Update on Steam Login Issues

Juju_beans

For all you steam users..what has steam told you about the problem?

KAJ3D

Taysa wrote: »

Except Steam still has your money and ZoS now has your money twice over per account you repurchased the game with.

So in the end, who is the real winner?

(Hint: It's not you.)

Though, hypothetically speaking, would you have done the same if the game wasn't on sale right now? And no, I didn't read too much into your 'point.' You decided to post a strawman argument to suit your agenda and I simply pointed out the holes in your 'logic.'

You're right, I'm not a real winner. Real winners don't use drugs.

Seriously though, this isn't a 'win' or 'lose' thing. Life isn't about 'winning', no matter what Charlie Sheen would have you believe. Life is about making choices based off events that happen in your life. Right now, Steam is preventing me from playing the MMO I want to play. So what are my choices?

1) Go back in time and tell myself not to buy from Steam (sadly I can't afford a Delorean)
2) Wait until ZoS/Valve fixes it (doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon)
3) Fix it myself (Hint: I did this one)

Would have I done it if it wasn't on sale? Yes for my account, I play the most and have been having the most trouble logging on. No for my wife and daughter's because they aren't on as often and it's only happened a couple times to them.

Also, apologies for not being a master logician like yourself. I didn't realize my simple example would be such a terrible strawman.

Alex_Lex

So, I can't login with my secondary account for more than 24 hours already.
I try to do it every 2 hours and 0 result.

Hmmmmm...

Tygur215

I bought the game for the first time just a month ago, through Steam. I didn't even know buying from Bethesda was an option then, so I've only ever played it through Steam. After the frustration of not being able to log in - consistently - since I started playing, I tried the following and it worked for me.

I bought The Elder Scrolls Online: Standard Edition for $10 directly through my ESO account on this website. I only have one account (the same one I have linked to Steam), so that's where I bought it. A link to download the Launcher directly doesn't show up on the account page. However, I went into Steam and did the following:

Right click on the game in your library and select Properties.
Click on the Local Files tab.
Click on Browse Local Files.

That pulled up the Zenimax Online folder on my computer, which I couldn't find any other way. Hidden maybe? Anyway, you can copy and paste the file called Launcher to your desktop and then open it. That will bring up the Launcher. Hit Play and you will get the login screen. Enter your UserID and Password and off you go. I had to verify my computer the first time.

All my characters are there with everything just the way I left them. ESO Plus works (even though I bought that through Steam too). I've now played both through Steam and the Launcher, and once I'm in game it's seamless.

I'm actually not sure if you have to spend the money for another copy of the game. I had already done it before I found the launcher. Might be worth trying without that first.

Good Luck!

yurimodin

Juju_beans wrote: »

For all you steam users..what has steam told you about the problem?

this is what I got from them:
Hello,

I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble with you 3rd party ESO account.

This game uses a separate account and activation system that we can't access at Steam Support.

Please continue working with the following support team - they'll be your best resource for solving account or game activation issues with this title:

https://help.steampowered.com/wizard/HelpWithGameTechnicalIssue/?appid=799520

We have reviewed your request and your purchase does not qualify for a refund as this game has been played for more than 64 hours recently, in effect using the subscription.

For additional information, please review our refund policy

Steam Support

So I just submitted a refund request to ZOS for my original Steam version(under my old account) that I will never use again anyway and am starting over with a fresh copy and new account from ZOS

Jaraal

What I don't understand is why they don't roll back the update that started all this, and fix it on their time instead of ours?

Ostacia

Instead of starting all over, why not just buy the $10 base game (through the ESO site)? Worked for me. Everything is still there, just not having to go through Steam anymore.

yurimodin

Wintergreen wrote: »

Instead of starting all over, why not just buy the $10 base game (through the ESO site)? Worked for me. Everything is still there, just not having to go through Steam anymore.

I already broke down all my gear and mailed the gold to my new account etc

wavingblue

So is this actually resolved or are more outages expected? I've been able to get on but it has been sporadic. Almost seems like the last statement means more to come? Could this be a business arrangement pissing match? Would really love some actual feedback vs silence.

yurimodin

wavingblue wrote: »

So is this actually resolved or are more outages expected? I've been able to get on but it has been sporadic. Almost seems like the last statement means more to come? Could this be a business arrangement pissing match? Would really love some actual feedback vs silence.

I really don't expect or trust an "actually solved" solution from this.....the Bethesda Support Twitter page last shows the "still investigating" as of about 30 hours ago and we still have the Red Banner of Doom here. "Fixed" or not am never touching that Steam ESO account again.....too many times and for too long with no real explanation of the problem.

EDIT: sometimes these problems are hard to spot especially with some API's......had an odd one on a work server that required me to set more ready Apache daemons on the webserver even though the server had plenty of horsepower and would start more on its own but the performance was just terrible without the custom settings. Most of the time there is no "Slow=OFF" setting but this one takes the cake......I would be alot less concerned if it was everyone who was down but it kinda sucked being in Discord with my guildmates and not being able to play for 10+ hours each time.

wavingblue

That's not good... so we can expect this level of service for now on? Figures.. Just renewed ESO+ a few days before this mess started.

S_Ravenlock

My husband and daughter just got a reply back from ZoS. Their accounts can not get unlinked and if they want to log in without Steam they've been told to buy another copy of the game directly from ZoS.

This is beyond ridiculous, terrible customer service. It is up to ZoS and Steam to fix this, asking us to spend more money to fix their mess up is brazen, and we are most certainly not spending more money on this game as it stands.

I know people were posting the "buy a copy from ZoS" fix as a temporary measure for those who didn't mind spending some money but it seems like that is now the official "fix". What a disgrace!

yurimodin

S_Ravenlock wrote: »

My husband and daughter just got a reply back from ZoS. Their accounts can not get unlinked and if they want to log in without Steam they've been told to buy another copy of the game directly from ZoS.

This is beyond ridiculous, terrible customer service. It is up to ZoS and Steam to fix this, asking us to spend more money to fix their mess up is brazen, and we are most certainly not spending more money on this game as it stands.

I know people were posting the "buy a copy from ZoS" fix as a temporary measure for those who didn't mind spending some money but it seems like that is now the official "fix". What a disgrace!

hey but when you can finally login someday you get a free crate.............

Shardan4968

S_Ravenlock wrote: »

My husband and daughter just got a reply back from ZoS. Their accounts can not get unlinked and if they want to log in without Steam they've been told to buy another copy of the game directly from ZoS.

This is beyond ridiculous, terrible customer service. It is up to ZoS and Steam to fix this, asking us to spend more money to fix their mess up is brazen, and we are most certainly not spending more money on this game as it stands.

I know people were posting the "buy a copy from ZoS" fix as a temporary measure for those who didn't mind spending some money but it seems like that is now the official "fix". What a disgrace!

For real? So they do see new oportunity in this issue to milk more money from their customers, yeah definetely they care about everyone to have good gaming experience. Now, that so many players bought the game again, they don't give damn about those who aren't going to reward them for this mess. This is beyond outrage.

CelestialSlayer

I’m absolutely disgusted by the amount of people buying this game again directly to solve the steam login issue. It’s such a dismal way to get round it I’m lost for words. I could go on but I’d sound like an old miserably git if I did. Way to go though. Reward zenimax with more money because you can’t wait for a fix. In another time line zenimax gives a free copy to all steam customers.....ha and pigs fly.

yurimodin

CelestialSlayer wrote: »

I’m absolutely disgusted by the amount of people buying this game again directly to solve the steam login issue. It’s such a dismal way to get round it I’m lost for words. I could go on but I’d sound like an old miserably git if I did. Way to go though. Reward zenimax with more money because you can’t wait for a fix. In another time line zenimax gives a free copy to all steam customers.....ha and pigs fly.

well I used Paypal and I am willing to walk away and play something else........refunding one of my 2 copies is the least ZOS could do considering I have to start over.

Ostacia

Oh the fury! Is it "right" that some are buying a regular version of the game so they can get freedom from Steam? It was totally right for me and totally worth the price that is pretty much the equivalent of a large double mocha latte and a muffin. If it's not right for you, then enjoy yourself, have a great day, love and light, et cetera, but leave other people alone! It's not our fault!

S_Ravenlock

Wintergreen wrote: »

Oh the fury! Is it "right" that some are buying a regular version of the game so they can get freedom from Steam? It was totally right for me and totally worth the price that is pretty much the equivalent of a large double mocha latte and a muffin. If it's not right for you, then enjoy yourself, have a great day, love and light, et cetera, but leave other people alone! It's not our fault!

It is indeed not your fault, its the fault of ZoS for thinking this is an actual solution. To be honest I think any company that actually cares for its customers should give you back your money. You should not have to pay twice to get a working copy. But i can also understand why you did.

Taysa

Wintergreen wrote: »

Oh the fury! Is it "right" that some are buying a regular version of the game so they can get freedom from Steam? It was totally right for me and totally worth the price that is pretty much the equivalent of a large double mocha latte and a muffin. If it's not right for you, then enjoy yourself, have a great day, love and light, et cetera, but leave other people alone! It's not our fault!

No, Steam having log in issues is not your fault.

It's ZoS's fault and it's Valve's fault.

But instead of punishing them, you're rewarding them with more money. That is certainly your fault.

Ostacia

Do YOU play ESO via Steam? No? Then you really don't know how hard it is. Yes? Then you have exceedingly more patience than I. Congratulations!

Taysa

Wintergreen wrote: »

Do YOU play ESO via Steam? No? Then you really don't know how hard it is. Yes? Then you have exceedingly more patience than I. Congratulations!

I don't have to play ESO on Steam to know how shady a company telling people to give them MORE money for the SAME product without a fix in sight and to point out the stupidity in doing just that.

You guys are getting got and you're allowing it to happen.

KAJ3D

Taysa wrote: »

Wintergreen wrote: »

Do YOU play ESO via Steam? No? Then you really don't know how hard it is. Yes? Then you have exceedingly more patience than I. Congratulations!

I don't have to play ESO on Steam to know how shady a company telling people to give them MORE money for the SAME product without a fix in sight and to point out the stupidity in doing just that.

You guys are getting got and you're allowing it to happen.

So what's your alternative?

Our choices are to
a) wait for them to fix it
b) play something else
c) fix it ourselves by spending money

Keep in mind, I am NOT defending what ZOS is doing, that's ridiculous that they recommend that. But for those of us who want to play this game and are sick of waiting for them to fix it, there is literally NO OTHER OPTION.

Ostacia

Goodness gracious. They're not telling people to give them more money for the same product. As far as I can tell, players figured out this workaround and I'm glad of it. I'm sorry that you feel the need to make others feel guilt, though, and hope things improve for you.

KAJ3D

Wintergreen wrote: »

Goodness gracious. They're not telling people to give them more money for the same product.

They really are though, to quote from higher up the page: "My husband and daughter just got a reply back from ZoS. Their accounts can not get unlinked and if they want to log in without Steam they've been told to buy another copy of the game directly from ZoS."

My guess is that there is something preventing ZOS from being able to unlink steam games, it might be in the contract they had to agree to to allow it to be on steam in the first place. That's just speculation though.

yurimodin

KAJ3D wrote: »

My guess is that there is something preventing ZOS from being able to unlink steam games, it might be in the contract they had to agree to to allow it to be on steam in the first place. That's just speculation though.

Contracts aside the user login credentials are probobly encrypted tokens within ZOS's database that only the Steam API can authenticate. And if any player data is associated with that encrypted data then it would probobly brick things alot worse to try to change it.

Edwin

Is anyone who hasn't bought a ZOS version and got their Steam version after December 2016 able to log in without Steam?

bigdeal15

KAJ3D wrote: »

Wintergreen wrote: »

Goodness gracious. They're not telling people to give them more money for the same product.

They really are though, to quote from higher up the page: "My husband and daughter just got a reply back from ZoS. Their accounts can not get unlinked and if they want to log in without Steam they've been told to buy another copy of the game directly from ZoS."

My guess is that there is something preventing ZOS from being able to unlink steam games, it might be in the contract they had to agree to to allow it to be on steam in the first place. That's just speculation though.

something smells rotten.....

KAJ3D

bigdeal15 wrote: »

KAJ3D wrote: »

Wintergreen wrote: »

Goodness gracious. They're not telling people to give them more money for the same product.

They really are though, to quote from higher up the page: "My husband and daughter just got a reply back from ZoS. Their accounts can not get unlinked and if they want to log in without Steam they've been told to buy another copy of the game directly from ZoS."

My guess is that there is something preventing ZOS from being able to unlink steam games, it might be in the contract they had to agree to to allow it to be on steam in the first place. That's just speculation though.

something smells rotten.....

I agree it stinks but I don't know the real reason. I was just tossing out an idea, the API one also sounds plausible. Of course it could be the age-old 'It's cheaper to fix the symptoms and not the problem'. I don't like the 'paying them more' solution either but for me personally, spending a little more to unlink steam is the lesser of two evils.

DiNanna63

zanosuz wrote: »

Wintergreen wrote: »

Thanks for the update. I'm willing to buy the game (again) direct from ESO. How would I go about making sure all of my characters and their progression transfers over? Thanks so much!

I did this yesterday and it works fine. Bought the base game on sale for $10, used my Username/Password that I use for ESO Steam version, and started playing in 10min. All my characters, DLC’s, Houses, achievements, etc are still there. Steam version times out, version I just bought through ESO official store works without a problem! And NO I didn’t own this game before the Tam One update, first purchased Nov 2016. This is a Steam problem and I’m glad I’m free from it!

What about Summerset? Are you able to access that too (if you bought the chapter)?

adeptusminor

NotEdwin wrote: »

Is anyone who hasn't bought a ZOS version and got their Steam version after December 2016 able to log in without Steam?

I bought my copy from Steam Feb 11 2017, and am able to login through the .exe