REQUEST concerning STEAM

digitaldigital Join Date: 2011-01-30 Member: 79669Members
edited January 2012 in NS2 General Discussion
I beg of you, as a long time member of the Natural Selection community, please do not release the final version of Natural Selection 2 onto Steam. It is run by greed and has become noticeably anti-customer to an extreme.

I recently purchased a copy of NS2 over steam. Immediately after completing the purchase, I realized that my friend had left his account logged into my computer and it wasn't my own account that I spent that cash on. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal - Steam Customer Service would be there to help me out...

After sending support a message and waiting a day and a half, they very simple told me they do not perform transfers and that there is no other option for myself to have my property transferred to me. I sent them a final message asking if there is any understanding for this unique exception and I am still awaiting a reply.

So here I am, asking you, as a gamer, customer, and member of the community, to please discontinue using Valve's Steam Network as the sole method of distribution.

If Steam does not give me what I have payed for I intend to contact the local Better Business Bureau. Then I will contact Visa and have the charges reversed. I'll also be writing in to my national gaming mag.

In any other system this would be simple. I would be given that which I paid for without issue. Instead, I have a company telling me SUCKS TO BE YOU WE HAVE YOUR MONEY
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Comments

  • elodeaelodea Editlodea Join Date: 2009-06-20 Member: 67877Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited January 2012
    3/10

    If serious, Valve is actually thinking of its customers here. What is to stop me hacking someones inactive account, then petitioning steam support to have their games transferred to me on the grounds that 'he is my friend' etc. They have no way of reasonably confirming while protecting themselves and their customers at the same time. Not that im saying you didnt really make a mistake, my sympathies really, but think of it from Valve's perspective.
  • digitaldigital Join Date: 2011-01-30 Member: 79669Members
    I could simply give them the exact credit card details over the phone or the last 8 digits on the card by email.
  • YuukiYuuki Join Date: 2010-11-20 Member: 75079Members
    Can't you cancel the order ? I think there is always a return period after you buy something (depends on the country probably).

    Otherwise yes, having an alternative distribution system is always good. I never had problem with steam so I kind of like them, but being so depended on a big company is asking for troubles.
  • Raza.Raza. Join Date: 2004-01-24 Member: 25663Members, Constellation
    You can get a refund from UWE, just contact them at store@unknownworlds.com. After that you can rebuy it and activate it on your account.
    Unfortunately, as much as I'd like to have a non-Steam version, I doubt we'll ever get one.
  • digitaldigital Join Date: 2011-01-30 Member: 79669Members
    edited January 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1892366:date=Jan 2 2012, 02:31 PM:name=Raza.)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Raza. @ Jan 2 2012, 02:31 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892366"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You can get a refund from UWE, just contact them at store@unknownworlds.com. After that you can rebuy it and activate it on your account.
    Unfortunately, as much as I'd like to have a non-Steam version, I doubt we'll ever get one.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    Thanks for the tip! Ill try that route.
  • konatakonata Join Date: 2011-08-24 Member: 118296Members
    That's a huge user error. Not Steams fault.
  • CrispixCrispix Join Date: 2007-01-10 Member: 59543Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Supporter, Reinforced - Silver, Reinforced - Gold, Reinforced - Diamond, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1892376:date=Jan 2 2012, 09:51 AM:name=konata)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (konata @ Jan 2 2012, 09:51 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892376"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->That's a huge user error. Not Steams fault.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    ^
  • naXynaXy Join Date: 2008-07-12 Member: 64618Members
    this is momentary rage turned into a call for revenge
  • NurEinMenschNurEinMensch Join Date: 2003-02-26 Member: 14056Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1892358:date=Jan 2 2012, 02:49 PM:name=digital)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (digital @ Jan 2 2012, 02:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892358"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I recently purchased a copy of NS2 over steam.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    <img src="http://www.memecreator.net/futurama-fry/showimage.php/633/not-sure-if-serious-or-just-trolling.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
  • ObraxisObraxis Subnautica Animator & Generalist, NS2 Person Join Date: 2004-07-24 Member: 30071Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, NS2 Developer, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Silver, WC 2013 - Supporter, Subnautica Developer, Pistachionauts
    <!--quoteo(post=1892376:date=Jan 2 2012, 09:51 AM:name=konata)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (konata @ Jan 2 2012, 09:51 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892376"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->That's a huge user error. Not Steams fault.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Not often I agree with Konata, but... it's not really steam's fault. You're aware of their policies on steam games and activations. Just be more careful in future.
  • LV426-ColonistLV426-Colonist Space Jockey Join Date: 2011-08-05 Member: 114269Members, Constellation
  • FloodinatorFloodinator [HBZ] Member Join Date: 2005-02-22 Member: 42087Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    I din't see a problem. You bought the game with the account of your friend? On steam? Sure about this? Or did you buy NS2 via the preorder page and then regged it on your friends account?
    If yes write UWE a mail about this like already mentioned above, so the whole payment process isn't on steam, that is why they can't help you.
  • Heroman117Heroman117 Join Date: 2010-07-28 Member: 73268Members
    This really isn't Steam's fault and your making some rather dubious claims from a somewhat small incident that, as already been explained, really easily can be sorted out.
  • AldhisslaAldhissla Join Date: 2012-01-01 Member: 139381Members
    ITT: Some guy turns an isolated incident into a full-blown vendetta against Valve.
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    hmm a self inflicted injury is still self inflicted :P
  • AldhisslaAldhissla Join Date: 2012-01-01 Member: 139381Members
    edited January 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1892412:date=Jan 2 2012, 01:27 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kouji_San @ Jan 2 2012, 01:27 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892412"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->hmm a self inflicted injury is still self inflicted :P<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Still an injury, mind you, but you don't see doctors treating an injury by blaming it on someone else. That's what lawyers do.
  • DustehDusteh Join Date: 2011-07-25 Member: 112142Members, NS2 Map Tester, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1892376:date=Jan 2 2012, 03:51 PM:name=konata)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (konata @ Jan 2 2012, 03:51 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892376"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->That's a huge user error. Not Steams fault.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    ^

    I've used Steam for over 10 years now, buy all my games though it and never had a problem, then again I haven't been st00pid enough to purchase a game on a different account by accident and needed to have the money refunded :)
  • konatakonata Join Date: 2011-08-24 Member: 118296Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1892414:date=Jan 2 2012, 08:58 PM:name=Dusteh)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dusteh @ Jan 2 2012, 08:58 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892414"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->^

    I've used Steam for over 10 years now, buy all my games though it and never had a problem, then again I haven't been st00pid enough to purchase a game on a different account by accident and needed to have the money refunded :)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Well you didn't purchase it on the account. You bought it on the NS2 website via paypal, had the account key e-mailed to you and then you input the account key on the wrong Steam account.

    Although to me it sounds very dodgy, it could be a genuine mistake.
  • vlncvlnc Join Date: 2010-09-07 Member: 73921Members, Squad Five Blue
    Sorry digital, but <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwLTXAGvG_I/TdGbZxp4sKI/AAAAAAAAHbI/py03MHdMqWM/s1600/DoubleFacePalm.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
  • naevorcnaevorc Join Date: 2011-12-30 Member: 139288Members
    I've personally had good experience with Steam Support. They were very helpful when my email tied to my account was compromised and I was locked out of my account by some hacker. They worked with me just fine and got it back.

    And really, that's a big mistake on your part. Steam can't really be held responsible if you do that :\
  • FloodinatorFloodinator [HBZ] Member Join Date: 2005-02-22 Member: 42087Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1892411:date=Jan 2 2012, 07:13 PM:name=Aldhissla)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Aldhissla @ Jan 2 2012, 07:13 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892411"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->ITT: Some guy turns an isolated incident into a full-blown vendetta against Valve.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlE2X9g7h80" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlE2X9g7h80</a>
  • saltybp53saltybp53 Join Date: 2010-07-22 Member: 72675Members
    Well if it isn't steams fault, or your fault, it's clearly your friends fault! Achtung, comrade! You must defeat him quickly!
  • SiniStarRSiniStarR Join Date: 2010-04-13 Member: 71380Members
    I thought Steam allows you to get your money back on preorders. I remember I bought my friend DoW 2 before it came out. Then he said he had already preordered it else where, so I went on Steam support and they removed the game and I got my money back. At least that's how I remember it going down. Idk
  • konatakonata Join Date: 2011-08-24 Member: 118296Members
    NS2 isn't purchased on Steam, so....

    It's not subject to the Steam User Agreement.

    I hope I cleared it up now, NS2 is not purchased on steam. They are not liable.
  • HarimauHarimau Join Date: 2007-12-24 Member: 63250Members
    When someone gets a refund from UWE, and obviously the game was registered to one's Steam account, how does it go on Steam's end?
  • DarkOmenDarkOmen Join Date: 2002-11-05 Member: 7148Members
    My first experience with Steam was learning that a friend who had borrowed Half-Life from me had registered the game to their account in order to play multiplayer games (post-WON). This was back when Steam was brand new. I brought this to Valve's attention, and the issue was never resolved.
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    <!--quoteo(post=1892477:date=Jan 3 2012, 03:43 AM:name=Harimau)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Harimau @ Jan 3 2012, 03:43 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892477"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->When someone gets a refund from UWE, and obviously the game was registered to one's Steam account, how does it go on Steam's end?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    The key/access probably gets removed from the account in question as per request from UWE?
  • KalabalanaKalabalana Join Date: 2003-11-14 Member: 22859Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1892527:date=Jan 3 2012, 11:37 AM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kouji_San @ Jan 3 2012, 11:37 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892527"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The key/access probably gets removed from the account in question as per request from UWE?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    A process both Steam and UWE do not want to have to worry about. It's a waste of their time and resources.
  • konatakonata Join Date: 2011-08-24 Member: 118296Members
    edited January 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1892486:date=Jan 3 2012, 07:11 AM:name=DarkOmen)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DarkOmen @ Jan 3 2012, 07:11 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1892486"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->My first experience with Steam was learning that a friend who had borrowed Half-Life from me had registered the game to their account in order to play multiplayer games (post-WON). This was back when Steam was brand new. I brought this to Valve's attention, and the issue was never resolved.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    You provide a copy of your identification and the CD Key on the disc case and they instantly revoke the user access of that CD Key.

    Provided as images and uploaded to Valve ofc.
  • acid_rainacid_rain NS2 NAPT Mascot Austin, TX Join Date: 2010-02-16 Member: 70588Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Subnautica Playtester
    Looking at the bigger picture here, is that UWE can't really afford the hundreds and up to thousands (wishfully millions) of boxes, CD's, paper manuals, etc that come with packaging an indie game. Hardly ever do you see many indie games around this era that don't use some type of pre-existing distribution. I'd almost say that over 70% of indie games are available on Steam, because it's easier to use a pre-existing API, and it's much cheaper!
This discussion has been closed.