Half-life 2 Requires Internet For Singleplayer?

EdcrabEdcrab Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4324Members
<div class="IPBDescription">...are they serious?</div> <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Note: some Steam-enabled single-player games (such as Half-Life 2) purchased at a retail store will allow offline play until the user decides to play online or enable other Steam functionality. From that point on, an Internet connection will be required.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<a href='http://www.steampowered.com/index.php?area=faq&id=1050915505,27362300,1050915714,91503900' target='_blank'>Click here for the FAQ entry.</a>

Now, I've probbably misinterpreted this, and I hope to God that I have, but is that implying that once you connect to the net through HL2 for the first time, that you'll have to maintain a connection in order to play it, even singleplayer?! Even retail?!

If they truly expect single player gamers to connect to the net every time they wish to play, they will have no significant sales from the dial-up market. I really, really hope that that is just a very badly phrased way of stating the obvious, expected answer...

Comments

  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    I'm assuming this only means if you get the game through steam? but then again it says retail store...would seem like they would be cutting out a portion of the userbase if they do this though.
  • EdcrabEdcrab Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4324Members
    Yes... those were my thoughts excactly. I'm glad I'm not the only one a little confused by this.
    As a 56k user with extremely limited access (my funds demand that I possess a single phone line, and thus I only connect after 10pm) the idea of only being able to play singleplayer online (now THAT sounds stupid) worries me...
  • MerkabaMerkaba Digital Harmony Join Date: 2002-01-24 Member: 22Members, Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester
    Don't be silly, Valve aren't stupid.
  • Silver_FoxSilver_Fox Spammer Join Date: 2002-01-24 Member: 34Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    <!--QuoteBegin--Edcrab+Jul 18 2003, 07:06 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Edcrab @ Jul 18 2003, 07:06 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Note: some Steam-enabled single-player games (such as Half-Life 2) purchased at a retail store will allow offline play until the user decides to play online or enable other Steam functionality. From that point on, an Internet connection will be required.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I think its just bad wording by them ..

    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
    until the user decides to play online or enable other Steam functionality. From that point on, an Internet connection will be required.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    I mean .. its kind of obvious you need an internet connection to use steam and/or its features and multiplayer, right?
  • EdcrabEdcrab Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4324Members
    They are when it comes to FAQ writing then. I found <a href='http://steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8713' target='_blank'>this thread</a> on their Steampowered forums, and although it's getting pushed to the bottom of the forum pile I'm sure eventually someone on the team will reply <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • p4Samwisep4Samwise Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10831Members
    I doubt it. If they're trying to make the game playable on a Pentium II or whatever, they're obviously trying not to alienate the Cro-Magnon market segment. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • KungFuSquirrelKungFuSquirrel Basher of Muttons Join Date: 2002-01-26 Member: 103Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    No, no, no, it's written perfectly well.

    First, it states that HL2, purchased from a store, will not require an internet connection. This is fully logical. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

    Next, it states that if you wish to play any MP content or use any Steam content, you will need an internet connection. This is also logical, as internet connections are generally required for MP (LAN excluded) and Steam is internet-exclusive content. "From this point on" only refers to the point at which you stop playing SP and start trying to use MP or Steam. SP should function as always without the need for a connection. Unless you purchase the game via steam, in which case you already have an internet connection and will need that to get the content anyway.

    Mr. English Major to the rescue! <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Brave_UlyssesBrave_Ulysses Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15922Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--KungFuSquirrel+Jul 18 2003, 05:45 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (KungFuSquirrel @ Jul 18 2003, 05:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>No, no, no, it's written perfectly well.</span>

    First, it states that HL2, purchased from a store, will not require an internet connection. This is fully logical. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

    Next, it states that if you wish to play any MP content or use any Steam content, you will need an internet connection. This is also logical, as internet connections are generally required for MP (LAN excluded) and Steam is internet-exclusive content. "From this point on" only refers to the point at which you stop playing SP and start trying to use MP or Steam. SP should function as always without the need for a connection. Unless you purchase the game via steam, in which case you already have an internet connection and will need that to get the content anyway.

    Mr. English Major to the rescue! <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Written SO well that you had to interpret & dissect it for us!
  • dr_ddr_d Join Date: 2003-03-28 Member: 14979Members
    edited July 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--Brave Ulysses+Jul 18 2003, 06:01 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Brave Ulysses @ Jul 18 2003, 06:01 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--KungFuSquirrel+Jul 18 2003, 05:45 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (KungFuSquirrel @ Jul 18 2003, 05:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>No, no, no, it's written perfectly well.</span>

    First, it states that HL2, purchased from a store, will not require an internet connection. This is fully logical. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

    Next, it states that if you wish to play any MP content or use any Steam content, you will need an internet connection. This is also logical, as internet connections are generally required for MP (LAN excluded) and Steam is internet-exclusive content. "From this point on" only refers to the point at which you stop playing SP and start trying to use MP or Steam. SP should function as always without the need for a connection. Unless you purchase the game via steam, in which case you already have an internet connection and will need that to get the content anyway.

    Mr. English Major to the rescue! <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Written SO well that you had to interpret & dissect it for us! <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Yes, because YOU do not posess a clear understanding of English grammar and proper sentance structure. The only mistake Valve made was writing their FAQs under the impression that the general public remembers English 101.
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    Just be happy you all aren't even worse. I mean, I know people who have trouble understanding words with 3+ syllables, and that is just <i>really sad.</i>
  • p4Samwisep4Samwise Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10831Members
    Syl-la-whuh? Ug confused. Go sleep now.
  • XzilenXzilen Join Date: 2002-12-30 Member: 11642Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--[p4]Samwise+Jul 18 2003, 06:42 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> ([p4]Samwise @ Jul 18 2003, 06:42 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Syl-la-whuh? Ug confused. Go sleep now. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> hehe
  • dr_ddr_d Join Date: 2003-03-28 Member: 14979Members
    edited July 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--TychoCelchuuu+Jul 18 2003, 06:23 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (TychoCelchuuu @ Jul 18 2003, 06:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Just be happy you all aren't even worse. I mean, I know people who have trouble understanding words with 3+ syllables, and that is just <i>really sad.</i> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    They aren't stupid they just suffer from Sesquipedalophobia (fear of big words) look it up if you don't believe heh.

    edit: PS the best fear is Phobophobia hehehehhehe....just makes me chuckle.
  • AposApos Join Date: 2003-06-14 Member: 17369Members, Constellation
    I actually got to talk to Erik Johnson a bit about this, so I thought I'd explain the current thinking (which he said is subjet to change).

    HL2 from the store will act as normal (not net connection to play SP, except that it comes with Steam to keep the game updated, and you'll have to create a unique account for Steam downloads and MP play)

    HL2 over Steam, however, works a little differently. When you buy this copy of HL2, you are buying basically one all-you-can eat ticket to play HL2/use Steam/play MP anywhere, at any time, on any computer. This means that you can go to a computer, download Steam onto it, have it download HL2, and then play the SP game using your unique passcode. You can do this anywhere, the only restriction being that you need a unique passcode to be verified during your play of the game (to ensure that you aren't just putting HL2 on six different people's computers- you can't have two passcodes in action playing the SP game at the same time).

    Essentially, what this is doing is duplicating the behavior of the CD in a way: just as you need a unique CD to play the store-version to prove that you have a unique copy of HL2, the Steam version requires that you have a unique passcode to prove that you are playing on a uniquely purchased account.
  • SnO0PySnO0Py Join Date: 2003-02-27 Member: 14092Members
    edited July 2003
    Some of the people on the SvenCoop boards think this is some new way to prevent people from copying Half-Life 2.

    EDIT: I didn't read all the posts, guess someone already said why..
  • Brave_UlyssesBrave_Ulysses Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15922Members
    edited July 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--dr.d+Jul 18 2003, 06:08 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dr.d @ Jul 18 2003, 06:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
    Yes, because YOU do not posess a clear understanding of English grammar and proper sentance structure. The only mistake Valve made was writing their FAQs under the impression that the general public remembers English 101. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I can't recall all the threads we've locked horns on but you've got some sort of vendetta against me, haven't you? Titface. <!--emo&:angry:--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/mad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='mad.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • AllUrHiveRblong2usAllUrHiveRblong2us By Your Powers Combined... Join Date: 2002-12-20 Member: 11244Members
    Hahahaha titface. Pwned!
  • EdcrabEdcrab Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4324Members
    Apos: Thanks for clearing that up.

    I think what caused the confusion is that the FAQ mentioned the retail game as well as the steam game. The way that it states "until" and "from that point on" can imply that there's some sort of change, as strictly speaking it should be "unless" and "these functions require" respectively...
  • VenmochVenmoch Join Date: 2002-08-07 Member: 1093Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--AllUrHiveRBelong2Us+Jul 20 2003, 03:01 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (AllUrHiveRBelong2Us @ Jul 20 2003, 03:01 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hahahaha titface. Pwned! <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I have no idea why but that made me burst out laughing.
  • BogglesteinskyBogglesteinsky Join Date: 2002-12-24 Member: 11488Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--dr.d+Jul 19 2003, 12:52 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dr.d @ Jul 19 2003, 12:52 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> edit: PS the best fear is Phobophobia hehehehhehe....just makes me chuckle. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    lol <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->

    is that the fear of being afraid or something
  • StarchyStarchy Join Date: 2003-04-21 Member: 15727Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--Merkaba+Jul 18 2003, 05:18 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Merkaba @ Jul 18 2003, 05:18 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Don't be silly, Valve aren't stupid. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    lol, that's a good one! <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • X_StickmanX_Stickman Not good enough for a custom title. Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15533Members, Constellation
    I think this is similar to the stupid, stupid warnings you get on things like coffee cups (Warning: Contents May Be Hot!). I think it's basically saying that you need to be online to.... play online.

    And Valve aren't stupid. Half life is still in the top ten most brought games in many major stores. That's almost 6 years after release. I realise a major part of this is because of the Mod-Scene, but Valve have done everything they can to support it.



    ahaha... Titface. True Hive my friend, Pwned. so true
  • SaltySalty Join Date: 2002-11-05 Member: 6970Members
    edited July 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--dr.d+Jul 18 2003, 06:52 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dr.d @ Jul 18 2003, 06:52 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Sesquipedalophobia (fear of big words) look it up if you don't believe heh. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>AHHHH!</span>

    Sorry I have cavillatiophobia

    -fear of irony.
  • EdcrabEdcrab Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4324Members
    And I have offtopicophobia and lockedaphobia. Or something.

    Simply to confuse matters, <a href='http://steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8713&perpage=15&pagenumber=2' target='_blank'>revist the Steampowered.com thread.</a> No one there can agree either. It could be a problem that doesn't exist, a security measure, a one time connection simply to start single player for the first time, a constantly required connection, or general chaos. Where's a Valve man when you need one...

    (*hopes Apos is right*)
  • CplDavisCplDavis I hunt the arctic Snonos Join Date: 2003-01-09 Member: 12097Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Note: some Steam-enabled single-player games (such as Half-Life 2) purchased at a retail store will allow offline play until the user decides to play online or enable other Steam functionality.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Well no Internet is needed for single play so ok so far.


    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->until the user decides to play online or enable other Steam functionalityFrom that point on, an Internet connection will be required<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    You need the internet to play online.

    So its just saying in a bad way, HL2 has single player but if you )the user) wants to play online or do stuff wit steam, <u><i>then</i></u> you will need an internet connection.
  • Brave_UlyssesBrave_Ulysses Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15922Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--X_Stickman+Jul 20 2003, 03:19 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (X_Stickman @ Jul 20 2003, 03:19 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I think this is similar to the stupid, stupid warnings you get on things like coffee cups (Warning: Contents May Be Hot!). <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I think those "stupid" warnings do serve a purpose. Over here in good ole Blighty we joke about Americans suing over the smallest things. But some arse-a-holic manipulative people DO take advantage of the legal system by doing things like suing because they got burnt by something hot. AND THEY WIN! So companies HAVE to take precautions by stating the obvious.

    "You know it's sad but tr00".
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