IvanTehFennec

You're either old or paranoid, or both. Steam does not require to be run to play DCS, nor most games on Steam. You could always download Dcs through steam, copy it to another directory, and then download open beta overtop of it. Steam is far from spyware, and what beta has been available to nonsteam that hasn't been on steam the same day? You can also install store modules into the steam version very easily.

Friendly reminder that you can infact use your ED Store keys just fine on the Steam version if installed correctly. The only odd step is to use ED's Updater tool to grab version-info files necessary for the modules to properly install.

I doubt they care. Hate to say, but I'm certain DCS makes up not even enough of sales to show up on a graph. Except mine's rather simple, and could be easier if ED supplied an updated "DCS_Update.exe" for which to use. That alone would cut 4 steps out of the procedure.

So, why can't ED take that next step, and simply publish a "How-To" for everyone?

So? Why can't the community post about how to do it with explicit disclaimers of "ED DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS" or something of the like? Not like people already do it, or modify game files. Hell, ED even gets more money this way, by showing people they don't have to wait to get Steam versions of their aircraft. Steam does not track playtime of non-steam games at all. You have to use a 3rd-party program (such as AMD Malware Evolved), to track time.

Maybe it's the fact that people want stat-tracking. Either way, it's FULLY possible to install ED Store modules into the Steam version without major issues, just the moderators always attempt to censor it. I'd write a full guide if they'd let me.

It looks as if maybe they didn't ship with any training missions. I'm not sure, since I don't use the store version. You'd think they'd ship with training, but eh.

No, you're getting off-topic. My discussion's still relevant to the (now merged) topic of the Steam version, and specific issues (regarding the store modules)

Recommended, but not required. I'm just saying there's an alternative for those who absolutely hate downloading from Russian servers, and want to use the steam version with the store modules.

Do you see "SUPPORTED BY ED: OFFICIAL" or any other statement indicating it's supported by you guys?

Stop what? Using it? No, I paid for the product, I'll use it as I please.

I actually don't have an entry in the training area for either the Dora or F-86. In this instance, I'd say running the ED Updater, then re-activating any steam-modules will do the trick, but I'm reluctant to try. I'll goof around with it to make it work.

Nope! One of the options when you activate is to use a pre-existing activation. At the bottom left, where you put your key in, should be "I already have an Activation Key". Press that, press yes, and it's ready to go.

1.) Purchase a module from the ED Store 2.) Download the Module's installer from the ED Store 3.) Make sure DCS is up-to-date with whatever silly beta version from Steam 4.) Once you're at the right V#, install your module into the DCSW main directory on Steam 5.) Once installed, navigate to that Aircraft's "Bin" folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\DCSWorld\Mods\aircrafts\F-86\bin for the Sabre as an example.) 6.) Run aircraftname_protect.exe as an administrator. 7.) Select "Activate or Deactivate" a product. 8.) Insert key and activate 9.) Play the game you paid for, how you wanted to. Easy-peasy. Sidenote: With every update to DCS, you'll have to repeat the process for each aircraft you've purchased off the store. Sucks, but worth it IMO to just never touch DCS's slow updater.

Except you can. Mind you, you have to re-download the aircraft from the store with each update, but it can be done without any other drawbacks, and with how slow ED is at getting up anything, it shouldn't be that big an issue.

Except they 100% can. I fly my Sabre and Dora (ED Store Vers) on my Steam-version DCS, and update and everything. They work in multiplayer just fine.

Wrong. You can buy keys from ED store, download installer, and install over the Steam version, works fine. True enough. Let's see: Easy communication with friends, overlay in-game, stats-tracking, easy screenshot sharing/uploading, and that doesn't even begin to dig into the non-DCS-related things.

Dragging their ass?

Yes. Yes, yes, and yes.

You don't even have to uninstall the Steam version, just update over it using the standalone patcher, install/activate your aircraft, and repair using Steam. Viola, non-steam modules with the Steam version.

Easy way to talk with friends, loads more games than just DCS, built-in overlay, the list goes on.

So glad I kept that coupon from buying TrackIR. Bought Sabre for 20$.

I have no clue how I managed to miss that. I even read the damned thing like four times. :(

With the end of keys merged to Steam Are we able to use our Steam-keys to activate our products outside of Steam? I recently purchased TrackIR 5, and got a 60%-off any module code. I was going to purchase either the Sabre or the MiG-21bis (whoever managed to shove their product out the door first), and use the key from the store on Steam. Now that I can't do that, can I use my Steam product keys to activate a non-steam version of each module?