xthetenth wrote:Because co-op is for two paying customers? They're trying to not screw steam over too badly?
That is not my question. I understand why Valve wants customers to buy more than one copy to enjoy the co-op. My question is
why does playing the co-op between the two versions require being signed in to the same account. When I say this I am not asking "Why has Valve put this measure in place?" I'm asking for an explanation of how the damn thing works. After I redeem the PC version will the disc simply not sign in to any other PSN account? Is there some unique code in each disc for which the Steam version will not play co-op with?
Seriously, if they didn't do it that way, I'd buy the PS3 version and throw it at another guy on the hall because it'd be a better value for me because I get to play coop with him too even though I'm only in school for a few weeks more.
Given that used game retailers are accepting copies of Portal 2 you can still pass it on to someone else, either out of generosity, or to get some money back. So is the used copy locked out of online play altogether? Can the new owner access cross platform play with PC players other than the one who redeemed the free PC copy?
The PC version is a value added to the buyer's ownership of the game. That simple. It's the same reason I can't play coop with myself on two computers, delightfully onanistic as that sounds.
And I don't see how it's much of an added value. The greatest benefit I see here is redeeming the PC version and ebaying the PS3 copy for $30-$40 back. I'm not saying this is what I plan on doing. What other benefit is there? You can play the PC version on a lap top while out and about? Okay, but why not just buy the PC version? In case one of your systems break? I guess, but that won't be much comfort in the grand scheme of things. Don't have to walk from your computer to your console? Just how big does your home have to be for this to be a huge win?
I am simply a consumer who wants to be informed. I don't want to scam Valve, I don't feel entitled to more than they are offering, and I understand that they want to make a profit. I simply want to know what I am getting when I give them my money.