Release Hafen on Steam for free.

[LOMS]

Furthermore, Steam is just a software installer.

It's key functions are game distribution, adviserment, and microtransaction support. You're not good enough at any of this list.
As for the software installation - you can't even imagine, how many gamers failed to install java properly just to have a chance to play your game.
If you want to do everything (and then support everything), that I've mentioned above, by yourself - you will not have time to work on your game.

[loftar]

Steam isn't all bad. It updates my games when it goes to a new version!

See, it even does things behind my back like some other NSA spyware. Git off my fucken lawn with your drones and automatons, kid!

As for the software installation - you can't even imagine, how many gamers failed to install java properly just to have a chance to play your game.

I must admit I don't quite see why Steam would be easier to install than Java is, though.

But that's not really the actual issue, which is that I don't want Steam.

[LOMS]

Steam isn't all bad. It updates my games when it goes to a new version!

See, it even does things behind my back like some other NSA spyware. Git off my fucken lawn with your drones and automatons, kid!

As for the software installation - you can't even imagine, how many gamers failed to install java properly just to have a chance to play your game.

I must admit I don't quite see why Steam would be easier to install than Java is, though.

But that's not really the actual issue, which is that I don't want Steam.

Because Steam installation is retard-oriented. Every dumbass can install Steam. I hear noone has any problems with it, but with java... sometimes they have problem with "too many javas" or wrong java. Sometimes java didn't put some strings into system environment variables, and you're forced to do that manually. Sometimes you have security issues with it... damn, there are just too many problems for casual gamer, who doesn't want to "dig deeper", who wants to press single "PLAY" button and see it plays.

[romovs]

which is that I don't want Steam.

Is there any chance of you dropping the WebStart crap and making the client available as a simple download, perhaps bundled with small launcher for initialization/updating?

[borka]

Simple download aka choosing the right binary out of 5 ?!?

In my eyes the best method atm is Enders updater.jar - while it still lacks a proper automated command line creation ... and needs a user to know that he has to create a folder to run it from

so atm jnlp is the best "fits all sizes" solution

[borka]

Because Steam installation is retard-oriented. Every dumbass can install Steam. I hear noone has any problems with it, but with java... sometimes they have problem with "too many javas" or wrong java.

You're aware the steam installition is 32 Bit only ... there'd be the same "to many Steams" problems when they had a 32 Bit Version and a 64 Bit Version for Windows, both for OsX and Linux aswell ...

and for casual gamer, who doesn't want to "dig deeper", who wants to press single "PLAY" button and see it plays.

it's not that easy way when you want to play but Steam wants to update itself first ...

I have Steam and i'm only using it because i get forced to use because of that drm crap (which is the cause for retard orientation) - and for the totally retarted they inventended Consoles

[romovs]

Simple download aka choosing the right binary out of 5 ?!?

Why is that a bad thing? To simplify things you could determine the user's OS and suggest a version to download.
Firefox among numerous others have been doing this for forever and it seems to work well for them.

My main grudge against JNLP is that fails more than it works and just overall feels unclean.
You need to install IcedTea-Web plugin (well on Linux at least. Presumably not an issue on Windows/Mac as it installs everything by default) which is annoyance by itself if you don't use it for anything else. It fetches tons of stuff each time and generally takes longer to start in comparison to a standalone version. Sometimes it fails with non user friendly errors...
Then on Windows you have issues with self-signed certificates.
Oh and a dialog box asking each time if you want to run the application.
The whole thing is just cumbersome.

[loftar]

Just to clear up any potential misunderstandings, it's not as if I hate Steam with a passion and have sworn a solemn vow to never let Haven touch it. I'm just saying to not hold your breath for me installing Steam on one of my computers to actually do anything with it, as it doesn't exactly mesh well with my ideas of "fun".

[LadyV]

I can see Steam has a immediate market and resources to slick things over. Still I guess Im old fashioned. The concept of a third party just to play a game seems a bit redundant. A game can and should be playable in its self. Being a distribution hub is fine. Being required to log into a separate entity just to play another developers product a mere way to control the system.

Maybe I am wrong on this but it does not appeal to me.

[Bondle]

I can see Steam has a immediate market and resources to slick things over. Still I guess Im old fashioned. The concept of a third party just to play a game seems a bit redundant. A game can and should be playable in its self. Being a distribution hub is fine. Being required to log into a separate entity just to play another developers product a mere way to control the system.

Maybe I am wrong on this but it does not appeal to me.

You can play Haven from the website and Steam. :p

Just like Realm of the Mad God did pre-Kabam'd