nameless_tee Sep 14, 2014 @ 8:14am
Lightweight Download Client or API or Downloading Across Platforms
The issue I'd like to have fixed is that I am forced to run the whole Steam Client on the OS I want the game to be installed on for downloading it. It's a waste of resources to have a noisy > 100W machine running over night for a task a < 5W device like the Raspberry Pi or even pretty much every router could accomplish. Also I'm stuck with Windows while downloading, because I can't download the Windows version of a game with the Linux Steam client and move it afterwards.

Here are some possible solutions:

Downloadable packages (via HTTP)
Just add a feature to the client that enables the user to request a download link that he can pass to his favourite download manager resulting in a package that the user can install in his (and only his) client.

A download-API
Just provide an API and the community will write the software on their own.

An open-source downloader
If you're worried about the quality of the software the community might produce, provide an open-source downloader. The advantage of it being open-source is that it could be ported to any platform. It's important that it can be run without GUI because people might want to run it on devices without a display (like the Raspberry Pi).

A closed source downloader
Same as above, but I don't like this solution very much because users would rely on you building it for the platforms they need.

Ability to download for different platforms
Just add a feature that allows the users to select which platform they're downloading the game for, so I can download a game for Windows while running Linux. Wouldn't fix all of the problems but at least one of them.

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Showing 1-8 of 8 comments
ᴠᴀʀ Sep 14, 2014 @ 9:22am 
+1

I have a little low wattage serverbox running DSL, but I can only download Linux content.
Option to choose would be nice.
Raiden Sep 14, 2014 @ 10:03am 
SteamCMD can download gamefiles no problem, though they recommend using blank alternative accounts for security reasons.
So basically, the solution is here.

Off-topic-but-still-on-topic: something like lightweight client which just does the authorization of the games would be awesome as well.
Last edited by Raiden; Sep 14, 2014 @ 10:21am
Black Blade Sep 14, 2014 @ 10:13am 
First i think there is a way to download any platform you like all ready using the Console or something (i think if aiusepsi will see these he may know :D:) il see if i can find the how to do it

Over all i do agree, but i think maybe if the Small Mode can become that be great, and do the job just as much..
nameless_tee Sep 14, 2014 @ 10:40am 
Originally posted by Segata Sanshiro:
SteamCMD can download gamefiles no problem, though they recommend using blank alternative accounts for security reasons.
So basically, the solution is here.

Off-topic-but-still-on-topic: something like lightweight client which just does the authorization of the games would be awesome as well.

Thank you for telling me about SteamCMD. It may not be the easiest solution (compared to a simple HTTP download) but it does exactly what I want or it least it would do if it wasn't limited to x86, so it's not going to run on my Raspberry (ARM) nor on my router (MIPS). So that doesn't help me much unless Valve makes an ARM build or releases the source.

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Last edited by Spawn of Totoro; Sep 14, 2014 @ 11:49am
Raiden Sep 14, 2014 @ 11:18am 
Originally posted by Encypruon:
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Downloading the game you have the key for isn't exactly piracy. You have the access, you can do anything you want.
Last edited by Spawn of Totoro; Sep 14, 2014 @ 11:49am
nameless_tee Sep 14, 2014 @ 1:55pm 
Originally posted by Segata Sanshiro:
Originally posted by Encypruon:
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Downloading the game you have the key for isn't exactly piracy. You have the access, you can do anything you want.

As far as I know downloading something you already own from unauthorised sources is still illegal (at least in Germany) so it's not an option.

Also I'm quite surprised that the sentence that I'm not going to repeat has been edited out because it didn't encourage piracy in any way. I just wanted to point out how Valve might benefit from implementing the features I suggested.
Black Blade Sep 14, 2014 @ 2:42pm 
Originally posted by Encypruon:
As far as I know downloading something you already own from unauthorised sources is still illegal (at least in Germany) so it's not an option.

Also I'm quite surprised that the sentence that I'm not going to repeat has been edited out because it didn't encourage piracy in any way. I just wanted to point out how Valve might benefit from implementing the features I suggested.
I think the download it self is ok, but the upload is not allowed
but i do think it will change from country to contry
Ranko Sep 14, 2014 @ 2:57pm 
Originally posted by Encypruon:
Originally posted by Segata Sanshiro:
Downloading the game you have the key for isn't exactly piracy. You have the access, you can do anything you want.

As far as I know downloading something you already own from unauthorised sources is still illegal (at least in Germany) so it's not an option.

Also I'm quite surprised that the sentence that I'm not going to repeat has been edited out because it didn't encourage piracy in any way. I just wanted to point out how Valve might benefit from implementing the features I suggested.
It's that way in the states too, you can own a key, but you can't just download it from anywhere. Otherwise it's illegal. Also I don't think the HTTP thing will work from what I've read with how they set steam up with in the past.
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Date Posted: Sep 14, 2014 @ 8:14am
Posts: 8