steam like app for indies

[supagu]

is there anything like steam where indies can post ther game on?
i've been thinking about doing something like this for my next games after i release my next one, but if one already exists then it may be better to go with that.

[Polycount Productions]

Well, there's Steam. And then there's games that are self-updating (if that's what you mean).

If you mean only the distribution channel Steam, then I don't think there's many of them out there (although more is coming). And yes, Steam is available for indies.

[jankoM]

can I comment that I really hate if some game is available througth steam or real (edited) arcade for that matter. Just give me a dl-link not some big cpueating app - I hate apps that put themselves on the taskbar and I need them like once per... never.

I installed steam one time when I wanted to try ragdoll KF, but it wasn't even there and steam also stoll my HL1 that I bougth on a CD much much before. I start HL1 and steam pops up and starts connecting to web and updating itself??!?! I got mad and unninstalled them both with all my progress... f/o.. It was getting boring anyway

[Hiro_Antagonist]

If you mean only the distribution channel Steam, then I don't think there's many of them out there (although more is coming). And yes, Steam is available for indies.
Does anyone know what it takes to actually get a distribution deal with Steam?

The only indie I can think of offhand working with them is Introversion, and they're on the more established side of the indie spectrum. I think it would be *great* if they're willing to work with the little guy, but I imagine there's some barriers to entry.

is there anything like steam where indies can post ther game on?
There's one you might have heard of for casual games -- RealArcade. ;-)

-Hiro_Antagonist

[baegsi]

Hmh, this gets me thinking... there was this talk about an indie-portal recently - what about a new indie controlled steam-like distribution model instead of a portal?

[Ricardo C]

can I comment that I really hate if some game is available througth steam or reflexive arcade for that matter. Just give me a dl-link not some big cpueating app - I hate apps that put themselves on the taskbar and I need them like once per... never.

Amen, brother.

Why do sellers WANT to put up barriers between potential buyers and their product?

[jankoM]

Hmh, this gets me thinking... there was this talk about an indie-portal recently - what about a new indie controlled steam-like distribution model instead of a portal?

there was this talk about this too recently -
http://forums.indiegamer.com/showthread.php?t=6483

Do you people like using things like things like steam, realarcade or itunes?

//edit: missed your post Ricardo C, good to see another one ;) I thougth I am not understanding the point of such things or something.

I think they try to use their big user base and do more aggressive presence on their users desktops and minds in a similar way as browser toolbars do. But I see no advances for users in this.

[soniCron]

Why do sellers WANT to put up barriers between potential buyers and their product? Sellers don't see it like that. Relying on someone to remember your URL or even take their precious time to find you in their massive library of bookmarks is risky business. You can automatically give yourself more exposure and mindshare security by requiring an external application to access your catalog. A link on the desktop or in the quick links bar is far more valuable than www.myfungame(s?).com (.net? .org? Oh! .cc) In addition, these steam-like applications often facilitate DRM functionality and regulate and monitor usage statistics. To a consumer, it's not very attractive, but to a distributor, it's a reasonable step to ensure persistent exposure and protection of your products.

At least, that's what I assume is going on in their minds. ;)

[Yarlen]

TotalGaming.net uses an application manager ala STEAM, except that end-users don't have to be online to play, our application doesn't auto-load on boot, doesn't need to be running to play a game, and allows end-users to archive what they purchase. :D We have lots of indie-games on our network, plus we don't require any .exe changes to use our system.

Just thought I'd throw this info out there since TotalGaming.net / Drengin.net predate STEAM by a couple of years. ;)

[supagu]

i tried to get my game on steam, i managed to get in contact from some guy there who we sent a demo too. Ended up it wasnt good enough... he said try again when its more polished. But then again dunno when my game is gonna be released
:P

www.blackcarbon.net - see explosive if you want to see the quality of my game in progress

[cliffski]

I had the same reply, which is a pity as TotalGaming and Steam are the only portals I would be interested in. I guess I'm not very good at the ol' Polish thing ;(

[Indiepath]

We are attempting to bridge the gap with eXigo, it's a bit like the "Games On Demand" stuff Yahoo have and the pay-per-play functionality of Game Trust. True, it's built on igLoader technology BUT it's more about the delivery and DRM features of igLoader than the webpage embedding (which of course it will still do).

Don't expect anything soon though as we are still looking for a partner who has a tried and tested subscription based web infratructure. Hint! Hint!

[puggy]

I also put forward this idea on a very recent topic about an indie portal. I am seriously considering the idea, i have a few people i know that i could maybe get to help out.

If your doing something like this you have to consider a lot of things and if i do develop one, it's not just going to be a purchase, download, update system, it really has to get the customers involved with, make the app useful, not just some middle ware to get the games.

[James C. Smith]

can I comment that I really hate if some game is available througth steam or reflexive arcade for that matter. Just give me a dl-link not some big cpueating app - I hate apps that put themselves on the taskbar and I need them like once per... never.



I agree 100%. That's why half the web sites you mentioned don't do anything like that.

[electronicStar]

I have made the choice to not play Half-life 2 (and I don't know if I'll ever be able to play it) just because of Steam :(.
But I refuse to install something like that just to be able to play a game.

[jankoM]

I agree 100%. That's why half the web sites you mentioned don't do anything like that.

Ups, I meant **Real** Arcade not Reflexive Arcade, sorry - you are nice to download games from. Funny way of telling me about my mistake - I had to wait a little before it all clicked in my head :) . I fixed it above to not cause further confusion.

[Gibbz]

IVe found what looks like a few startups for a steam like app. They havent started yet.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/crypton/

http://sourceforge.net/projects/opensteam

Im working on my own system (experimental) to see how it pans out with game distribution etc..