btdog

January 07, 2012 at 5:16pm

I'm rapidly approaching 4 decades, so I'm from an older generation - one that relies on tangible, physical media.  I don't trust electronic data files, I trust my ability to maintain CDs/DVDs.  And then you have companies (like Apple's iTunes) that say, "if you lose your song, we'll happilly replace - with the second copy you purchase."  So for these reasons (not too mention all my precious data out on the interwebs), I resisted Steam for several year; to the point that if the game said I needed to install Steam, I would pass on purchasing it.

But Steam was becoming a juggernaut in the industry, so I couldn't ignore it forever.  I finally brokedown and read how Steam operated...and I was impressed.  I could use any computer (I could even have the game installed on 2 computers at once!)?  I didn't have to buy it again?  They would house a record of my library indefinitely?  Allow me unlimited downloads? Well, it was almost too good to be true - many of my hesitations no longer applied.  So about 2 years ago I started using Steam...slowly at first (buying only a handful of games).  As the old saying goes, "if it's too good to be true, then it probably isn't."

But so far, it's been wonderful.  I ran up a huge bill over the holidays because I finally succumbed to their siren call.  And I'm very happy I did.

I say all this because other internet based companies can learn a valuable lesson from their service.  I still buy CDs for music and DVDs for movies because I still don't trust electronic media AND I don't want to have to buy it again if I lose my HDD (and I ultimately buy less because I have the cost and storage of the media to consider).  But I've spent several hundreds with Steam - often buying items I normally wouldn't because of the price; BUT most importantly, because when I finally do get around to playing it (no matter what computer I'm using now or how many times I've lost data) Steam will let me play with the game I purchased - a right I think I've earned.

 

afunyun

January 06, 2012 at 1:29pm

I love their sales :'D

Roll Tide

January 06, 2012 at 12:18pm

The best part about the incredible deals and games available on steam is that it encourages "giftiness". I have given DLC and indie games as well as games like Portal to others.

 

In a side note ROLL TIDE! January 9th.

T0mmy1977

January 06, 2012 at 11:48am

Steam rocks. ;)

Marthian

January 06, 2012 at 10:48am

While I'll chock this up as great news, I don't think Steam has 1800+ games. 1400+ games sure, but I believe it would be 1800+ when you include DLC, 90 of that is for one game.

unsunghero225

January 06, 2012 at 10:45am

hut how many of those accounts are unique??

I personally have had 2-3.... usually due to forgetting passwords, and paying next to nothing for the game again

i know several people in similar situations..... although i guess 3 accounts is still 3 accounts

bling581

January 06, 2012 at 10:46am

Overall Steam has performed well and I haven't had any issues with most games I own. One or two like to crash once in a while to the desktop, like Torchlight, but I can't prove if it's the game or Steam client. Skyrim has been a major pain but I think most if not all the blame goes to Bethesda. I haven't played it since they added 4GB RAM support so hopefully that fixed a lot.

Steam sales are excellent and I've saved a lot of money buying games at 50%-75% off. I was a bit angry that I didn't wait to buy Arkham City.

I haven't even had a chance to play it yet but I pre-ordered it because they were giving $10 if you owned Arkham Asylum. Then they go and sell it for 50% off over Christmas! /end rant

Note to devs: Without Steam I don't think I would've heard of half the games that have caught my interest, especially indie titles. There are quite a few games that just don't get a ton of promos but are excellent. One good reason why you should sell games with Steam.

 

TommM

January 06, 2012 at 10:42am

And I think I have about 1,650 of those games due to their damn sales.  :p