Pre-loading while still buying a hard copy.

[Pibborando San]

I plan to buy HL2 in stores when it comes out, because I'd like to have the box, and the physical disks. I also pre-loaded because I thought that would make the final instal faster.

What I don't get is the people who say they're going to buy the retail, then DL HL2 over Steam. This doesn't make sense to me, because to DL HL2 over Steam, on't you have to buy it online?
If they bought retail, and are planning on DL it, wouldn't that mean they are paying for 2 games?

I'd like an explanation on how this will work.

 

[Chris D]

Erm... you're doing it...

When they say download it, they mean "pre-load" like you're doing...

 

[Xtapolapocetl]

I'm pretty sure that once you've entered your HL2 key into Steam, you'll be able to download the game through Steam.

 

[clarky003]

you only have to buy it online if you dont have an ATI voucher account. otherwise its free.

HL2 on steam , is played through steam. A hard copy of HL2 is installed and played directly off your hardrive. Unless you use its multiplayer features,then that connects you to steam servers

 

[Pibborando San]

I see. So when I enter my HL2 cd-key, does that mean I'd have to create a whole new account, or is there a way to add cd-keys to your existing account? Sorry, I didn't see this in Steam.

 

[Jadewolf5675]

Preloading won't make the install faster.

 

[razorblade kiss]

If you buy it in the store, preloading is pointless. If your preloading now, you don't need to buy it. I don't see whats so complicated.

 

[clarky003]

I see. So when I enter my HL2 cd-key, does that mean I'd have to create a whole new account, or is there a way to add cd-keys to your existing account? Sorry, I didn't see this in Steam.

I do believe your ATI steam Key is meant for a seperate account, but I dont have another account so I dont know.

 

[FoB_Ed]

I see. So when I enter my HL2 cd-key, does that mean I'd have to create a whole new account, or is there a way to add cd-keys to your existing account? Sorry, I didn't see this in Steam.

Yes, there is. Go to Browse games. Then click on "Register a product I already own." and then put in your cdkey. Now you'll have HL2 enabled.

Preloading won't make the install faster.

Yes it will, you won't have to install at all. All you do is input the cdkey and play.

 

[RogueShadow]

If you buy HL2 in stores. You can install from CD"s then play.
You can also, (once hl2 is released) input your cd-key and download it off steam and not use your cd's at all.

Anybody, no matter if their buying it through steam, or through the stores. Can pre-load HL2, so they won't have to install from cd, or download it. It will be ready to go, once they input thier cd-key, or purchase it from steam.

 

[Pibborando San]

Ok, thanks. Like I said, I'm pre-loading so there's no need to install the whole thing. And I'm buying it in the store so I can get the box, and disks. I may even go for the CE to get more content.

But even if you pre-load, you still have to DL the files to make the game work. Any idea how big these will be? How big was the pre-load files?

 

[FoB_Ed]

But even if you pre-load, you still have to DL the files to make the game work. Any idea how big these will be? How big was the pre-load files?

The preload files you can already download, aren't the only ones that valve will be releasing. Valve said they'd be releasing more preload files in the next few weeks.

 

[cadaveca]

ya'all should know that even the cd version includes STEAM.
STEAM is the anti-hacking/cracking measures taken by VALVe after the beta was leaked. One of the things they tout so largely is the ability for you to play HL2 anywhere with a broadband connection once you have purchased a cd key ...
all the software you have you do not own...you simply have rights to use it. If you read any service agreement, you'll see that the writer has "intellectual property rights", which means it's their ideas, not yours.
IMHO, what this means, is that they could make STEAM connect and authenicate on the internet without your knowing so that they ensure that their property is protected. STEAM enables them to do so.


regardless, preloading is a good idea. you are getting EXACTLY THE SAME PRODUCT as those who got a voucher from ATI, or those who purchased through STEAM. ALL VERSIONS OF HL2 INCLUDE STEAM.

 

[sHm0zY]

I preloaded from my ati coupon

and im gettign the ce too! =D i think.

 

[Gunner]

STEAM is the anti-hacking/cracking measures taken by VALVe after the beta was leaked

Steam is a distribution platform, VAC is the anti-hack software and Steam was launched almost two years ago.

 

[NSPIRE]

I've preloaded... but I'm going to buy it in stores, then come home and it shouldn't take as long to install .

 

[echoplex]

I a buying the CD's in the stores. Then I am comming home and installing it the GOOD OL FASHIONED WAY

and if I can find a hack to get rid of freaking steam I will be geting it in a heartbeat.

Steam is nothing but a pointless attempt at DRM, if I buy the damn game I don't wat to have to go online to play single player.

- Echo

 

[markabey]

Steam is amazing i love it, i dont hack so i have no problems, recently i got a new pc for the next gen vid games and all i did was install a 500kb file for steam enter my account details and download the games super fast

much easier than messing around with lots of Cds

i live in the UK so im gunna buy hl2 through steam as we always get retail games about a week later then the rest of the world. i even work in a gameshop and get them early, yet we are still behind the US etc. cos the publishers love releasing games on a friday no matter what.

 

[DvS]

I a buying the CD's in the stores. Then I am comming home and installing it the GOOD OL FASHIONED WAY

and if I can find a hack to get rid of freaking steam I will be geting it in a heartbeat.

Steam is nothing but a pointless attempt at DRM, if I buy the damn game I don't wat to have to go online to play single player.

- Echo

Steam is good, don't deny it, there are hardly any major bugs anymore. Once HL2 is released, you don't need to go online to play SP.. it gets pretty annoying when people assume something, and then bitch about it.

 

[Arno]

Yes it will, you won't have to install at all. All you do is input the cdkey and play.

You probably need to download a patch with the HL2 executable and some other files on release day, though. And decrypting the preloaded files also takes time.
So I doubt an install from CD will take longer.

 

[oldagerocker]

I a buying the CD's in the stores. Then I am comming home and installing it the GOOD OL FASHIONED WAY

and if I can find a hack to get rid of freaking steam I will be geting it in a heartbeat.

Steam is nothing but a pointless attempt at DRM, if I buy the damn game I don't wat to have to go online to play single player.

- Echo

You have access to the internet, therefore there is no problem. 56k is free or extremely cheap these days and if you have broadband, your not going to disconnect yourself from the net everytime you open up a single player game, so quit whining. The Net is part of everyday computing now, move with the times.

 

[echoplex]

I'm not whinning or complaining, I just refuse to use steam.

Why can't I refuse to use steam? I just want the game.

- Echo

 

[Labia Minora]

I wonder how many pre load phases there will be, cos the first was released about a week ago. If they are planning to release 5 or 6 more then we are in October. And I definately nee HL 2 in September for the sake of the people around me.
Labia

 

[Scaramanga]

I have the ATI voucher. Is it possible to preload through steam
and later when the game will be released ask for a hard copy to be shipped? (I want the box and everything)

 

[oldagerocker]

I have the ATI voucher. Is it possible to preload through steam
and later when the game will be released ask for a hard copy to be shipped? (I want the box and everything)

yeah but i dont think your have your Cd-key to unlock the steam copy until the box arrives about a month later.