- When will the digital pre-orders begin for the Steam version of Heavensward?
And another confirmation that Steam users will need to purcharse the expansion from Steam:
- I bought and play FFXIV: A Realm Reborn on Steam. Do I need to purchase Heavensward on Steam to upgrade my account?
Source: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/225720-PAL-Europe-FAQ-regarding-Heavensward-purchases-pre-orders-bonuses-etc.?p=2852190
Valve doesn't set release dates or pre-order times, that's down to SE.
If you're going to hate on Valve go ahead, but don't make yourself look like an idiot in the process.
I'm not fan of Valve, that's for sure. Though I'm not a fool who believes everything bad stems from them, unlike you.
Do you know how FFXIV works? Steam does not generate codes. Square Enix does. Since they stated "as the Steam and Windows versions of A Realm Reborn have different play entitlements.", this leads one to believe they still have work to do on the "play entitlements" side of things. Who knows, maybe it isn't. But SE are the ones who have decided on the time HW will be available to pre-purchase on Steam. Not Valve.
As for not being able to use the same codes, this is no doubt due to stop confusion of Steam and non-Steam Mogstation entitlements (the use of Steam wallet). Square Enix are known for being lazy when it comes to implimenting systems.
I like how you bring up the BBB. Do you know what the is like? People pay them for better scores. Valve isn't one of these companies.
On top of this, Valve is rated so low because of their shocking customer support, not because of their business practices.
I can clarify one thing:
SE has no control over pre-orders on Steam. The Pre-Order process is actually controlled by Valve, there isn't even a pre-order control schema for developers on Steam. You have to request the pre-order and then they have to approve it and set it up.
So in fact, yes, this is a case of Valve dragging it's feet. In terms of the PREORDERS ONLY.
As for you needing to buy a steam copy of Heavensward... that's almost entirely likely SE's doing only, and it's probably got to do with their key system in MogStation having strange reliances on the Steam integration with their back end. So let's not jump the gun and claim this part is Valve's doing.
Valve's biggest issue is very slow support (and merchant support) response time. They've publicly acknowledged that. They're working to fix it. But let's not spout claims of poor business ethics and crap no one can actually prove.
And no, standing up for them doesn't make me a white knight, it makes me someone who is capable of employing common sense.
Though things might've changed or the info I heard could be wrong. If so, anyone who is a steamworks developer and has access to these options, feel free to correct me.
ITS BECAUSE OF THE STEAM WALLET PAY FEATURE!
The Steam versions you can pay your sub via your steam wallet. Hence why you will need the expansion to be of the same origin.
Now if you were really smart, and wanted to play on steam but not use a steam code, you could of bought the non steam version last year, waited till the trial versions came out and then use downloaded the trail version client, which when you would of entered your account details into to log in, it would then automatically upgrade it to the full client, free of charge. You then can play your non steam account of FFXIV on steam with the game activated for your account free of charge. That way all you would have to do is pre order the non steam version of heavensward.
Doesnt even matter as even the pre order early access codes can not be used yet.
Going to ask you to provide evidence. "SE told me" something that they'd never actually publicly say is pretty darn suspicious.
The only thing I can see people being angry about is not being able to buy a physical collectors edition.. but I wonder how many of the people upset at that really want to spend the $130 for one.