[rant]Two days ago I decided to try the PC version of an XBox game, and since so many folks here seem to be fans of Steam I thought I'd use them. Downloaded the client, bought and downloaded the game - and totally can not run it. Tried to search their forums with no success (in their defense I've never seen a good forum search function anywhere, but to their detriment their '60' second rule is a tremendous PITA.
So, I open a ticket. Two days later the only thing I've heard is the auto email I got right after I sent in the ticket. No number to call, no tech support chat, not even an ETA on when to expect a reply, just two days of a game I can not play as I wait for them to get around to me.
So today I check the game developers website (BioWare) and they direct me to EA who is their direct digital vendor. Very nice tech support guy (ON THE PHONE!) walks me through a few things and when he can't get it to work gives me a gift certificate large enough to get the game from them.
Any idea who I feel more in favor of at this point? I will uninstali the Steam version, likely uninstall Steam, play this version (where I know I can call someone if it hangs up) and likely never buy a digital download from Steam ever again.[/rant]
I personally have never go onboard with steam, partly because of other stories like yours, partly because real big companies having control over my entire game library scares me.
I personally use Impulse, who bend over backward to help even forums posters who ask for it, and GOG, who straight out gives you the full game executable to do as you like with.
I use impulse AND steam and never had a problem with either of them. Then again I have never delt with Steam customer support, I guess I've been that lucky guy who has had a near perfect experience. Although while you have steam installed I would consider the super sale on l4d 1 and 2
Not a fan of steam when I had to use it for DoW 2. it the game hard to play.