...

[Cloudw4lker]

Sorry if I type to fast for you, I also commonly misspell it ahev because of that.

I meant his earlier point about cars having the name on the side of it like "Ford" or "Jeep" not refering to the lisence at all.