PCGames http://pcgames.de 06/09, scanned pages: 144-149 OCR by unknown application. google.com/translate to convert from german to english. ========================= Counter-Strike (dt.) is to blame for everything. And so we do not refer to the unspeakable Killerspiel-De discounts that are currently back to a new maximum-negative form äuft Resolution. No, we think Steam. Valve's online platform, which since its publication in 2003 by the niche product for the internationally acclaimed distribution is Ascended form. A look at the beginnings: As a Counter-Strike (Ger) 1999 (first as Modifi cation, and later as a separate game) for Half-Life (dt.) appeared and the multiplayer shooter a breeze for most popular online game became smokeless data at the valve heads. Because with the traditional method, the network WON (World Opponent Network), reached not be enough players. It had a system be created which allow large numbers player, good protection against fraudsters offered tables and auto-updates supported. The idea was born to Steam A few years later, in 2002, then had his first steam presence. It was the first version of Counter-Strike 1.4 tested, but was still not compulsory for the players. But the system proved itself and it was Steam with CS 1.6 fl surface-introduced. The outrage among the players knew no bounds. Finally, it was torn from familiar paths, a service delivered, the Gottweißwas with the computer-presented! Steam addition devoured much more computer power, so that some players simply stayed on the track. Fit because his personality had to steam under the critical eyes of the players has yet to prove. That protest availed nothing, Valve schal WON-ing a year later from the final time. Angry fans that created WON2; still are lots of Counter-Strike 1.5 is possible. It took some time before it managed Valve, the angeknackste confidence back. The hope of many, Steam would fail, broke suddenly, as Valve's flagship shooter Half-Life 2 (dt.) came into the shops. Because Gordon's adventures were - the first commercially available game-all - directly linked to Steam. Again it came defective information on the packaging to angry protests from buyers. This has led even to the extent that Valve from German consumer protection because of this Regulation was säumnisse comply. Since Half-Life 2 (dt.) also was available via Steam, it came to gedessen Consequently, disputes with publishers Vivendi. Valve-ge when the paths split. The success of Steam, however, was no longer aufzuhalten.Besonders independent developer Valve's platform took place in a paradise. After all, small studios are rare or even on contracts with large audience shern, since the distribution of un-known games hardly worthwhile. Steam was also in the initial period a pure Valve-platform games, pub-lish came not on the idea ken, this form of distribution to use. That changed with Rag Doll Kung Fu. This little hobby project of the programmer Mark Healey in 2005 was released via Steam. Although the funny animated works playfully hardly convincing, but it showed that steam is more than a mere Valve history. In retrospect, proved to be the sale of Rag Doll Kung Fu for Valve as a blessing, a new (and probably the most impor-te) door was geöffnet.Heute cavort many un-related indie games on Steam, usually on a small budget available are. However, we must mention that many games their first gig to another platform owe: console players know the majority of titles from Xbox Live Arcade, of an on-line games for the Xbox 360 However, Steam is currently a good choice for developers with little money to their babies to the general PC public. The truly great success of the indie games, however, there is also large publishers fear Steam to take. It is precisely the project Valves had always regarded with suspicion. Sure, why even his own games to publish someone else confide? Gradually dared the first big names in the industry, among them pioneering Activision. However, it was not the big, important title that first appeared on Steam. Older titles were offered a trial basis, about the first Call of Duty Parts. Even Sega began 2006 with Medieval 2, the successful strategy series on the steam to a wider audience to open. The success came, others went Publi sher-A. Eidos sent Agent 47 (from the Hitman series) into the race, Ubisoft and Electronic Arts also published and followed adorned their great titles. Val-ve increased by game developers for games publishers on. But still, there were almost only Valve's own games, which must access a steam-ahead set. But that should be evolved over the years. Just a few months ago, there were several steam reluctant disappointed. Indeed, some manufacturers began using their new Steam verknüpfen.Ein too absurd for many players, is finally forced unwelcome. Publisher THQ PFI ff drauf and presented Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 2 with the steam connection to the shops. How beneficial this idea was soon revealed. Even the release of the game sent the developers a patch through the steam lines, the set of all what the programmer until the sales launch were not achieved. Sega also dared this step and its associated long-awaited Empire: Total War with Valve's platform. Why did this decision? We have demanded and Fabian Döhla, PR Manager for Sega, has provided information willingly. Thus, it is primarily the desire of The Creative Assembly have been. All parts were previously on several occasions and often cumbersome via forums or magazine media have been patched. Now developers can quickly patch, multiplayer Fea-tures or Steam Achievements easier to integrate. Even the copy protection plays a central role. The entire interview with PR man Döhla fi nd in Kas-ten on this page. The emotive word "copy" also plays in a big steam-roller ße. Indeed, without listening to the big publishers, it seems no longer to go. They tried a lot, the victims have limited installation, consultation and other internet harassment usually the honest public buyers. Sega says: "Sure would be a game without copy protection for the retail optimal. But economically, this would probably be a total loss. "For Sega, the distribution platform Steam Neuland, with unimaginable dangers up all time. It happened around that the server is on sale starting the pressure of the players hardly stand. Empire until the player could play ten, passed partly painfully long hours, the download-to-pointer crept forward at a snail's pace. A short time later for German users fehlerhaf Patch Requirements-ter, the Empire was to crash. One day it took until the developer could mend. Sega said: "Empire: Total War in this regard was for us a Premiere. But these errors are combined with the steam team quickly analyzed and resolved - the co-operation can be very good. The faulty Hotfi x was of course tragic, but we need also the buyers of Empire apologize. After this problem, we could then at least thanks to the Steam timely resolved. "So Steam proved in this case as a double-edged sword. One updates the retail reach much faster the other hand, put faulty patch all games in one fell swoop lame. Nevertheless, the project will steam at Sega as a success: "Steam was certainly no experi-ment. We are, despite the criticism very satisfied. " Steam is thus the ultimate solution? Finally, the advantages of the platform compared to the conventional copy protection on his hand. Nevertheless triggers the system is here again and again encountered resistance. Many game manufacturers are opposed to any form of simply perceived as patronizing. The distrust is deep. A common argument among opponents of steam is forced, on-line to be. Although there is an even-ing offl ine mode, but in order to cur-rent or download patches the game to even install, the computer with the Internet ver-fi eser sein.Noch blocked: If a current patch is not installed, can be the game will not boot. Naturally vibrates at many also fear a possible server shutdown on with Valve. Because the developers go bankrupt, or the server park dissolves in a fire in smoke, it also acquired the expensive game unusable. This possibility is extremely low, but they con-durchaus.Ein additional disadvantage for buyers of Steam games is also the big advantage for developers. While finally called their titles longer develop, and possible errors in the last minute before launch can fix, fans in the store to buy a pig in a sack and, in principle, possibly an unfinished product. But what if XY is no longer create timely, the major start-patch incorporated play? Then feel honest buyer verschaukelt right. Sega also takes place: "We do not hold steam for allerbes-te, or even a perfect solution. But surely the best way, Empire: Total War to play and up to date. "The final word in matters of copyright protection is not yet spoken, but seems to be at least as Steam lesser evil compared to Se-curom and enforce Co. Valve's online platform offers yet more incentives for Publi sher and developers: For a product depends on its ability longevity, by a solid Fanba base is maintained. Valve itself has Provided the games with his. Nowhere else is it so easy to create Modifi cations. The tools needed for Valve titles are published directly on Steam. Moreover Valve offers good basic mods a presentation, published promising fan projects directly through Steam. Even developers themselves via Steam can intervene quickly and easily new levels, videos or Achievements in due course, and so their product lives on hold. Surely this is a delightful alternative to outrageously expensive advertising bespots, often the target audience will pass. Another argument of opponents of Steam is not out of hand are: games, you acquire with steam, are always with your actual game account connected. That means: The sale of used Ti-tion is almost impossible to ge-making. If you your account information lose all your games are also gone. Wishes would be desirable in the opinion of many readers, we are on this topic have questioned a possible transfer of games between the accounts. Valve that with the implementation of such features Troe-ment, is of purely eco-nomic position to understand. Finally, one's own interest - and this is where all the love for the fans, the sale of games - true. This will probably will hardly change. A major advantage of the platform, many opponents, perhaps with your Steam games on multiple computers and then install in to a variety of places to play, the titles are also tied to the account and thus usable anywhere where you have access to the In Internet have. Lending activities from the video games and the sample with the copy of the miners are unfortunately also passé. Besides the problems with the resale of the games, many of the Datensammelwut Valve as a major nuisance. Because Steam is not exactly modest when it comes to its users auszuspähen, even if only to play and never to private data. A circumstance that so many players difficult to trust them, is also Val-ve clear. Therefore, the com-pany in return, as many of the collected information available to the public. There are many highly integrated data interesting, because steam captured about what Achievements gs on frequent-ing met, how many users when online, which Ti-tel most played or - example Team Fortress 2 - in which point in the game the majority of players have died. This Valve is trying its customers to take the fear that their data Schindluder driven. The information you fi nd üb-rigens under http://store.steampo-wered.com/stats.Auch if Valve with Steam after years of hard work on the seemingly objective is cash, the wheels do not stand still. The last major project, Steam Works, was directed at developers. The steam can free features works by using steam. A tempting offer, finally, the platform offers a community function, a secure copy protection and a proven match-making technology. Disadvantage: The genetically-erzwun connectivity and thus dependence on Steam. On the other hand, players are looking forward to the Steam Cloud. Thus, a new feature that worked at the straight-tion is. With it, it will be possible keyboard Confi guration memory and stands on the Steam servers to store. So no matter where you log in, your last memory state is still there - even if you uninstall the game and after years jungle. All these advantages only seep slowly into the minds of the players. Too many are the disadvantages le in the foreground. In our forum to pcgames.de emerged about a heated discussion. A user called steam even as nicely packaged on customer crimes. " Rule-rights struggle were spent slogans such as: "Who likes to be blind and without self-esteem at Valve would like to sell, may do so quietly, but should accept that others are not from Valve over the ear and cut across departments. "Others were on the other hand, tried to clarify misunderstandings, and took advantage of the platform into the conversation. An employment agreement was not, however erzielt.Unabhängig like this, one finds unabrückbar: Steam is a successful product, which consists of the games industry is no longer indispensable. Those who are in, there is a practical instrument to communicate with friends to play songs on the way here and there, perhaps offering a discount to use. Who does not use steam-zen want today still comes from without. Because neither the least games require Steam, patches can also be derleicht-kin in the network and distributed communities fi nds it in abundance in various social networks. Only on Valve's own products have Steam opponents probably forever renounce. Because on your own horse, the American-European developers with security systems. And the triumphant terführen continued until the server of a Ta-ges - in the distant future, perhaps - but shut down. ========================= INTERVIEW WITH FABIAN DÖHLA, SENIOR PR MANAGER FOR SEGA "Steam was certainly not an experiment" PC Games: Sega has chosen to Empire: Total War via Steam ichtend Commit to publish. Why? Döhla: "This happened - whether one believes it or not - primarily at the request of The Creative Assembly out. All Total War games have so far been repeatedly patched. Especially when balancing is always a lot of fine tuning needed. So far we had awkward patches via the forum or on cover mount disc publishing. As a result, after two months, played every other version. Steam is a great step forward, as the developer of instant patch, multiplayer features and Achievements also easy to integrate or to extend. Of course the copy protection also plays an important role in this is indisputable. But it's not just about. "PC Games: Where do you think the biggest disadvantage of steam? Döhla:" Not every player has an on-line access - which is but for the activation of inevitable. About Empire: Total War still wants to play, it must be activated elsewhere fours, which of course is suboptimal. In addition, there are many reservations and pre-judgments on Steam. "PC Games: German players are more likely than Steam disincline known. A problem? Döhla: "Yes, there are many in Germany consider reservations against Steam, as it is in Germany for a long time many reservations against credit cards were and are. We can partially understand, but see the advantages of a Steam release for a game like Empire as a key to. We were criticized for Medieval 2, since the patches are not properly communicate niziert were there problems with a variety of language versions, and the multiplayer was not properly working. Now we have these problems solved, but to get the distribution headwind. It is in our Au-gen impossible, the perfect solution. Sure would be a game without copy protection for the retail optimal. But economically, this would probably be a total loss. We do not hold steam for the very best or perfect solution, but for sure the best way to play Empire and up to date. "PC Games: Sega Does Steam as a platform for the future or was a single experiment? Döhla: "Steam was certainly not an experiment. We are, despite the criticism very satisfied. The error rate at the time of installation is much smaller than you might suspect. It is the nature of things that are problems with buyers complaining, which is completely okay. If a general dislike Steam, but then a targeted Bad speeches of a very good product will do so the developer and the publisher obviously hurt. " ========================= Indurated FRONTS: THE READERS SAY THE -------- On our website we have pcgames.de demand: What do our Users of Steam? Where do they think the biggest advantages and disadvantages? The results show: The community is divided into two camps. ----------- Some reject steam principle, interfere mainly to the enforced Internet connectivity and Datensammelwut the client. We have a few opinions together and start with the positive reviews: ----------- + "The management of mods is very easy" + Automatic Updates, no DVD in the drive longer necessary " + Beautiful selection of Independent Games + "All the games are clearly summarized." + "Just simple!" + "Friends list, community and Achievements at a Glance!" ----------- The advantages of the platform have certainly achieved a lot of players. But the other side has some strong arguments. Unfortunately, but a strict, purely principled rejection prevail. True to the Motto: "What the farmer does not know that he eats not." The call of the steam is still not as bad as it seems may have ----------- - "No second-hand market for games" - "Depending on the Steam servers" - "In the Cut offers lower prices than the steam in the trade." - "I am disturbed ... everything!" - "The mere fact that I am forced to be a steam account up to Half-Life 2 to play, is a bottomless insolence. " - "I like these online platforms simply do not." ======================== WOULD YOU BUY A GAME, THE MANDATORY PRESUPPOSES STEAM? - 48%: Yes - 17%: In no case - 35%: Only if it is a great game. ----------------- Do YOU THAT STEAM DATA COLLECT FROM USERS? - 55%: Yes - 45%: no. ----------------- BUY DIRECT GAMES ON STEAM? - 36%: Yes - 64%: No, I want a separate package. ----------------- STEAM IS FOR YOU THE FORM OF A FAIR DRM copy protection than conventional? - 58%: Yes - 19%: No, - 23%: I reject any copy protection from. ======================= Valve - COMPANY PROFILE The American Studio Developer Valve has grown over the years a reputation as an excellent game manufacturer developed. Since 1996, there are Valve, founded by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington. Two years later the Americans attracted international Stir with her debut feature Half-Life (dt.). For the first time came for a first-person shooter on the market, with out history, (then) unimaginable optics and a bunch of crazy weapons today than almost unmatched Masterpiece applies. This game is probably thanks to the modding scene was unexpected inflow and thus again the triumph of the world's most played multiplayer shooter Counter-Strike (dt.) einläutete. After various add-ons for Half-Life published in 2004 the sequel, Half-Life 2, followed by two more episodes. 2007 Valve did with the Orange Box himself, in addition to the innovative portal also the long-awaited Team Fortress 2 contained. The youngest offspring of the Erfolgsfi rma is Left 4 Dead (Ger), an equally simple as exciting multiplayer shooter