Digital Distribution Services

Gimpymoo

Gimpymoo

Gimpymoo

Soldato
Joined
31 May 2005
Posts
15,654
Location
Nottingham
I have only ever used STEAM and although I have noticed others that exist, have never been tempted to use them till now.

Wondered where else you guys get your content from and are there any ones you would recommend/AVOID and if you could share your experiences from the other sites.

STEAM
http://store.steampowered.com/
  • Unlimited downloads
  • Prices sometimes higher than other services (Taking into account the additional STEAM services though and unlimited downloads, maybe this is worth it)
  • Weekend Deals/Special offers are AMAZING.
  • No need to "Install", just download and play.
  • Community/Freinds?Achievement Features.
Gamersgate
http://www.gamersgate.com/
  • Unlimited downloads
  • Never used it before though.
  • Has content not on STEAM.
Direct2Drive
http://www.direct2drive.co.uk/
  • Limited Downloads which seems a little backwards to me although this is apparently only on certain titles (unverified).
  • Probably least likely to try these to be honest.
  • Appears to have content not on STEAM.
Impulse
http://www.impulsedriven.com/
  • Unlimited downloads.
  • Very specific games available only (e.g. Demigod, Sins of a Solar Empire).
  • Doesn't have to be running in order to play the games (reasonably good bonus)
  • Friends features aren't very good.
E.A Link/E.A Downloader
http://www.ea.com/games
  • Obviously, only supplies E.A games.
  • You can "link" newer games to your E.A account and download them anytime you wish with no additional charge.
  • Prices are in no way competitive in relation to the service it offers.
  • Direct Digital purchases are only available for a year unless a fee of £2.99 is paid which extends this to 5 years although some report unlimited downloads and not having paid an additional fee.
Play Greenhouse
http://www.playgreenhouse.com/
  • Unlimited downloads
  • Mainly appears to be Indy content.
  • Allows Community features and Achievements via Greenhouse’s own Nitrogen SDK.
Good Old Games
www.GOG.com
  • Mainly for older titles, but they are tested and work with both xp and vista.
  • Competitive pricing.
  • Unlimited downloads.
Sprocket Idea
http://www.sprocketidea.com
  • no info.
 
Last edited:
Aye, it only works with the newer games, well, more specifically Burnout.

The 6 months limit was I believe a limitation of the E.A Downloader before the service got rebranded to E.A Link.

You now get a year for free and it is £2.99 for a 5 year "lifespan".
 
The one thing about STEAM which does worry me is that if your account gets hacked and VAC banned, you loose EVERYTHING.

I can see why this needs to be done but seems harsh and a little scary.

If it is reported stolen they should give you the benefit of the doubt or have other systems in place to prevent hacking, maybe even the ability to restrict access to your account via MAC addresses you specify?
 
UV - Great idea, will edit when at a PC as currently on my mobile.

Kami - Will add when at PC also.

Hopefully this should become a deecent resource, couldn't find anything similiar when searching.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom