I'm using Steam a lot nowadays, but I was starting to get curious what else is out there.

So I was wondering, what are the pros and cons of Direct2Drive compared to steam? Is there any incentive for a user on either platform to migrate to the other?

I have had better luck with Steam and find it's functionality more to my liking (seems faster too, but that is subjective).

Nothing wrong with Direct2Drive, but Steam usually has everything I need.

Assume I know nothing about Direct2Drive. I really don't, so it's a safe assumption.

What IS the functionality of it, in terms of what steam does and doesn't do?

No contest, Steam is the superior choice

Direct2Drive is not really a platform. You must use their downloading software and that's all about it. Like Steam, most of the time you must wait for their patches, you can't use the official ones. there's something about having your download link "guaranteed" for some time as well, like EA Store, but I'm not really sure about that.

salaminizer said: Direct2Drive is not really a platform. You must use their downloading software and that's all about it. Like Steam, most of the time you must wait for their patches, you can't use the official ones. there's something about having your download link "guaranteed" for some time as well, like EA Store, but I'm not really sure about that.

with steam you can redownload at any time it saves your list as uninstalled and installed, so thats a pro for it.

I've been checking a lot of similar threads on other forums, and a couple of articles. Seems almost everyone says D2D is a decent service, but they prefer Steam... Hmm...

I still haven't understood exactly how D2D operates though.

Killergran said: I've been checking a lot of similar threads on other forums, and a couple of articles. Seems almost everyone says D2D is a decent service, but they prefer Steam... Hmm... I still haven't understood exactly how D2D operates though.

Like, a download platform.

Basically imagine steam without all the community aspects, firends lists etc... or at least that's how i remember it.  Haven't used it in forever.

Found a comparison link that seems fairly helpful.

http://www.devsongames.com/?p=4

 

Or this gamespot one.... they put it up for a vote.

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26797867

Steam won with 84% of said vote.

D2D you can re DL as well. D2D has full integration with IGN's Comrade system , if anyone uses that. ( I dont think anyone does) but it is actually not a bad system.

The biggest pros to D2D over Steam, is you can install the game wherever you like as opposed to having it be forced in where your "steam stuff" is. D2D games are more often compatible with general patches and extra tools etc.

Like for DA:O, D2D worked much better for that game than Steam... triply so if you want to use the mod toolset.

I use both services though, they are both good.

Ive never used D2D but i love Steam. No reason or need for me to switch