Games for Windows – LIVE: Major Fail

[boynamedsuse]

Does anyone else find Games for Windows – LIVE annoying? I rarely play games, but a week ago got a good deal on BioShock 2 and therefore had my first mandatory encounter with GFWL. When I tried to run the game, GFWL told me I had no option but to update it, create an account, save a profile, restart my computer, etc. After maybe 30-40 minutes I was finally able to play for a short time, but I was no longer in the mood and quit. Now, a week later when I tried to start the game for the second time, GFWL demanded that I do an update and I had to go through a similar process again. After an hour of running in circles, I gave up without playing a thing . . .

except my bass. Come to think of it, the extra hour of bass practice may have been a better idea anyway.

[mmbongo]

That's why I stick to Steam!

[boynamedsuse]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

That's why I stick to Steam!

Yeah--I like Steam also . . . and I purchased the game on Steam. Apparently, BioShock 2 requires the player to use GFWL regardless of where you purchase it.

[jp58]

Xbox games are going to the same system. Super frustrating.

[Simo98]

Buy game, install, crack, play.

Seriously, there is so much crap about downloading updates and making accounts now I crack or download a rip of probably 80-90% of the games I purchase.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

That's why I stick to Steam!

I only really buy PC games on Steam these days, and GFW-L is still on the games that use it. And yes, it's a PITA.

[My name is Mudd]

Originally Posted by Simo98

...now I crack or download a rip of probably 80-90% of the games I purchase.

And this right here is WHY we all have to deal with GFWL, Steam, etc.

[L-A]

Originally Posted by My name is Mudd

And this right here is WHY we all have to deal with GFWL, Steam, etc.

Nope. Just like him, I purchase games. Starforce protection and Windows Live auth, to name two of them, have an incredible number of flaws that can completely break one's ability to play.

I cracked my games ever since my Worms Armageddon CD stopped working because it was worn from being inserted every time I wanted to run the game (as it was required back then). I also did it because games like Spore limited the number of times you can install from your *purchased* DVD, and I happen to clean my computer about yearly. I ran out of installs on a single computer within six months! Cracks give you your game, as absurd as it sounds taken out of context.

But I have no problem with Steam. How is it limitative in your opinion? If you bought a game three years ago and have no trace of it, they'll let you download the latest version whole, free of charge, anywhere you login. That's a pretty rad offer.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

+1

Steam is a great platform. Easy to use, easy to find the servers your mates are playing in etc.

The only downside is the ease with which you can buy the games IMO!