Multi-player with Steam and CD installations?

[Chinghis]

Hi, folks. I've tried searching for something on this, but can't find exactly what I'm trying to do, so bear with me. If this question has been answered, please send me in the direction of that post!

My son and I would like to play a multi-player Civ4 game (any version, really). I have the complete CD version on my machine (Windows 10 Pro Tech Preview build 10041). I also purchased one of the full Civ4 versions on Steam, which we use on either my machine or his (Windows 7). We have a wireless LAN, (192.168.1.x), although my machine is cabled to the router.

So, I have tried Direct IP MP, only to find that that option isn't supported on the Steam version. I tried PitBoss, but nothing shows up for him in the lobby; when I start a LAN game, the same thing happens, and he can't see any games to join.

So I guess the basic question is, is it possible to play a multi-player game with a CD and a Steam version of the game? Either using PitBoss or LAN?

Thanks!

 

[Chinghis]

Sheesh, guess everyone is over at the Civ5 forums these days?!

 

[EvilLurksIntrnt]

Hi, chinghis.
Both PC's need to have same version - either steam or presteam.

Steam's version main minus is that it limits number of human players in internet game to 4.
Nonsteam version's minus is that u need to spend time on configuring ur pc to make it work for more than 2 players multiplayer.

P.S. if u have cd version u can probably still get free steam version by sending request with photos of the disc to 2ksupport, read more on that:
http://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/201967707-2K-Online-Server-Migration-from-GameSpy-Technology

quote from the page: "If you own a physical disc version of Civilization IV and are interested in receiving this multiplayer update, please submit a support request."

 

[Chinghis]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I checked, and we do have the same version, except for the Build Date. I wonder if that could be the issue. Either that, or I have to open a port on my router, I suppose.

I thought I had a sneaky way to do it - installed WinVNC server on my machine, ran it and started a Civ4 multiplayer hotseat game, and let my son connect from his machine. Of course, it's a little glitchy and won't display the game itself (only the desktop or other windows will show, but not the game). But, it still works for our purposes, since he's sitting next to me and can use the controls from his machine without us having to get up from the chair for each move.

Still working on it, in any case. Thanks again.

 

[EvilLurksIntrnt]

dude, by version i didnt mean version of the game - i meant if its steampatched or not version.
In steam version when u go main menu->multiplayer there is no DIRECT IP option - they deleted it.
In nonsteam there is.
That's how u will know u have different versions - if on one pc u have direct ip option and on the other u dont.

Get nonsteampatched versions on both pc's.

A fail-proof(99%) way for u:
1) figure out which of ur pc's has presteam version (version with DIRECTIP menu);
2) then send civ4 folder of that game to ur second pc;
3) try to connect in LAN or DIRECTIP.

 

[Chinghis]

Oh, oh, OK, thanks. I will give that a try.

Edit: Thanks! That's working great. I had thought to just install it on the other machine, but I can't find the media in the CD piles. We're very happy (he's beating me!) .

 

[winnie_the_pooh]

Without sending game files you may do the following thing:
For steam version - go to game properties/betas and install the the original_release_unsupported

Spoiler :