Steam distribution

[alesch]

Now I know a lot of people have various opinions about Valve's Steam system, but it's pretty hard to deny that it has a rather large user-base. I'm just wondering if it would be worthwhile to look into using Steam as an alternate method of distribution. I'm not sure how the business set up would work, though I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find out. Maybe people might want to argue about what the benefits and pitfalls might be. Personally I'm thinking of it mostly in terms of increased exposure, though I'm sure there might be some complications. Thoughts?

 

[Apollon-04]

Um..... Steam?


Never heard of it in America.

 

[alesch]

http://www.steampowered.com/v/index.php

 

[rageshrub]

Um..... Steam?


Never heard of it in America.

haha! i think it might be a good way to increase exposure as stated above, and also a good way to distribute it without having to publish a boxed version.

 

[The Pope]

I'd say it's a good idea (assuming valve don't take all the money), but only when the game is out of beta.

 

[Lost-Lamb]

Armagan in Mount&Blade on Steam?

Thanks for your suggestion N0ught. Steam is indeed an attractive platform, and we'll try to place M&B there once the final version is ready.

(Edit: Of course, we'll keep using the non-steam distribution as well... )

 

[Archonsod]

Depends, are they going to make us pay twice for the same game again?

 

[Redcoat-Mic]

Probably increase the games awareness by tenfold which is a great thing. But then of course we'd get a massive flood of angry CS kids.

 

[stratusfear]

I'm an angry CSS bloke! 

 

[Astarsis]

No

fastest way to hurt sales is to support steam

It causes all sort of issues

Anyone who use his computer for serious purpose won't buy steam games

There are plenty of online delivery systems without using steam

current system works well

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EDIT: Steam vs Half Life

------------------------

Half life was a success LONG before steam even existed

Valve is the maker of BOTH Steam and Half Life

Seems some of you got your brain in reverse speed mode 

Half Life success encourage peoples signing up for steam, not the other way arround

Half Life 2 sales were the standard growth figures for a second title of a successful franchise.

I even think it did worst than expected

Check Diablo II versus Diablo I sales figure for a proper comparison

---------------

I don't think Steam had any positive impact. It just saves Valve money since they don't pay the 66% cut for distributors and resellers, and don't need to spend the (2$ ? ) per boxed set

They don't need that money to continue any development. They already make hugue profits compared to the development costs. It's only motivated by greed 

It would not be any benefit to Taleworlds, since they would pay a cut to Valve.

 

[Buxton]

I support it, it's a great way of spreading the word. Even if they just release the demo, it's more monies.

 

[An4Sh]

No

fastest way to hurt sales is to support steam

It causes all sort of issues

Anyone who use his computer for serious purpose won't buy steam games

There are plenty of online delivery systems without using steam

current system works well

Oh so that's why most games are starting to use steam and Half Life 2 was such a huge success...

 

[Dain Ironfoot]

I got steam recently to buy Portal and I love it. No problems at all. All those games and demos at my fingerips, all the HD trailers. I love it.

 

[Redcoat-Mic]

No

fastest way to hurt sales is to support steam

It causes all sort of issues

Anyone who use his computer for serious purpose won't buy steam games

There are plenty of online delivery systems without using steam

current system works well

Eh?
Steam is a mainstream distribution system, if mount and blade was realised on there huge numbers of people would see it.
As it stands now, every new release brings a tide of new people, but it's hardly a well known game just yet. (I know it's still in beta)
But anyone who uses their computer seriously? I don't get this boycott Steam thing, it's worked fine for me and it's very useful.

 

[lumikant]

Aside from that, Armagan also said there would be Non-Steam releases as well.

 

[azile0]

Please. No. I hate steam. It would force you to be on-line at all times to play. At least, I think. But, SALES wise, it would be a Bonanza of cash. Morally, I prefer it like this, untouched and innocent from large companies. Large companies molest smaller, non-mainstream company games.

 

[Redcoat-Mic]

Get real. Just because it's a big company doesn't mean it'll rape your childen.
Armagan has already stated he'd stay with this method as well. Steam is a very useful tool for many gamers and with broadband most people are online all the time anyway.
What possible damage could a DISTRIBUTION SERVICE do to M&B? It's not like their signing the rights over to EA.

 

[Hebrew_Hero]

Get real. Just because it's a big company doesn't mean it'll rape your childen.
Armagan has already stated he'd stay with this method as well. Steam is a very useful tool for many gamers and with broadband most people are online all the time anyway.
What possible damage could a DISTRIBUTION SERVICE do to M&B? It's not like their signing the rights over to EA.

Money is bad, people are bad. More money and people are bad. It makes people who work hard get rewarded for their work. Not just slave for more. What kind of example are we setting for our raped children?! Think of the raped children i beg of you!

Disclaimer: Heavy on the sarcasm.

 

[Luthius]

Hmmm.....

I got steam recently to buy Portal and I love it. No problems at all. All those games and demos at my fingerips, all the HD trailers. I love it.

That is such a damned GOOD game! So funny too.

Steam could work, doesn't really bother me either way - so long as i dont have to buy from steam.

 

[Dain Ironfoot]

Please. No. I hate steam. It would force you to be on-line at all times to play. At least, I think. But, SALES wise, it would be a Bonanza of cash. Morally, I prefer it like this, untouched and innocent from large companies. Large companies molest smaller, non-mainstream company games.

Eh? Steam works fine offline for me. It has an offline mode you know?