Originally posted by BlackZero30x
you most certainly can if you have a zune or a laptop. I have multiple TV shows downloaded to my xbox. Just make an account on zune and link it to your xbox. Then you can download the shows either to your zune or directly to you PC.It's a pretty simple matter to convert it so it's no longer locked to just your zune. You could also just link your laptop to your friends TV or just take your zune and hook it up. Most things it can hook to via usb can play the video content that's on it.
I'm aware of all of this. But there's an "if" here. "If your friend has an XBox, you just log in on your account and..." or similar stories. It's creating one of two things: making it so only tech geeks who keep up with all of this can convert to multiple formats (what you just explained goes over many peoples' heads). Or two, creating purchasing mandates, where you "have" to buy a certain product/brand/etc. to have compatibility with your other media.
Now, this isn't always a problem, but think of it this way: 15 years ago I could take my CD or DVD and go ANYWHERE with it and play it. Now, it's "do you have zune? Wifi for my laptop (who are you watching with that you can all crowd around a laptop btw?)? An XBox? Does your system play blue-ray? Can your TV read from my device? etc. etc. etc." And it's not because the technology branches; it's because corporations want to funnel us to their products. Someone gives Sony a boatload of money, and they exclusively play blue-ray (or similar examples). Want to play it on an XBox or standard DVD player at your mom's house? Sorry loser, buy our system instead. It's overtly manipulative.
We're going backwards in this department. Big time. And it's only going to get worse. And as soon a something supplants Steam (not imminent of course, but it will happen), we'll need to have the next big system of purchasing/playing that will only be exclusive to it and its partners.
Originally posted by Smasandian
Huh? I'm not sure about your point about using it on any PC.You just log on your friends computer, install Steam, download game and then play it. As well, you can sync up your saved games through the Cloud and you can play where you left off.
You get the CD key, which is the most important part of the purchase. The problem is still there somewhat (need the data) but Valve is a pretty good company so I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't have a plan that allows people to get there games.
But the point is moot, if your a PC gamer, you have to have Steam, or other DL programs because it's harder to find boxed PC games out there. Also, let's say Valve goes under and you don't copy the CD key, it's funny how people hold on a purchase that cost them 3 bucks 5 years ago.
EDIT: I think the best thing Valve could do is give a feature/setting that allows you to create an ISO of the game content so you can have a hard copy but I wouldn't be surprised if publishers would allow that.
Valve doesn't owe us anything legally if they go under. It would be a dick move, but it's creating exclusivity. "Use us, or you can't play at all."