Is it now possible to play games while another is downloading?

[DJT]

If so, how do I configure Steam to allow me to do this?

[Dr.Endstille]

start the game, go with overlay in steam and continue download.

[Kandy]

Settings>Downloads>Allow downloads during gameplay

Hope this helped

[Satoru]

Note you can do this but it is generally NOT recommended. You may experience in-game problems luch as low fps, hitching, long load times, etc.

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN PERIL

Steam -> Settings -> Downloads -> "Allow downlaods during gameplay"

This enables the setting GLOBALLY

You can also enable thise setting on a per-game basis. Note that means ifyou play game "A" it will download updates for other gmes while you are playing game "A"

In LIbrary -> Right click game -> Properties -> Updates -> Background Downloads

Again I repeat this is NOT recommended as you may experience mild to severe issues when playing games

[DJT]

Originally posted by Satoru:

Note you can do this but it is generally NOT recommended. You may experience in-game problems luch as low fps, hitching, long load times, etc.

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN PERIL

Steam -> Settings -> Downloads -> "Allow downlaods during gameplay"

This enables the setting GLOBALLY

You can also enable thise setting on a per-game basis. Note that means ifyou play game "A" it will download updates for other gmes while you are playing game "A"

In LIbrary -> Right click game -> Properties -> Updates -> Background Downloads

Again I repeat this is NOT recommended.

Good to know the pros and cons. Thanks.

[Kandy]

Yeah I don't use the download while play thing, it messes with my game.

[DJT]

Originally posted by {EIL}MarshalBlau_Wildbach_II:

Yeah I don't use the download while play thing, it messes with my game.

Is it a high demanding 3D game or a less demanding 2D game? I just played some Puzzle Quest while downloading Metal Gear Rising. No problems so far.

[(415!)Fle@B@gL@ne]

I do it all the time with no troubles. I have no trouble playing FPS DM and downloading say a demo of Ghosts .I hardly ever see my ping go up any or have the mbps drop in Download. it matters on speed of internet you have.

[Satoru]

Originally posted by 415*Fle@B@gL@ne:

I do it all the time with no troubles. I have no trouble playing FPS DM and downloading say a demo of Ghosts .I hardly ever see my ping go up any or have the mbps drop in Download. it matters on speed of internet you have.

The problem depends on WHAT game is being updated.

Worse Case Scenario: Payday2.

Requires
1 GB download
40 GB of Steam reading files, and regenerating target files and copying them to the final destination.

The download part isn't the issue. Its when the disk I/O hits you that you're going to see massive problems. As your hard disk lights up like a Christmas Tree trying to read write as fast as possible. This can cause major issues like game hitching, long load times, etc.