Steam Beta

Valve announces a new public Steam beta, offering the chance to check out a bunch of new community-oriented features:
August 6, 2007 -- The largest update for Steam, a leading online platform for PC games and digital entertainment, is now open for public beta testing. The update, which will be available free of charge, introduces an expansive set of social networking and online multiplayer features to a growing PC platform serving games and digital entertainment to over 13 million accounts.

The new Steam community features are designed to connect gamers with friends and other gamers, create and join groups, and organize matches and tournaments. The initial batch of features rolled out in the beta version include: . Steam ID. Create a personal profile-complete with a photo or avatar, biographical details, favorites, and more-viewable on the Web and within the Steam client. . Friends. Add peers to a personal Friends List that shows in real-time who's online and available to chat or play a game. Accessible from within the Steam client or while playing a game, the Friends List makes it easy to invite friends to chat, play a game, or join a group. . Groups. Create and join public and private groups comprised of gamers who share a common interest, such as fans of a particular game, map or mod, or competitive teams. The Group Profile page displays information about the group, recent activities, news and announcements, and a schedule of upcoming events. Groups can quickly initiate a text or voice chat; plan a game, tournament, LAN party, or any other event; and track group gameplay statistics. . Statistics. From both a personal Steam ID or Group profile, users can view a range of gameplay statistics, such as most played games or maps and average playing time. . Chat. Initiate a chat with friends and groups using integrated instant messaging, text chat, and voice features. . Events. Schedule matches, tournaments, and in-person gatherings, such as LAN parties. Upcoming events are displayed in both a list and calendar view, and members can receive reminders that help keep everyone on schedule.

The Steam community features may be accessed within the Steam client or from within any game available in the Steam library of games - a growing collection that includes new releases and classic titles from leading publishers and independent developers around the world. Additionally, certain features, such as the user's Control Panel, Friend's List, and Groups pages may be accessed and managed using any Web browser.

This upgrade marks the largest extension to the Steam platform since its first commercial release in March 2004. In its three year history, Steam has defined the next generation online gaming platform delivering hundreds of games to millions of users with services such as Guest Passes, Automatic Updates, Free Weekends, and access to purchased games from any PC.

To explore the Steam community features, install the Steam client available at www.steampowered.com. Click the Community tab within the Steam interface to take a tour of the features and create a profile.
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29 Replies. 2 pages. Viewing page 1.
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29.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 8, 2007, 03:30
29.
Re: let it burn Aug 8, 2007, 03:30
Aug 8, 2007, 03:30
 
I was just thinking last night night that I could go for some RoTT...and as I have no idea where my cd is...
I got Terminal Velocity with my very first PC, a Gateway back in 1995/6 or thereabouts. Played it to death with my Flightstick Pro. And Duke Nukem 3D... I know I can find it Warezed somewhere, but I'd pay $35 to play their entire back catalogue.

Has anyone created a BluesNews community group on Steam yet? I tried to find one, thinking it would be fun to get some of us together for a HL2DM etc (and even more so when TF2 comes out).

Avatar 18712
28.
 
Re: No subject
Aug 7, 2007, 20:36
28.
Re: No subject Aug 7, 2007, 20:36
Aug 7, 2007, 20:36
 
I checked through my services and nothing new has been added since I started the steam beta [on XP].

Avatar 17249
27.
 
Re: No subject
Aug 7, 2007, 12:56
27.
Re: No subject Aug 7, 2007, 12:56
Aug 7, 2007, 12:56
 
On Windows Vista, when I tried to sign-up for the Community Beta, it said a service needed to be installed and a reset before it would work correctly.

On Windows XP no such thing happened. Blame Vista, not Steam.

http://www.bandega.com - Never miss a show again
26.
 
Re: No subject
Aug 7, 2007, 10:05
26.
Re: No subject Aug 7, 2007, 10:05
Aug 7, 2007, 10:05
 
sounds great and all but I don't have any friend on steam hah. tell you the truth I forgot it even had a buddy list I just load it up to play my games thats it.

Avatar 8514
25.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 09:52
Enahs
 
25.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 09:52
Aug 7, 2007, 09:52
 Enahs
 
3DR comments about Steam haven't exactly been good, though, so I'm not holding my breath.

Yeah. Well, when they hear about how much id makes off of their back catalog, George B is going to jump on it so he can keep the company snack room stocked full with Tootsie-Rolls and Krispy Kreme donuts for the next 10 years of DN Forever development.




Live Chat with other BluesNews forum members (beta; GreaseMonkey script;updated 1-14-07):
http://www.ualr.edu/szsullivan/scripts_/BluesChat.user.js

Alternating Logo (GreaseMonkey script):
http://www.ualr.edu/szsullivan/scripts_/BluesNewslogo.user.js
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.
- W. C. Fields
Avatar 15513
24.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 09:27
nin
24.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 09:27
Aug 7, 2007, 09:27
nin
 
How long before Duke Nukem and the entire 3D Realms back catalogue comes to Steam? Hopefully not long.

I was just thinking last night night that I could go for some RoTT...and as I have no idea where my cd is...

3DR comments about Steam haven't exactly been good, though, so I'm not holding my breath.

-----------------------------------------------------
http://www.neonbible.com
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/11808/
23.
 
Re: No subject
Aug 7, 2007, 09:14
Enahs
 
23.
Re: No subject Aug 7, 2007, 09:14
Aug 7, 2007, 09:14
 Enahs
 
Whosawhatsit? I haven't heard about this... Please elaborate...

On Windows Vista, when I tried to sign-up for the Community Beta, it said a service needed to be installed and a reset before it would work correctly.

That is all I know, I said screw it, I do not care that much.

I do not have any friends anyway, only enemies. I hate all of you people.



Live Chat with other BluesNews forum members (beta; GreaseMonkey script;updated 1-14-07):
http://www.ualr.edu/szsullivan/scripts_/BluesChat.user.js

Alternating Logo (GreaseMonkey script):
http://www.ualr.edu/szsullivan/scripts_/BluesNewslogo.user.js
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.
- W. C. Fields
Avatar 15513
22.
 
Re: No subject
Aug 7, 2007, 08:43
22.
Re: No subject Aug 7, 2007, 08:43
Aug 7, 2007, 08:43
 
I hate programs that have to install stupid shitty services to work properly. Steam does not, but to use its community features does. That is just shitty crappy annoying programming. No thank you.

Whosawhatsit? I haven't heard about this... Please elaborate...

I just joined the beta last night and I don't like extra services either.

Avatar 17249
21.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 08:33
21.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 08:33
Aug 7, 2007, 08:33
 

By definition you can't invoke Godwin's Law.

These community features need to be optional outside of beta too.



Don't push your politics on me, pal.

Next you'll be demanding people who use the community features get identifying tattoos!!





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It may be that one day a young man will adore a Pinata.
-----
I'm not even angry. I'm being so sincere right now, even though you broke my heart and killed me.
20.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 08:19
20.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 08:19
Aug 7, 2007, 08:19
 
How long before Duke Nukem and the entire 3D Realms back catalogue comes to Steam? Hopefully not long.

Avatar 18712
19.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 06:00
19.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 06:00
Aug 7, 2007, 06:00
 
By definition you can't invoke Godwin's Law.

These community features need to be optional outside of beta too.

18.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 04:44
Duc
18.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 04:44
Aug 7, 2007, 04:44
Duc
 
You don't know what steam is!? Just for that I'm going to invoke godwin's law and compare all the anti/pro steam people to Nazis!

17.
 
Game Music downloads
Aug 7, 2007, 02:44
17.
Game Music downloads Aug 7, 2007, 02:44
Aug 7, 2007, 02:44
 
Whilst I WAS joking, I think it could actually work!
This guy, sadly, has thrown in the towel - http://www.gamemusicjukebox.com/
Pity, because I used to get games soundtracks there, so I know gamers buy soundtracks.
Maybe he'll sell his catalogue to Valve for a reasonable price?

Avatar 13987
16.
 
Re: Got Messenger covered then...
Aug 7, 2007, 02:31
16.
Re: Got Messenger covered then... Aug 7, 2007, 02:31
Aug 7, 2007, 02:31
 
heh, thats an idea. ordering fast food delivery from within steam.

Don't laugh...SOE did it with Everquest for I think Pizza Hut.

----------------------------------------------------
Currently playing WoW - Burning Crusade
15.
 
Re: Got Messenger covered then...
Aug 7, 2007, 02:01
15.
Re: Got Messenger covered then... Aug 7, 2007, 02:01
Aug 7, 2007, 02:01
 
want fries with that?

heh, thats an idea. ordering fast food delivery from within steam.

14.
 
Re: Got Messenger covered then...
Aug 7, 2007, 00:17
14.
Re: Got Messenger covered then... Aug 7, 2007, 00:17
Aug 7, 2007, 00:17
 
want fries with that?

13.
 
Got Messenger covered then...
Aug 7, 2007, 00:13
13.
Got Messenger covered then... Aug 7, 2007, 00:13
Aug 7, 2007, 00:13
 
(And MySpace!)
So how about a music download service too, so that you can listen to something other than the original game music whilst playing? ;-)

This comment was edited on Aug 7, 00:14.
Avatar 13987
12.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 7, 2007, 00:11
12.
Re: let it burn Aug 7, 2007, 00:11
Aug 7, 2007, 00:11
 
What the hell is Steam anyway?

11.
 
Re: let it burn
Aug 6, 2007, 23:57
11.
Re: let it burn Aug 6, 2007, 23:57
Aug 6, 2007, 23:57
 
I think I will sit this one out. I'm sure everyone knows my standing by now. Can't spare the effort to roll the boulder uphill.

NAAAARF!

Pretend violence is the gravest threat facing Americans today.

"Is it so hard to teach a child not to shoot people?"
Huh? I'm sorry, I was thinking about cake.
10.
 
let it burn
Aug 6, 2007, 23:53
10.
let it burn Aug 6, 2007, 23:53
Aug 6, 2007, 23:53
 
here, here! we shall fulfill every offensive outburst in a wild, unrelenting orgy of bitching!

________________________
music from space captain:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/6/errantways_music.htm
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/invisibleacropolis_music.htm
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