What do you think of old games coming to Steam?

[Fuzzball24]

Like Quake and Hexen? These games are no longer in stores, but do you think it's right to re-release them virtually and not physical copies?

I would rather have physical copies, but I will be buying Hexen off there, most likely.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Wasn't the point of the Steam distribution system to effectively eliminate "physical" copies of games altogether?

I think Steam makes it very attractive for companies like ID or 3D realms (or whoever originally released those games) to make the games available via one batch of code stored at central servers on a "download on demand" service versus re-printing them on CD or DVD, packaging, shipping and marketing their re-issue.

No middle man, and less profit sharing.

Of course, I like me some physical copies when it comes to a major release during it's 1st printing, or a greatest hits type re-issue, but in the case of MUCH older titles, I don't mind a "virtual" re-release, as long as the price is right (cheap).

[Kitsune Sniper]

Did you know these ID rereleases are just the old programs and datafiles bundled with a hacked DOSBox?

What's the point of paying for them that way? I'd rather just hunt down the games on eBay and run them via DOSBox or a source port.

[Overbite]

I bought the hexen/heretic pack off steam and play them using source ports. steam just opens up dosbox.

[DefaultGen]

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[roushimsx]

I prefer the GameTap model over the Steam model when it comes to older games (all you can eat buffet), but that doesn't stop me from going the Steam route on various releases for whatever reason. I wish they'd get more classic releases, though. It's neat that they put Commander Keen up there (yay!), but they really need to hook up with Epic and get their stuff from the early 90s up there as well.

They're doing a pretty good job of adding cheap classic from the past decade, at least.

[DefaultGen]

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[dgdgagdae]

I bought the iD Super Pack, I didn't really have a problem with it. Sure owning the games is better, but Steam is really convenient even if it does just open up DOSBox.

So did I. It's ultra-convenient, and just far, far too easy to drop some quick cash on a whim.

[FrakAttack]

Still rather stumble upon them at pawn/junk shops for a buck or two. Most of those aren't too hard to find. Patience, young Grasshoppah.

[Cryomancer]

Nice thing about steam is that when you DO find a cheap old copy of a game like these, you can throw the key into your account and play it disc-lessly (legally! gasp!), still use the disc on an old machine or whatever, and login to steam and have it downloaded and installed anywhere. handy.

is kinda shitty if they are just doing dosbox though.

[Dreamc@sting]

I'd get them off of steam - I'd rather have physical copies (I collect classic computer games) although I'd still download. What I WOULD like to see though, would updates via Source, like how XBLA on 360 has remakes of the prince of persia and such. How about a source updated version of Duke Nukem 3D? or Hexen? Shadow Warrior...RISE OF THE TRIAD??? oh yeah!!!