Steam - "This Game is Currently Unavailable"

Narj · 28 Aug 2011 at 22:50

Portal 2.... I've verified local game cache files and also changed my location server but still can't play it.

Is there something I'm missing? I must admit I'm a bit creeped out at the idea of being told when I can and can't play my games? :/

EDIT: I've done the ClientRegistry.blob rename trick as well.

Ice Globe · 28 Aug 2011 at 23:02

Noticed someone else had this problem last week.

I had the same problem yesterday after what I thought was from installing custom maps, not confirmed. I also had this problem when playing Portal 2 for the first time, allowed the game to update and it fixed itself. Seems to be quite a common issue with very very limited resolution. Most steam threads on the issue just go quiet.

I tried everything posted on steam forums which you have already done. I re-downloaded and re-installed today and it works fine now but can't see why!

Narj · 28 Aug 2011 at 23:07

Ice Globe said:
I tried everything posted on steam forums which you have already done. I re-downloaded and re-installed today and it works fine now but can't see why!

Unfortunately I'm on a crap ADSL connection at the moment so re-downloading is something I really don't want to do. I've raised a support ticket anyhow so will see what they say, but I must say it's opened my eyes a bit seeing that message pop up - I presume that Steam can stop me from playing my games whenever they choose. Perhaps it's time to start buying physical media again. :/

Alty · 28 Aug 2011 at 23:12

Found the following on the Steam Forums - dont know if this helps at all?

NOTICE: Game Server Downtime
From August 22nd to September 8th, European game servers hosted by Valve (L4D/L4D2/TF2/on Xbox and PC) will be offline.

The downtime will only pertain to official Valve servers, leaving the availability of independent clan servers unaffected. Additionally, it will be possible to join official Valve servers from other parts of the world; however, there may be increased latency during this time.

MeMeMeMe · 29 Aug 2011 at 12:54

That shouldn't affect it - that'[s just the multiplayer servers.

Narj · 29 Aug 2011 at 13:00

Hrm, did the clientregistry.blob thingy and changed download servers but still no joy. I've raised a ticket with Steam Support. How annoying.

Mr.Fantastic · 29 Aug 2011 at 14:13

I had this problem all i did was go into the steam folder and find the portal 2 folder and untick read only.

Narj · 29 Aug 2011 at 14:15

Mr.Fantastic said:
I had this problem all i did was go into the steam folder and find the portal 2 folder and untick read only.

Cool, I'll try that when I get back home, thanks!

Narj · 29 Aug 2011 at 22:47

Oh well, still not working. :/ Looks like I'll have to re-download. Steam are really slow to respond as well.

Narj · 30 Aug 2011 at 22:10

*sigh* re-downloading. I'll post in here if I manage to fix it as all threads I find have no solution.

Steam support are really slow too - really frustrating for those who have a full time job and hence limited time for gaming.

cosmos55 · 30 Aug 2011 at 22:15

I had trouble launching steam a few hours ago ,I managed to get it working after 6-7 attempts, then i tried to load Scared Gold, it said "This Game is Currently Unavailable" but worked on the seconded attempt.

This is the first time I've encountered any problems with steam.

QlimaxUK · 30 Aug 2011 at 22:42

not sure a re-download is the best option, maybe a cut-paste out - delete - repaste back in - install will work faster, just delete the .exe when you do this

Sin_Chase · 30 Aug 2011 at 22:51

I had this tonight on BC2.

Restarted Steam and it was fine.

Narj · 31 Aug 2011 at 08:18

Sin_Chase said:
I had this tonight on BC2.

Restarted Steam and it was fine.

I wish it was that simple. It's a right ballache tbh. I think a re-download is the only option really as a verify game cache shows no errors and it still doesn't work.

Ho hum. I'll post when I get it sorted, hopefully it's something stupid.

HazardO · 31 Aug 2011 at 10:32

PianoBasher said:
I wish it was that simple. It's a right ballache tbh. I think a re-download is the only option really as a verify game cache shows no errors and it still doesn't work.

Ho hum. I'll post when I get it sorted, hopefully it's something stupid.

Rather than re-download, you can backup the game install files, uninstall the game, and then reinstall from the backup files.

Dark_Angel · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:10

Something went a bit weird for me too, earlier on CSS said "cd key is invalid"... several other games wouldn't launch either.

Seems okay now though?

Kazz · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:17

I've never had any trouble using Steam and I've used it since launch, however last night I had that "This Game is Currently Unavailable" message when trying to launch Morrowind.

I closed down Steam and re-launched it, but it wouldn't connect to my account (net connection wasn't down). After several attempts over about 15mins, it worked again.

*shrug*

nickbayley · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:30

From reading this it sounds like you have done most of what this support article says, but I didn't see a direct link to this article in this topic, so maybe it will be of some use:

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=4595-WEXN-6831

Hope you get it working. Have you played Portal 2 before? I have never enjoyed dialogue in game so much.

TheCenturion · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:41

My brother gets this problem with spiral knight.

IT'S THE GAMING APOCALYPSE!!!

weyland yutani · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:44

I used to have this problem with Dirt3, good job it was a freebie code or I'd be livid. Every demo I download off Steam gives me aggro too, I won't ever buy games digitaly if a hard copy is available.