Thread: Steam

Hey, I'm a huge fan of Steam, and I know there is another thread by LargeDuck here:
http://www.casualdiscourse.com/forum...ighlight=steam

However, that thread is really old and I'd like to do a little more with the thread. Right now, I know we're a really tight knit community and most of us are probably familiar with the platform. Though for the record let me write up a little summary.

What is Steam?
Steam is an on-line game platform developed by Valve Corporation that supports digital distribution and acts as a multiplayer and communication platform. It is software that acts as library for you to buy, download, and update your games whenever you are connected online. There's even an achievement catalog that come with most newer games. This might be mandatory now I'm not sure. Many newer PC games today like Skyrim and Modern Warfare 3 require steam activation, and if you want, you can add non-Steam games to your library for convenience. Every game you buy through or requires Steam activation will be hosted forever on your Steam account, so you can download and install any game at any time after you've uninstalled it.

How much does it cost?
The software and the service it provides is absolutely free. There's a community there for support. If you have friends that use the service then you can join in together for multiplayer games. You even get your own little profile page so you and your friends can see each others game library, see what your friends are playing right now, and in-game chat client that so far hasn't been cumbersome or an annoying hindrance to my game playing.

What do I need to use Steam?
From the Steam website(GO HERE TO DOWNLOAD):
http://store.steampowered.com/about/

System Requirements
Windows XP, Vista, or 7
512 MB RAM
1 Ghz or faster processor

Intel Mac, OS X version Leopard 10.5.8, Snow Leopard 10.6.3, or later.
Two-button mouse strongly recommended

1GB HD space (recommended)
Internet connection (broadband recommended)

I don't have a lot of time or money to play games
There's a lot of good games by indie developers, compared to developers of major titles, that are anywhere from a $1 to $10, take little HD space, and can be thoroughly enjoyed over a day off to weeks. You can even find some older games on there though I recommend going to www.gog.com if you're looking for older games.

I use Impulse/Origin/Direct2Drive/Desura/Beamdog/GoodOldGames/etc
That's cool. I'm not familiar with all the other clients. I tried D2D for a bit, and I still use GOG for older games. It is your preference, but I'm more familiar with Steam. I like their seasonal giveaways especially the massive developer catalog sales and their daily discounts. Plus, a lot of the newer games by indie developers are really fun to play and worth the five bucks.

So I think that is it. If anyone wants to add me my username is madpinorage and send me a PM on here. I guess if enough people here want to add each other over Steam I'll compile a list.
EDIT - Please post your username if you want to make some kind of a list and post if you want to be PMed on here before you add someone over Steam. I sure as hell do.

Also:

Originally Posted by DaiTengu

I created a Casual Discourse group. Post your steam name here (Mine is, unsurprisingly, "DaiTengu") and I will invite you. Once you're in you'll be able to invite others as well.

I also have an extra copy of Half Life 2 and Episode 1 should anyone want to trade.