Id Software Gets On Board with Steam

By Nick Mokey Published August 5, 2007

Id Software Gets On Board with Steam

Although Id Software and Valve have always been seen as rival FPS developers, Id made a significant concession to its competitor last week by signing on with the company’s Steam online distribution service. Id CEO Todd Hollenshead revealed his company’s move during a keynote address at QuakeCon on Friday, an Id-centric gaming event in Texas.

Gamers are now able to download every Id game up to Doom 3, and all the way back to ID classics like the Commander Keen series and Wolfenstein 3D. Prices range from $4.95 for older games to $19.95 for the newest.

Steam is gaining popularity as an effective way for software vendors to market their back catalogs – a feat that has traditionally been tough to pull off at physical retailers with limited shelf space. Eidos interactive also signed on to the service in March to offer older versions of the Tomb Raider and Hitman series. Other notable developers include Sid Meier’s Firaxis Games, Ritual Entertainment and PopCap Games. As of May, Steam boasted 13 million accounts.

Topics

PC Gaming

Managing Editor

As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…

Gaming

How to use Steam Family

A steam family library in Steam.

Steam has evolved a lot since it initially launched. What was once a simple storefront has developed into the largest PC gaming community in the world, with millions of people around the globe logging on and playing. Because Steam is a digital-only storefront, and games are tied to a single account, it did have a drawback when multiple people in a family wanted their own accounts. There were questions about parental controls, game sharing, and more, but Valve has been working away at a solution. Currently available in the Steam Beta, Steam Families offer a range of options and features that any household should look into. Let's dive into how it works and what you can do with it.
How to start a Steam Family

By opting in on the Steam Beta Client, you will have the option to create a Steam Family with up to five members that are either given an Adult or Child account status. Once set up, you can view and manage your family directly on Steam, on a browser, or via the mobile app. To access the steam beta, open Steam, select the Steam button, and go into Settings. From there, select Interface > Steam Families Beta under Client Beta Participation.

Gaming

Hades 2 shows the Steam Deck’s biggest advantage over the Nintendo Switch

A Steam Deck sits next to a Switch OLED.

It's always an exciting week when the sequel to one of the greatest games of all time surprise releases on a Monday. That's what happened on May 6 when Hades 2 surprise launched into early access. Players are already diving into the surprisingly robust roguelike, testing their might in its new biomes. I've been enjoying it myself from the comfort of my couch -- and not on my Nintendo Switch, where I played the first Hades. Instead, I'm curled up with my Steam Deck.

The PC-only launch means that Hades 2 is a Steam Deck "exclusive" for the time being (or at least exclusive to portable PCs like it and the Asus ROG Ally). It'll likely come to Nintendo's system -- or its predecessor -- once it hits 1.0, but developer Supergiant doesn't expect its game to leave early access until at least the end of 2024. Until then, you'll need a device like the Steam Deck to play it on the go. That's a reminder that Valve has beaten the Switch at its own game, and Nintendo will have to get creative again with its next system to regain its throne.
Early access on the go
Based on my time with it so far, Hades 2 is a phenomenal match for the Steam Deck. It's already Verified for the platform, and for good reason. It looks fantastic (especially on an OLED screen) and runs smoothly. I've already taken it on the go and found that it's not a huge drain on the Steam Deck's battery. At this point, I don't imagine I'll need to play it any other way.

Computing

How to connect a keyboard and mouse to the Steam Deck

Steam Deck with Keyboard.

One of the best features of the Steam Deck is its varied controls, from face buttons, to joysticks, to touch controls. But there's never a substitute for a full size keyboard and mouse, and fortunately, you can connect them straight to the Steam Deck. It supports wired and wireless connections, although you'll need a USB hub if you want to use a USB connection.