Which version should someone buy? Steam or non steam?

[TrisK]

Hello all. 

I wanna greet you all as I am a brand new player.

Problem is as following. There is currently great opportunity to buy game cheaper so my BF is planning to buy it. I am a newbe, he is a veteran of flight simulators and he started to miss them a lot.

And I bought it earlier (I have BOS and he want also buy this one and test it thoroughly before buying more versions) and this is website (non Steam) version. 

So here are some questions:

If I have non Steam is it any difference if he will buy Steam version, or should he buy non Steam? 

Which version is better and for what reasons, if any?

Can I bring my files to him to avoid downloading and is it then possible to play game without downloading it, only by copying files to his computer? (not necessary but he has limited internet so it could be useful)? I guess THEN he should choose non - steam version?

Thanks in advance for answers.

 

 

 

Edited October 22, 2018 by TrisK

[R3animate]

Non-Steam and Steam run off of the same servers etc-- the first time you log in with Steam you simply make an IL2 account and it links them automatically.

 

You can copy the files over, should work fine.

 

Devs get much more of the funding if you buy it from the IL2 website (I think all they pay is merchant fees), I think Steam takes a 30% cut. ..

[Wolfram-Harms]

I also think, you support the devs much better with a direct purchase. And it worked fine for me.

[Lusekofte]

You can copy the files , he need a account and license for one of the packs to use it. DL will not be needed , but access to internet will. 

Steam version usually much later to get new things in all sims , and have been in this before, I am not sure if it is that way anymore. I use Steam only when I must, I got this game directly from this site and it has worked flawless from the beginning. I was trying it out the first day.  The days of innocents . 

I would never had it on steam , simply because this system works so well

[CanadaOne]

Non-Steam!

 

I've had problems with Steam installations, and Steam has deleted big fat files that I then had to reload.

 

The BOX install system here has been butter smooth for me. No complaints at all.

[E_Davjack]

Non steam!  The only reason to go Steam AFAIK is if you want to tie the game into your Steam Friends.

 

Il2 and ICGs don't seem to have the same problem, but I went Steam for DCS and feel like I got a bad deal.  Modules aren't available immediately, Steam does not get the same sales.  There was a huge sale on a bundle of Helos recently that never even made it to Steam. 

[TrisK]

Thank you very much. Non Steam for sure now Everything explained so thoroughly and so quick!  What an awesome community!

Best regards to you all!

[smink1701]

Non

[TrisK]

[sevenless]

Steam - If you like to have everything under one hood

Non-Steam - If you like to give the Devs the most benefit for their work

 

Otherwise no difference - You decide!

[OrLoK]

I initially bought BoS under Steam, everything else via the official shop. ( one plane hugely appreciatedly gifted via this forum).

 

no issues.

 

 

[E_Davjack]

1 hour ago, TrisK said:

Thank you very much. Non Steam for sure now Everything explained so thoroughly and so quick!  What an awesome community!

Best regards to you all!

 

 

One thing to note:  check your Steam notifications settings.  I am a member of a group that puts out Event notices, and by default those will minimize some non steam games.  Happens to me for IL2 and RoF so I close Steam when I play these. 

[w00dy]

10 hours ago, OrLoK said:

I initially bought BoS under Steam, everything else via the official shop. ( one plane hugely appreciatedly gifted via this forum).

 

no issues.

 

 

 

Same here, I bought BOS from steam and everything else from the iL website.

 

If remember rightly, the advantages of steam are auto updates and faster downloads.

[THERION]

17 minutes ago, w00dy said:

 

Same here, I bought BOS from steam and everything else from the iL website.

 

If remember rightly, the advantages of steam are auto updates and faster downloads.

 

Right, this is the only reason why I've got BOS under Steam - automatic updates with very fast (!) downloads. Works flawlessly.

 

I actually didn't buy BOS through Steam, but when I installed my hard copy from the book store, I had to register with Steam.

All the rest was acquired from their web store and worked flawlessly too and even before you could link both accounts.

[BornToBattle]

Just my ramblings...

 

The way I understand things when you make a purchase of product xxx a portion of those sales goes in Steam’s pocket. By making a purchase directly off of the studio’s website, all the profit goes towards the company in question and thereby helping further the cause of future installments, updates, etc.

 

Personally, I’ve never seen the advantage to Steam, unless of course you have very little HD space available and upgrading this is not an option. I dislike Steam for a variety of reasons...

 

1. I like knowing that games are sitting on my rig,  not someone else’s servers. I don’t like the idea of having to rely on a third party in order to play a game title I own. I know the reliability of my machine and I trust in by far over someone else’s servers. I don’t know how many pending online matches I’ve had with my other friends online delayed because someone’s rig for one reason or another has to go through various updates with Steam as the interface or a problem with Steam not wanting to boot up a game correctly at all. It doesn’t happen frequently but still,  it it does happen. 

 

2. Another reason is ease of starting the games themselves. I have all my games in one partition (my G drive, or my designated “gaming drive”).  All I have to do in W10 is simply click in my start menu and then on the game in question and it fires up. Done. With Steam you can click on the Steam app in the exact same way,  but that’s where similarity ends. Once Steam fires up it then usually has to go through a “Checking Steam” sort of thing, then it also always goes ahead and does a quick update (or in some cases, a not so quick update). Then once Steam itself loads you have to close out the chosen advertising it has loaded for you - I’ve never seen it load without this - then you go to the “Library” as it’s called, then choose your game to play, then (and God forbid if the game you chose needs to be updated) it then will finally interface and actually begin to load the game you chose. If you had it installed on your PC rather than their servers it would have loaded the game in what seems like eons before Steam even got to it.

 

3. I like the fact that all the game components are in one place, and all sitting right in front of me to observe. This has the added advantage of being able to make copies of folders for backups in case any added mods go awry and things need to be swapped back to a vanilla state. I’m not sure if this is so with Steam, perhaps it is. If it is, then there is still no advantage in this area to having Steam regardless.

 

4. At various times during the life cycle I’ve had Steam (not by choice, but because I was forced to do so by various gaming titles) I don’t know if it’s because Steam does big updates or what, but my password goes MIA upon booting Steam up, which then requires me to of course re-enter all the information. 

 

5. Then think of the “what if” scenarios...what if the Steam servers ever went down? No game play. Then there is the outside chance, but still a “what if” Steam were to suddenly go out of business? Highly unlikely that the previous would happen, but it’s not totally impossible either. 

 

6. All that besides, I prefer giving 100% of the profits to the developer of the game and not Steam who had nothing to do with its development.

 

Free “two cents”. Regardless of why some developers push titles to a Steam only purchase, it all comes down to you, the end user. But as for me given the option, for the above reason I’ll choose to download to my PC directly from the studio’s website (or buy the DVD as the case may be) each and every time.

 

Cheers!

Edited October 23, 2018 by BornToBattle

[TrisK]

Nice conversation I have another question. Is there any way to update your version to "premium" one to get those additional planes ? Just in case we will like the game...

When we bought it we didn't know how it is important to have many planes  It is a pity that there is no way to try the game. For example you could test it for a week  and then it blocks until you pay for it or like it was with Rise of Flight, that there is demo version with limited functions and only 2 planes...

Edited October 23, 2018 by TrisK

[ShamrockOneFive]

18 minutes ago, TrisK said:

Nice conversation I have another question. Is there any way to update your version to "premium" one to get those additional planes ? Just in case we will like the game...

When we bought it we didn't know how it is important to have many planes  It is a pity that there is no way to try the game. For example you could test it for a week  and then it blocks until you pay for it or like it was with Rise of Flight, that there is demo version with limited functions and only 2 planes...

 

There's been talk of a demo but it needs its own development cycle (albeit short) that would take away from all of the other things they are creating right now. It's a tough balance for a small studio to work with.

 

It's easy enough to buy the other aircraft. They are available as "Collector Planes" under the store: https://il2sturmovik.com/store/collector-planes/

 

Some Collector Planes are attached to a product while other Collector Planes are independent. Check out my IL-2 buyers guide and see if it helps you with the process: https://stormbirds.blog/2018/08/18/the-il-2-series-buyers-guide-2018-edition/

 

You can of course always ask on the forums which Collector Planes you want/need depending on your preferences.

[CrazyDuck]

I avoid steam like a plague.

[spitfirejoe]

Steam takes a big cut which I DO NOT want!

 

I bought NON STEAM......Only to support and honor the Dev Team 100% for their great work. I bought all BOX titles so far and most collector planes and will buy also what´s coming up next ALWAYS directly from their own IL-2 webshop.

 

Keep on supporting the Dev Team!

[Gambit21]

I hate Steam...hates it forever.

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

On 10/23/2018 at 2:51 AM, CanadaOne said:

Non-Steam!

 

I've had problems with Steam installations, and Steam has deleted big fat files that I then had to reload.

 

The BOX install system here has been butter smooth for me. No complaints at all.

 

And i've never had such issues with Steam and i've been using it for like 14 years. Butter smooth for me. Plus Steam version gives you fast and automatic updates. But i suggest people to have 1 title in Steam and all the rest bought directly from devs so Gabe doesn't get his 30% from everything.

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

More cash to team from none steam, i doubt that more steam sell can lead to bigger game recognition = more copy sell.

[=FEW=Hauggy]

Buying from the website means supporting the team instead of giving money to steam.

I bought the base game from steam back in the days but after that I got every single addon and premium plane from the site for that reason, also it's cheaper because of the various discounts.

Edited October 24, 2018 by =FEW=Hauggy

[Godspeed]

Because you cant get Steam keys after pre order no longer like in  bodenplatte after release.

I would say Steam.

 

If you are Steam user its completely logical to buy from there.

Edited October 24, 2018 by Godspeed

[CanadaOne]

6 hours ago, NahkaSukka said:

 

And i've never had such issues with Steam and i've been using it for like 14 years. Butter smooth for me. Plus Steam version gives you fast and automatic updates. But i suggest people to have 1 title in Steam and all the rest bought directly from devs so Gabe doesn't get his 30% from everything.

 

 

It's possible I'm just not tech-bright enough to use Steam as well as others.

 

That said, the BOX install system here, even with my possible tech deficiencies, is always smooth and hassle free.

[Lusekofte]

8 hours ago, Gambit21 said:

I hate Steam...hates it forever.

 

I do not like it either, it is a software I rather dislike to install . It is there because COD demands it. It is not useful , it is a leach clinging on to game developers to suck profit. But I do not hate it, I would call disrespect it is a better word for it

[dburne]

I don't care for Steam at all.

If not for IL-2 requiring Steam VR to run my Rift, I would not have it installed.

If 1CGS ever gives us native support for the Rift, it will be gone on my system.

[THERION]

Steam is a little bit like a tick...

[szelljr]

...yes ,i love Steam.Why?? for cloud*...i uninstall a game ,or i need install a new Windows  ,so i lost my games,saves. BUT ....in couple minutes i install back ,end i have all my saves .

[w00dy]

It seems people either love or hate steam, it's a bit like Marmite, as we would say in the UK.

 

It's very useful for keeping my games up to date, there's nothing more I hate then trying to play a game. Only to find it's got a large update to download and install before I can play, it's really useful for those who have limited playing time. And most of my updates happen when my wife is using my PC 

 

I have been using it for nearly 14 years and it has saved me many hours.

Edited October 24, 2018 by w00dy

[THERION]

29 minutes ago, w00dy said:

And most of my updates happen when my wife is using my PC 

 

Wow, lucky one - and if your wife is complaining about performance, it's a good argument too to get a new rig approved by the "government". 

[w00dy]

5 minutes ago, -IRRE-Therion said:

 

Wow, lucky one - and if your wife is complaining about performance, it's a good argument too to get a new rig approved by the "government". 

 

Now that's a great idea 

[-TBC-AeroAce]

Steam is great at what it does, I'm not going to jump on the band waggon of haters. Putting the fact of giving the Dev all the money to one side I don't use steam because it is just one more program to launch. 

 

Ps I also do not want to see how many hours I have played. 

 

Edited October 24, 2018 by AeroAce

[=IL2AU=ToknMurican]

If you're already a steam user or just  appreciate fast download speeds for updates as well as not having to give login details every time you launch the game - buy BoS on steam. Ultimately if you find you enjoy combat flight simming you'll want more and then  buy the rest of the content @ the IL2 store.   Just make sure you make an account on the il-2 website and click the "Link my account" button when you launch the game from steam and you'll have access to anything you bought from the IL-2 store with your steam copy.  The expansions you buy from the il-2 store won't show up in steam but you'll have access to them once the game is running.  The one thing to note here is that the steam copy HAS to be Battle of Stalingrad as the expansions are listed as DLC on steam. 

 

Having a 1Gbps internet connection I value steam and am so glad I picked up a second copy of BoS on sale for $16 because without it..patch day or having to reinstall IL-2 was a total PITA that is like living back in the early 2000's with ISDN and ASDL. I'm talking measurements in kilobytes, to maybe a couple MBps max.  So thanks Steam for the 1Gbps downloads.   Sure.. valve gets a take, but it's not like I needed a second copy of BoS.  Il-2 Devs got paid for me wanting access to better download servers.  Not that I'm complaining about it.. I'm just sayin.    I have over 220 games on Steam and I've been using it since Valve released the Orange Box.    And I'm obviously happy about the download speeds. 

I don't get people's issues with it, Idk, maybe Valve should get a smaller cut, maybe, but I won't support the idea that they aren't providing services for both customers and developers.   Even retail stores make a profit on any boxed game sold, and all they do is put the things on their shelves.   This is coming from someone who had no idea IL-2 Battle of Stalingrad existed before I saw it showed up on the front page on Steam. (Also known as advertising, something many companies put billions of dollars per year into.)   Computer hardware issues led to me returning it, and I bought it from the IL-2 store after I realized my PC had an issue.  2 years later I ended up buying it on steam again despite already having access to all content besides Bodenplatte, Tanks, and Flying Circus if that says anything. 
.

Edited October 24, 2018 by =IL2AU=ToknMurican

[PatrickAWlson]

I have always done direct purchase.  very satisfied with the results.

[Taxman]

6 minutes ago, PatrickAWlson said:

I have always done direct purchase.  very satisfied with the results.

Same here.  Never had a problem with updates.

[TrisK]

22 hours ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

There's been talk of a demo but it needs its own development cycle (albeit short) that would take away from all of the other things they are creating right now. It's a tough balance for a small studio to work with.

 

It's easy enough to buy the other aircraft. They are available as "Collector Planes" under the store: https://il2sturmovik.com/store/collector-planes/

 

Some Collector Planes are attached to a product while other Collector Planes are independent. Check out my IL-2 buyers guide and see if it helps you with the process: https://stormbirds.blog/2018/08/18/the-il-2-series-buyers-guide-2018-edition/

 

You can of course always ask on the forums which Collector Planes you want/need depending on your preferences.

Thank you!!! Amazing guide!

 

 

Edited October 24, 2018 by TrisK

[MasserME262]

On 10/22/2018 at 9:32 PM, OrLoK said:

I initially bought BoS under Steam, everything else via the official shop. ( one plane hugely appreciatedly gifted via this forum).

 

no issues.

 

 

this is exactly my case, no issues neither.