DRM issues

[kingarthurivvi]

That out of the way let me get to the point. I have noticed many claims regarding steam working offline indefinitely even claims made from steam support themselves. This however is not the case Games purchased via steam are subject to authorization. For the 3rd time in recent memory mine has again de-authorized I own over 500 games so going through the hassle of re downloading and registering these games is anything but theft. I have already purchased and registered these games under the understanding it would only need to be a one time process.

Registration is not a one time process I have made a list of games that fail to function because of this. When you are in offline mode and this happens be prepared to loose your rights to property you purchased. I am sure I don't need to use a million analogies as to why this is wrong and why We never deal with this draconian practices on consoles but this is why theft is so bad especially in pc. So let me say I did not check all my games but the majority of them.

Before anyone relates the "-failed to contacted key server" error to other issues ..... I will say this instance is directly related to DRM and/or registration.


dragon age origins
bioshock infinate
crusader kings 2-failed to contacted key server
crysis 2-failed to contacted key server
darksouls-failed to contacted key server
Alice:madness Returns-EA login
Fallen Enchantress-failed to contacted key server
far cry 2-failed to contacted key server
far cry 3-failed to contacted key server
far cry 2 blood dragon -failed to contacted key server
Galactic Civilizations 2 Ultimate edition -failed to contacted key server
Hitman Absolution-crash
Killing floor-crash
Kingdoms of amalur-failed to contacted key server
Magicka-failed to contacted key server
max payne 3-failed to contacted key server
saints row 4- crash
spore-failed to contacted key server
splinter cell blacklist-failed to contacted key server
TrackMania2 Valley-failed to contacted key server
Two Worlds 2-failed to contacted key server
two worlds 2 castle deffence-failed to contacted key server
A valley without wind-failed to contacted key server
a valley without wind 2-failed to contacted key server
Warlock Master of the arcane-failed to contacted key server
The withcher 2: assassins of kings Enhanced edition
xblandes -failed to contacted key server
mortal kombat kollection-failed to contacted key server
Street fighter iv-failed to contacted key server
blood vawl -failed to contacted key server
mount and blade-failed to contacted key server
necrovision-failed to contacted key server
All stalker series-failed to contacted key server
anna Extended Edition-failed to contacted key server
Dead space-failed to contacted key server
Two worlds epic edition-failed to contacted key server
TThe witcher Enhanced edition-failed to contacted key server
Miner Wars 2081-failed to contacted key server
Tom Clancyl's Splintercell Chaos theory-failed to contacted key server

[TirithRR]

All those occured during sales when Steam ran out of licenses. It just requires a little time to get more licenses, and the problems are resolved.

I think the only one that ever really extended any large amount of time was Max Payne 3.

I like your random "crash" ones though, like that's somehow related to the DRM and not just the fact that the game happened to crash.

[kingarthurivvi]

I have owned these games for a long time now. They worked I have game saves and time played they unregistered As in they acted like i just purchased them ...all of them. Tip for those who do not like EULA's, if you are offline and run a game you have to authorise you can agree to a wordless EULA.

[Ubernerd Lucas]

1) I don't understand what your point is. Is this thread just to complain about DRM?

2) Steam doesn't claim to work 'indefinitely' offline as far as I know. The support article does state you have to run each game once online before you play it offline (which is likely the issue you're having), and I'm pretty sure you have to go on-line once a month to verify your credentials.

3) I've never had any issues like that with Steam.

[kingarthurivvi]

1. The games are loosing their activation status. I may not have the highest amount of games or level but I have been here for a long time and play often. I am pointing out a flaw Or feature that few if any users on steam are aware. You are wrong as I have asked these questions directly to steam support before I made a big investment and dumped consoles "Offline Mode is designed to work indefinitely. You can't access any of Steam's online features such as friends lists or saved game synchronization, but the client should allow you to run in Offline Mode for as long as you like."

2." The support article does state you have to run each game once online before you play it offline (which is likely the issue you're having)" I am not sure why you keep saying this Let me clarify things. I purchased max payne 3, months ago and played it a good bit. When this de-authorization happened to every game in my library it forced me to launch it as if I had just purchased max payne 3 including entering the CD key again. Now imagine having to do this for my entire library and this is like my 3rd time recently doing it.

3. I am glad you are lucky, but I am not making this up. It is a clear issue And I am sure I am not the only one having it.I wasted an entire day assuring my library of games could once again work offline. This is not something a customer should have to deal with who legitimately purchased a copy of the game. No one deals with this with consoles I have a stack of 360 games that will work on any xbox 360 from any day with or without the hdd with no need to log online for any reason. That is dealing with one of the game industries most greed driven, privacy violating corporations.

[Zefar]

Offline mode might need to connect to internet after 2 weeks or so. I've read about it somewhere.

Does the Failed to contact key server still pop up? This happens when Steam runs out of keys to give to the player. If it happened after you bought the game and have played it for some time you might need to contact support on the matter. If it doesn't solve itself by just launching it while you're online.

Also while it's not all that common it is rare to see someone who have bought lots of games where they keys ran out before they could use them.

That is dealing with one of the game industries most greed driven, privacy violating corporations.

Now you're just being unfair. Steam has been able to push down PC games prices a lot and they love to do sales on stuff. So much that we have like 100 games on sales each week. When was the last time you saw your console do that?

Privacy violation? In what way?

[Satoru]

Games like CK2 and Witcher2 don't need registration..... Which calls into question your entire post if you're listing those two games as "DRM"

Regardless Offline mode 'in theory' is supposed to work indefinitely.

All you've done is list game that have cd-keys attached to them. The thing is especially for Paradox games those keys arent even required to play the game. they're just used for forum activation on Paradox. In fact RIGHT NOW I can launch Crusader Kings2 WITHOUT STEAM RUNNING AT ALL.

Ergo your issue IS RELATED to the failed to contact cd-key issue despite your protestations. And no I am not a 'corporate shill' for pointing that out thank you.

[Black Blade]

Originally posted by kingarthurivvi:

Tip for those who do not like EULA's, if you are offline and run a game you have to authorise you can agree to a wordless EULA.

Wordless or not i think as it says by pressing agree you accept the EULA means that even if you cant see it there its like you did, but i am no law expert or anything XD

[kingarthurivvi]

Originally posted by Hotblack Desiato:

Well seeing as you stated in your opening that you'll ignore anyone who disagrees with you, I can't imagine this being much of a "discussion". Some would simply call it a rant, but I'll be generous and go with diatribe. Sounds more clinical, less tinfoil-hat.

I only own 2 of the games on your list, anyway. One I've never played at all (it's not even installed, and was a gift) and the other I've spent a grand total of 30 minutes playing.

I did not say I would ignore people I was asking for help and did not want to get side tracked by typical Stockholm syndrome victims. I am not a fan of people excusing extortion, as I can see all I have is a bunch of people calling my statements into question either by trying to discredit me or simply marginalize me. As if I have better things to do with my time than post complete BS about me spending my day fixing this issue. It may be some kind of registry issue not related to steam.

NO steam does not need a 2 week login it is officially supported offline indefinitely. I am quite sick of companies can do no harm and people who bring up issues are all out to steal from big corporate robber barons. So can we get back on topic and assume this is a real situation because it most definitely has happened but in the past i simply reregistered and let it slide but with my library growing it is becoming unacceptable especially when

I am so ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ tiered of arguing with these foolish idiots who have no ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ clue what fair use is and what license you own with any digital purchase. Here is the real issue none of you are here to fix the problem you simply derail the topic with your "you don't own it get over it" well its the same license as any DVD,CD or digital media. YOU OWN ONE copy of the game you are entitled to a working copy of the product. now you can tell yourselves you do not own ♥♥♥♥ but as for the reality of the situation you can contact steam and/or actually read the EULA and you will notice like with anything you purchase you do in fact own the COPY not he original assets or distribution rights.

This kind of mentality is exactly why I didn't want to bother to post its pure ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ shill propaganda and NO if EULA or any contract is not present in the presentation of a digital signature it is not valid.
Thanks again for derailing this topic making no progress and spreading this whole "no one owns anything digital" bs I did not lease a peace of software so please stuff it. Im done with this argument that could have prevented people from turning to piracy by simply answering why they should feel secure in legally purchasing a digital product instead you answered with "you might as well take it you wont own it anyways". Just imagine if your house, car cloths food worked the way you sell people digital products work.As if it is bad enough people don't have the right to distribute something they own you would have no one own anything.

[kingarthurivvi]

Next time someone asks why there is a bug or issue, maybe try to work on a solution instead of being a bunch of misinformed, know it all pretentious pricks. I hope steam users read and understand not only are they not entitled to games they spend a few grand on but that when they up and stop working when they bring their laptop on vacation that its ok because you people say that is how it should be and no one should qestion that

[Black Blade]

Well i really do not agree with your statement on post 10#
I mean what did you expect as to say?
Some are trying to help figure out the problem or understand it

As much as i see and i may be missing something you are saying that the problem is with CD-Keys? or is it something else

If you can please put a post giving only dry statement of the problem you get that be great, as reading the post as see you pointing on many things and in the end i am not really sure (may very be as its not my language) the problem it self
So can you maybe help me understand what it is? its CD-keys the problem? something that Steam it self dose? something else?

[kingarthurivvi]

Originally posted by Zefar:

Offline mode might need to connect to internet after 2 weeks or so. I've read about it somewhere.

Does the Failed to contact key server still pop up? This happens when Steam runs out of keys to give to the player. If it happened after you bought the game and have played it for some time you might need to contact support on the matter. If it doesn't solve itself by just launching it while you're online.

Also while it's not all that common it is rare to see someone who have bought lots of games where they keys ran out before they could use them.

That is dealing with one of the game industries most greed driven, privacy violating corporations.

Now you're just being unfair. Steam has been able to push down PC games prices a lot and they love to do sales on stuff. So much that we have like 100 games on sales each week. When was the last time you saw your console do that?

Privacy violation? In what way?

I was referring to Microsoft Actually being one of the worse game companies far outclassed by EA and ubisoft but still makes its mess with things like gfwl and kinnect. The key thing I am well aware of but I received legitimate keys and registered the games sometimes up to a year ago.As far as sales Consoles are not that far in some cases a lot cheaper I have picked up many xbox 360 games at gamestop used far below steam sales prices. In fact bundles are the real seller on PC but humble bundle kinda dropped of those ultra epic deals.

I guess It really does not matter how cheap you can buy a game if you have to rely on a steady connection and permission from the true owners of what you purchased .... man the shackles people love their chains don't they.

[kingarthurivvi]

For those who might be confused this is not a video game or movie subscription based service We are not renting games on steam. Figured I would clear that up you would think some of these people who are nearly 1k games would know that. I am sure they feel relieved knowing they actually purchased something and own a copy of it. I know i might be upset of i spent 250k on a house i didn't always have a key to go in and I could be kicked out of at any time. I mean there is always netflx and gamefly for those who do not wish to own anything.

[Tito Shivan]

Originally posted by kingarthurivvi:

Next time someone asks why there is a bug or issue, maybe try to work on a solution instead of being a bunch of misinformed, know it all pretentious pricks. I hope steam users read and understand not only are they not entitled to games they spend a few grand on but that when they up and stop working when they bring their laptop on vacation that its ok because you people say that is how it should be and no one should qestion that

You agreed to use a service that requires an active Internet connection to function.
Offline mode -should- work indefinitely, but sometimes bugs out. We're not guaranteed an error-free behaviour (no software does)

Please watch your tone, there's no need for namecalling.

[Satoru]

OP stick with the fact and stop insulting people who are trying to help you. YOur title is inflammatory and thus is unlikely to illicit any measured response when you yourself create the tone of essentially trolling and flamebaiting.

Simply state that you have an issue with offline mode. That's it. That's all it is. DOn't conflate it with DRM, dont conflate it with the SSA. YOU are creating teh wrong tone here with the FIRST SENTENCE. Then you're magically suprised when people correctly point out some flaws in waht you're saying.

You're having issues iwth offline mode. That's it. Full stop. Stop digging a hole for yourself where your ACTUAL issue gets lost in your own incoherent rantings.

[ KARR™]

Originally posted by Boris:

No it is not. Nowhere is it stated ever that Steam is supported indefinitely offline or otherwise. In fact, it's quite clear, plain and simple in the agreement that Steam offer no such guarantees and that "MAY REQUIRE TO MAINTAIN AN INTERNET CONNECTION".

I refer you to Valve employee HenryG here:
http://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/864969953572102601/#c864969953730401285

Who states:

Offline Mode is designed to be indefinite. You can't access any of Steam's online features such as friends lists or saved game synchronization, of course, but the client should allow you to run in Offline Mode for as long as you like.