Thanks for the info- would like know more about Cryoutilities some saying you need to update it or do something because of the update to Steamdeck- Points are fun- I get stickers/backgrounds on occasion. For the Deck Filter you mentioned haha 400 games that is beginner numbers- must be new here lmao- I won't say my number but its large enough that people freak when they see my library and I have friends that have over double my own- 400 that's cute.
@@FanTheDeck here i am just shy of 200 and i rarely see any reason to add to that recently. Not that good games aren't being released but i just have so many things to play through already.
Honestly the new update isnt that bad. They are trying to close a loophole that people have taken advantage of and playing a preorder early access for more than 2 hrs. It is a reasonable change.
Yeah that part itself seems incredibly reasonable. By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
very interesting to read such opinions, for my part "i dont rly care" but i notice when company "A" change their policy to the worst / anti-consumer cuz the consumer abused the shit out of it, they get hated no matter what. but when valve does it: "its fine" / "its the consumer fault cuz they abused the system". i dont wanna say ppl have double-standard or being hypocrite but the reality is: everyone is just some are more than others
@@Vss077 Valve actually contributed a lot of good shit in the gaming community. Meanwhile the other platforms are trash and are just there to rip you off while devs are trying to milk you like a cow. Gee i wonder why valve gets an easy pass.
As many have said, I was not aware of the "loophole" about refunding early access games. The change does not bother me. I can see a game going downhill and wanting to not play it anymore, but I think that is the chance you take when you buy into an early access title. If you want to be sure of what you are getting, you wait until 1.1.
This "early access" isn't early access. It's just an excuse to charge even more. The game is being released to the public in a "finished" state (whatever that means nowadays, we all know there will be patches anyway). That's what's called a release. Actual early access is when a game is being made available to the public in explicitly unfinished state.
What Valve did is actually genius and I'll tell you why. I can't think of a better way to punish and educate people that preorder games, than making them pay more to experience the absolute worst version of the game, ridden with bugs and glitches, at an extra premium cost, that alone has the potential to fix the market (just a little bit) and we would also get the reviews before launch as well (at least I hope so) and avoid potential trainwrecks. It might even make games from other launchers come to Steam sooner. [BIG RANT BELOW] you've been warned The people that buy into these anti-consumer practices are the consumers themselves, we can see with Dragon's Dogma 2, people raised the game from negative to mixed and completely nullified the message people were trying to send to Capcom for a least a decade, the message went from "we don't tolerate anti-consumer practices" to "we don't mind anti-consumer practices". The publishers will push whatever bullsh¡t at the wall to see if it sticks and we are the ones to decide if it's "yay" or "nay", if we voted with our wallets like we believe we do, then these companies wouldn't even think about it, they keep doing it because they know people will buy it.
This is just a personal opinion like everyone else's but. If you're going to buy early access, you're doing it with your money on your knowledge. If you're willing to essentially purchase a beta game before general release and pay extra to be a beta tester for 3 days that's your right. On the other hand I wish there was some way to stop information from the game releasing 3 days early because spoilers get out and people get upset about that specifically. Along with if it's an MMO the fact other players technically have a 3-day head start on resources the economy and preparing everything in advanced. If I was to chime anything into this agreement I would say that if it's an online multiplayer game it should have different standards and rules for those who purchased the beta. Maybe only have them able to access a set server for a pwriod of time before being merged with everyone else in such a way other players can join but they can swap out if they don't like the experience with the beta players. It's not without its flaws absolutely but It's not like it stops anyone from playing the game or enjoying what it offers and They can certainly still play with their friends they would just have to tell them to come to server "Grogno" instead of whatever other server options there are available. Regardless if it's a single player game or a multiplayer game everyone if it's an option has the right to play the game the way they like as long as they are not cheating. And If you're willing to pay twice the amount of game price to play Three Days earlier then go for it. But I think valve has the right idea because they are in fact playing the game, 3 days before everyone else or not you're playing the game and with other people who purchased the package So I think it should count and The people who purchased it should know the risks associated with purchasing 3 days early access or whatever number they use. That's my biggest gripe, they should make it clear that if you get the early access you are entering into a beta program of, Even if only technically, an unfinished game and that it will count twords tour redund status. I think that's the most important bit. To remember everyone is playing the game, whether you bought the VIP pass to see the band in the back of a concert or just the normal concert ticket you are still listening to the music and enjoying the party right? At least that's my take on it. Faree well internet friends and game on!
I still think Advanced Access is fine. Games are unreasonably inexpensive. Final Fantasy III cost $80 on the SNES in 1994; the equivalent of of $171 in 2024. Yet most gamers still don't want to pay more than $50 nowadays. Given everything else has gone up so much in price since Covid, game prices are abnormally low. If selling three-day early access pays for developer salaries, I'm fine with it. I won't buy Advanced Access, but if others do I don't feel left out waiting 72 hours to play.
I think that the changes in the refund policy were due to pressure from the publishers, just don't buy the early earliest access, Devolver Digital did it as a bit in one of his Devolver Direct and here we are now 😂
Vote with your wallet. Valve could just have said no "early access", but it puts them at a disadvantage against other digital stores. They had to do something to what was technically a loophole. Again, vote with your wallet. Don't buy pay to win stuff and don't pre-order ganes. Considering how broken they are at launch, why even bother?
People are forgetting games can just update and strip shit out constantly. Two Worlds 2 didn't _have_ microtransactions for _years._ It had fucking cheats. So scummy publishers and devs will be shitty either way, advanced access just straight up _is_ the game so I think this is incredibly fair. I don't care about advanced access either way though so idk.
I would ask for points, but I'm in the same boat as you, 700k points after spending 400k😂 just looking to get rid of them at this point, also thank you for the great content, you quickly became one of my favorite channels when I started searching for a handheld, I went with the deck over the ally and legion go, mainly because of your useful and fun updates, and I am so happy with my deck I recently bought another for my friend's birthday
Thanks, but I don't want to be 3 days early beta tester :D I would rather wait 3 more weeks and have a great experience on my 1st run compared to the opposite :)
Also budget gaming is the way. And heres why, bought jedi survival full price, poor performance, played other stuff, went back okay performance but still finishing up some other games. Finally start it oh look its on gamepass or 45% percent off... thats on me tho 😆 i cant really complain about that lmao
I don't see any issue. If you don't like early access stuff and are concerned about the game being good then get it on the advertised release date. Better yet wait for reviews.
I think that's a fair stance to have. For me personally, if I'm buying in Early Access it's because I really want to support the game even if it's not necessarily ready. But I also do this very rarely. Thanks for the comment, by the way. If you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@Waifu4Life Well, it depends from studio size, if they needed funds etc., for example Hades was an Early Access and had a HUGE success and even though not finish, it was a decent product already on the "first" release
I feel like Steam gamers are especially patient. By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
True. I find that the steam deck leans into the budget gamer and in current economy that's probably half of us lol and the budget gamer knows to wait for them sales
@@flywheelshyster I got the steam deck for Christmas and honestly I’ve been using it a lot. I can get a bunch of indie games for like one or two dollars.
I do the same, but only for games that show hints of being badly optimised or buggy, or if the game lacks contents, but if a game is solid all around, I don't have a problem paying full price for it, but if it's unoptimised, buggy or lacking contents, then it's going on a deep discount before I buy.
Damn. The change was for the better and not just abusing advanced access. I think it is good since the refund policy is fair anyway, you cant just use a product and refund it after playing it completely.
Which part tho? By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@FanTheDeck thanks, I honestly liked the refund policy on valve. thats why i dont pay for other stores especially games that is published ln their own website. the refund policy makes sense and doesnt really hurt players who appreciate devs and their games.
On another note, im happy with my steam deck. Just had issues with decky loader showing a black screen error thing on 1/3 of the screen if you open it. Idk why but i cant fix it lol, im using beta both steam deck and decky loader build
@@silver_einherjar Yeah I'm often on Steam Deck Beta and even though Decky Loader has gotten much better it's my experience that if you have Steam Deck on Beta channel, it's a little too troublesome to have Decky Loader installed. I typically suggest picking one or the other, if that makes sense. And thanks for the updated comment! That makes sense.
Completely agree, if you buy a game and get advanced access, you should not be able to return it before the official release if you played it enough. How hard is it to understand that if you play a game to completion, or say spend more than two or three hours in it, you likely were enjoying yourself and should have to pay for it?
Triple AAA game industry will remove any and every kind of "feature" to make an extra buck by selling it back to you. They're going to start selling 4k textures, offline play, and resolution options as add-ons soon enough.
@@FanTheDeck I mean we basically have "play this game a year early" already thanks to Epic 'exclusives', all they need to do is tack on the 50 bucks part
Seems sensible enough By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
I'm confused, how is the change to the refund policy formalizing advanced access? Advanced access was already there, Valve doesn't control how or when companies give access to their games. If anything, this is Valve coming down against advanced access to close a loophole and make people realize that "advanced access" is just the release date of the game by making it count as normal playtime against the refund period timer.
That too could be interpreted as click bait, even if true Also the mura things was exciting for me as one of the 5 OLED owners who noticed it (plays in completely black room next to wife and have to put headphones in/backlight to lowest to be respectful)
Listen, I respect your opinion and I respect your decision to not watch my videos that have titles that you claim to be clickbaity. Obviously well within your right. But also, I just want to say "hesus hristos" is hilarious. Anyway, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Ehm, the title isn't about the steam deck update? At least I don't think it is... It's about people being mad that Valve did this policy change. I don't agree that it's anything to blame Valve for, but these gamers were clearly disappointed in Valve. So... No clickbait.
@@FanTheDeck I like your content and watch your videos regularily. I don't know what's that deal with steam points is, and I don't want to know but thanks. My reaction to the click bait thumb nail comes from the fact that in the past you wouldn't do it. Or at least I don't remember any outrageously click-baity thumbnails in your videos.
Advanced Access was already there, its just now a lot clearer in the refund policy and store page. I don't really see a problem here. I think expecting Valve to police the entire game industry is just ridiculous.
I think the clarity important By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Regarding Advanced Access as a trend: Today, I got an email from Valve that one of the games on my wishlist has become available. I was initially excited, but remembered what happens when I buy games on release. I encounter many many bugs, all of which seemingly get patched later. As a result, I am down on buying games on release, in general. Buying games BEFORE release makes even less sense. To conclude, I do not see myself using this feature, ever.
Same same. Every time I've brought a game on release, its been bad news.... That said I'll probably get Ghost of Tsushima on release just because I trust that porting studio lol
Early access has been a thing for a long time. Valve preventing people from abusing the returns doesn’t legitimize it any more than it already does bc it ALREADY EXISTS and would continue to exist even if they changed nothing. It just starts the refund clock earlier. Pretty stupid take
If you don't want to pay extra money to play the game 3 days early don't pay the extra money to play the game 3 days early. I don't see what the problem is here. Also if you see a game that's making you pay to play it 3 days early it's probably a game you shouldn't play anyways because it was probably made by EA Activision Capcom etc and you should avoid games made by them if you can help it. Basically if you can't consider the developers in indi developer you probably shouldn't buy the game from them. Obviously this rule only applies to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Android you should avoid most games and Nintendo isn't considered Indi but obviously you want to play their games.
It's not a bad update. If you paid for early access, and you played it for 2 hours, you still played two hours. It makes sense to deny refunds at that point.
When you say turn the camera to face directly behind you do you mean that thing in Dynasty Warriors that I use all the time and I never use the joystick to manipulate the camera? I think Breath of the Wild also has that ability. It is usually whatever button blocks in a video game.
Couldn't care less about AAA games, they're dead to me. That said that's one good way to trap whales killing their right of return then adding a day one patch that introduces outrageous DLC/pay to win prices, I can see why Ubisoft loves this.
I like an occasional "Triple-A" game but indies are my babez 😍 By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
I think its both the publishers and fellow gamers fault. I get it and i don't like the practice either of pre-order E.A. Most of the time I don't pick up a game on day 1 (exceptions being something like really good ports. Ones I want to reward the Dev's for. Vote with your wallet). Also some people really want to be in the zeitgeist, discussing the game with friends and each other. That's kind of the point to picking up x game for them in the first place. SO i get it, but I'm not that social, SO EH. Overall I Can't blame valve, because that is a avenue for people to abuse the system. To some extent, I feel it does normalize it. BUT it was already normalized in the first place. This is more like valve begrudgingly accepting it IMO. I wish they would just outright ban the practice on their platform, but i feel that would be shooting themselves in the foot.
Yeah can't see them doing that but it would be interesting. You prob have plenty of Steam points but just in case you want some: forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Honestly I consider the following the game to be play three days early to be a good thing. Not because of the practice itself. But because the customers that are sceptical or unsure will be able to see the full game unmartured by marketing speals nor cherry pickings. And decide if they want it on release date or not.
So I have major reservations with "Advance Access" but I also was thinking about exactly what you said. It's interesting that the embargo usually lifts after this date so it almost democratizes reviews even further. Now you can post a Steam user review before a major publication can post their review By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Dead Island 2 with the EOS thing is a complete mess. Every time you launch the game, it runs a separate Epic Online Services updater app. If an update is available it attempts to download it. And this is why so many seemingly are having weird issues with the game. Because if anything goes wrong with this, you are out of sync with the online components.. And it is also infuriating to just see that trash updater if you just want to play single player. Typically I would expect online components to be baked into the game, and the game itself to be updated when needed. Next game I buy where I see this kind of updater show up, it will be an immediate refund.
Good points. I think the best approach is to do the uninstall and update the INI but even assuming that still works, that's terrible to have to go with that solution. By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
I didn’t know you were a software dev. Your commentary on Balatro was my favorite part of this video. I’m a regular viewer of ThePrimeagen, so hearing you talk about petulant back seat devs that care more about being negative than intelligent was fun.
mesa 24.0.x does come with some performance improvements over 23.3.x if that's what steamos 3.5 is still on (can't find anywhere what version it is currently on though, I don't have a deck myself). The most notable change is in ray tracing performance (+ a major bump for certain OpenGL workloads but that's not that impactful these days) but there are some small perf improvements across the board.
the problem isnt steam changing the adcanced access, ppl abused so you getc what you played valve for and it hurts the company who made that game and hurts valve
I'm honestly of the opinion that thr refund policy should re-open whenever a game receives massive changes. I don't think it's reasonable to do so for every update, but at least whenever the monetization strategy is changed seems reasonable to me. I'd also like to see an additional change to be similar to the Minecraft launcher where every single version of the game (more or less) that has ever been released is available to download and play. Maybe it doesn't work for some games and those games can opt-out similar to the family share program, but both seem like necessary changes to me.
I find it funny that here they're selling three-day early access for games when, if you own a nintendo switch you can get every single new title fourteen full days before release... Did I forget to say for free?
Commenting because it helps you in the algo. Why? Your criticism proves you aren't just a Valve fanboy (I like Valve too but they're def not perfect and deserve criticism)
O.K., the "turn camera to face direction" function-combined with the "reset camera horizon-is actually a pretty nice addition. Being able to do this improves gyro functionality quite a bit and is really something that a good number of third-person console titles have had even prior to gyro aiming (I believe that this was a integrated into a number of PS2 titles), so the addition is overall quite welcome as there are more than a few titles that would benefit from this.
Maybe I'm just way too old and out of touch and I completely understand that I'm NOT the target demographic of early/advanced access in games . . . but what is the point of it? What is the point of playing a game 2, 3, 5 days "early"? I wish a fan of this practice could explain it to me like I'm 5. Is it bragging rights? Spoiler avoidance? Some other strange flex that I'm completely incredulous to?
First time I've heard of "advanced access", probably because I don't play tras- I mean, AAA games. It's literally just Early Access, something that was already on Steam, except with a higher, rather than lower or equal price tag before the release date. People who are calling out Steam for "legitimizing" it are just virtue signalling. They are being silly and dragging Steam's name through the mud for no real reason other than making themselves look good on the internet to people who didn't think much about the subject.
Thanks for the comment, Melody! By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@FanTheDeck Oh, I'm okay! After buying my steamdeck, dock, and a couple games for it, I think I'm drowning in points. I bought almost everything that looked interesting in the point shop already!😅😂
Valve needs to update the policy to take into account day 1 patches that significantly change the prelaunch game. Such as adding microtransactions or a change in DRM
Unpopular opinion coming in below: The update to refund policy; I feel that was justified, to prevent abuse and to cover Valve's own behind. The "advanced access" practice; I feel Valve should not have that as a "feature" or "option" on their platform. It just seems like it will cause to much imbalance.
I think Valve's refund policy is great for most games, but when we are talking about massive AAA games that are like 50+ hours of playtime, 2 hours isn't nearly enough to tell if you will like it. Def wanted to refund Red Dead 2 but I had 4 hours of 0 fun when I tried and they wouldnt let me.
well duh of course it's "late access for poors". it has always been. i think it's a stupid thing, but people are stupid and buy into it so what can i do but pretend that doesn't exist? btw it's fair what valve's doing. i'm all for fairness and consumers that did that were CLEARLY exploiting
Yea because playing a game that you may actually like or enjoy earlier is TOTALLY a bad thing *Rolls Eyes* If your not gonna enjoy it in the long run. THEN. DON'T. BUY. IT. Simple logic. I play games for FUN I buy and play games the same way as I did back in 1989 to 2000, I am a millennial that don't use reviews (Shocker) to dictate how I play. Like I played Corridor 7 on MS DOS back then guess what? People see it as trash back then. But did I care? HELL NO! I LOOOOOVED it I loved the game it was my childhood you cannot be serious that me playing a bad Dos game in those days is a bad thing? I play games how I had always had for years and that wont change.
Formalising this Advanced Access "feature" only highlights how silly it is in the first place -- a FOMO upsell for the hype addicts, "Publisher Tipping"? "Publisher Pre-Tipping"! Buying a game at full price is already a form of Advanced Access available to everyone, with every game. Valve's move clarified the situation around the practice that has been around for at least... (*googles*) a _DECADE?!_ O-oh. Maybe Valve should have done this a little bit sooner...
The main issue with pure swap is it lowers the lifespan of the SSD with all the writing that is done with swaping. There will also be less drive space since there needs to be some available for swaping. Steam Deck is primarily single purpose device so I am not sure it makes sense to save up so much memory in order to do so many things at the same time or more quickly switch between programs like on more typical PC. So I could see it makes sense to just kill off the memory if it still takes too much space after compression. Otherwise Valve has been great at offering configurations to the end user, so if people want to take up SSD space (and longevity) for swap they could choose to do so.
If you play dozens of hours of early access then you enjoy the game. If they introduce microtransactions or make the game horrible on release you shouldn't get that money back still. If this bothers you, DO NOT BUY EARLY ACCESS games!!! Don't give them your money until they have something you like This is perfectly reasonable of Valve to do as a business. They already had 2hr gameplay window on refunds, that shouldn't be different for early access
I would never get such early access for a Game I wouldn't know I'll love anyway. And where I'd also be willing to buy an expensive collectors edition anway. In other Words: I'd only do it with Monster Hunter, lol. Any other gaming franchise I hold to THAT value wouldn't even be big enough to consider such a "pre-access" ever happening. If Monster Hunter Wilds eventually offers something like that, I might bite. And a refund policy would be the least of my concerns there. These games have NEVER disappointed me. And if that game in that hypothetical timeline should be the first one to do so, then I just wouldn't do it agian in the future, but still not regret my choice, since I have no reason to assume that Wilds will be the first MH ever I regret purchasing.
The only game I'd ideally like to buy day one is EA NHL xx. But... F*CK EA... I'll buy it whenever it's dirt cheap... Like > $5 dirt cheap... This is because I'm a hockey fan NOT because I like EA's yearly release... Any other game can wait for a sale if that.
LMAO people are complaining about the refund policy but hasn't said anything remotely anything about said refund policy. These are the same people who are abusing the early/advanced access and then refunding the game after they finished it.
What!?! No mention of Little Kitty Big City being released😮? But on the subject of Valve's refund policy, the timetable should be reset if a developer pushes an update after purchase that alters the game play experience. For example, early access games later recieving updates, adding micro transactions or pay to win mechanics. I don't buy many AAA titles to begin with, so if a title gets my attention, I'll wait to purchase.
Nice video as usual. Just one note. I see you are blasting people with a link to a google form in the comments. Please avoid doing that, scams are a serious threat on youtube and a scam bot will create a fake account and might get people to click on harmful links. Istead, tell us that you will have a link for something cool IN THE DESCRIPTION or a PINNED message of yours. Your account also might get flagged if people starts reporting you by mistake. Take care and keep rocking, my dude!
Closing a loophole is important, BUT!!! Dragon's Dogma 2 added *Pay To Win* microtransactions after the reviews were out. This is the kind of thing you will not be able to avoid in the future. So now "consumers" should wait how long before buying games in the future? Serious doubts here...
I honestly think if they are changing the refund policy for refunds on early access game then they need to increase the refund time on early access sometimes early access games get updated quick for fixes and sometimes they dont the refund time shouldnt be the same for early access
It's certainly something to think about. For me personally, if I'm buying in Early Access it's because I *really* want to support the game even if it's not necessarily ready. But I also do this very rarely. Thanks for the comment. By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Early Access started as a way for small dev teams to get their game out, get some early financing, and get feedback. Major studios releasing 3 days early don't care about user feedback. They care about gamers that are willing to pay inflated prices to be "first." You don't like Value closing the loophole, then stop rewarding AAA studios for being predatory. I'll happily pay to play Manor Lords early because I know that money is going to a guy that's worked his butt off and will use the money to continue development. It's not a simple greedy cash grab
Hey man, just wanted to say if you feel pressured into buying overpriced 1st day games, don't be. We like you for being down to earth here with everyone else. Waiting for games to get in sale is smart and chill, not buying into crappy DRM is good for everyone and spending endless hours in weird/cheap/small/indie games is perfectly normal and beautifully opinionated. Most of us are like that, so you don't need to change for us. Stay you. PS: Got loads of Steam Points myself. :D
The thing is: people buy a game, and get a premium before others are allowed to play, play access to the official release. This is not even closing a loophole. You have played an official release game. You just paid extra that others get it to play later. It is the official release with a premium access. If it was *early access*, then it is different, because early access is beta testing. But it isn't. It isn't a beta access, it is an official release access, and as such should be counted as such. I think there should be a clear distinction between early/beta access and advanced access. Advanced access is just a gimmick that you could play that game before the "proletes" get access. It's a luxury/bragging gimmick. As such, when I had money, I would do that for some developers... But then again, I have supported some indie developers on patreon just because their game rocks (for me) (like projectorgames)
This is a "nothing burger" for me, as Valve still has the best return policy, they are just modifying it for purposes of current times. If there is a way to abuse something, human beings will find a way, and Valve is just protecting their own interest in this matter. I'm like you stated yourself to once be, as I NEVER buy new games, and normally only buy a game when the price is right. So until watching this video, I didn't even know what was described was actually a thing, as it didn't affect me.
Advanced Access I don't think Valve should have any say how publishers publish their game. As soon as Valve starts having an opinion and deciding what and how publishers publish the games, in example early access play, then I think Valve gets too much power over all games and publishers. It is not Valve who normalizes this practice. Users where abusing the early playtime and refund policy, so it is only right that the playtime counts towards. In short, Valve should just be the launcher and shop of the games. The publishers is who is responsible for publishing games and this relationship should not change, or Valve gets too much power (as said before).
Game prices haven't kept up with inflation; they should be closer to $150 USD by now. Until the game buying public can come to terms with that, they should expect things like advance access, battle passes and cosmetics from devs to make up the difference.
Valve also offers refund to avoid consumer protection lawsuits, lol. But yes it has benefitted their whole platform with the refund policy compared to buying the keys and other stores.
I have never payed extra to get a game a few days early. I’m honestly surprised it’s starting to become so normalized that people are abusing the system. I think Valve did a good update to the policy.
Valve and other streaming company need to offer a higher price for the game giving you access key to play on all other platforms. Hell raiser is a prime example i have it on steam but I don't want to purchase it on PS5 again. Similar to Blue Rays they come with a key allowing you to watch it digitally. I think people would purchase a higher price version knowing they could play it on any platform. Or maybe they just offer it available when you purchased with steam. The industry is changing :( Played Torch lite and as soon as i logged in and started playing I had a feeling this was on mobile. Sure enough it was on the app store. Its all about cross playing games. I believe company need to adjust or loose customers. I can imagine this is very hard with parents with kids! that can not make there own purchase decisions and don't understand the value of money! good video
Don't care about Valve doing this at all... It makes total sense. As you said, it's the players that pay that money that legitimize this practice. I don't care much either way because I also almost never buy games at release. Waiting gets you a better game for less money. One additional thing I wanted to note... You didn't mention them, but you had Eneba on screen alongside official resellers. It's not a very big deal or anything, but I would avoid doing that because it helps legitimize them in people's minds. The problem is that like G2A, Eneba is a marketplace and as such you don't really know who you're buying from. In many cases keys are bought with stolen credit card data which leads to chargeback costs costing the dev more money than if you had just pirated the game. Sometimes the key may also be revoked, but usually they don't do that so it's relatively safe for us as consumers, but that doesn't mean we should do it. Especially small indie studios can really be hurt by this.
About the advance Access of AAA games, now players can leave reviews about the game... so now is a double edge sword; they can play a few days early, but they can also leave reviews a few days early; so to the non-fomo players, it can be a fantastic help to decide whenever to buy or not the game. Also, I'm over the FOMO, I think the last game I preordered was Persona 5 in its original release (a friend did want the bag... and she is still using it today XD)
Honestly, I understand the policy change. Say I want SW: Outlaws. I pay $110 to get early access, play the thing for hours in early access. Day after release, under the old policy, I can refund the title, then buy it again for $70. I've used the real benefit to buying it early (early access) essentially for free. Steam really isn't losing out - they don't care that I played the game for three days for free; they still get a sale and make money. Steam is doing this to placate the game studios who want to have that early money and don't want to give away early access.
I like and subscribe to your channel even though I don't have a SteamDeck. Good content, but as the comments on this video show you , this headline is a bit tabloidy/click-baity. You weren't setting your hair on fire about Valve policy changes and didn't really provide a lot of substantiation on the "disappointed gamers"
Bad move on Valve imo. Advanced access now just gives an incentive for devs to launch unfinished games at full price. Having the fear of gamers refunding the game if it did not meet expectations would ideally prevent devs from releasing unfinished games as "advanced access" in the first place. Now that fear factor is gone. Regardless, none of this would be an issue if people didn't buy unfinished products to begin with! It can't be that hard to vote with your wallets. Or maybe I got the situation wrong, idk feel free to correct me.
While I usually avoid Early Access, if it's from an Indie studio which uses the EA period sensibly it can be fun to be part of the development. As an example, I will buy Airborne Empire the moment their EA launch goes live. In this case I have been lucky enough to beta-test and know the game is great already, but without that I already trust the studio for their previous game.
I have no issue with Steam's change in the Advanced Access counting toward the 2 hour refund window. You're playing the game so why wouldnt it count? People complaining make me think they're trying to wash their hands of any responsibility for their choices. With this change, people should now question whether it's worth getting the Advanced Access or not, dealing with any server issues and bugs, if it's really worth it or not.
re: advance access. I'm not about to blame gamers or any sorta consumer for much anything these days with how much manufactured demand companies have nowadays. Any company knows full well that people don't know what they're missing, and that so long as they're keeping the troughs filled with slop, enough people will be more than happy. That's not the gamers fault, but the lack of vision from videogame producers to actually raise the bar on the artistic merit of their games. I think about with film, right? how there was a point where movies like Cleopatra and Ben Hur, these huge huge productions, were the name of the game, you put all your money into one big project and the spectacle will return better than like seven smaller projects, but then that crashed, people stopped going to those bigass films, so low to mid budget movies bubbled back up, and interesting art happened again. I want that to happen to videogames, or even to films again, but this seems less like a cycle and more something the industry is trying to proactively account for and prevent even though it likely should be happening like right now.
2 weeks of purchase is stupid... When you buy 10 games on a sale and start playing some of them. Then you start up a game you've purchased 14 days ago and don't like it even after 7 mins you cannot get your money back for that game. GOG has the best refund policy.
I think that’s fair. It’s curbing abuse and overall as consumers we shouldn’t be preordering in 2024. The only people I can see benefitting from early access are those on platforms such as TH-cam that provide content for viewers
So that refund policy update doesn't affect me at all. Preordering is an inadvisable practice in the first place. EDIT: Don't know it could be construed that this policy change normalizes advance access - advance access already existed.
Games like No Rest for the Wicked and Manor Lords are those that I'll buy to support because I believe in the devs, how they update the community, deploy patches but actually consider player feedback. The people that knowingly abused this system, brought this upon themselves. Its probably best so act like a game hasn't released if you see it in early access.
I actually feel the refund policy should be expanded, specially for AAA games. I feel if an update breaks a game or an update introduces MTXs in a game, people should still get a refund, no matter how many hours you played. This would make companies a little more considerate with screwing gamers over.
People paying for the early Access are the people supporting this. Although i usually wait for a steam sale gmg does usually have day 1 discounts so I dont really buy day 1 games
Valve is not normalizing it. They are putting a break on it. By doing this, tthose idiots that pay for early access maybe will think twice (but probably not) to pay full price for sometimes an unfinished game. If less people do this maybe it will go away.... but probably not.
I think I refunded one item on Steam many many years ago, cannot even recall the game now. Simply, it does not bother me at all, but I get it, the disappointment. Consumers should kind of know what they are getting into from the start, from experience I most always do, but there are legitimate reasons to refund, and you still can in fairness. I myself am not holding it against Valve, and I think people that abuse the refund system are the only real people affected. I do agree about the third party aspect, many games that I wish I could refund, I can't, but I get what I pay for, and just content with that. In fairness it just is what it is, and Valve is always typically fair to customers, with frequent sales, etc, if you prefer to wait a bit, Steam Rocks.
Hopefully advanced access doesn't become the new industry standard cause I can see the practise itself becoming quite malicious in introducing even more FOMO. I could very easily see some games start bluring the lines between early and advanced access to start normalizing releasing unfinished games even more since "it's not technically being released unfinished it is advanced access" I must say I haven't been hyped for a steam deck update in a while, which isn't a bad thing since it means I am content with what's there right now. But I wonder if we're getting anything new and really cool sometimes this year!
I think a lot of people love drama. It was more like a bug in their refund policy that you can play a game without Valve counting your playtime. I don’t care. I never have, and I will not pay twice the game's price to play it 3 days earlier. I think it’s the dumbest thing to do, but if companies add such tires, then it is definitely the gamer's fault, as there are gamers who buy it.
I have no problem with Valves new rule around the refund policy. Steam is not responsible for the pay for early access trend. Those companies would use other platforms for early access instead of using Steam, and I don't think it would be a good idea for Steam to push even more companies away. Especially given the fact that if we, as gamers, want to stop companies from using this tactic, we simply need to stop rewarding it.
If you're here Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Thanks for the info- would like know more about Cryoutilities some saying you need to update it or do something because of the update to Steamdeck- Points are fun- I get stickers/backgrounds on occasion. For the Deck Filter you mentioned haha 400 games that is beginner numbers- must be new here lmao- I won't say my number but its large enough that people freak when they see my library and I have friends that have over double my own- 400 that's cute.
@@StReborn311 Haha I said the creator of Deckfilter has 400 games. I have 1772 🤦🏻♀
Hello,
Why don't you try to use those points to improve the chat, there are plenty of nice icons.
Otherwise, greetings from the middle of Europe
title misleading
@@FanTheDeck here i am just shy of 200 and i rarely see any reason to add to that recently. Not that good games aren't being released but i just have so many things to play through already.
Honestly the new update isnt that bad. They are trying to close a loophole that people have taken advantage of and playing a preorder early access for more than 2 hrs. It is a reasonable change.
Yeah that part itself seems incredibly reasonable.
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@ReveriePass Still a hekkin sus way to advertise it the link tho, given the history of scam bots xD
@@ReveriePass All you have to do is click the icon and you can see the account has 90k subs and was created 6 years ago, so its authentic.
very interesting to read such opinions, for my part "i dont rly care" but i notice when company "A" change their policy to the worst / anti-consumer cuz the consumer abused the shit out of it, they get hated no matter what. but when valve does it: "its fine" / "its the consumer fault cuz they abused the system". i dont wanna say ppl have double-standard or being hypocrite but the reality is: everyone is just some are more than others
@@Vss077
Valve actually contributed a lot of good shit in the gaming community. Meanwhile the other platforms are trash and are just there to rip you off while devs are trying to milk you like a cow.
Gee i wonder why valve gets an easy pass.
As many have said, I was not aware of the "loophole" about refunding early access games. The change does not bother me. I can see a game going downhill and wanting to not play it anymore, but I think that is the chance you take when you buy into an early access title. If you want to be sure of what you are getting, you wait until 1.1.
This "early access" isn't early access. It's just an excuse to charge even more. The game is being released to the public in a "finished" state (whatever that means nowadays, we all know there will be patches anyway). That's what's called a release. Actual early access is when a game is being made available to the public in explicitly unfinished state.
Looking forward to getting my steam deck this week, in the military so its probably the best option rn
What Valve did is actually genius and I'll tell you why. I can't think of a better way to punish and educate people that preorder games, than making them pay more to experience the absolute worst version of the game, ridden with bugs and glitches, at an extra premium cost, that alone has the potential to fix the market (just a little bit) and we would also get the reviews before launch as well (at least I hope so) and avoid potential trainwrecks. It might even make games from other launchers come to Steam sooner.
[BIG RANT BELOW]
you've been warned
The people that buy into these anti-consumer practices are the consumers themselves, we can see with Dragon's Dogma 2, people raised the game from negative to mixed and completely nullified the message people were trying to send to Capcom for a least a decade, the message went from "we don't tolerate anti-consumer practices" to "we don't mind anti-consumer practices".
The publishers will push whatever bullsh¡t at the wall to see if it sticks and we are the ones to decide if it's "yay" or "nay", if we voted with our wallets like we believe we do, then these companies wouldn't even think about it, they keep doing it because they know people will buy it.
This is just a personal opinion like everyone else's but. If you're going to buy early access, you're doing it with your money on your knowledge. If you're willing to essentially purchase a beta game before general release and pay extra to be a beta tester for 3 days that's your right. On the other hand I wish there was some way to stop information from the game releasing 3 days early because spoilers get out and people get upset about that specifically. Along with if it's an MMO the fact other players technically have a 3-day head start on resources the economy and preparing everything in advanced. If I was to chime anything into this agreement I would say that if it's an online multiplayer game it should have different standards and rules for those who purchased the beta. Maybe only have them able to access a set server for a pwriod of time before being merged with everyone else in such a way other players can join but they can swap out if they don't like the experience with the beta players. It's not without its flaws absolutely but It's not like it stops anyone from playing the game or enjoying what it offers and They can certainly still play with their friends they would just have to tell them to come to server "Grogno" instead of whatever other server options there are available.
Regardless if it's a single player game or a multiplayer game everyone if it's an option has the right to play the game the way they like as long as they are not cheating. And If you're willing to pay twice the amount of game price to play Three Days earlier then go for it. But I think valve has the right idea because they are in fact playing the game, 3 days before everyone else or not you're playing the game and with other people who purchased the package So I think it should count and The people who purchased it should know the risks associated with purchasing 3 days early access or whatever number they use. That's my biggest gripe, they should make it clear that if you get the early access you are entering into a beta program of, Even if only technically, an unfinished game and that it will count twords tour redund status.
I think that's the most important bit. To remember everyone is playing the game, whether you bought the VIP pass to see the band in the back of a concert or just the normal concert ticket you are still listening to the music and enjoying the party right? At least that's my take on it. Faree well internet friends and game on!
I still think Advanced Access is fine. Games are unreasonably inexpensive. Final Fantasy III cost $80 on the SNES in 1994; the equivalent of of $171 in 2024. Yet most gamers still don't want to pay more than $50 nowadays. Given everything else has gone up so much in price since Covid, game prices are abnormally low. If selling three-day early access pays for developer salaries, I'm fine with it. I won't buy Advanced Access, but if others do I don't feel left out waiting 72 hours to play.
I think that the changes in the refund policy were due to pressure from the publishers, just don't buy the early earliest access, Devolver Digital did it as a bit in one of his Devolver Direct and here we are now 😂
Vote with your wallet.
Valve could just have said no "early access", but it puts them at a disadvantage against other digital stores. They had to do something to what was technically a loophole.
Again, vote with your wallet. Don't buy pay to win stuff and don't pre-order ganes. Considering how broken they are at launch, why even bother?
People are forgetting games can just update and strip shit out constantly. Two Worlds 2 didn't _have_ microtransactions for _years._ It had fucking cheats. So scummy publishers and devs will be shitty either way, advanced access just straight up _is_ the game so I think this is incredibly fair. I don't care about advanced access either way though so idk.
If you want publishers to stop doing something then stop giving them money when they do it.
Preorder where can play a few days before
And no refund after release if played over 2 hours
Is bad for day 1 patch
I would ask for points, but I'm in the same boat as you, 700k points after spending 400k😂 just looking to get rid of them at this point, also thank you for the great content, you quickly became one of my favorite channels when I started searching for a handheld, I went with the deck over the ally and legion go, mainly because of your useful and fun updates, and I am so happy with my deck I recently bought another for my friend's birthday
Wow that's so generous of you sir, thank you 😊
Stability? Valve copying Nintendo’s update notes.
😅
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Thanks, but I don't want to be 3 days early beta tester :D I would rather wait 3 more weeks and have a great experience on my 1st run compared to the opposite :)
Also budget gaming is the way. And heres why, bought jedi survival full price, poor performance, played other stuff, went back okay performance but still finishing up some other games. Finally start it oh look its on gamepass or 45% percent off... thats on me tho 😆 i cant really complain about that lmao
I don't see any issue. If you don't like early access stuff and are concerned about the game being good then get it on the advertised release date. Better yet wait for reviews.
This only really affects people abusing the return policy. Gamers in general should NOT buy early access.
I think that's a fair stance to have. For me personally, if I'm buying in Early Access it's because I really want to support the game even if it's not necessarily ready. But I also do this very rarely.
Thanks for the comment, by the way. If you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@FanTheDeck Yeah, finish your game before selling it!
@@Waifu4Life Well, it depends from studio size, if they needed funds etc., for example Hades was an Early Access and had a HUGE success and even though not finish, it was a decent product already on the "first" release
@@stefanorigato Ultrakill is also a great Early-Access game
@@DakkaNah2619 true, goated game
I never pay full retail price, I will literally wait till the game has an extremely good discount
I feel like Steam gamers are especially patient.
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
same.
True. I find that the steam deck leans into the budget gamer and in current economy that's probably half of us lol and the budget gamer knows to wait for them sales
@@flywheelshyster I got the steam deck for Christmas and honestly I’ve been using it a lot. I can get a bunch of indie games for like one or two dollars.
I do the same, but only for games that show hints of being badly optimised or buggy, or if the game lacks contents, but if a game is solid all around, I don't have a problem paying full price for it, but if it's unoptimised, buggy or lacking contents, then it's going on a deep discount before I buy.
Damn. The change was for the better and not just abusing advanced access. I think it is good since the refund policy is fair anyway, you cant just use a product and refund it after playing it completely.
Which part tho? By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@FanTheDeck thanks, I honestly liked the refund policy on valve. thats why i dont pay for other stores especially games that is published ln their own website. the refund policy makes sense and doesnt really hurt players who appreciate devs and their games.
On another note, im happy with my steam deck. Just had issues with decky loader showing a black screen error thing on 1/3 of the screen if you open it. Idk why but i cant fix it lol, im using beta both steam deck and decky loader build
@@silver_einherjar Yeah I'm often on Steam Deck Beta and even though Decky Loader has gotten much better it's my experience that if you have Steam Deck on Beta channel, it's a little too troublesome to have Decky Loader installed. I typically suggest picking one or the other, if that makes sense.
And thanks for the updated comment! That makes sense.
Completely agree, if you buy a game and get advanced access, you should not be able to return it before the official release if you played it enough. How hard is it to understand that if you play a game to completion, or say spend more than two or three hours in it, you likely were enjoying yourself and should have to pay for it?
Triple AAA game industry will remove any and every kind of "feature" to make an extra buck by selling it back to you. They're going to start selling 4k textures, offline play, and resolution options as add-ons soon enough.
Do you think we'll start to see the number of days grow? "Play this game 15 days early for 50 more bucks"
@@FanTheDeck I mean we basically have "play this game a year early" already thanks to Epic 'exclusives', all they need to do is tack on the 50 bucks part
@@deltaangelfire alonzo_mourning.gif
Offline play will become a luxury 😢
Oh yes, options on the games’ Settings will one day be sold as separate DLC. We will get there eventually.. :D
Hey, thanks for the shout Rich!
You're welcome Bill
I don't think that Valve's change in policy legitimizes advanced access in any way. If anything, it says, 'Access is access; no more free rides.'
It really is the gamers fault... just don't buy advance access, it is a s#itty practice to begin with
Seems sensible enough
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
I'm confused, how is the change to the refund policy formalizing advanced access? Advanced access was already there, Valve doesn't control how or when companies give access to their games. If anything, this is Valve coming down against advanced access to close a loophole and make people realize that "advanced access" is just the release date of the game by making it count as normal playtime against the refund period timer.
Stop with click-baity titles. If you named it "yet another boring Steam Deck update", I'd actually watch it to see what that updated does.
That too could be interpreted as click bait, even if true
Also the mura things was exciting for me as one of the 5 OLED owners who noticed it (plays in completely black room next to wife and have to put headphones in/backlight to lowest to be respectful)
@@xDARKSHADEx It would make me way more inclined to watch the video than a cheap "omg hesus hristos what have they done, VALVE no!"
Listen, I respect your opinion and I respect your decision to not watch my videos that have titles that you claim to be clickbaity. Obviously well within your right. But also, I just want to say "hesus hristos" is hilarious.
Anyway, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Ehm, the title isn't about the steam deck update? At least I don't think it is... It's about people being mad that Valve did this policy change. I don't agree that it's anything to blame Valve for, but these gamers were clearly disappointed in Valve. So... No clickbait.
@@FanTheDeck I like your content and watch your videos regularily. I don't know what's that deal with steam points is, and I don't want to know but thanks.
My reaction to the click bait thumb nail comes from the fact that in the past you wouldn't do it. Or at least I don't remember any outrageously click-baity thumbnails in your videos.
Advanced Access was already there, its just now a lot clearer in the refund policy and store page. I don't really see a problem here. I think expecting Valve to police the entire game industry is just ridiculous.
I think the clarity important
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Regarding Advanced Access as a trend:
Today, I got an email from Valve that one of the games on my wishlist has become available. I was initially excited, but remembered what happens when I buy games on release. I encounter many many bugs, all of which seemingly get patched later.
As a result, I am down on buying games on release, in general.
Buying games BEFORE release makes even less sense. To conclude, I do not see myself using this feature, ever.
Same same. Every time I've brought a game on release, its been bad news.... That said I'll probably get Ghost of Tsushima on release just because I trust that porting studio lol
Early access has been a thing for a long time. Valve preventing people from abusing the returns doesn’t legitimize it any more than it already does bc it ALREADY EXISTS and would continue to exist even if they changed nothing. It just starts the refund clock earlier. Pretty stupid take
If you don't want to pay extra money to play the game 3 days early don't pay the extra money to play the game 3 days early. I don't see what the problem is here.
Also if you see a game that's making you pay to play it 3 days early it's probably a game you shouldn't play anyways because it was probably made by EA Activision Capcom etc and you should avoid games made by them if you can help it.
Basically if you can't consider the developers in indi developer you probably shouldn't buy the game from them.
Obviously this rule only applies to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Android you should avoid most games and Nintendo isn't considered Indi but obviously you want to play their games.
It's not a bad update. If you paid for early access, and you played it for 2 hours, you still played two hours. It makes sense to deny refunds at that point.
When you say turn the camera to face directly behind you do you mean that thing in Dynasty Warriors that I use all the time and I never use the joystick to manipulate the camera?
I think Breath of the Wild also has that ability. It is usually whatever button blocks in a video game.
Couldn't care less about AAA games, they're dead to me. That said that's one good way to trap whales killing their right of return then adding a day one patch that introduces outrageous DLC/pay to win prices, I can see why Ubisoft loves this.
I like an occasional "Triple-A" game but indies are my babez 😍
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
? This is not letting me down in anyway, props for valve for closing loopholes that only hurt devs.
169 bucks for a power bank that’s steap man.
@ronsan89 steep*. You are right though, it's a bit on the expensive side.
I think its both the publishers and fellow gamers fault. I get it and i don't like the practice either of pre-order E.A. Most of the time I don't pick up a game on day 1 (exceptions being something like really good ports. Ones I want to reward the Dev's for. Vote with your wallet). Also some people really want to be in the zeitgeist, discussing the game with friends and each other. That's kind of the point to picking up x game for them in the first place. SO i get it, but I'm not that social, SO EH.
Overall I Can't blame valve, because that is a avenue for people to abuse the system. To some extent, I feel it does normalize it. BUT it was already normalized in the first place. This is more like valve begrudgingly accepting it IMO. I wish they would just outright ban the practice on their platform, but i feel that would be shooting themselves in the foot.
Yeah can't see them doing that but it would be interesting.
You prob have plenty of Steam points but just in case you want some: forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Honestly I consider the following the game to be play three days early to be a good thing.
Not because of the practice itself.
But because the customers that are sceptical or unsure will be able to see the full game unmartured by marketing speals nor cherry pickings.
And decide if they want it on release date or not.
So I have major reservations with "Advance Access" but I also was thinking about exactly what you said. It's interesting that the embargo usually lifts after this date so it almost democratizes reviews even further. Now you can post a Steam user review before a major publication can post their review
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Dead Island 2 with the EOS thing is a complete mess. Every time you launch the game, it runs a separate Epic Online Services updater app. If an update is available it attempts to download it. And this is why so many seemingly are having weird issues with the game. Because if anything goes wrong with this, you are out of sync with the online components.. And it is also infuriating to just see that trash updater if you just want to play single player.
Typically I would expect online components to be baked into the game, and the game itself to be updated when needed. Next game I buy where I see this kind of updater show up, it will be an immediate refund.
Good points. I think the best approach is to do the uninstall and update the INI but even assuming that still works, that's terrible to have to go with that solution.
By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
I didn’t know you were a software dev. Your commentary on Balatro was my favorite part of this video.
I’m a regular viewer of ThePrimeagen, so hearing you talk about petulant back seat devs that care more about being negative than intelligent was fun.
I'll check that channel out! And yes exactly - a lot of backseat development. All too easy to fall into that trap
The GO is king, it's why I am not subscribed to this channel.
I see the pinned post but I'm dropping a comment anyways
mesa 24.0.x does come with some performance improvements over 23.3.x if that's what steamos 3.5 is still on (can't find anywhere what version it is currently on though, I don't have a deck myself). The most notable change is in ray tracing performance (+ a major bump for certain OpenGL workloads but that's not that impactful these days) but there are some small perf improvements across the board.
the problem isnt steam changing the adcanced access, ppl abused so you getc what you played valve for and it hurts the company who made that game and hurts valve
I'm honestly of the opinion that thr refund policy should re-open whenever a game receives massive changes. I don't think it's reasonable to do so for every update, but at least whenever the monetization strategy is changed seems reasonable to me.
I'd also like to see an additional change to be similar to the Minecraft launcher where every single version of the game (more or less) that has ever been released is available to download and play. Maybe it doesn't work for some games and those games can opt-out similar to the family share program, but both seem like necessary changes to me.
I find it funny that here they're selling three-day early access for games when, if you own a nintendo switch you can get every single new title fourteen full days before release... Did I forget to say for free?
Melody! 😬😲
Commenting because it helps you in the algo. Why? Your criticism proves you aren't just a Valve fanboy (I like Valve too but they're def not perfect and deserve criticism)
O.K., the "turn camera to face direction" function-combined with the "reset camera horizon-is actually a pretty nice addition. Being able to do this improves gyro functionality quite a bit and is really something that a good number of third-person console titles have had even prior to gyro aiming (I believe that this was a integrated into a number of PS2 titles), so the addition is overall quite welcome as there are more than a few titles that would benefit from this.
A year ago?
This started over a decade ago!
Guild Wars 2 and SWTOR both had 3 day advanced access when they launched in 11 and 12
I at least remember the Guild Wars 2 early access was for all pre-orders without having to pay anything extra.
@@chronossage that is possible..
I know swtor was only for the collector's edition
It seems Activision was offering 48 hour AA with CoD:AW preorders way back in 2014? Called it "Beta Access".
Maybe I'm just way too old and out of touch and I completely understand that I'm NOT the target demographic of early/advanced access in games . . . but what is the point of it? What is the point of playing a game 2, 3, 5 days "early"? I wish a fan of this practice could explain it to me like I'm 5. Is it bragging rights? Spoiler avoidance? Some other strange flex that I'm completely incredulous to?
First time I've heard of "advanced access", probably because I don't play tras- I mean, AAA games. It's literally just Early Access, something that was already on Steam, except with a higher, rather than lower or equal price tag before the release date. People who are calling out Steam for "legitimizing" it are just virtue signalling. They are being silly and dragging Steam's name through the mud for no real reason other than making themselves look good on the internet to people who didn't think much about the subject.
Thanks for the new video! I'm interested to see how dead island 2 actually runs on the deck.
Also, if you aren't subscribed, what are you doing!!
Thanks for the comment, Melody! By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
@@FanTheDeck Oh, I'm okay! After buying my steamdeck, dock, and a couple games for it, I think I'm drowning in points. I bought almost everything that looked interesting in the point shop already!😅😂
@@MelodyIV 😅 sounds good
Valve needs to update the policy to take into account day 1 patches that significantly change the prelaunch game. Such as adding microtransactions or a change in DRM
Unpopular opinion coming in below:
The update to refund policy; I feel that was justified, to prevent abuse and to cover Valve's own behind.
The "advanced access" practice; I feel Valve should not have that as a "feature" or "option" on their platform. It just seems like it will cause to much imbalance.
I think Valve's refund policy is great for most games, but when we are talking about massive AAA games that are like 50+ hours of playtime, 2 hours isn't nearly enough to tell if you will like it. Def wanted to refund Red Dead 2 but I had 4 hours of 0 fun when I tried and they wouldnt let me.
Never knew about ZRAM. Didn't know there was an alternative to the swap partition.
well duh of course it's "late access for poors". it has always been. i think it's a stupid thing, but people are stupid and buy into it so what can i do but pretend that doesn't exist?
btw it's fair what valve's doing. i'm all for fairness and consumers that did that were CLEARLY exploiting
This video feels artificially long.
Yea because playing a game that you may actually like or enjoy earlier is TOTALLY a bad thing *Rolls Eyes* If your not gonna enjoy it in the long run. THEN. DON'T. BUY. IT. Simple logic. I play games for FUN I buy and play games the same way as I did back in 1989 to 2000, I am a millennial that don't use reviews (Shocker) to dictate how I play. Like I played Corridor 7 on MS DOS back then guess what? People see it as trash back then. But did I care? HELL NO! I LOOOOOVED it I loved the game it was my childhood you cannot be serious that me playing a bad Dos game in those days is a bad thing? I play games how I had always had for years and that wont change.
Formalising this Advanced Access "feature" only highlights how silly it is in the first place -- a FOMO upsell for the hype addicts, "Publisher Tipping"? "Publisher Pre-Tipping"!
Buying a game at full price is already a form of Advanced Access available to everyone, with every game.
Valve's move clarified the situation around the practice that has been around for at least... (*googles*) a _DECADE?!_ O-oh.
Maybe Valve should have done this a little bit sooner...
The main issue with pure swap is it lowers the lifespan of the SSD with all the writing that is done with swaping. There will also be less drive space since there needs to be some available for swaping.
Steam Deck is primarily single purpose device so I am not sure it makes sense to save up so much memory in order to do so many things at the same time or more quickly switch between programs like on more typical PC. So I could see it makes sense to just kill off the memory if it still takes too much space after compression.
Otherwise Valve has been great at offering configurations to the end user, so if people want to take up SSD space (and longevity) for swap they could choose to do so.
If you play dozens of hours of early access then you enjoy the game. If they introduce microtransactions or make the game horrible on release you shouldn't get that money back still. If this bothers you, DO NOT BUY EARLY ACCESS games!!! Don't give them your money until they have something you like
This is perfectly reasonable of Valve to do as a business. They already had 2hr gameplay window on refunds, that shouldn't be different for early access
I would never get such early access for a Game I wouldn't know I'll love anyway. And where I'd also be willing to buy an expensive collectors edition anway. In other Words: I'd only do it with Monster Hunter, lol. Any other gaming franchise I hold to THAT value wouldn't even be big enough to consider such a "pre-access" ever happening. If Monster Hunter Wilds eventually offers something like that, I might bite. And a refund policy would be the least of my concerns there. These games have NEVER disappointed me. And if that game in that hypothetical timeline should be the first one to do so, then I just wouldn't do it agian in the future, but still not regret my choice, since I have no reason to assume that Wilds will be the first MH ever I regret purchasing.
The only game I'd ideally like to buy day one is EA NHL xx. But... F*CK EA... I'll buy it whenever it's dirt cheap... Like > $5 dirt cheap... This is because I'm a hockey fan NOT because I like EA's yearly release... Any other game can wait for a sale if that.
LMAO people are complaining about the refund policy but hasn't said anything remotely anything about said refund policy. These are the same people who are abusing the early/advanced access and then refunding the game after they finished it.
I request my fellow gamers to not buy ubisoft games till they aplogise and revert what they started with "the crew" and it does not happen again.
What!?! No mention of Little Kitty Big City being released😮? But on the subject of Valve's refund policy, the timetable should be reset if a developer pushes an update after purchase that alters the game play experience. For example, early access games later recieving updates, adding micro transactions or pay to win mechanics. I don't buy many AAA titles to begin with, so if a title gets my attention, I'll wait to purchase.
Nice video as usual. Just one note. I see you are blasting people with a link to a google form in the comments. Please avoid doing that, scams are a serious threat on youtube and a scam bot will create a fake account and might get people to click on harmful links.
Istead, tell us that you will have a link for something cool IN THE DESCRIPTION or a PINNED message of yours.
Your account also might get flagged if people starts reporting you by mistake.
Take care and keep rocking, my dude!
Closing a loophole is important, BUT!!!
Dragon's Dogma 2 added *Pay To Win* microtransactions after the reviews were out. This is the kind of thing you will not be able to avoid in the future.
So now "consumers" should wait how long before buying games in the future?
Serious doubts here...
I honestly think if they are changing the refund policy for refunds on early access game then they need to increase the refund time on early access sometimes early access games get updated quick for fixes and sometimes they dont the refund time shouldnt be the same for early access
It's certainly something to think about. For me personally, if I'm buying in Early Access it's because I *really* want to support the game even if it's not necessarily ready. But I also do this very rarely.
Thanks for the comment. By the way, if you want some Steam Points, fill out this Google form so that I know where to send you Steam Points. forms.gle/F4W8MtiNHJrx5fpt9
Early Access started as a way for small dev teams to get their game out, get some early financing, and get feedback. Major studios releasing 3 days early don't care about user feedback. They care about gamers that are willing to pay inflated prices to be "first." You don't like Value closing the loophole, then stop rewarding AAA studios for being predatory. I'll happily pay to play Manor Lords early because I know that money is going to a guy that's worked his butt off and will use the money to continue development. It's not a simple greedy cash grab
Hey man, just wanted to say if you feel pressured into buying overpriced 1st day games, don't be. We like you for being down to earth here with everyone else. Waiting for games to get in sale is smart and chill, not buying into crappy DRM is good for everyone and spending endless hours in weird/cheap/small/indie games is perfectly normal and beautifully opinionated. Most of us are like that, so you don't need to change for us. Stay you.
PS: Got loads of Steam Points myself. :D
The thing is: people buy a game, and get a premium before others are allowed to play, play access to the official release.
This is not even closing a loophole. You have played an official release game. You just paid extra that others get it to play later. It is the official release with a premium access.
If it was *early access*, then it is different, because early access is beta testing. But it isn't. It isn't a beta access, it is an official release access, and as such should be counted as such.
I think there should be a clear distinction between early/beta access and advanced access. Advanced access is just a gimmick that you could play that game before the "proletes" get access. It's a luxury/bragging gimmick.
As such, when I had money, I would do that for some developers... But then again, I have supported some indie developers on patreon just because their game rocks (for me) (like projectorgames)
This is a "nothing burger" for me, as Valve still has the best return policy, they are just modifying it for purposes of current times. If there is a way to abuse something, human beings will find a way, and Valve is just protecting their own interest in this matter. I'm like you stated yourself to once be, as I NEVER buy new games, and normally only buy a game when the price is right. So until watching this video, I didn't even know what was described was actually a thing, as it didn't affect me.
Advanced Access
I don't think Valve should have any say how publishers publish their game. As soon as Valve starts having an opinion and deciding what and how publishers publish the games, in example early access play, then I think Valve gets too much power over all games and publishers. It is not Valve who normalizes this practice. Users where abusing the early playtime and refund policy, so it is only right that the playtime counts towards.
In short, Valve should just be the launcher and shop of the games. The publishers is who is responsible for publishing games and this relationship should not change, or Valve gets too much power (as said before).
Game prices haven't kept up with inflation; they should be closer to $150 USD by now. Until the game buying public can come to terms with that, they should expect things like advance access, battle passes and cosmetics from devs to make up the difference.
Valve also offers refund to avoid consumer protection lawsuits, lol.
But yes it has benefitted their whole platform with the refund policy compared to buying the keys and other stores.
I have never payed extra to get a game a few days early. I’m honestly surprised it’s starting to become so normalized that people are abusing the system. I think Valve did a good update to the policy.
Valve and other streaming company need to offer a higher price for the game giving you access key to play on all other platforms. Hell raiser is a prime example i have it on steam but I don't want to purchase it on PS5 again. Similar to Blue Rays they come with a key allowing you to watch it digitally. I think people would purchase a higher price version knowing they could play it on any platform. Or maybe they just offer it available when you purchased with steam. The industry is changing :( Played Torch lite and as soon as i logged in and started playing I had a feeling this was on mobile. Sure enough it was on the app store. Its all about cross playing games. I believe company need to adjust or loose customers. I can imagine this is very hard with parents with kids! that can not make there own purchase decisions and don't understand the value of money! good video
Don't care about Valve doing this at all... It makes total sense. As you said, it's the players that pay that money that legitimize this practice. I don't care much either way because I also almost never buy games at release. Waiting gets you a better game for less money.
One additional thing I wanted to note... You didn't mention them, but you had Eneba on screen alongside official resellers. It's not a very big deal or anything, but I would avoid doing that because it helps legitimize them in people's minds. The problem is that like G2A, Eneba is a marketplace and as such you don't really know who you're buying from. In many cases keys are bought with stolen credit card data which leads to chargeback costs costing the dev more money than if you had just pirated the game. Sometimes the key may also be revoked, but usually they don't do that so it's relatively safe for us as consumers, but that doesn't mean we should do it. Especially small indie studios can really be hurt by this.
About the advance Access of AAA games, now players can leave reviews about the game... so now is a double edge sword; they can play a few days early, but they can also leave reviews a few days early; so to the non-fomo players, it can be a fantastic help to decide whenever to buy or not the game.
Also, I'm over the FOMO, I think the last game I preordered was Persona 5 in its original release (a friend did want the bag... and she is still using it today XD)
Honestly, I understand the policy change.
Say I want SW: Outlaws. I pay $110 to get early access, play the thing for hours in early access. Day after release, under the old policy, I can refund the title, then buy it again for $70. I've used the real benefit to buying it early (early access) essentially for free. Steam really isn't losing out - they don't care that I played the game for three days for free; they still get a sale and make money. Steam is doing this to placate the game studios who want to have that early money and don't want to give away early access.
I like and subscribe to your channel even though I don't have a SteamDeck. Good content, but as the comments on this video show you , this headline is a bit tabloidy/click-baity. You weren't setting your hair on fire about Valve policy changes and didn't really provide a lot of substantiation on the "disappointed gamers"
Bad move on Valve imo. Advanced access now just gives an incentive for devs to launch unfinished games at full price. Having the fear of gamers refunding the game if it did not meet expectations would ideally prevent devs from releasing unfinished games as "advanced access" in the first place. Now that fear factor is gone. Regardless, none of this would be an issue if people didn't buy unfinished products to begin with! It can't be that hard to vote with your wallets.
Or maybe I got the situation wrong, idk feel free to correct me.
While I usually avoid Early Access, if it's from an Indie studio which uses the EA period sensibly it can be fun to be part of the development.
As an example, I will buy Airborne Empire the moment their EA launch goes live.
In this case I have been lucky enough to beta-test and know the game is great already, but without that I already trust the studio for their previous game.
I have no issue with Steam's change in the Advanced Access counting toward the 2 hour refund window. You're playing the game so why wouldnt it count?
People complaining make me think they're trying to wash their hands of any responsibility for their choices. With this change, people should now question whether it's worth getting the Advanced Access or not, dealing with any server issues and bugs, if it's really worth it or not.
re: advance access. I'm not about to blame gamers or any sorta consumer for much anything these days with how much manufactured demand companies have nowadays. Any company knows full well that people don't know what they're missing, and that so long as they're keeping the troughs filled with slop, enough people will be more than happy. That's not the gamers fault, but the lack of vision from videogame producers to actually raise the bar on the artistic merit of their games.
I think about with film, right? how there was a point where movies like Cleopatra and Ben Hur, these huge huge productions, were the name of the game, you put all your money into one big project and the spectacle will return better than like seven smaller projects, but then that crashed, people stopped going to those bigass films, so low to mid budget movies bubbled back up, and interesting art happened again. I want that to happen to videogames, or even to films again, but this seems less like a cycle and more something the industry is trying to proactively account for and prevent even though it likely should be happening like right now.
2 weeks of purchase is stupid... When you buy 10 games on a sale and start playing some of them. Then you start up a game you've purchased 14 days ago and don't like it even after 7 mins you cannot get your money back for that game. GOG has the best refund policy.
I think that’s fair. It’s curbing abuse and overall as consumers we shouldn’t be preordering in 2024. The only people I can see benefitting from early access are those on platforms such as TH-cam that provide content for viewers
So that refund policy update doesn't affect me at all. Preordering is an inadvisable practice in the first place. EDIT: Don't know it could be construed that this policy change normalizes advance access - advance access already existed.
Games like No Rest for the Wicked and Manor Lords are those that I'll buy to support because I believe in the devs, how they update the community, deploy patches but actually consider player feedback. The people that knowingly abused this system, brought this upon themselves. Its probably best so act like a game hasn't released if you see it in early access.
I actually feel the refund policy should be expanded, specially for AAA games. I feel if an update breaks a game or an update introduces MTXs in a game, people should still get a refund, no matter how many hours you played. This would make companies a little more considerate with screwing gamers over.
People paying for the early Access are the people supporting this. Although i usually wait for a steam sale gmg does usually have day 1 discounts so I dont really buy day 1 games
Valve is not normalizing it. They are putting a break on it. By doing this, tthose idiots that pay for early access maybe will think twice (but probably not) to pay full price for sometimes an unfinished game. If less people do this maybe it will go away.... but probably not.
I think I refunded one item on Steam many many years ago, cannot even recall the game now. Simply, it does not bother me at all, but I get it, the disappointment. Consumers should kind of know what they are getting into from the start, from experience I most always do, but there are legitimate reasons to refund, and you still can in fairness. I myself am not holding it against Valve, and I think people that abuse the refund system are the only real people affected. I do agree about the third party aspect, many games that I wish I could refund, I can't, but I get what I pay for, and just content with that. In fairness it just is what it is, and Valve is always typically fair to customers, with frequent sales, etc, if you prefer to wait a bit, Steam Rocks.
Steam Deck doesn't play steam games
Hopefully advanced access doesn't become the new industry standard cause I can see the practise itself becoming quite malicious in introducing even more FOMO.
I could very easily see some games start bluring the lines between early and advanced access to start normalizing releasing unfinished games even more since "it's not technically being released unfinished it is advanced access"
I must say I haven't been hyped for a steam deck update in a while, which isn't a bad thing since it means I am content with what's there right now.
But I wonder if we're getting anything new and really cool sometimes this year!
I think a lot of people love drama. It was more like a bug in their refund policy that you can play a game without Valve counting your playtime. I don’t care. I never have, and I will not pay twice the game's price to play it 3 days earlier. I think it’s the dumbest thing to do, but if companies add such tires, then it is definitely the gamer's fault, as there are gamers who buy it.
I have no problem with Valves new rule around the refund policy. Steam is not responsible for the pay for early access trend. Those companies would use other platforms for early access instead of using Steam, and I don't think it would be a good idea for Steam to push even more companies away. Especially given the fact that if we, as gamers, want to stop companies from using this tactic, we simply need to stop rewarding it.