Steam needs to work out release dates better... STALKER Clear Sky

Ok, so I see STALKER Clear Sky is available at pretty much every store in my area this weekend, since Friday if not sooner. It's not available from Steam for DOWNLOAD until September 15.

At least allow for a PRELOAD or something. I could have had ALL weekend to play, but NOOOO.

I've had this happen on a couple other occasions too. Steam is good, but for new released stuff, it's not so good.

 

I went to ebgames.com and they have it for a release date of 9/15/2008. Bestbuy.com has the same release date. I think the reason why steam won't let you play early is because they will probably get in trouble from the publisher.

 

My local best buy, gamestop, walmart, and target have it in stock on the shelves.

 

The way I understand it is that publishers are threatened by the b&m stores concerning prices and release dates with regards to digital distribution. The b&m stores will shove any of their games to the back of the shelves where they won't be seen easily by normal consumers. This is just secondhand info, but it makes sense to me.

 

Well, it was actually on the shelves of a new Walmart I visited about a week or so ago, out in the open, about a dozen plainly displayed. They wouldn't sell it to me, and abruptly pulled them all off the shelves.

I understand release dates, and why they have them, but why have product out sitting for nearly two weeks when they could be making a sale.

 

Heh, sounds like they did it on accident.

 

Walmart was selling CS for one day (I brought one) by mistake.
Game premiere was delayed, because in most game boxes CD-Key is missing (like mine). But you only need CD-Key for multiplayer.

 

I agree with ya man, I love Steam, but they are HORRIBLE when it comes to new releases, their pointless countdown timers that are never accurate, and no reason in the world I can buy it everywhere else EXCEPT Steam.... and lack of pre-loads are just plain dumb.

It's the same thing with every new release... Steam is later than promised, forums light on fire over there, and then all calms down a few days later, seems like they'd work that part out a bit, as I do love their service.

As noted, I am a huge Steam supporter, but they have got to get this part figured out.

 

you know whats so crazy? i just checked and it says "unlocked in 2 hours but it's 1:45...wth?