What is the big brouhaha over Steam?

[dodgerphreak]

Firstly, I'm sorry if this is mentioned somewhere on here, I did a search and not much came up and I don't want to read through a 33 page thread.

Now that that's out of the way, I would like to ask a simple question: What is everybody's problem with Steam? I am primarily a console gamer, but I am a hardcore PC gamer when it comes to good, life-consuming, soul-destroying strategy games. I have played quite a bit of Civ 4, SimCity games, RCT 1, 2, & 3, and others. Mostly older games. Most of my PC gaming experience is from many years ago (4+ years) and most of the games I currently own are on disc. As such, I have never bought a game on Steam and would like to know what people's issue is with it.

Like I said at the beginning, I'm sorry if this was addressed elsewhere, I searched and not much came up.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Commander Bello]

From here:

Moderator Action: Please refrain from opening yet more threads for discussing the Steam service. The currently open threads are sufficient for this. Any new Steam threads are likely to be closed on sight. Also please adhere to civil behavior in all threads, this includes refraining from flaming/trolling users you disagree with.

 

[Rebel44]

Firstly, I'm sorry if this is mentioned somewhere on here, I did a search and not much came up and I don't want to read through a 33 page thread.

Now that that's out of the way, I would like to ask a simple question: What is everybody's problem with Steam? I am primarily a console gamer, but I am a hardcore PC gamer when it comes to good, life-consuming, soul-destroying strategy games. I have played quite a bit of Civ 4, SimCity games, RCT 1, 2, & 3, and others. Mostly older games. Most of my PC gaming experience is from many years ago (4+ years) and most of the games I currently own are on disc. As such, I have never bought a game on Steam and would like to know what people's issue is with it.

Like I said at the beginning, I'm sorry if this was addressed elsewhere, I searched and not much came up.

Thanks in advance.

this thread will most likely be merged with other Steam thread, but anyway..

Most people who complain about use of Steam dont like it because it means online authentication when installing game (after installation and first start of the game you can play it in offline mode).

I use Steam for over 3 years and I love it. It takes care of automatic patching, include ingame overlay etc.

 

[The_J]

Moderator Action: Bello is completly right, closed, like announced..
Use one of the other steam threads to discuss steam.
Please read the forum rules: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=422889