RW DVD and your acceptance of Steam

[paulz6]

Some people like to install software on their desktop and laptop computers. As long as they are not both being used at the same time, there is no problem. I have a lot of my software installed on both machines, one being used at any given time. The only thing is, I don't think Steam will let you install the software onto another machine if it is already active on one machine. It's a shame.

Steam will allow you to install on more than one machine, which is a positive. I wouldn't try starting them simultaneously though (under the same account).

[stephenholmes]

Hello Alexander
No UKTS and TS.com are not the centre of the universe....if only they were?
But I can tell you Matt and the gang have been here along time, and have provided and continue to support the community.
Yes I understand your comment that I would be denying myself any further updates the Class 37 being one.
But the point is still there that this is about choice and it seems to me choice in this matter is being taken away
What I mean by that is we are forced to sign up to Steam if we wish to use the DVD.
Kind regards Stephen

[CaptScarlet]

Some people like to install software on their desktop and laptop computers. As long as they are not both being used at the same time, there is no problem. I have a lot of my software installed on both machines, one being used at any given time. The only thing is, I don't think Steam will let you install the software onto another machine if it is already active on one machine. It's a shame.

Now there you are wrong, you can install it on any PC at the same time BUT you can only use one at a time with the same user name. This is because the game is linked to you user account not the PC.

John

[Paul_Boland]

Some people like to install software on their desktop and laptop computers. As long as they are not both being used at the same time, there is no problem. I have a lot of my software installed on both machines, one being used at any given time. The only thing is, I don't think Steam will let you install the software onto another machine if it is already active on one machine. It's a shame.

Steam will allow you to install on more than one machine, which is a positive. I wouldn't try starting them simultaneously though (under the same account).

Thanks for the clarification. And no, I wouldn't run two copies of the software at the same time, that is breaking the rules.

[Acorncomputer]

Some people like to install software on their desktop and laptop computers. As long as they are not both being used at the same time, there is no problem. I have a lot of my software installed on both machines, one being used at any given time. The only thing is, I don't think Steam will let you install the software onto another machine if it is already active on one machine. It's a shame.

Now there you are wrong, you can install it on any PC at the same time BUT you can only use one at a time with the same user name. This is because the game is linked to you user account not the PC.

John

From a developer's point of view, the program download from Steam would not include current source files or work in progress on another computer. No advantage really as you would still have to carry these around separately.

Also in connection with the statement made by Tim Gatland, he was speaking for RSDL. Rail Simulator.com is a much different beast and I am not surprised that Tim's promise was not honoured.

[AndyUK]

Yes and I am one of them. This isnt the first occassion that RW has broken a statement, it does not matter
who makes the statement provided he / she was in employment with RS or RW when they are made.
If RW is not sticking to its statements it makes when people are buying their program
what will it be like when sales slow to a trickle ?

I think we need to be careful about who said what and not introduce spurious organisations like "RW". The point here is that the person who made the statement was the CEO of RSDL. RSDL are not RS.com who are now developing and released RailWorks. We may not like it but although it may seem that promises have been broken I think that technically they've not as they were made by a different company.

Andy L

[Acorncomputer]

HI

You do not need the DVD in the drive to run Rail Simulator if you have the developer tools loaded. My DVD has not been used for about 18 months.

[stephenholmes]

Hello Alexander
I'm pretty certain the Railworks DVD could be made to install the software and then is not needed again for playing the sim
Just like Rail Simulator works albeit the developer edition.
However I have to state that I will cancel my order for Railworks if we are forced to use steam.
With any software I know you have a choice either agree to the terms and enjoy it or don't and lose out?
I can live with Rail Simulator as it is I still like most of the products that I have installed
Some are of sentimental value but I won't say anything more about that here.
I still intend using Rail Simulator, but I will not use Railworks unless changes are made for the DVD purchaser.
Kind regards Stephen

[Acorncomputer]

OK lets look at it another way.

I have noticed that many of the comments about Steam have come from content developers like myself. Perhaps we see the problem differently to people who like to just use the simulation. We often spend hundreds of hours creating content and Rail Simulator and UKTS made it enjoyable and efficient to do. I cannot really speak for other developers but there is a fine line here about whether committing such time is now going to be worth it when there is external control about whether the program will run or not.

To my knowledge, Rail Simulator.com have not worked with the community in developing RailWorks and the method of delivery and maintenance, (someone might like to put me right on this) but my feeling is that there is no real incentive to build community content and the program is just there for what RS.com can get out of it. It would have made sense to create a Developer version of the program that catered for the needs of people creating content, payware or freeware, but there is no evidence of such an approach (again someone might like to correct me on this).

I hope that this difference can be seen and the threat that the arrogant approach of RS.com might deter community content creators.

[bigvern]

I think we need to be careful about who said what and not introduce spurious organisations like "RW". The point here is that the person who made the statement was the CEO of RSDL. RSDL are not RS.com who are now developing and released RailWorks. We may not like it but although it may seem that promises have been broken I think that technically they've not as they were made by a different company.

Andy L

Semantics. Effectively same company, different name, reworked product. Not an expert on corporate law but would have thought if you take over a company or change the name, previous liablities remain - just like all those dodgy firms which pop up on Watchdog from time to time.

[paulz6]

I think we need to be careful about who said what and not introduce spurious organisations like "RW". The point here is that the person who made the statement was the CEO of RSDL. RSDL are not RS.com who are now developing and released RailWorks. We may not like it but although it may seem that promises have been broken I think that technically they've not as they were made by a different company.

Andy L

Semantics. Effectively same company, different name, reworked product. Not an expert on corporate law but would have thought if you take over a company or change the name, previous liablities remain - just like all those dodgy firms which pop up on Watchdog from time to time.

There is also a difference between a statement of intent and a legally binding agreement.

[Acorncomputer]

I think we need to be careful about who said what and not introduce spurious organisations like "RW". The point here is that the person who made the statement was the CEO of RSDL. RSDL are not RS.com who are now developing and released RailWorks. We may not like it but although it may seem that promises have been broken I think that technically they've not as they were made by a different company.

Andy L

Semantics. Effectively same company, different name, reworked product. Not an expert on corporate law but would have thought if you take over a company or change the name, previous liablities remain - just like all those dodgy firms which pop up on Watchdog from time to time.

There is also a difference between a statement of intent and a legally binding agreement.

And money often overrides morals.

[dipper6]

Hello Stephen,
I have just contacted the by design people.

Like you, if the decision to stick to Steam is permanent with the DVD I'll not be buying it.
And to think I was going to buy at full price too.

[stephenholmes]

OK lets look at it another way.

I have noticed that many of the comments about Steam have come from content developers like myself. Perhaps we see the problem differently to people who like to just use the simulation. We often spend hundreds of hours creating content and Rail Simulator and UKTS made it enjoyable and efficient to do. I cannot really speak for other developers but there is a fine line here about whether committing such time is now going to be worth it when there is external control about whether the program will run or not.

To my knowledge, Rail Simulator.com have not worked with the community in developing RailWorks and the method of delivery and maintenance, (someone might like to put me right on this) but my feeling is that there is no real incentive to build community content and the program is just there for what RS.com can get out of it. It would have made sense to create a Developer version of the program that catered for the needs of people creating content, payware or freeware, but there is no evidence of such an approach (again someone might like to correct me on this).

I hope that this difference can be seen and the threat that the arrogant approach of RS.com might deter community content creators.

Hello Geoff
This is as I said earlier all very sad
As I too have been developing my route Candlewick, with fantastic assetts made by you and other talented members, I fully appreciate the time and effort content developers go to
I am astonished that RS.com have remained silent on the issue surrounding using the steam client for the DVD
This is a hobby at the end of the day and many developers give their time and efforts freely for the benefit of the community.
Some of this development could be lost, and then we all lose out in the end.
Kind regards Stephen

[Acorncomputer]

One final comment before I spend a pleasant evening in the sun instead of in front of a computer (who cheered)

I believe that Rail Simulator.com are not interested in community created content ... discuss!

(This is not aimed at Derek and the team who are clearly passionate about their work and my comments in no way reflect on these admirable guys).