Explain steam to me

R

RoboJedi

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Im a ex console gamer, and i want to get back into it...stopped at ps3... considering ps4..

But want to know about steam as i see lots if cool indy games on there.


1. Can use a console type controller ?
2. Will controller work in most games without a massive button mapping exercise?
3. What specks does the pc/laptop need to be?
 
1: yes, xbox controllers work on pc.
2: yes
3: depends how much money you have lying around. minimum: corei3 with a gtx1050
 
Its like itunes for pc gamers. You might need button mapping for some games. Steam has developed a controller but you can use an xbox360 pc controller or 3rd party. Tech specs of pc depend on game you want to play and they list the specs required for each game on the store page for that game.
 
RoboJedi said:
Im a ex console gamer, and i want to get back into it...stopped at ps3... considering ps4..

But want to know about steam as i see lots if cool indy games on there.


1. Can use a console type controller ?
2. Will controller work in most games without a massive button mapping exercise?
3. What specks does the pc/laptop need to be?
Click to expand...

1. You can for most games. And you should probably for some games, but part of what makes PC gaming so great is that you can use the mouse and keyboard.
The Xbox controllers supposedly "just work", but you can use the PS3 controller as well with some work. I think it supports wired only. The PS4 controller works a lot easier, and it supports wireless.

Edit: Steam big picture mode will allow you to pretty much use your PC like you would a console:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1KNf6TwUBA

I used it for streaming for a quick test. The PC connected to my TV was a 7 year old laptop, so it couldn't run any recnet games on its own. The controller worked as well for The Division as I would imagine it working on the PS4 itself. Which is to say frustrating compared to a mouse and keyboard.
 
Last edited:
"the vapour into which water is converted when heated, forming a white mist of minute water droplets in the air."
 
The Xbox controllers supposedly "just work", but you can use the PS3 controller as well with some work. I think it supports wired only. The PS4 controller works a lot easier, and it supports wireless.
Click to expand...

Using a receiver, I was able to get the stock XBOX 360 controller to work, on all OS including macOS

It supports most any controller I have thrown at it., including a crappy Genius one I had.

Minimum spec is Core i3 and a decent graphics card, highly dependent on game you're playing.
 
Steam is like Hotel California, once you login you can never leave.

Oh and watch your credit card during steam sales as plenty of guys go bos for the cheap games :D
 
RoboJedi said:
Im a ex console gamer, and i want to get back into it...stopped at ps3... considering ps4..

But want to know about steam as i see lots if cool indy games on there.


1. Can use a console type controller ?
2. Will controller work in most games without a massive button mapping exercise?
Click to expand...

1. PS3 wired or wireless (BT dongle needed if its a desktop) (PM to install it for you, its a mission the first time)
2. Yes
 
RoboJedi said:
Im a ex console gamer, and i want to get back into it...stopped at ps3... considering ps4..

But want to know about steam as i see lots if cool indy games on there.


1. Can use a console type controller ?
2. Will controller work in most games without a massive button mapping exercise?
3. What specks does the pc/laptop need to be?
Click to expand...

Lots of responses here that don't actually address your confusion.

Steam is not PC gaming - it's just one of many game clients you can use. My favourite is actually GOG Galaxy, as the games on GOG don't use DRM at all. Origin is the game client used for EA games and Uplay is for Ubisoft games (don't shop in Uplay though). Battle.net is used for Blizzard games.

Almost all controllers work on PC without much effort. Xbox 360 style controllers are by far the best though. My XB1 controller is totally plug and play on Windows 10, even if a game is already running.

There is no straight answer for what specs you should have. If you're after indie games in particular then you probably don't need that much horsepower. In general you'd be safe going for the best specs you can afford as it means more time until you need to upgrade again.

If you're considering a desktop PC, now is not the time to buy. Wait until AMD announces their new Ryzen hardware with prices.
 
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