Installing BF-109K4 onto the Steam Version of DCS:W

[IvanTehFennec]

Hello! If you purchased BF-109K4 already from the ED Store, and wish to use it with the Steam version, and need help installing it, add me on Steam ( http://steamcommunity.com/id/fennecfoxes ), and I will assist you. It's fairly easy to do, and only involves editing a couple text-files. Installing ED-Store Modules on the Steam version is actually very possible, and easy as well.

 

Got questions? Ask, and I will answer.

[flare2000x]

Will steam sharing work with your method?

[IvanTehFennec]

Will steam sharing work with your method?

 

You mean like Family Sharing? If it's on the same computer, probably, but I haven't tested that yet. For a different computer, no, you'd have to install the Store Modules there, too.

 

If you mean the new "Steam Broadcasting" feature, yes, it most certainly works.

Edited December 3, 2014 by IvanTehFennec

[fearlessfrog]

Steam Family Sharing is disabled on the Steam base DCS World, and I don't think this will change that.

 

As for the hybrid install, the main two comments are:

 

- Support. If people mess up then it's a bit harder to help them, either stand-alone or Steam. Where some modules update and others don't it can be confusing for people not familiar with the bits. So basically a 'There be Dragons!' disclaimer/fair warnings when doing this stuff.

 

- Steam Publisher License Agreement. It breaks the standard dev publisher terms (I don't know ED's explicit agreement T&A but would guess this wasn't asked for as an exception). It's technically more of a 'spirit of agreement' loophole, where ED shop sell all the modules and then Steam is used as a free download service for the bulk of the app, i.e. no food for Gabe. Valve usually let this slide, but you can see that if a developer starts advocating or supporting it then it could turn into an issue.

 

The main reason for the hybrids is the new modules being released on the stand-alone first, which is purely a commercial decision and good for ED (plus Steam doesn't require exclusivity, not wants any). The bf109 files are up on Steam ready now, and the store page will be unlocked in a couple of weeks would be my best guess.

[IvanTehFennec]

Steam Family Sharing is disabled on the Steam base DCS World, and I don't think this will change that.

 

As for the hybrid install, the main two comments are:

 

- Support. If people mess up then it's a bit harder to help them, either stand-alone or Steam. Where some modules update and others don't it can be confusing for people not familiar with the bits. So basically a 'There be Dragons!' disclaimer/fair warnings when doing this stuff.

 

- Steam Publisher License Agreement. It breaks the standard dev publisher terms (I don't know ED's explicit agreement T&A but would guess this wasn't asked for as an exception). It's technically more of a 'spirit of agreement' loophole, where ED shop sell all the modules and then Steam is used as a free download service for the bulk of the app, i.e. no food for Gabe. Valve usually let this slide, but you can see that if a developer starts advocating or supporting it then it could turn into an issue.

 

The main reason for the hybrids is the new modules being released on the stand-alone first, which is purely a commercial decision and good for ED (plus Steam doesn't require exclusivity, not wants any). The bf109 files are up on Steam ready now, and the store page will be unlocked in a couple of weeks would be my best guess.

 

The first point is usually the killer: No one wants to attempt to support this all. I'm going to try.

[fearlessfrog]

The first point is usually the killer: No one wants to attempt to support this all. I'm going to try.

 

Yep, just wanted to point out the 'why', as in there's a decent reason why support can't be offered and that the points are related. :)

[IvanTehFennec]

Yep, just wanted to point out the 'why', as in there's a decent reason why support can't be offered and that the points are related. :)

 

Are you trying to imply I can't because of an unrelated publishing agreement that I'm not a part of?

[fearlessfrog]

Are you trying to imply I can't because of an unrelated publishing agreement that I'm not a part of?

 

You can do what you like, I was more referring to ED Support and TFC.

[IvanTehFennec]

You can do what you like, I was more referring to ED Support and TFC.

 

Of course. Anyways, I'm up to help so long as I'm awake.

[Nightsaint]

Ivan helped me 100%

 

Now attempting to take off in the K-4.

 

Great service and took me through the entire process of getting to work. A+ would take advice from again!

[SkateZilla]

You can install however you want privately,

 

However;

 

When you post the work around/procedure here,

 

That will likely cause version mismatches between base DCSW and Modules if not done correctly and maintained, then it becomes a support headache for the Developer/ED when the person opens a ticket with problems galore, But fails to mention they installed a ED Installer Module into Steam, and When they do, and ED says the Method is not supported nor endorsed, they reply with "I got it from your forum."

 

So like I said, until Wags, c0ff, or someone from the ED Team says this method is 100% Supported now, I wouldn't offer it up to everyone.

 

I had a few methods for installing ED Installer Modules into Steam, So Steam could still see it as installed and run with the overlays etc.etc, but in the end it's just easier to run the external DCSW.

Edited December 4, 2014 by SkateZilla

[IvanTehFennec]

You can install however you want privately,

 

However;

 

When you post the work around/procedure here,

 

That will likely cause version mismatches between base DCSW and Modules if not done correctly and maintained, then it becomes a support headache for the Developer/ED when the person opens a ticket with problems galore, But fails to mention they installed a ED Installer Module into Steam, and When they do, and ED says the Method is not supported nor endorsed, they reply with "I got it from your forum."

 

So like I said, until Wags, c0ff, or someone from the ED Team says this method is 100% Supported now, I wouldn't offer it up to everyone.

 

I had a few methods for installing ED Installer Modules into Steam, So Steam could still see it as installed and run with the overlays etc.etc, but in the end it's just easier to run the external DCSW.

 

And see, that's what I do differently. When I help them, I put all the knowledge to them, teach them how to maintain the seperate module installations with version files, and all the steps inbetween.

[emg]

teach them how to maintain the seperate module installations with version files, and all the steps inbetween.

 

Seems like a lot of work compared to using a regular ED install with the DCS updater?

Edited December 4, 2014 by emg

[IvanTehFennec]

Seems like a lot of work compared to using a regular ED install with the DCS updater?

 

But it's really not. Updating is this: Let steam do it's thing, then run DCS_Updater.exe in the bin folder to grab the newest version_info file. Bing, bang, boom, done.

[SkateZilla]

But it's really not. Updating is this: Let steam do it's thing, then run DCS_Updater.exe in the bin folder to grab the newest version_info file. Bing, bang, boom, done.

 

Wouldnt it be easier to install steam, then disable updating, then install ED DCS World in the same folder without overwriting steam's info files, so steam will assume its installed and launch with steam gui.stuff, but able to allow you to use dcs_updater and module manager.

[IvanTehFennec]

Wouldnt it be easier to install steam, then disable updating, then install ED DCS World in the same folder without overwriting steam's info files, so steam will assume its installed and launch with steam gui.stuff, but able to allow you to use dcs_updater and module manager.

 

 

Essentially, that's what's being done. However, using dcsupdater to do the majority of updating is more work than allowing steam to do most of it. So no, while it may be the same concept, it's more work to set up, and requires more work when an update is shipped.

[fearlessfrog]

Essentially, that's what's being done. However, using dcsupdater to do the majority of updating is more work than allowing steam to do most of it. So no, while it may be the same concept, it's more work to set up, and requires more work when an update is shipped.

 

There's some Steam guides here:

 

http://steamcommunity.com/app/223750/guides/?browsefilter=trend&requiredtags[]=Modding%20or%20Configuration

 

..that talk about similar ways.

 

Ivan - have you considered capturing this info in a short guide?

[fearlessfrog]

Plus, related to topic - Steam bf109 release is Dec 13th for anyone wondering.

[IvanTehFennec]

There's some Steam guides here:

 

http://steamcommunity.com/app/223750/guides/?browsefilter=trend&requiredtags[]=Modding%20or%20Configuration

 

..that talk about similar ways.

 

Ivan - have you considered capturing this info in a short guide?

 

I have considered it, but I much prefer handling with people on a 1 on 1 basis. Plus, I'm pretty lazy. Though now I'll certainly consider it.

[IvanTehFennec]

Plus, related to topic - Steam bf109 release is Dec 13th for anyone wondering.

 

Or it's out now for Steam if you want to spend 15 minutes to fly it now instead of waiting a week or two.

[emg]

But it's really not. Updating is this: Let steam do it's thing, then run DCS_Updater.exe in the bin folder to grab the newest version_info file. Bing, bang, boom, done.

 

Interesting, well I say good job to you since it makes people buy from the ED store and not Valve with their 40% cut. (Valve really need dev money for... Half Life 3, 2 years be sure!!)

[fearlessfrog]

Or it's out now for Steam if you want to spend 15 minutes to fly it now instead of waiting a week or two.

 

Well, every game is available for Steam now if you are ok with 'Add non-Steam game' and handling updates outside of Steam as well :)

 

Btw, do you take Steam credit - I have lots, and planned on picking up the bf109 that way?

[IvanTehFennec]

Well, every game is available for Steam now if you are ok with 'Add non-Steam game' and handling updates outside of Steam as well :)

 

What? If you're implying you can't play the Steam version of DCS with store modules, you're sorely mistaken

 

Btw, do you take Steam credit - I have lots, and planned on picking up the bf109 that way?

 

Okay, what are you asking? Are you asking if you can pay me? What?

[fearlessfrog]

What? If you're implying you can't play the Steam version of DCS with store modules, you're sorely mistaken

 

Okay, what are you asking? Are you asking if you can pay me? What?

 

The updates don't come from Steam, and if the reason to use Steam is to get everything from one place then you're missing the point of why people use it (other than the sales).

 

I can't use steam credit at the ED store. It's not that complicated to understand really.

[IvanTehFennec]

The updates don't come from Steam, and if the reason to use Steam is to get everything from one place then you're missing the point of why people use it (other than the sales).

 

I can't use steam credit at the ED store. It's not that complicated to understand really.

 

I take it you don't understand anything I've said in this thread, so I'll dumb it down for you. You install DCS through steam. You install an updater from ED. You put updater in the Steam DCS folder. You then install planes. All updates are through Steam. You only have to run the ED updater to download a single file thats smaller than a typical mp3. And no duh you can't use Steam credit on the ED store. What are you even getting at?