Steam

[spleendamage]

Updates would also be seemless which is a big bonus.

Steam provides no good automatic way to allow playing on older versions. Since our updates consistently break save compatibility (because they're usually large changes to the structure of the game and/or adding and removing game objects), this would mean your saves would just break and you'd have no way to prevent it or go back and finish them.

It's not necessarily the best system for a game in this stage of development.

So there's that, plus I want the game to be good and ready quality-wise for the larger Steam audience. There's no date on Steam release. Though we are looking at making an auto-updater that would take the pain out of updating manually, and handle the ability to play older versions with your older saves if you wish.

I don't know if this works since I have never used this feature, but if you go to your game library and right-click the game (this is on a Windows Steam client), and select "Properties," you will get to a screen with multiple tabs. One of the tabs is titled "UPDATES." There is a drop-down selector there which (theoretically, if it behaves as advertised) allows you to turn off automatic updates for the game. That's not quite the same as picking any older version, but it would work if you are heavily invested in one particular save.

[_alphaBeta_]

I think the issue is that while that's possible, Tynan would have to explain that to all his players. It may seem easy enough, but once you factor in language barriers and people just plain missing the announcement etc., Tynan may find himself inundated with confused and angry players complaining about their saves.

[Tynan]

Yeah, _aB_ pretty much covers it right there.

[Fernbhoy]

Plus at the end of the day, a games community forums are full of people who are trying to improve the game and increase the fanbase/support by word and mouth ect.

Steam being mainstream will always have "trolls" who just comment on a game without even looking at a picture of it in an attempt to deter future customers or just infuriate people that they avoid the games.

Seen it happen a fair bit on Project Zomboid

[Chiko]

The trolling comes with the territory, I guess. It all depends if it explicitly says the game is still in development, which some games in steam fail to properly mention.

Also, Steam does support version selection. A number of games that are still under heavy development have old versions still there so players can choose them. Players just have to right click the game, select BETAS and choose the available versions. Steam then "reinstalls" the game in the chosen version.

[StorymasterQ]

All registration forms on all forums and websites ought/should have a check box that registrars can choose:

[ ] I'm a troll.

Makes it easier for the rest of the community.

[RawCode]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_bit

[Rahjital]

Also, Steam does support version selection. A number of games that are still under heavy development have old versions still there so players can choose them. Players just have to right click the game, select BETAS and choose the available versions. Steam then "reinstalls" the game in the chosen version.

Indeed, but that still suffers from the problem alphaBeta shown.

[username:]

I would love to buy this game but i dont have paypal i have ideal please put this game on steam so i can buy it too

[Tynan]

I would love to buy this game but i dont have paypal i have ideal please put this game on steam so i can buy it too

You can buy without PayPal; use Stripe instead.

[longbyte1]

I think the issue is that while that's possible, Tynan would have to explain that to all his players. It may seem easy enough, but once you factor in language barriers and people just plain missing the announcement etc., Tynan may find himself inundated with confused and angry players complaining about their saves.

something like this?

[_alphaBeta_]

You'd be surprised how many people wouldn't understand even this, and still hold the developer accountable.

[Splinterbee]

im exited for this on steam but it would be better if there was more content. don't need people freaking out about another early access

person who buys without researching: Gaaaah I paid 30 bucks to support the game! that's so stoopid tootalii not warth it! lets wite a horrible
weview!!

I personally love the game so far. it could almost be a full game to me already but maybe I just have low expectations

[Fernbhoy]

on the subject of steam, Might be worth TY updating the greenlight page, it's still on alpha 2

[Coenmcj]

on the subject of steam, Might be worth TY updating the greenlight page, it's still on alpha 2

Oh my, that is... a fair point.