Preload questions

[xrAph]

Hey, I have two preload questions:

When everything is downloaded and the game is playable, will it be possible to burn what you downloaded to a CD, so you don't have to download it again on another computer?

And will we be able to play the preload right as the game goes gold, or will we have to wait for the store release date?

 

[KagePrototype]

Well it probably won't all fit on one CD. You could split it up with winzip or something, or use a DVD. As long as you don't distribute it to other people who haven't paid for the game, you're ok I think. Just stick the .gcf files on the CDs/DVD. You can find them in your "steamapps" folder.

You will have to wait until the release date to play it, not the gold date.

 

[xrAph]

Ok, so I would have to copy the GCF file(s) to a DVD, and when I want to install HL2 again on a clean format of Windows, I would install Steam, then copy the GCF files to the SteamApps directory? So there won't be any setup process?

 

[FoB_Ed]

Correct. Be aware though, that there's only textures in the .gcf file we currently have. There will be more files that you'll have to download

 

[KagePrototype]

Ok, so I would have to copy the GCF file(s) to a DVD, and when I want to install HL2 again on a clean format of Windows, I would install Steam, then copy the GCF files to the SteamApps directory? So there won't be any setup process?

There shouldn't be any setup process. Rmeember also, that you don't really need a hard copy of HL2, because you can still download it again. As long as you have a CD key, HL2 will alays be tied to your account.

 

[Sickmind]

You will have to wait until the release date to play it, not the gold date.

I'm not too sure about that...I don't think the Staem users will have to wait till the boxes on the store shelves can be sold...if thats the case and we have to wait, why not just get the package and get that much more for the money (and it would cut into VALVe's profits, by the way)?

 

[Asus]

I've reinstalled steam on a different harddrive before and I just dragged the gcf files from CS, DOD, HL etc into the SteamApps folder.

HL2 will be released on Steam at the same time as in stores. Whether each store will have it in yet depends. By buying HL2 on Steam you don't pay for the CD, the Box etc.

 

[Sickmind]

HL2 will be released on Steam at the same time as in stores. Whether each store will have it in yet depends. By buying HL2 on Steam you don't pay for the CD, the Box etc.

I see, well than I guess I'll buy the box...buying on steam will cost thes same, but I'll have nothing to hold and kiss.

 

[KagePrototype]

I'm not too sure about that...I don't think the Staem users will have to wait till the boxes on the store shelves can be sold...if thats the case and we have to wait, why not just get the package and get that much more for the money (and it would cut into VALVe's profits, by the way)?

Nope, Valve have already said it will be the same date boxes are on shelves. If it was before the release date, this would be unfair to the pulbisher Vivendi, who will be distributing the boxed copies all over the world. It will be a global release date.

[puote]I see, well than I guess I'll buy the box...buying on steam will cost thes same, but I'll have nothing to hold and kiss.[/quote]

Actually, it might cost less, because there's no manfacturing to pay for.

 

[Epsi]

Not just manufacturing, there's also the publisher's other expenses and profit margin, as well as the costs of shipping the game to stores, and the store's profit margin.

With Steam, the only cost is buying bandwidth. Which is a lot cheaper. Back in the day, on Steampowered there was a document detailing exactly how the economics worked out, and it was pretty nice. They could sell a game cheaper on Steam than at retail, and still make a better profit on the game.