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If you play video games on your computer, chances are you’re using Steam. As much as I like Steam, I’m not a huge fan of their DRM... which requires regular online check-in. While I understand why it has to check to make sure you own the game, I just don’t like the idea that I can’t play my games when I don’t have the internet.
I recently purchased a retail game of Nuclear Throne, which came with a Steam code (see photo). I tried to redeem it, but Steam said someone else already used the code. You would think this simple error could be easily resolved by the Steam team. No, it’s not. There’s no way to contact Steam directly (GOG has a “contact us” page with a working email address.)
When I finally found the Steam’s help page, via a fan linking in their forums, it just tells me to return the game to the retailer. I don’t want to drive back to the store. I still couldn’t find a way to just write them a message.
When I had problems in the past with other companies, like Apple, Target, or Comixology, it was pretty easy to find the contact page. After I show them the proof (receipt or photo of the digital code), they just gave me the credit for it.
With the DRM issues, the fact that I absolutely loath the Steam Controller, and my terrible customer service experience, I think I will stop buying Steam games going forward. I can’t believe it came down to a $10 game... which I’m almost certain would cost Steam next to nothing to just give me the game (that I purchased!)
At least there’s still GOG (Good Old Games)... which will likely be my #1 PC gaming solution now. This company doesn’t require you to be online to play games you own. I have about 140 games on GOG and I’ll continue to support them.
One fan wrote this, which sums up how I feel about Gog: “Thank you GOG for never treating paying customers like criminals by forcing them to be online to play a single player game.”
A few years ago, GOG Galaxy was introduced and it’s probably the best thing that CD Projekt RED created. Just recently (maybe a few months ago), they started offering free cloud saves. That is just perfect, because I actually play games on two different computers (my work computer and my dedicated gaming computer that is hooked up to my 4k TV). It’s worked flawlessly for me, although it took forever to upload all my saves for the first time.
If you were wondering, my dedicated gaming computer is an ASUS M32CD Desktop Computer. Sure, it’s not the fastest computer around, but it’s also only $500.
Eventually, I’ll get around to upgrading the graphics card to something speedy (the computer’s built-in 500 Watt is enough for any modern video card).
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Nuclear Throne
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When I finally found the Steam’s help page, via a fan linking in their forums, it just tells me to return the game to the retailer. I don’t want to drive back to the store. I still couldn’t find a way to just write them a message.
When I had problems in the past with other companies, like Apple, Target, or Comixology, it was pretty easy to find the contact page. After I show them the proof (receipt or photo of the digital code), they just gave me the credit for it.
With the DRM issues, the fact that I absolutely loath the Steam Controller, and my terrible customer service experience, I think I will stop buying Steam games going forward. I can’t believe it came down to a $10 game... which I’m almost certain would cost Steam next to nothing to just give me the game (that I purchased!)
At least there’s still GOG (Good Old Games)... which will likely be my #1 PC gaming solution now. This company doesn’t require you to be online to play games you own. I have about 140 games on GOG and I’ll continue to support them.
One fan wrote this, which sums up how I feel about Gog: “Thank you GOG for never treating paying customers like criminals by forcing them to be online to play a single player game.”
A few years ago, GOG Galaxy was introduced and it’s probably the best thing that CD Projekt RED created. Just recently (maybe a few months ago), they started offering free cloud saves. That is just perfect, because I actually play games on two different computers (my work computer and my dedicated gaming computer that is hooked up to my 4k TV). It’s worked flawlessly for me, although it took forever to upload all my saves for the first time.
If you were wondering, my dedicated gaming computer is an ASUS M32CD Desktop Computer. Sure, it’s not the fastest computer around, but it’s also only $500.
ASUS M32CD Desktop Computer Factory Recertified; Intel Core i5-6400 Processor 2.7GHz; AMD Radeon R9 370 2GB VR Ready; 8GB DDR4-2133 RAM; 1TB 7,200RPM Hard Drive
- Intel Core i5-6400 Processor 2.7GHz
- AMD Radeon R9 370 2GB VR Ready
- 8GB DDR4-2133 RAM
- 1TB 7,200RPM Hard Drive
- Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit
- SuperMulti DVDRW Drive
- 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
- 10/100/1000 Network
- 802.11ac Wireless
Eventually, I’ll get around to upgrading the graphics card to something speedy (the computer’s built-in 500 Watt is enough for any modern video card).
