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I see tons of Steam threads popping up, so I thought that it would be good to have one thread in which to post all of them, that way our Steam experts would know just where to go to answer them. I, admittedly, and no Steam expert, I just thought it would be helpful to have one thread to post everything in, that way you can be assured that you will get the quickest answer possible, because this thread will be where all the helpful people with any clue about Steam will be. :beam:
Hmm... can this be stickied? I don't want to see another flood of Steam questions when the full game goes up.
Okay, I'll start. How do you go about disabling Steam on the demo? People say that improves performance. I tried running the app from it's own executable, but Steam pops up regardless.
Shutting down steam does not improve performance. It is a 9mb (in ram) exe that does nothing except show you when your friends are playing (and you can turn that off too) while you are playing ETW.Quote:
Originally Posted by quadalpha
Also, ETW cannot be run except from steam.
Steam will need to be on, but it does not have to be in "Online Mode"
I'll sticky this in an attempt to curb the inevitable hailstorm of questions once the game goes live :2thumbsup:. Good idea Vuk :beam:.
How do I turn off that really annoying pop up that pops up during intro cinemaitic about steam community group?
You can disable steam in game, but I can not find a way to simply turn off the "welcome" note.
Yeah, I got a Steam question regarding localization. I just read recently that when you purchase games online on Steam the downloadable version will only be in the language of the country you live in. I.E. if you live in Germany you will automatically download the German version, since it analyzes your IP adress. Now, since I move around in an english community and always feel that some things get lost through translation, I want my game to be english, hence I buy it overseas.
Now the question is what happens to my English game once it comes into contact with Steam. I'm guessing the first activation will be alright, but what about patches? I understood that Steam updated automatically. Will I only recieve the German patches then? Does anybody have any experiences with these kinds of things?
Cheers!
Ituralde
Set the game's language through games list > ETW > Properties > Language. Steam will take care of the rest.
Incidentally, Steam will give German users low-violence versions of most games even when there's no legal requirement to do so. There's no way around it short of manual patches.
Finally my Expertise have some use on the forum! :D
Add me on Steam: RelicKylias if you need quick help, just post here or even PM me.
I'm glad to help with everything and anything! :wink:
My steam question is regarding mods.
How are these going to work when steam monitors everything?
Does it mean the mods must go through steam as well?
I see a mods section on there…
Mods are done by the game file. All the steam launcher does is run the .exe
for the demo, just go to your steam folder, all steam games are in there
steam/steamapps/common/empire total war demo
The games are in the steamapps folder, just like a normal game.
For what problems I see players are having getting Medieval2 and Kingdoms mods to work on Steam, I don't believe Empires will be getting my money anytime too soon. Steam, being a third party, and can't figure out how to put a mod in its proper folder without frustrating its customers, will not be getting my money too soon. It gives them too much control over my game that I would pay my hard earned money for. BE a conspiracy theory, I don't trust them.
Question: any way to play this game legally without Steam loaded on my computer?
No.
What are you talking about. Mods work fine for me for M2TW and RTW on steam.Quote:
Originally Posted by irishron2004
Anyways since every single legal copy of ETW will be using steam mods should have no problem of working. I hope ETW does the same way to mod like HL2 does where it creates a separate .exe to launch each mod. If they are done like HL2 it will be far easier and mods will be able to auto patch the mod through steam. HL2 is pretty amazing for mods and there are far more mods for HL2 then Total War and they don't have any problems.
The real question in my mind is why would Sega /CA deal with a third party anyway? The power they are giveng to Steam is still too much for me.
Maybe it's just time to shut up and stick to Rome and M2. Simpler that way for me.
What exactly is this power that steam has over your games?
None really...is the multiplayer server and it acts as a verification to make sure its you. The game you buy is tied to your account.
So for those of you who only follow this game Dawn of War 2 (A steam game) is having a litany of patch problems and just problems in general. I don't know if this has to do with steam or the game, but more then likely it's a mixture of the both.
For those who have slow loading times some soultions are posted in tw forum center and I dare not go over every single one for lack of time.
Yet one fundemental problem with steam seems to be that steam packs all the files and takes a long time to unpack them (leading to longer load times then normal games, even in offline mode).
Some people found this to be a soultion, some did not,
has anyone on this forum tried yet to unpack the files themselves as explained here?
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=228075
I'm all for trying things but I'm not that tech savy. Rumor is this will half your load times.
It does generally decrease loading times, but it may not. DoW 2 and its problems are specific to it. It uses games for windows live (same thing xbox uses) for multiplayer so its very slow. And the dev team are not patching well. I did the beta...
Hi peeps long time lurker (Shogun) first time poster.
Does anyone know how to get around this rubbish? I have two machines, my lappy (which I am on) and my off-line, no AV, no firewall, games machine.
Are CA seriously telling me that if I pay £35 they expect me to go on line to register? Even the MS nazis don't insist on that.
I can do it but it will be so inconvenient it is unreal.
Regards
Yes.Quote:
Originally Posted by gellis23
I can't even get Steam to work at all. Ideas?
No, you can't get around using steam without breaking the law. To Gellis
Whats wrong with your steam?
Like I said. I have two machines.
My lappy is like a fortress, it's got the lot because it is an internet facing machine.
My games machine is totally unprotected. I want greasy speed off it, no problems, no crashes.
I will have to install AV and a firewall, I will have to install a piece of software I neither want nor need (eg Steam). I will register and then take my machine off line (remove AV and FW). I will get nagged by Steam every 5 minutes about updates.
The TW campaign on line will not be very big. I think this is a bad move. It is hacking of fans.
My lappy will just about play the demo, I will have to think about the full game.
Regards
Steam won't nag you if there are no updates, but if don't want it to update at all, just set it to offline mode first. Then you can get rid of AV and FW, and just play as usual.
What you can do is install etw on the laptop, then copy the steam folder over.
Put steam in offline mode and bam!
It won't patch, but you can simply patch on the laptop then re copy over. It is legal, and it should work, no probs.
I'm having a problem where my password gets me into the Steam application but not the Steam webpage. Anyone else run into this?
Trying to try the demo, I got steam installer
SteamInstall.msi
click that go through dialogue boxes and installs something then get to box
"Steam has been successfully installed. Click the Finish button to exit this installation."
"Steam will now continue installation."
click Finish and get small popup window
Error
Steam.exe (main exception): Unable to load library Steam.dll
the only option given is the [ OK ] button, and it exits.
I've tried it thrice with one reboot and still it's stuck.
-----------
Any help? This is the first time I've ever tried steam, I don't usually have any trouble installing
things, and haven't run into anyhing this unhelpful in a long long time. They do get bonus points
for the unclarity of telling me it's both finished installation and will continue to install, maybe that's
a clue as to what went wrong?
Question - can I have ETW install do a different folder than the steamapps one? I had really taken a liking to having a "Total War" folder with all the TW games in one spot. Plus, it'd be easier to get to for modding...
Oh, sorry to reply so soon to my own post, maybe it'll save someone troubleQuote:
Originally Posted by Babblearossa
am using Online Armor firewall, for some reason it didn't pop up to learn new rules about
Steam ( it normally does this for new executables ). So I had to click it and put it into
Learning mode while I launched steam. Might have to do that again after demo is installed,
Steam lists these as the associated executables
* steaminstall.exe
* steam.exe
* hl.exe
* hl2.exe
* steamTmp.exe
yay, 5 exceptions with clear names like 'hl.exe'...
guadalpha:
Did you change your steamID? Because the one you use in the application is the one you use in the webpage.
Babblearossa:
Never mind.
Mr. BEST NAME EVAR:
No, you need to install into steamapps, otherwise it will just tell you to put it in there. 'Sallright, you can still mod things.
I'm using the same ID. I've tried logging out of Steam app and logging back in - works fine. I've tried changing my password in the app, also works fine. I've tried logging into Steam webpage while logged out of Steam app, and that doesn't work. Strange, eh?
I'm not too bothered at the moment since I can play and browse the store from the app (just pre-ordered!), but I'm slightly worried if this is indicative of a problem that might crop up in the future.
You mean logging in to steampowered.com right?
Don't worry about, if you don't use steam as an actual program, then its perfectly fine.
I've never had a problem with Steam, and I don't understand why everyone freaks out about it. If it were my intellectual property, I'd go through an established system such as Steam for distribution.
When uploading upon starting I get this message: 'Steam.exe(main exception): unable to load library Steam.dll.'Quote:
Originally Posted by Patricius
Running it as admin and several repeated efforts seem to have an account up, so okay now.
No, you can only do that if you buy the real CD version. You would then import the game to steam from its location.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexander the Pretty Good
You can move the whole steam folder to another drive/ install steam on another drive if you
don't have enough space on C:/.
Question: You get to select a nickname and you have to give an email address. When playing the demo the email is displayed as player name. Shouldn't that be the nick displayed? Am I doing sth wrong?
If you entered your info right, that probably is just a quirk of the demo.
Nevermind , found the settings for that in steam.
I had entered the details right, though.
Nevermind, problem solved.
Does anyone know if pre-loading will start by itself when the time comes, or do you have to click a button?
You have to start it the same way you started the demo download.
Pevergreen
Cheers pal, tried that first. Didn't want to play, I've had a look and Steam stamps itself all over the registry. If both machines were XP I would use installrite but they aint.
Had a look at Amazon and there is nothing about this.
I know I am in a fairly small minority but this seems pretty bad. The TW games have never been heavily Internetty these seems pretty bad.
I'll shut up now. Good luck.
Does anyone know if pre-loading will start by itself when the time comes, or do you have to click a button?
Pre-loading almost never starts automatically unless you specifically set it up that way.
So i'd say your best bet is tonite just pop on at the approriate time (4pm EST) and find out.
So to clarify the only people you will probably hear from on the 3rd and 4th (assuming it does not get pre released early by a store like walmart or kmart) will be from people who preloaded it on steam. Who can start downloading 48 hours before release date. (aka today)
Pol: I would, except tonight is actually tomorrow (well, not anymore) afternoon, and I'll be at work, though I suppose an hour later wouldn't hurt too much :)
Gel: Amazon says nothing about ... the fact that Steam puts itself all over the registry? I used to be paranoid about things like that too, but now I am of the opinion that the registry exists to be used. Also, a few more registry entries doesn't actually do any harm, since they're never accessed except by the applications that use them. It's mostly the "system cleaning software" makers who make a big deal about the so-called "bloated registry". But then I do have a soft spot for conspiracy theories. :)
Actually Amazon removed itself as a seller of all games containing DRM.
So while you can purchase dawn of war 2 there through another supplier, Amazon itself will not sell it.
They are pretty good on following up with what fans want.
Wow! If Amazon is the first of many stores to take a stand like this then we might see DRM start to disappear in te near future. Which is great for those of who like to own the games we buy. :laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by Polemists
So, my computer kind of broke and while it will be able to run ETW, I'm sending it in tomorrow or the day after and might be able to squeeze in a few mins of playing. Anyway, if my hard drive gets wiped, and Steam already verified my copy, will Steam still recognize that my ACCOUNT purchased the game and therefore let me re-install it and everything?
It should.Quote:
Originally Posted by peacemaker
My laptop runs steam, and I logged into it at uni and downloaded Left 4 dead through steam and played some offline content last week. I originally bought the game on my desktop.
You can go even farther than that and install in a boatload of computers, steam will still let you play. Just not at the same time. Let some friends try it out, you know?
Oh, sweet! So i might have a chance at playing for a day or two until I have to send in my computer. Then I can let a few friends try it out and see if they like it/if I can make them buy it:smash:
Wow. Thanks for the info. I will not buy a game that expect me to install a third-party BS just to play single-player.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wartz
Cheers,
Hi
Not a question, just a statement.
I will not buy ETW until I can purchase a disk(s), perform a conventional, malware-free, installation and download and apply any patches, under my own control, in the time-honoured way. If that means I've got to wait a year, so be it. I anticipate it will take that long to sort out all the bugs anyhow. (Remember M2TW and the disgusting treatment paying customers received when it and Kingdoms were released?)
I wish those of you who've dived into ETW the best of luck, I really do, but this TW vet has learned that CA-Sega cannot be trusted.
Until then I'll stick to MTW+XL+Tyberius - which is a fantastic, deeply immersive, and very challenging mod, by the way.
Regards
VGB
I didnt get any disgusting treatment when I bought either of those games.Quote:
Originally Posted by victorgb
If those are your conditions, good bye. You will never own Empire: Total War.
Steam is malware free. You can turn off automatic updates. You can purchase a disc and install it.
One of the best things about Steam is the fact that CA can now quickly patch things once we find them. No more waiting 4 months to get shields at the right defence value. They can patch in days.
Question if I may.
Do I have to use steam to play single player games? I can't seem to find the installation folder and thought that once verified you didn't have to use Steam anymore. Not a big problem really, just wondering.
You can turn steam into "Offline Mode" File -> "Go Offline..." but yes, you must have steam running to play this game. To do so otherwise at this point is illegal.
It has been reported by some that this actually cut loading times by 50%. I have yet to test for myself though.
All Steam Games except for ones that have "Third Party DRM" on the store page can be installed as many times as you like. For me, all I've seen are EA's Spore and FarCry2 with it. :2thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by peacemaker
What is this steam thing of which you speak? I have to download the game from the internet? I can't buy it on a disc like usual or does it just need some sort of online password verification to stop the evil copier chappies?
Download steam here
http://store.steampowered.com/
It is a separate program that several games require you to have in order to play them. ETW can be bought in a store or downloaded from steam, but you always need steam running in order to play it.
Hi pevergreen
You wrote, "No more waiting 4 months to get shields at the right defence value."
So you perfectly illustrate my point for me: CA-Sega's patching/support for M2TW was disgusting. Thank you.
Also, A Very Super Market wrote, "ETW can be bought in a store or downloaded from steam, but you always need steam running in order to play it."
This is my understanding. Plus, I am under the impression that patches will only be available via Steam. Unacceptable.
And a 100 MB patch on the first day(!) according to some accounts. Shades of things to come. I recall reading people saying 'we don't mind ETW's release date being put back (as it was) provided they get it right'. Well clearly they didn't. And their past performance gives no grounds for believing they'll fix everything that should be sorted out. Remember the castles in Kingdoms? They've got your money so now they don't care.
As for Steam not being a malware delivery system, Google steam and malware and see what gets returned.
Despite all of which, best of luck.
VGB
Yea, you too. :2thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by victorgb
It won't let me play online it never shows any games and when i try to host one it says that i can't any ideas why? and sometimes when i click the steam mini symbol my taskbar says it's up but it's not any ideas why?
What would you say is the quality of your internet. Is it broad-band or dial-up? I'm pretty sure other steam games don't work online with the latter connection type.Quote:
Originally Posted by miniwally
I have 2 questions:
1) Does Steam auto-update this game? As in, you can't play it unless you have the latest patch installed?
2) What happens if you're in the middle of a campaign and a patch is available? If it's auto downloaded and it dl's during a campaign you have saved, is it save game friendly?
Thanks.
What do you care if you have to patch the game or not?Quote:
Originally Posted by victorgb
Day 1 patches are a good sign, not a bad sign. They signal long term support.
1) Yes, but only if you go online while Steam is running.Quote:
Originally Posted by ArtillerySmoke
2) CA would be stupid not to make patches save game friendly, but I can't confirm it.
1) I'm always connected to the internet when the PC is on. Right now (computer off, power cord unplugged due to cleaning the room) is the first time I've been offline since I got the PC over a year ago lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Beane
2) You see what I'm saying though? If the game is auto patched, it HAS to be save game friendly. It would be insanity to have campaigns abandoned left and right due to an oversight.
We'll find out soon enough I guess.
Yeah I can definitely see the problem with the game patching itself in the middle of a campaign. This is such an important issue I'm sure CA have thought about it however :2thumbsup:.Quote:
Originally Posted by ArtillerySmoke
Thanks for the quick replies Beane...you rock.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Beane
Yeah, my gut tells me we'll be alright. If not, it's something we'll all deal with and it'll be patched ASAP I'm sure.
Umm...I doubt that as the vaunted Steam is a bug ridden mess. Read the forums. MANY users have issues with the digital d/l completing properly. Amazing really as this should be fairly basic stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Beane
If I knew this was going to such an ordeal I would have bought retail. :no:
The people having trouble are an unlucky and vocal minority. I think that the majority of people had a smooth download and install. It seriously sucks for the unlucky ones though, and I wish Valve would do something to fix it. A certain number of problems are almost inevitable in a release of this scale however :shame:.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barkhorn1x
I'm way too paranoid not to buy retail. :laugh4:
I always know that d/l'ing a title has a chance to be a force march...therefore, I would never do anything other than buy the retail disc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barkhorn1x
I need it physically. I just don't trust the d/l process. Further, you can uninstall and reinstall in minutes with the disc. D/L? Who knows.
I have OCD. No wonder I like your posts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Beane
:clown:
I have one for Steam.
How much did you pay CA to have them force people to use your pointless spyware infested program to play such an awesome game?
Steam doesn't have to autoupdate - somewhere in the options there is a little box that you can uncheck, turning off autoupdates. It works that way for Red Orchestra, at least.
What do you think this "spyware" is doing? Watching you while you take a shower?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dayve
Ahem.
There is a word underneath his name
It says Troll
That's just there as a joke from an incident that happened on the Medieval 1 forum a year back or so, with a mod who obviously hasn't been laid in a few years and was looking for somebody to take out his frustration on.Quote:
Originally Posted by A Very Super Market
Seriously though, i have managed to avoid Steam for so long now because of the general horribleness and the way they conduct business, and now i'm forced to use it to play a game from a series i have been in love with for over 5 years, and i'm angry because it's clear Steam have paid CA to do this, because CA can't give 1 single good reason for going through Steam, just the same ridiculous ones over and over. Achievements, a friends list, software protection, which won't work by the way.