How does the steam version work?

[sköldpadda]

Can I still save my results on my already existing Futuremark account?
Think I'll buy it directly from Futuremark instead to avoid any conflicts or confusion, and I doubt I can run 3DMark on my phone and tablet using this Steam version.

And I cant get any reduced price for already owning a 3DMark 11 license here in Steam, the price is cheaper over at Futuremark due to that.

There's just too little information.

[Tussler]

http://www.futuremark.com/support/faq#faq-steam

Do the Steam keys differ from normal keys?

No. If you purchase 3DMark from Steam, when you install the Steam version a perfectly ordinary key is automatically added to your registry and you can view it from the user interface of the benchmark. As this is a normal key, it can also be used with stand-alone 3DMark installers - you are not required to use the Steam version even if you buy the benchmark from Steam. The key also works just like any other 3DMark key with the 3dmark.com online result service - if you submit at least one result with Advanced Edition, the key will be added to your 3dmark.com account, all online service features are unlocked and the key is stored under Settings on the account.

[UL_Jarnis]

Steam and Futuremark store versions are perfectly identical and work the same.

You can submit to 3dmark.com with Steam version and the key goes to your account. You can use the same key you got from Steam to install a stand-alone version of 3DMark if you want. FM store key can be activated on Steam as well.

Also the phone and tablet versions (at least Android and iOS) will be completely free at least in the first iteration that is coming soon.

http://www.futuremark.com/support/faq explains the Steam versions (there is a "3Dmark and Steam section")
http://www.futuremark.com/support/3dmark has the FAQ for 3DMark with additional 3DMark-specific detail.

Any further questions? http://support.futuremark.com

[sköldpadda]

Thanks for the clarifications, but it's still cheaper for me to buy it from Futuremark with dollars and get a 25% discount because I own the 3DMark 11 Advanced version already.
18.74€ from Steam vs 18.74$ from Futuremark, I wish Steam would stop charging too much all the time, it's like Europe is punished with every single release on Steam. :(

[UL_Jarnis]

It depends a bit from where you are. Futuremark's Digital River online store can also charge Euros from europeans and due to VAT being added on top of the price, it may actually be cheaper to buy from Steam during the launch discount period (as Steam price already includes VAT)

[sköldpadda]

I'm located in Sweden, and bought it for 18.74$ yesterday from your website. :)

I've stopped buying programs and games in Euro's because of the difference in price being too high, so I wouldnt have bought it if it would have been in Euro on your website for me. Most fair is one price worldwide.

[glenhh]

Ok, I can't get the Steam version to work. I see I can download the non-steam version and use the key from the steam version. Is that right? My problem is how do I view the key if 3dMark won't even start? I looked in the registry and don't see a key.

[UL_Jarnis]

You would have to get the Steam version running and take the key from Help tab.

Have you tried all 6 starting options on steam (right click on 3DMark in your library). Normally at least first two work.

Also if the first option doesn't work, do try updating your Steam client to the latest Steam beta and try again.

If still no go, http://support.futuremark.com and describe the error you are getting and your hardware and we'll help.

[Bud]

So, I have a friends computer that I often work on. I AM NOT TALKING OF PIRACY HERE, I fix his computer but my tools as well as software is mine and I only install programs that he owns.

Well, my question is, could I flat out install this on HIS computer without Steam then and use MY key to test his system as I am fixing it or will I not be able to do this. I bought this program more for me and my own PERSONAL needs such as fixing my home system and those who live with me but as you are claiming that Steam isn't needed, could I flat out use this program on my friends computer when I use my OWN key to do so?

Like I said, it isn't for him but for me to see how his system is going without dragging my entire Steam account and wasting time that I don't want to waste installing Steam on his system.

[sköldpadda]

As long as you only have 1 key acitaved at a time you can do whatever you want with it, you own the copy you bought, no one can tell you what to do with it. But then again, I dont know much about how US laws work, it might be different where you live. But in Europe there are laws clearly stating this, and currently there is talk at the highest instance that any software you buy has to be resellable, they will use legal actions to enforce this on every company selling software to Europe.

Dont know how they look at Steam though, they might get away with being a service, otherwhise they'll have to unlock the content for people in the EU.

[Bud]

Its fine in the United States. If you give it to somone else, you can't use or even have backups of it and so on but you can give it away or sell it on your own.

[sköldpadda]

Originally posted by Bud:

Its fine in the United States. If you give it to somone else, you can't use or even have backups of it and so on but you can give it away or sell it on your own.

Yes that is what I mean, you should be able to sell or give it away, but ofcourse not keep any copy or backup of it after doing so. But some companies are trying to stop this, like Steam for example.

[Bud]

Originally posted by Skuggan:

Originally posted by Bud:

Its fine in the United States. If you give it to somone else, you can't use or even have backups of it and so on but you can give it away or sell it on your own.

Yes that is what I mean, you should be able to sell or give it away, but ofcourse not keep any copy or backup of it after doing so. But some companies are trying to stop this, like Steam for example.

I know but even knowing I completely agree with you...and me - go figure - I have to say I understand Steams position of this topic. Their whole sales are based upon sales and by giving or trading away you lower what they get while still using their service for downloading the game over and over if need be.

However, they are far better than anywhere else I know of in their sales and to wait six months to buy the game for a third of the original price instead of full price in a brick-and-mortar store still selling for full price is rather counter-productive. Lets be honest, I would rather be able to buy games that I am sorta interested in on sale than to pay far more for the games that I really want because they cut their sales due to trading.

--------------------------------

Lets be blunt, Gamestop does this with console games but they offer NOTHING to the game manufacturer OR the developers. Even if the game is on sale to the $1.99 price, the game creators STILL get money. With this, I UNDERSTAND the point of trading although I do have a great deal of games that I haven't and probably not play any time soon.