How early will install files be available?

[fromeast2west]

For those with some experience with either Steam or D2D, how long before the release are the files usually available for download?

I've heard they're usually available (but obviously not playable) a few days ahead of time. Does that mean we might be able to start downloading this weekend?

Thanks,

 

[Mercade]

It might, or it might not. Nothing has been confirmed as to early availablity of the files on Steam.

For those using D2D, they'd need to have the Steam serial/key before they can register/download and it's not confirmed that D2D will issue those prematurely.

 

[Tylerryan79]

Mercade, where are your links to other threads? I get a kick out of seeing you post them!

 

[MarcusNovius]

Ive only had bad experiences with steam- no early downloads, files not downloading correctly, systems getting overloaded and slowing to a stop, unable to authenticate game disks, no assistance on release date from steam support etc etc- for football manager and empire total war. Think one of them I finally got installed and playing about a day after release... going to avoid the download this time.
These were well known problems for lots of users - published on countless threads of the respective games forums

Not to sound horrible but its probably worth preparing for a frustrating day for those of you who will be playing the game right on release hour!

hey, who knows- steam may have got their act together and pre-release game files to avoid the system getting clogged up by tons of users at once... fingers crossed!

 

[DeepQantas]

The Steam servers will probably crash and burn anyways. There's always some hiccups the first day with big releases.


e: You know, there's no reason there couldn't be a preload option. The DVDs are gonna be out there, so the content is already 99% set to stone.

 

[MarcusNovius]

It frustrates me when they know well in advance the release dates but dont seem to prepare for it...obviously there will be hiccups but it would be nice for them to say when the files will be released and perhaps increase their server capacity on release days.. if possible... :/

 

[Grunthex]

While I can't guess whether pre-loading will be available any more than the next, I am amused at people who think the load will cause problems with Steam servers. Civ 5 is a big deal... on this site, and a few others. Compared to some of the real big names that come out, I don't think we're going to see any where near the strain on the Steam servers.

If I'm wrong, and Civ sells 2.5 million copies on day 1, I will happily come back and eat crow.

 

[Shurdus]

The file are available right now, downloading.

 

[Tylerryan79]

The file are available right now, downloading.

Ya me too! Just finished! Boy I cant wait to play this!

 

[Col Kurtz]

The file are available right now, downloading.

I hope D2D can send out keys before release, so that we can pre-load as well.

Glad there is at least a pre-load going for those that bought directly from Steam (and have their keys).

 

[Tylerryan79]

I was lying........ I think Shurdus was too. I went through D2D as well, so I wont be downloading anytime soon.

 

[mjs0]

Interesting, I am downloading now...approx 4.5Gb (should take about 32 mins for me)

Also on the preload page is a selection of locked achievements:

Vivre La Revolution - Beat the game on any difficulty setting as Napoleon.
Treasure Hunter - Discover an ancient ruin.
Moving on Up - Earn a Unit Promotion
It's Super Effective - Destroy an enemy unit in just one hit.
Peace and Prosperity - Begin a Golden Age.
Second City - Found a second city.
Seriously?!? - Have another Civ beat you to completing a Wonder 10 times.
Engineer - Build a Wonder

There are another 112 more if I am interpreting the next icon correctly.

 

[Tylerryan79]

So it was real! Damn you D2D!!!

 

[gibson1314]

I emailed D2D and asked if it would be available to download before 24th in uk. I got some generic response saying NO but thanks for asking!

 

[The_J]

Moderator Action: To discuss the preloading please now use this thread, for the achievements please this one.
Here's now closed, for the sake of overview.