Repeated Steam instability

Dig through the forums and you'll find quite a few threads (many resolved bug threads) where users on Steam are unable to get Construct 2 to start up. Usually, a new update or switching from the stable release to the beta or vice versa will fix the problem. But given how often these issues are cropping up, it seems to me there must be a core problem that's going unresolved. Scirra has said it's an issue with the Steam launcher, and that's likely, since I gather these problems don't happen in the release downloaded from Scirra. But it seems to me it's in everyone's interest (Steam, Scirra, the users) to get something like this fixed.

I suppose maybe I'm just frustrated and trying to vent, or maybe hoping that bringing it up more generally will get someone to take it seriously, but I also want to know who else has experienced this problem and if it's as common as it seems. If you work on Steam--especially if you use it regularly and update with every beta version--have you ever had a problem getting the application to start?

All the time. In fact steam version is a nightmare and I stand by the fact that C2 should never have been put onto steam. Scirra needs to address this, or at least offer an option for steam users to migrate to standard version. I mean we've paid for a inferior user experience.

Point being we've paid!

I've had it crash for the last couple hours - so I am extremely grumpy at the moment <img src="smileys/smiley7.gif" border="0" align="middle" /> - I'm sure after a gym, I'll feel better about it all.

I don't know if it's due to Steam or not, but I have the Steam version too and have a lot of stability problems, Construct just freezes, sometimes for a minute or so and finally become responsive again, but sometimes it just freezes permanently. It does not depend on the weight of the project, as it sometimes does it on an empty project. At first I thought it was just my computer being slow and needing a clean re-install, but it happened on my brand new laptop too, which has almost nothing installed on.

So yeah, if it has something to do with it running on steam, I'd like to be able to transfer my license to a non steam version

The standalone version and Steam version are almost identical. The only major change is instead of reading a license file it simply asks Steam whether it's been purchased or not. This code is trivial. It's hard to imagine it's our code going wrong, which means it's probably something Valve need to fix. In that case I think it's best if users go directly to Valve with their bug reports - there's not much we can do except be a middle layer that gets in the way.

There's not much we can do except be a middle layer that gets in the way

Ashley, Umm?, actually its the other way round, they are the middle layer (they sell games, and a few applications. The software comes from you. We are the client, you are the developer and they are the salesman.

The only major change is instead of reading a license file it simply asks Steam whether it's been purchased or not. This code is trivial.

Yes, I know, and that is why I say C2 doesn't play well with steam.

There are tons of forum posts highlighting that steam version (albeit the same as standard version) just doesn't function like standard version. This is a fact.

QUOTE: probably something Valve need to fix

I'm not going to answer this except to say that if there are issues, then developer needs to sort it out or work with valve/steam to resolve issues.

They are a layer over the original software. Sure the layer could be broke, eitherway it is ludicrous to ask paying customers to sort it out when the majority don't speak geek.

Its your baby, your software, we are the clients, you the developer and Steam the middle man.

Just Re-read your answer, and tell me you wouldn't be semi annoyed by that your response.

I've used the non steam version and boy is a different experience. Had I known how much different, I would never have purchased from steam.

Well, if the problem is with Steam, then telling us so we can tell Valve who then make a suggestion which we then pass back on to you (and then back and forth similarly), is just inefficient. If you go directly to Valve, it should be quicker to resolve.

I will contact Steam tech support. However, I would say there's a good chance that Scirra would be the best party to contact them for a couple reasons:

1) As trivial as the code difference may be, Scirra can at least explain to Valve the architecture of the application to help find the conflict.

2) I am one of millions of users that purchases from Steam; Scirra is one of hundreds of product providers that licenses their product for Steam. I'm sure they want to keep both of us happy, but I bet they're most likely to listen to a developer.

3) Ashley's response above assumes that the solution is going to be a change that we as users have to make. That's very possible. But perhaps it's a change Valve needs to make. Perhaps (as unlikely as it seems, given the code similarities between the two versions) it's a change Scirra needs to make. In the latter two cases, I am the middle layer getting in the way.

Just my thoughts. I'll report back if Valve responds.

Ashley,

Steam says I must contact you to resolve the issue.

They pointed me to this as well...

"You will need to contact the game's developer/publisher directly for support if you encounter any errors or unexpected behavior which is not related to Steam authentication or CD Keys after the game has loaded."

Basically, they saying that once steam as authenticated the software and it has loaded, any issues thereafter are for you the developer.

"Game crashes or errors after the game has been launched (that do not appear in a Steam dialog box)" According to them, is not their problem

Well, I've tried to get in touch with Steam. I'll keep you posted on the issue.

Thank you

There is definitely something wrong with the way Construct 2 launches on Steam. I have tried it many times and it fails to launch or crashes during use.

Dig through the forums and you'll find quite a few threads (many resolved bug threads) where users on Steam are unable to get Construct 2 to start up. Usually, a new update or switching from the stable release to the beta or vice versa will fix the problem. But given how often these issues are cropping up, it seems to me there must be a core problem that's going unresolved. Scirra has said it's an issue with the Steam launcher, and that's likely, since I gather these problems don't happen in the release downloaded from Scirra. But it seems to me it's in everyone's interest (Steam, Scirra, the users) to get something like this fixed.

I suppose maybe I'm just frustrated and trying to vent, or maybe hoping that bringing it up more generally will get someone to take it seriously, but I also want to know who else has experienced this problem and if it's as common as it seems. If you work on Steam--especially if you use it regularly and update with every beta version--have you ever had a problem getting the application to start?

Not to be contrary... I own the Steam version and have NEVER (never) had a problem launching it or using it.

I've never had an issue with C2 and Steam myself.

Unless Scirra hears some details back from Steam that solve the issue I think the way to resolve it is for Scirra to release a limited steam beta (requires beta key) that authenticates differently (like the Scirra official purchased version)

This way, the installation doesn't change, and only thing changes is the auth method. If the users who have the Auth Beta C2 have issues, then it's C2. If they have no issues, it's Steam. (Because the only difference is auth method)

Other Steam games/software have closed beta updates that require keys (Borderlands 2 does), and if non-communication/run-arounds happen then this is the only option that covers all bases.

I have steam version, and have experienced many many issues, and therefor recently got non steam version and I can say there is a remarkable difference.

It is like I'm using a different piece of software. All my grips with steam have washed away by using the non steam version.

Why is this, haven't a clue, and I feel sorry for ashley because it doesn't make sense.

I will add that steam is completely unsupportive. This whole experience has left a bad taste in my mouth and I vow, I will never purchase software from steam again. I will rather buy straight from developer.

Steam is great when it works but sadly these problems do surface every now and again. If Steam want to be taken seriously they need some kind of returns policy. Doesn't matter whether you buy something digitally or as a physical copy, you should have a right to return it if it doesn't work as intended. Their one-to-one customer support is a joke.