Fragmented Development

Update: There is a workaround that allows you to save games locally, but it still requires the Games for Windows application.

...or any games from 2K, for that matter. Watch out for the Windows Live Game whateverthefuck logo, too, because this apparently means your games are dependent on Microsoft for basic functionality (like saving).

So, I recently purchased a legal copy of the PC game, Bioshock 2, for my freedom-hating gaming partition. I purchased this through the Steam platform, as is normally my process.

After downloading the game, and attempting to run it for the first time, I was notified that Steam was installing SecuROM - a DRM used to prevent game piracy. I didn't like it, but I really just use this partition for games by shitty publishers that don't have a Linux port. I was already freedom-hating, so what do I care if they take away more of my freedom?

Then the game client launched, and asked for a CD key. Every other game I've ever bought from Steam hasn't needed this, but I don't mind the extra hassle too much. After all, those publishers need their pennies! I dutifully copied the game key into the game, and was greeted with an overlay for Windows Live Gamer something or other, which informed me that I could sign into it.

I informed it that it could go fuck a charcoal grill, and tried to close the overlay. I was greeted with a message that informed me certain things would not be available, such as saving.

Like, saving your progress in a game. Making a save file. SAVING.

Angry but still interested in trying to salvage some fun out of this game, I tried signing up for a live account. I filled out all the requisite forms (including the game CD key AGAIN), and was greeted by a 404 message from the Microsoft Live web site.

So, I'm going to look into getting a refund. I am most certainly not going to pay $50+ for a high-graphics version of Altered Beast. In addition, I will no longer be purchasing anything from 2K studios, or any game that integrates Windows Live Games for Genuine Advantage Gaming Ultimate Rainbow Unicorns.

Maybe I'll look on the Pirate Bay - I hear pirated games have a much better experience, as all of the DRM has been circumvented ahead of time. I've payed thousands of dollars in hardware and games to be a PC gamer, and I'll be damned if I'm going to stop because Microsoft and 2K want to make it difficult for me.

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