bob123412 Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:26pm
Internet Required Tag for games
As the title suggest, I would like to suggest a tag for games that require internet to play.

In recent years many single player games have become dependent on an internet connection. This assumes that everyone has access to reliable internet, which for many people is not the case. For me personally, I travel frequently for work and many times do not have internet connection on my down time, which is the only times I play games. The ability to play a game offline is a huge factor in whether or not i decide to purchase the game.

My idea for implementation would be to place a tag on the games store page in the section that houses other tags such as; Multi-player, Single-player, Steam achievements, Partial controller support, etc.

Games would fall under a few categories

No internet Required: This tag would be for games, such as cities skylines, which once purchased can be played offline with no effect on game play.

Periodic internet required: This tag would be for games, such as GTA V, which require an internet connection every few days in order to continue playing with no internet connection.

Limited Offline: This would be for games, such as HITMAN, which allow users to play offline however severely limit the content available for offline play.

Online Only: This is for games that require an active internet connection to be played and/or cannot be launched in offline mode

Additional tags could include

"Internet required for first launch" and "Internet required for multiplayer"

These tags on games would increase my decision making process. Currently I search a game online and if there is any indication that I may have difficulty playing it offline I lose all interest in purchasing the game.

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Showing 1-13 of 13 comments
Gwarsbane Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:34pm 
Tags are user generated, if you want that on a game, start putting it on games that you want it there and convince others to start using it too.
ΛtryØx Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:35pm 
Originally posted by bob123412:
Additional tags..."Internet required for multiplayer"
LOL
ONe_mOMENT Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:48pm 
Originally posted by DA|Azrael:
Originally posted by bob123412:
Additional tags..."Internet required for multiplayer"
LOL
While there are LAN games I do agree that that is ridiculous.

I was also under the Impression that all games on first launch required internet on steam. Never tried.
bob123412 Dec 6, 2019 @ 4:41pm 
Originally posted by Gwarsbane:
Tags are user generated, if you want that on a game, start putting it on games that you want it there and convince others to start using it too.

Tags isn't the right word and I'm not sure what Is. I'm talking about the words that appear in the box on the left as i said in the post (see picture)
https://i.imgur.com/FtFyIhs.png



Originally posted by ONe_mOMENT:
Originally posted by DA|Azrael:
LOL
While there are LAN games I do agree that that is ridiculous.

I was also under the Impression that all games on first launch required internet on steam. Never tried.

I wrote that down because people are stupid enough to complain about multiplayer not working because it said that it could be played offline.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3160-agcb-255

Most games require an initial start-up while connected to the Steam Network before they will work in offline mode.
This implies that there are games that do not require internet for start up.
Last edited by bob123412; Dec 6, 2019 @ 4:44pm
Start_Running Dec 6, 2019 @ 4:47pm 
This is covered in the system requirments for the game. So the info is already there.
Komrade Dec 6, 2019 @ 4:52pm 
Originally posted by Start_Running:
This is covered in the system requirments for the game. So the info is already there.
This.
ONe_mOMENT Dec 6, 2019 @ 4:57pm 
Originally posted by bob123412:
Originally posted by ONe_mOMENT:
While there are LAN games I do agree that that is ridiculous.

I was also under the Impression that all games on first launch required internet on steam. Never tried.

I wrote that down because people are stupid enough to complain about a game saying it could be played offline.

Who? I don't know a single person that thinks multiplayer can be played offline u less it says "local multiplayer" shich is already something devs can add to the description.
Originally posted by bob123412:
Most games require an initial start-up while connected to the Steam Network before they will work in offline mode.
This implies that there are games that do not require internet for start up.
If it's the norm for games to require it, then there shouldn't need to be something saying so.

These suggestions seem to be catering to the "Caution Hot" labled on a fireplace demographic.

All the info is already there on the store page. If you want more info there are forums.
bob123412 Dec 6, 2019 @ 4:57pm 
Originally posted by Start_Running:
This is covered in the system requirments for the game. So the info is already there.


Not true. System requirements only show if internet is required, and if a game is both single and multiplayer, does not show if the internet is required for single player. Also, Grand theft auto V, which requires periodic internet connection and requires internet for online says nothing about network requirements in it's system requirements.
bob123412 Dec 6, 2019 @ 5:18pm 
Originally posted by ONe_mOMENT:
Originally posted by bob123412:


I wrote that down because people are stupid enough to complain about a game saying it could be played offline.

Who? I don't know a single person that thinks multiplayer can be played offline u less it says "local multiplayer" shich is already something devs can add to the description.
Originally posted by bob123412:

This implies that there are games that do not require internet for start up.
If it's the norm for games to require it, then there shouldn't need to be something saying so.

These suggestions seem to be catering to the "Caution Hot" labled on a fireplace demographic.

All the info is already there on the store page. If you want more info there are forums.

That is the reason why I put them in the Additional tags and not with the main four that I would focus on. Maybe I should not have added them to this post at all. Yes they were added to cater to the "Caution Hot" demographic, which unfortunately generate a lot of request to tech support.

As for the info I was suggesting in the first four "tags", that is not anywhere without doing hours of research and still may not turn up any solid information. There is little to no information about Grand Theft Auto requiring periodic internet connection until I tried to launch it in offline (after playing offline the day before) and it told me I needed internet to launch it again.

The first four are purely convenience "tags" which would help players with unstable internet connections making informed decisions without the need of spending time searching hoping someone knows the answers.
Start_Running Dec 6, 2019 @ 5:45pm 
Originally posted by bob123412:
Originally posted by Start_Running:
This is covered in the system requirments for the game. So the info is already there.


Not true. System requirements only show if internet is required, and if a game is both single and multiplayer, does not show if the internet is required for single player.
Irrelevant Idf it says Internet Required the defayult is to assume it is required for all aspects.

Also, Grand theft auto V, which requires periodic internet connection and requires internet for online says nothing about network requirements in it's system requirements.
FALSE:
MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64 Bit, Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) / AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs) @ 2.5GHz
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB / AMD HD 4870 1GB (DX 10, 10.1, 11)
Storage: 72 GB available space
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
Additional Notes: Over time downloadable content and programming changes will change the system requirements for this game. Please refer to your hardware manufacturer and www.rockstargames.com/support for current compatibility information. Some system components such as mobile chipsets, integrated, and AGP graphics cards may be incompatible. Unlisted specifications may not be supported by publisher. Other requirements: Installation and online play requires log-in to Rockstar Games Social Club (13+) network; internet connection required for activation, online play, and periodic entitlement verification; software installations required including Rockstar Games Social Club platform, DirectX , Chromium, and Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 sp1 Redistributable Package, and authentication software that recognizes certain hardware attributes for entitlement, digital rights management, system, and other support purposes. SINGLE USE SERIAL CODE REGISTRATION VIA INTERNET REQUIRED; REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO ONE ROCKSTAR GAMES SOCIAL CLUB ACCOUNT (13+) PER SERIAL CODE; ONLY ONE PC LOG-IN ALLOWED PER SOCIAL CLUB ACCOUNT AT ANY TIME; SERIAL CODE(S) ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE ONCE USED; SOCIAL CLUB ACCOUNTS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE. Partner Requirements: Please check the terms of service of this site before purchasing this software.

It says so quite clearly. You simply did not take the time to read.
Last edited by Start_Running; Dec 6, 2019 @ 5:47pm
bob123412 Dec 6, 2019 @ 6:11pm 
Originally posted by Start_Running:
Originally posted by bob123412:


Not true. System requirements only show if internet is required, and if a game is both single and multiplayer, does not show if the internet is required for single player.
Irrelevant Idf it says Internet Required the defayult is to assume it is required for all aspects.

Also, Grand theft auto V, which requires periodic internet connection and requires internet for online says nothing about network requirements in it's system requirements.
FALSE:
Installation and online play requires log-in to Rockstar Games Social Club (13+) network; internet connection required for activation, online play, and periodic entitlement verification;

It says so quite clearly. You simply did not take the time to read.
You're right, it does say that there. That was a bad example as I did fail to read the fine print (an error that could have been avoided if it was clearly stated on the page and not hidden in the fine print).

But there are better examples.

Cities Skylines, says it needs a broadband internet connection. I have played countless hours of that game with no internet connection, no reverification's required. If i had assumed it needed internet because it says it does in the system specs, I would never have bought the game.

HITMAN(TM), released in 2016, says nothing anywhere about requiring an internet connection. You can play through the game with out an internet connection however you lose a large portion of the game. No scores, No challenges and no unlocks. Not to mention actual online features where you can compete on maps other players have created. But there is no mention about needing online anywhere.
Last edited by bob123412; Dec 6, 2019 @ 6:16pm
Start_Running Dec 6, 2019 @ 7:07pm 
Originally posted by bob123412:
Originally posted by Start_Running:
Irrelevant Idf it says Internet Required the defayult is to assume it is required for all aspects.


FALSE:


It says so quite clearly. You simply did not take the time to read.
You're right, it does say that there. That was a bad example as I did fail to read the fine print (an error that could have been avoided if it was clearly stated on the page and not hidden in the fine print).
It's in the same font style as all the other System requirement elements, which are not fine print. They are actually deemed required reading for any software purchase. You not paying attention does not magically make something that is clearly labelled 'fine print'

But there are better examples.
Let us Hope they are indeed better.

Cities Skylines, says it needs a broadband internet connection. I have played countless hours of that game with no internet connection, no reverification's required. If i had assumed it needed internet because it says it does in the system specs, I would never have bought the game.
Certain features do require internet connection Such as Cloud Saves. Plus the initial installation and activation. So it does indeed require internet access to some degree for all advertised features to work. Its just that the features that don't work, will not prevent some level of usage. Smart devs traditionally highball system requirements because lowballing can cause legal issues.


HITMAN(TM), released in 2016, says nothing anywhere about requiring an internet connection. You can play through the game with out an internet connection however you lose a large portion of the game. No scores, No challenges and no unlocks.
You mean all the online extras . Imagine that.

Not to mention actual online features where you can compete on maps other players have created. But there is no mention about needing online anywhere.
Can you play the caur game campaign, the entire story from start to finish without being online? Yes? Then its technically not required.

Me thinkswe are noticing a pattern here.
bob123412 Dec 6, 2019 @ 8:38pm 


Originally posted by Start_Running:
Originally posted by bob123412:
You're right, it does say that there. That was a bad example as I did fail to read the fine print (an error that could have been avoided if it was clearly stated on the page and not hidden in the fine print).
It's in the same font style as all the other System requirement elements, which are not fine print. They are actually deemed required reading for any software purchase. You not paying attention does not magically make something that is clearly labelled 'fine print'

While you are right you are required to read most people don't and placing something in a huge wall of text is, as far as I'm concerned, fine print.

Cities Skylines, says it needs a broadband internet connection. I have played countless hours of that game with no internet connection, no reverification's required. If i had assumed it needed internet because it says it does in the system specs, I would never have bought the game.
Certain features do require internet connection Such as Cloud Saves. Plus the initial installation and activation. So it does indeed require internet access to some degree for all advertised features to work. Its just that the features that don't work, will not prevent some level of usage. Smart devs traditionally highball system requirements because lowballing can cause legal issues.

Your right, certain features do require internet. however the bulk of the game does not. You seem to be contradicting yourself a bit here.
it says Internet Required the defayult is to assume it is required for all aspects.
So which is it here should a user not by the game because it says it requires internet or could we add some tags to clarify this? what are you arguing here?

HITMAN(TM), released in 2016, says nothing anywhere about requiring an internet connection. You can play through the game with out an internet connection however you lose a large portion of the game. No scores, No challenges and no unlocks.
You mean all the online extras . Imagine that.

Not to mention actual online features where you can compete on maps other players have created. But there is no mention about needing online anywhere.
Can you play the caur game campaign, the entire story from start to finish without being online? Yes? Then its technically not required.

Me thinkswe are noticing a pattern here.

The "Online extras"as you put it are the main point of progression in the game. Without them there is no progress, no unlocks, nothing of any replay value. All you get in offline is a basic campaign that does not save your progress.

I think you missed the entire point of the tagging system that I am suggesting. I'm not even sure what you are trying to argue because you are arguing the technicalities from both perspectives to suit your needs. This is not supposed to be an argument about whether the descriptions of the games are technically correct.

By your logic games do not need to be marked multi player or single player as this is written in the description of the game. But, they are. Why? Ease of access, convenience, search ability. I am suggesting tags to assist user that have a need for games to be offline, and make it easier for them to search and assess if a game is worth purchasing without having to rely on secondary information from other users or websites when the data is not entirely (although technically correct) displayed on steam
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Date Posted: Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:26pm
Posts: 13