paradox anti-drm? not from my experience.

[TheLoneGunman]

Steam is not DRM.

DRM either
- Limits the number of installations
- Requires for you to be online to play the game
- Prevents you from using 3rd party software that modify the executable when it's running (like trainers)

EU4 will require none of these.

Steam isn't DRM all of the time. Though a number of games require a first time authentication from the Steam server before you can play the game in offline mode.

Honestly, I could personally care less whether it is DRM or not, what is more worrisome to me is how it is getting its tentacles into every single game these days. Soon, you'll have no choice but to install Steam if you want to play a game, and since Steam also sells the games you may as well buy the game from them too, and that will be a sad day.

 

[unmerged(81596)]

DRM either
- Limits the number of installations
- Requires for you to be online to play the game
- Prevents you from using 3rd party software that modify the executable when it's running (like trainers)

Nope. DRM checks your digital rights, that's all. Your list is a subset of things some DRM does, not an exclusive or exhaustive list. You can have the rights to install something on an unlimited number of devices with just a check to make sure you've purchased it, for example, and that is still DRM- in contrast to an executable that does not check on install each time that you've bought it.

And it look like Paradox will utilize Steamworks feature in their upcoming titles, so Steam (the client) set to be a fixed requirement.

Yeah, I'm not sure how Johan's list of stuff that they're going to implement (especially using steam's network api) gels with the belief that the client won't be necessary in every practical sense.

 

[Syber]

Not with EU4, which will be Steam only - CK2's GG sales were so tiny it's just no worthwhile supporting a second version with extra features (ie the in-game store).

What!? Well, another non-player of EU4 here too if that remains.

 

[Pete0714]

As I've said before in these threads which keep coming up time to time, my issue has been the matter of choice. By allowing steam essentially a monopoly on the PC market, all choices for the consumer to decide what they want to have on their system is taken away. That is paradoxes choice of course, but don't be surprised when there are those who are disappointed in that decision enough to voice an opinion, even with their decision not to buy. In my opinion, they are making a bold and informed choice by saying that they don't want something forced on them that they didn't want to buy. Too many of these forums have been filled with statements attacking or belittling these people for making these decisions, even coming from those within paradox. Respect your customers for their opinions, respect your fellow gamers for their choices, (and to those against steam,please show the same respect).

 

[Marshall18]

In the early days I used to buy Paradox games and install them on both my computers. Then I could invite friends over to play those games via LAN. AFAIK this is not possible with steam

 

[AndrewT]

In the early days I used to buy Paradox games and install them on both my computers. Then I could invite friends over to play those games via LAN. AFAIK this is not possible with steam

Sigh. One more time: PDS games (eg CK2, EU3) do NOT need the Steam client to be running to play. So you sign into Steam on one machine, install the game, sign out, sign in on the other and do the same. Then you're done, you can then run the game on both PCs outside Steam.

 

[AndrewT]

Nope. DRM checks your digital rights, that's all.

DRM:

DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that are not desired or intended by the content provider.

The Steam client does not do this, ergo it is not DRM. Checking that you are legally entitled to the game before installing is NOT DRM.

 

[trajan]

As I've said before in these threads which keep coming up time to time, my issue has been the matter of choice. By allowing steam essentially a monopoly on the PC market, all choices for the consumer to decide what they want to have on their system is taken away. That is paradoxes choice of course, but don't be surprised when there are those who are disappointed in that decision enough to voice an opinion, even with their decision not to buy. In my opinion, they are making a bold and informed choice by saying that they don't want something forced on them that they didn't want to buy. Too many of these forums have been filled with statements attacking or belittling these people for making these decisions, even coming from those within paradox. Respect your customers for their opinions, respect your fellow gamers for their choices, (and to those against steam,please show the same respect).

I respect their bold and informed choice and I'm sure Paradox does as well. But meanwhile they're making truckloads of money by using Steam and ignoring the vocal minority who choose not to use it. As they should.

 

[Lor Dric]

Greed over service wins every time.

 

[AndrewT]

Greed over service wins every time.

Again, what are you asking for? That PDS make and selling specific GG versions at a loss? IOW, what would you have them do?

 

[TheLoneGunman]

Again, what are you asking for? That PDS make and selling specific GG versions at a loss? IOW, what would you have them do?

Isn't it possible to play games through Steam without requiring Steam be installed? Or has Steam done away with such functionality since I last touched it? I don't see how that costs more, unless your entire DLC model revolves around selling directly through an in-game Steam-only interface.

 

[Will Lucky]

Please people, listen to Andrew here he knows exactly what he is talking about.

 

[Lor Dric]

Again, what are you asking for? That PDS make and selling specific GG versions at a loss? IOW, what would you have them do?

Make one boxed version that sold everywhere, no more separate versions for digital distribution. Oh wait, cheap, cheap, cheap.

 

[th1rt3en]

Please people, listen to Andrew here he knows exactly what he is talking about.

But i can't accept his stance about "Steam isn't DRM". Doesn't have to be a complex explanation, Steam is a form of DRM no matter how you look at it.

 

[th1rt3en]

Sigh. One more time: PDS games (eg CK2, EU3) do NOT need the Steam client to be running to play. So you sign into Steam on one machine, install the game, sign out, sign in on the other and do the same. Then you're done, you can then run the game on both PCs outside Steam.

That's true, for now. But how about the upcoming titles? If it's true that they're going to utilize Steamwork networking API and bunch of other feature, i'm having hard time to believe the game able to run without Steam.

 

[Davisx3m]

As long as Paradox stays away from Origin I'm totally happy with steam

 

[Castellon]

Steam is still DRM, same as Gamers Gate since you have to be online to install the game. And it look like Paradox will utilize Steamworks feature in their upcoming titles, so Steam (the client) set to be a fixed requirement.

Technically with Gamersgate if you keep the DL install folder, you do not need to be logged in to install the game if you deleted it from your system or wish to install it again. You are only loggin in to download it from your account.

 

[Variton]

Make one boxed version that sold everywhere, no more separate versions for digital distribution. Oh wait, cheap, cheap, cheap.

... and bankruptcy. As Steam requires a steam version of the game and not providing THAT one would mean huge losses in sales. Cheap is not always the best. You do want PDS games in the future too? Then good sales should be something to applaud to (and if steam makes that happen then three Hoorays for Steam!)

But I do agree that, even if Steam does not equal DRM as the term is technically described, it does need the game keys on each installation and therefore is "copyprotectionish", unlike gog or GG.

 

[JoxerNL]

This whole discussion is pointless.
It is clear for those who know a thing or two about computers and networks that steam cannot be considered a DRM for Paradox games.

It is a digital download platform which requires you to log in and show your "you".
However with Paradox games after the initial install, you can log out, install it on a different computer, and then leave both steams offline while enjoying the Paradox games in a LAN or online enviroment.

 

[Marshall18]

Sigh. One more time: PDS games (eg CK2, EU3) do NOT need the Steam client to be running to play. So you sign into Steam on one machine, install the game, sign out, sign in on the other and do the same. Then you're done, you can then run the game on both PCs outside Steam.

Alright! Sorry I didn't know this