Steam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Steam Specific Issues

[fearlessfrog]

Certain future modules may not be available on steam, either! Steam has no open.beta option (parallel install synching from your HDD). Betas available to ED customers months to years before Steam release. Updates available earlier. Modding the game more difficult. ED getting lees of the revenue when buying on steam (which adds less m oney to development ressource), and so on...

 

Personally I don't like a software controlling what I can do with stuff I bought, forcing me to start a "spyware" everytime I want to play, etc.

 

The little "convenience" of "auto updates" and "buddylist" are a minor advantage compared to the list of disadvantages, at least for me...

 

The only thing that you said correctly was that modules get chosen to be released earlier outside of Steam. Everything else was wrong.

[shagrat]

The only thing that you said correctly was that modules get chosen to be released earlier outside of Steam. Everything else was wrong.

 

As for the open.beta: read again, then read again and comprehend. Open.beta on non-steam copies the files from DCS locally! You have Open.beta installed in parallel right?

It took you 15 min, correct, as it copied the files from your existing DCS install? No?

 

The Open.beta is a parallel install to test as beta tester. The DCS installer can handle things pretty intelligent.

 

The rest is personal experience on a friends PC... it's interesting to see how Steam client launch every time he wants to play Assassins Creed etc. Ok, Origin is far worse...

 

Steam did a scan of his registry to find games, also it searched in his user profile (ok, I don't know if they changed that in the last years... as I'm pretty old :D )

 

Also, did you ever try to sell or give away one of your Steam games? If you are an EU citizen it is legal as the vendor of a licence is transferring the licence to you, so you own it legally. You are entitled to give it away, sell it, as you please. Only problem Steam would rather ignore european law and argue with their subscriber agreement.

 

As for the "paranoid" you should meet the IT security guy in our company, he is pretty good in showing us how "paranoid" we should be.

 

I do not force you steam fanboys to deinstall steam, by no means. Somebody asked what people don't like about Steam and I voiced my oppinion.

 

If you can't take it, no need to get harsh or disrespectful towards the elderly! :thumbdown:

Edited November 10, 2014 by shagrat

[shagrat]

You can also install store modules into the steam version very easily.

And how do you activate them???

 

Steam does not except ED shop keys into their database, anymore.

The first 3rd party module that doesn't get sold on steam and - wham - you need to install ED's DCS World or pass on the module.

 

May be you are too young to understand that... :smartass:

 

Just read the Uppermost line in RED:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/

[fearlessfrog]

Ok, here's the info you need:

 

- The Steam version gets updates at the same time as the ED version, as the build scripts uploads to the Steam distribution at the same time as the ED one. You were incorrect about this in your post, so I wanted to correct you.

 

- The Steam open-beta version works great, and is available like the updates at exactly the same time as the ED release. You said it actually didn't exist, so I wanted to correct you. I like to help.

 

- The Steam open-beta uses a delta of your current install, in a similar way to the ED one. You were incorrect about this again, so hopefully you are seeing a theme emerge here.

 

As for the rest of the nonsense about secret stuff happening 'on a friends PC', whatever. I had a friend that saw BigFoot once, and he swears he'll see him again one-day. Steam is by far the most successful PC download store, with about 90% market share and over 100 million active Steam accounts. ED needs to sell through that store to be pragmatic about it.

 

I don't care you don't use Steam, I just want to help correct any misinformation I read where people that don't like it use either their ignorance or excuses to make stuff up about it. ED has made some really good money from that store, and that helps the sim overall.

 

Ignorance isn't anything to do with being young or old. Phrases like 'fan-boy' would be something I would expect a kid to say, and you don't sound like a kid. You should share your opinion about Steam, and I welcome it, but then you should also understand you'll be corrected when you say things that are completely wrong too.

 

PS You are attributing things to me in your reply that I didn't say, and I think you have your replies mixed up. Easy to do at any age. :)

 

As for the open.beta: read again, then read again and comprehend. Open.beta on non-steam copies the files from DCS locally! You have Open.beta installed in parallel right?

It took you 15 min, correct, as it copied the files from your existing DCS install? No?

 

The Open.beta is a parallel install to test as beta tester. The DCS installer can handle things pretty intelligent.

 

The rest is personal experience on a friends PC... it's interesting to see how Steam client launch every time he wants to play Assassins Creed etc. Ok, Origin is far worse...

 

Steam did a scan of his registry to find games, also it searched in his user profile (ok, I don't know if they changed that in the last years... as I'm pretty old :D )

 

Also, did you ever try to sell or give away one of your Steam games? If you are an EU citizen it is legal as the vendor of a licence is transferring the licence to you, so you own it legally. You are entitled to give it away, sell it, as you please. Only problem Steam would rather ignore european law and argue with their subscriber agreement.

 

As for the "paranoid" you should meet the IT security guy in our company, he is pretty good in showing us how "paranoid" we should be.

 

I do not force you steam fanboys to deinstall steam, by no means. Somebody asked what people don't like about Steam and I voiced my oppinion.

 

If you can't take it, no need to get harsh or disrespectful towards the elderly! :thumbdown:

Edited November 10, 2014 by fearlessfrog

[fearlessfrog]

And how do you activate them???

 

Steam does not except ED shop keys into their database, anymore.

The first 3rd party module that doesn't get sold on steam and - wham - you need to install ED's DCS World or pass on the module.

 

May be you are too young to understand that... :smartass:

 

Just read the Uppermost line in RED:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/

 

Check out the guides here:

 

http://steamcommunity.com/app/223750/guides/

 

I think it's called 'How to activate Non-Steam modules to Steam' or near-abouts.

[IvanTehFennec]

And how do you activate them???

 

Steam does not except ED shop keys into their database, anymore.

The first 3rd party module that doesn't get sold on steam and - wham - you need to install ED's DCS World or pass on the module.

 

May be you are too young to understand that... :smartass:

 

Just read the Uppermost line in RED:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/

 

It is very possible. It's 3 major steps.

 

The very basic part is that you have to install the module over the steam version, go to that module's bin folder and run protect.exe with admin rights. Stick the key in, activate it, and then you must run DCS_UPDATE.exe, which you'll have to grab from the store. It'll download the necessary store version file, since steam doesnt download that, and you're all set. Age does not mean you're suddenly wiser than the rest of us. Even if 20 is young to you, at least I'm not some dinosaur.

Edited November 10, 2014 by IvanTehFennec

[MiG21bisFishbedL]

Certain future modules may not be available on steam, either! Steam has no open.beta option (parallel install synching from your HDD). Betas available to ED customers months to years before Steam release. Updates available earlier. Modding the game more difficult. ED getting lees of the revenue when buying on steam (which adds less m oney to development ressource), and so on...

 

Personally I don't like a software controlling what I can do with stuff I bought, forcing me to start a "spyware" everytime I want to play, etc.

 

The little "convenience" of "auto updates" and "buddylist" are a minor advantage compared to the list of disadvantages, at least for me...

 

[shagrat]

It is very possible. It's 3 major steps.

 

The very basic part is that you have to install the module over the steam version, go to that module's bin folder and run protect.exe with admin rights. Stick the key in, activate it, and then you must run DCS_UPDATE.exe, which you'll have to grab from the store. It'll download the necessary store version file, since steam doesnt download that, and you're all set. Age does not mean you're suddenly wiser than the rest of us. Even if 20 is young to you, at least I'm not some dinosaur.

So you basically convert Steam DCS to a ED DCS World installed in a different directory manually? DCS Update will download everything from the ED servers... of course you could simply install DCS from the website register the keys and as a benefit have a supported install...

[shagrat]

Check out the guides here:

 

http://steamcommunity.com/app/223750/guides/

 

I think it's called 'How to activate Non-Steam modules to Steam' or near-abouts.

:megalol: you know, you can of course do that! But you won't get support from ED or Steam, need to manually update all your modules (as in: download manually?), and hopefully you have all keys registered to the same account so you can still join multiplayer!

 

I was not talking about how creative you can get to tweak and twist your install... you may even manually copy and edit the registry etc. To move an install from one pc to another. If you call that an advantage over a native ED DCS World install... well, if you like complex, unsupported application tweaks? Have fun!

[fearlessfrog]

There's a common English expression that probably applies here shagrat - 'When you are in a deep hole you should just stop digging'.

 

The guide isn't something I would do or recommend, but mentioned as it was a direct answer to the one of your many incorrect statements you made about DCS World and Steam. Many Steam users use that technique though when modules are launched via the ED site first, and this was a way around that. A module being released on Steam later is a commercial decision, and not about how that platform works or updates.

 

There are no registry keys to change, the DCS Updater actually works without having to manually download updates (you can grab the DCS Updater separately) and the MP keys are the same - and when brought up on the Steam forums (where I moderate for ED, apologies if you're banned there as that probably wasn't me) I always try to let people know that this isn't really supported. I doubt that Steam would be happy with this technique either, given it bypasses their store but uses their platform.

 

As for support, yes I agree with you. Given your understanding of these complex things and the many corrections and misunderstandings of Steam, I also think you should definitely keep your install simple and supported. Please.

 

:megalol: you know, you can of course do that! But you won't get support from ED or Steam, need to manually update all your modules (as in: download manually?), and hopefully you have all keys registered to the same account so you can still join multiplayer!

 

I was not talking about how creative you can get to tweak and twist your install... you may even manually copy and edit the registry etc. To move an install from one pc to another. If you call that an advantage over a native ED DCS World install... well, if you like complex, unsupported application tweaks? Have fun!

[IvanTehFennec]

So you basically convert Steam DCS to a ED DCS World installed in a different directory manually? DCS Update will download everything from the ED servers... of course you could simply install DCS from the website register the keys and as a benefit have a supported install...

 

Once I'm home, I'll make a video to help better educate you. It'll be akin to "DCS on Steam for Dummies."

[shagrat]

I do not doubt it is possible, but it will end in no support from ED (as do a DCS repair please) and also Steam would tell you problems you have with modules installed NOT through Steam are not supported. In the end simply installing DCS World plus adding your steam keys to the ED database might be the better and easier solution?

I do not doubt creative installs are possible (I work in IT for almost as long as you live), I doubt though your advice on "manually installing non-steam modules on a Steam install" would get ED's appreciation, or help a not so experienced fellow simmer.

Or in other words do what you want but if advising others, state the risks....

[shagrat]

Ok, here's the info you need:

 

- The Steam version gets updates at the same time as the ED version, as the build scripts uploads to the Steam distribution at the same time as the ED one. You were incorrect about this in your post, so I wanted to correct you.

 

- The Steam open-beta version works great, and is available like the updates at exactly the same time as the ED release. You said it actually didn't exist, so I wanted to correct you. I like to help.

 

- The Steam open-beta uses a delta of your current install, in a similar way to the ED one. You were incorrect about this again, so hopefully you are seeing a theme emerge here.

 

As for the rest of the nonsense about secret stuff happening 'on a friends PC', whatever. I had a friend that saw BigFoot once, and he swears he'll see him again one-day. Steam is by far the most successful PC download store, with about 90% market share and over 100 million active Steam accounts. ED needs to sell through that store to be pragmatic about it.

 

I don't care you don't use Steam, I just want to help correct any misinformation I read where people that don't like it use either their ignorance or excuses to make stuff up about it. ED has made some really good money from that store, and that helps the sim overall.

 

Ignorance isn't anything to do with being young or old. Phrases like 'fan-boy' would be something I would expect a kid to say, and you don't sound like a kid. You should share your opinion about Steam, and I welcome it, but then you should also understand you'll be corrected when you say things that are completely wrong too.

 

PS You are attributing things to me in your reply that I didn't say, and I think you have your replies mixed up. Easy to do at any age. :)

Apple is very successful selling there monolithic infrastructure also.

It does not mean they are a humanitarian organisation.

 

Valve is a company and as such exploiting every chance to generate revenue.

 

If people like what they do (younhave analysed Steam client behaviour after install?) No problem for me.

Same with people having no problem with corrupt governments or police... until you are personally affected by their actions, of course. Then the whining starts. Seen it before, will see it again.

[fearlessfrog]

If your arguments with Steam are now reduced to comparisons with Valve or Apple to a corrupt state government or police force then it's pretty much the end of the thread. Thanks for playing and have a nice day. :)

 

Apple is very successful selling there monolithic infrastructure also.

It does not mean they are a humanitarian organisation.

 

Valve is a company and as such exploiting every chance to generate revenue.

 

If people like what they do (younhave analysed Steam client behaviour after install?) No problem for me.

Same with people having no problem with corrupt governments or police... until you are personally affected by their actions, of course. Then the whining starts. Seen it before, will see it again.

[fixen]

I didn't think my question would stir up so much. Let's keep it friendly :)

[snuffles]

No, it didn't. Shagrat's just a troll, or a big/LITTLE man in a bad mood.

 

All in all, going to openbeta in steam isn't an impossibility - you just have to check your menus

installing non-steam DCS mods isn't an impossibility - you just have to use WIN+E a few times

Waiting a little time for a new mod to come out isn't a dealbreaker - just wait for a steam sale.

 

Pretty simple stuff, for pretty simple people. Just a shame there are so many who just like to stamp their feet and act like spoilt single-minded brats.

[Flagrum]

Why simple if complicated is also possible.

 

Good luck if any issues arise - stuff like that everything gets updated ... except the base installation ("WORLD" is missing im the auto updater config ... for whatever reason) and similar "unexplainable" errors. But hey, nothing is impossible, right? :o)

[shagrat]

Why simple if complicated is also possible.

 

Good luck if any issues arise - stuff like that everything gets updated ... except the base installation ("WORLD" is missing im the auto updater config ... for whatever reason) and similar "unexplainable" errors. But hey, nothing is impossible, right? :o)

That was exactly the point!

If I consider the Steam users I have come across personally, I dare say none of them would even considering the "simple" tweaks and edits described as a "solution" here... typically they chose Steam to get their games and updates managed, as they don't know much about complex software installations and/or don't want to bother with learning how to do it.

 

I know that in theory I could also download the binaries from ED, extract all files manually, register necessary .DLLs in the registry manually and copy paste all mods and stuff inbetween.

I would not recommend it, though possible.

 

My advise to anybody following the creative ideas to mix 3rd party modules and a chunk of ED's updater with their Steam installation: Don't bother the EagleDynamics support or Steam when problems arise. Contact the guys advertising this "easy solution" directly. I'm pretty shure they will help you out to prove their point :D

[shagrat]

Waiting a little time for a new mod to come out isn't a dealbreaker - just wait for a steam sale.

By the way: that is exactly one reason people want to get their DCS install "unsteamed".

 

Depending on the module the little waiting involved ranges from over a month to more than a year...

 

As I have bought every module more or less on first day beta release or pre purchase it would be a game breaker for me. And every DCS simmer I know personally, plus some that posted here on the forum felt the same.

May be we are a minority, but then let grown ups decide for themselves what is tolerable or not, will you?

 

I don't say ED shouldn't sell stuff on Steam. I didn't say nobody should use Steam. I voiced my opinions why people may WANT to untie their DCS World install from Steam and the reaction was two Steam fanboys chiming in explaining the world how "simple" it is for "simple people" to mess with your installation to prove their point.

As we all laid out our arguments, let the simple people decide what they like to do.

Please, don't forget to help them if the simple solution causes trouble.

Cheers,

Shagrat

[snuffles]

you must be very upset right now. hush...

[fearlessfrog]

I'm getting pretty tired of you misquoting me shagrat. That's twice you attributed things to me that weren't written.

 

Point to where I said it was simple? A quote would be great, either that or an apology.

 

Also, please refrain from calling people 'fanbios' and the like. It gives the impression of you being an idiot. I don't think you are an idiot, so this sort of talk is beneath us all. Quit it please.

 

Thanks.

 

By the way: that is exactly one reason people want to get their DCS install "unsteamed".

 

Depending on the module the little waiting involved ranges from over a month to more than a year...

 

As I have bought every module more or less on first day beta release or pre purchase it would be a game breaker for me. And every DCS simmer I know personally, plus some that posted here on the forum felt the same.

May be we are a minority, but then let grown ups decide for themselves what is tolerable or not, will you?

 

I don't say ED shouldn't sell stuff on Steam. I didn't say nobody should use Steam. I voiced my opinions why people may WANT to untie their DCS World install from Steam and the reaction was two Steam fanboys chiming in explaining the world how "simple" it is for "simple people" to mess with your installation to prove their point.

As we all laid out our arguments, let the simple people decide what they like to do.

Please, don't forget to help them if the simple solution causes trouble.

Cheers,

Shagrat

[fearlessfrog]

Yep, the mixing of modules is not really a good idea. The thread got off track where shagrat started claiming Steam didn't do a bunch of things (late updates, no betas, no mods - all untrue) got contradicted and then turned all crazy on us.

 

As someone that does a fair bit of DCS support each day, it's ironic to be told by someone like that the support is an issue :)

 

Why simple if complicated is also possible.

 

Good luck if any issues arise - stuff like that everything gets updated ... except the base installation ("WORLD" is missing im the auto updater config ... for whatever reason) and similar "unexplainable" errors. But hey, nothing is impossible, right? :o)

[Flagrum]

I'm getting pretty tired of you misquoting me shagrat. That's twice you attributed things to me that weren't written.

 

Point to where I said it was simple? A quote would be great, either that or an apology.

 

Also, please refrain from calling people 'fanbios' and the like. It gives the impression of you being an idiot. I don't think you are an idiot, so this sort of talk is beneath us all. Quit it please.

 

Thanks.

You are not alone in this thread so perhaps he wasn't refering to you?

 

Maybe he was refering to Tassehoff?

No, it didn't. Shagrat's just a troll, or a big/LITTLE man in a bad mood.

 

All in all, going to openbeta in steam isn't an impossibility - you just have to check your menus

installing non-steam DCS mods isn't an impossibility - you just have to use WIN+E a few times

Waiting a little time for a new mod to come out isn't a dealbreaker - just wait for a steam sale.

 

Pretty simple stuff, for pretty simple people. Just a shame there are so many who just like to stamp their feet and act like spoilt single-minded brats.

[Dirty Rotten Flieger]

Thanks for your suggestions fearless frog. You have helped me before with steam DCS.

 

Sorry I didn't see this thread since I made it. The problem I had was that when the Mig21bis came out I wanted it now! The steam release was two weeks later! So I bought it through DCS store and just unzipped into the steam folder....

 

It did work like this and I got to fly it straight away but then steam doesn't update it because steam doesn't know it is there. Infact the second update rendered it unusable. Trying to fly it would mean CTD. I didn't know I could use the DCS updater although I did wonder if that would work...

 

The best thing about steam is that I have many friends on steam and when I log on I see straight away if any of them are playing games I have. So maybe my friend is playing DCS single player and I see this and invite him to DCS multiplayer. We both are better off . Standalone DCS doesn't give this community stuff.

 

I was also reluctant to "unsteam" because I thought I would have to set up everything again. But all my settings were rolled over and so were my module licences. It was very easy and now I can buy modules when they are on sale through DCS store.

[Flagrum]

Yep, the mixing of modules is not really a good idea. The thread got off track where shagrat started claiming Steam didn't do a bunch of things (late updates, no betas, no mods - all untrue) got contradicted and then turned all crazy on us.

 

As someone that does a fair bit of DCS support each day, it's ironic to be told by someone like that the support is an issue :)

Maybe we should then just conclude this thread with "Steam is just great" and finally go on with our lifes.

 

Could a mod please close this ... thread?