Open any gaming PC, and chances are the blue icon of Steam is sitting right there on the desktop. Not hidden, not optional, but almost expected. Over time, Steam has gone from being just another launcher to becoming the default storefront for PC gaming, almost like a built-in part of the experience. The Monopoly Nobody […]
That’s not an issue with Steam that is an issue with consumer protection and copy right laws.
It’s definitely as issue with Steam. Once you purchase a game you can’t just launch it…you need to launch it through their platform. I don’t want to have my internet connected and Steam updated just to play a game.
That’s only true if the publisher chooses to use DRM.
A meaningless distinction when none of the games you bought can’t be launched without Steam.
It’s important to know who the bad guys are and what are the tools they use. We (gamers) should be focusing on the DMCA and publishers that use DRM. DRM providers are a simptom of laws that allow people to be screwed, not the problem it’s self.
This is above my pay grade. I’ll never select a game for anything other than it’s enjoyability.
I definitely regret chaining myself to Steam…even if I didn’t know what I was getting myself into at the time. if I want to continue play the games bought there…I have to use Steam forever. Should be illegal.
I’m not advocating that we stop buying games. Life is to short, do the things you love and enjoy. It’s you last sentence that is the key part, “should be illegal”. That is what we need to focus on. DRM and platform lockin should be illegal. Now let’s make that happen.