Let Steam players login without Steam. Let Steam Players Go!

DaveMoeDee · December 2018

Malem_Benign wrote: »

Once again, guys. I don't want to argue about the causes or responsibilities.
I want official statement.

ALL other titles bought from Steam are playable without Steam. Just keep it in mind.

You are confusing launchable directly from .exe with playable without steam (no steam DRM, no need to authenticate with their servers).

Malem_Benign · December 2018

Leocaran wrote: »

Malem_Benign wrote: »

Some official reply will be very appreciated here...

I assume you need to tag them for that.
Even though I suspect they still wouldn't answer. I'm not sure their idea of improving communications includes answering meaningful questions.

Ok, let's follow your proposition:
@ZOS_GinaBruno @ZOS_JessicaFolsom could you please share some info about the topic?

AlienatedGoat · December 2018

Malem_Benign wrote: »

AlienatedGoat wrote: »

For anyone who really wants away from Steam now, there is this option:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/423493/how-to-purchase-access-to-the-regular-launcher-eso64-exe-for-steam-users/p1

Have you read the topic? There is no technical problem to just let Steam players that already bought the game the access via regular launcher. FOR FREE.

I read the title. People still need to know that there is an option available. Sure you have to buy the game again, but on sale the standard edition can go as low as 6-7 bucks.

I consider that well worth getting the game away from Steam. So do many others.

idk · December 2018

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

AlienatedGoat · December 2018

By the way, I highly doubt ZOS will be able to do as you ask. The fact is that Steam ESO and regular ESO accounts were segregated in separate launchers as part of a contractual obligation with Valve. It was part of a package of stipulations made in order for ESO to be on the Steam platform.

ZOS wouldn't be able to allow Steam ESO accounts to use the regular launcher without breaching said contract. And Valve is a much larger and much more resourceful company than Zenimax Media - I don't think they'd risk a legal struggle over something like this.

That being said, their legal team could always try to renegotiate the contract with Valve, but ZOS has made no mention of the ESO64.exe login issue itself, let alone renegotiating with Valve to allow Steam players to use it. This would also require Valve to be amenable to renegotiation, which I have never heard of (in fact, Valve can be quite bullish when it comes to their interests).

It is highly unlikely that ZOS will be able to resolve this issue for you, as their hands are essentially tied. This is why I advise anyone who really, really wants to login outside of Steam to go ahead and get their account a license to use the regular launcher, by buying a regular PC key and activating it on their account. You can find details here: https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/423493/how-to-purchase-access-to-the-regular-launcher-eso64-exe-for-steam-users/p1.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Another good try to switch attention, but no.

AlienatedGoat · December 2018

Malem_Benign wrote: »

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Another good try to switch attention, but no.

He's actually right. It's common practice among many gamers these days to not buy any online-only game through Steam if there is a standalone launcher available - especially MMOs. It's because it's an added layer of network connectivity that usually results in added problems.

That doesn't help your situation, though, or those who can't login through the regular launcher/ESO64.exe. Honestly, the only way to help with that is to get your account a license to use them.

Merlin13KAGL · December 2018

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Two different beasts.

Linking previous game to Steam still uses the standard launcher, it just adds the game to the Steam list (same as any other non-Steam purchased game.) Equally, it can be unlinked from Steam with no consequence. (They can't prevent you from removing a game they never had purchase rights for.)

The Steam login is only required of Steam purchased installs, because it does not use a standard authentication.

OneForSorrow · December 2018

It would be nice if they let you do that.

I got Final Fantasy XIV on Steam but decoupled it from Steam a long time ago. According to Steam my last login was in 2015 which is simply not true. The only time I remember I have the Steam version is when new expansions release, then I need the version on Steam.

It would be nice if ESO allowed that. I don't have ESO on Steam but I've heard the horror stories.

idk · December 2018

Malem_Benign wrote: »

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Another good try to switch attention, but no.

LOL, it seems you are only one using slight of hand here.

You clearly ignore the fact that there is a contract between Zos and Steam and that there have been clear changes to prevent non steam purchases that were linked to steam after the fact from logging in without using steam.

So I understand why you would want to ignore all that and falsely accuse me of trying to switch attention from facts to fantasy.

I feel for you guys who chose to put a middle man between you and the game.

AlienatedGoat · December 2018

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Two different beasts.

Linking previous game to Steam still uses the standard launcher, it just adds the game to the Steam list (same as any other non-Steam purchased game.) Equally, it can be unlinked from Steam with no consequence. (They can't prevent you from removing a game they never had purchase rights for.)

The Steam login is only required of Steam purchased installs, because it does not use a standard authentication.

They're two different licenses. Steam purchases are one, regular purchases another. Your account can only login through the launcher that it has a license to use.

If you link an existing regular ESO account to a Steam purchase, you now have both licenses. This also works in reverse - activating a regular ESO key on a Steam-made ESO account gives you both licenses.

wolf486 · December 2018

Nestor wrote: »

I am referring mostly to the folks who so badly wanted this game on Steam in the 3 or so months before it released on that portal.

I can see people would buy it now on Steam, I myself have a huge library of titles bought during one sale or the other.

However, my rule of thumb is, if the game has an existing login portal that is native to the game, then buy the original

I think the free weekends and being able to find ESO on sale so easily on Steam draws people, but I understand what you mean. When the game was released it would have made much more sense to buy it through ESO's website.

I have started doing that however, purchasing games off Steam if they have their own launcher. Even got rid of my Steam PoE in favour of PoE's own client.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

AlienatedGoat wrote: »

Malem_Benign wrote: »

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Another good try to switch attention, but no.

He's actually right. It's common practice among many gamers these days to not buy any online-only game through Steam if there is a standalone launcher available - especially MMOs. It's because it's an added layer of network connectivity that usually results in added problems.

That doesn't help your situation, though, or those who can't login through the regular launcher/ESO64.exe. Honestly, the only way to help with that is to get your account a license to use them.

I already bought the copy of this game. It's honest to let me in any way.

Merlin13KAGL · December 2018

AlienatedGoat wrote: »

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Two different beasts.

Linking previous game to Steam still uses the standard launcher, it just adds the game to the Steam list (same as any other non-Steam purchased game.) Equally, it can be unlinked from Steam with no consequence. (They can't prevent you from removing a game they never had purchase rights for.)

The Steam login is only required of Steam purchased installs, because it does not use a standard authentication.

They're two different licenses. Steam purchases are one, regular purchases another. Your account can only login through the launcher that it has a license to use.

If you link an existing regular ESO account to a Steam purchase, you now have both licenses. This also works in reverse - activating a regular ESO key on a Steam-made ESO account gives you both licenses.

@AlienatedGoat , I am referring to the adding of an existing game to the Steam interface (effectively just adding it to your library list and pointing it to the executable.), not the linking that takes place within the ESO account profile.

If you added the separate purchase to the Steam library, you are not forever bound through Steam. The licensing key, in this case, is the same as it originally was. You're just basically adding the Steam overlay functionality, nothing more.

AlienatedGoat · December 2018

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

AlienatedGoat wrote: »

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

idk wrote: »

It does appear that Zos is not permitted to allow Steam players to log into the game directly, bypassing Steam.

I say this because some players, for whatever reason, linked their ESO game to Steam even though they bought it elsewhere. The early ones were able to log in directly. However, those that have linked their game more recently cannot use the old workaround.

The best solution going forward is to complain to Steam early and often and never buy a game from Steam that you can buy elsewhere.

Two different beasts.

Linking previous game to Steam still uses the standard launcher, it just adds the game to the Steam list (same as any other non-Steam purchased game.) Equally, it can be unlinked from Steam with no consequence. (They can't prevent you from removing a game they never had purchase rights for.)

The Steam login is only required of Steam purchased installs, because it does not use a standard authentication.

They're two different licenses. Steam purchases are one, regular purchases another. Your account can only login through the launcher that it has a license to use.

If you link an existing regular ESO account to a Steam purchase, you now have both licenses. This also works in reverse - activating a regular ESO key on a Steam-made ESO account gives you both licenses.

@AlienatedGoat , I am referring to the adding of an existing game to the Steam interface (effectively just adding it to your library list and pointing it to the executable.), not the linking that takes place within the ESO account profile.

If you added the separate purchase to the Steam library, you are not forever bound through Steam. The licensing key, in this case, is the same as it originally was. You're just basically adding the Steam overlay functionality, nothing more.

Oh, you're talking about adding it as a non-Steam game. Yeah, you'd get the Steam overlay, you'd just miss out on game time tracking (that's really the only benefit of Steam over regular). Which isn't much since you can track your time played in-game with /played.

Merlin13KAGL · December 2018

Correct, which is what I understood idk's post to refer to.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

Any official reply maybe, please?

Leocaran · December 2018

idk wrote: »

You clearly ignore the fact that there is a contract between Zos and Steam and that there have been clear changes to prevent non steam purchases that were linked to steam after the fact from logging in without using steam.

For now that's (and other people's similar posts) a speculation. Personally I'd want an official statement and clarification on that. Hence I support this topic and OP's request.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

Another ping on this topic, some reply will be very appreciated here. @ZOS_GinaBruno @ZOS_JessicaFolsom

nursingninja · December 2018

The answer is you need to invent a time machine and buy the game on steam before it started logging in with steam. That way you can have the option of launching it either way.

That's what I did anyways. Well I didnt need to go back in time to do it. But I bought the game on steam in August of 2016 and back then you had to have both accounts.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

nursingninja wrote: »

The answer is you need to invent a time machine and buy the game on steam before it started logging in with steam. That way you can have the option of launching it either way.

That's what I did anyways. Well I didnt need to go back in time to do it. But I bought the game on steam in August of 2016 and back then you had to have both accounts.

That's not the topic we discussed, mate. We see that there is some unfair situation with accounts on one hand, bugs on the other and lack of official message on the third.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

And another ping that is going to be ignored...

Malem_Benign · December 2018

@ZOS_RichLambert could you please take a look on this topic too please. Thanks in advance.

Malem_Benign · December 2018

Any updates on this matter, guys?

Malem_Benign · December 2018

Still nothing?

Tandor · December 2018

Maybe it's Steam you need to be asking, if you want them to let you go, not ZOS.

jircris11 · December 2018

Can't you log in to the eso website and download the launcher? I don't use steam for moms due to these things. Least it's not like black desert online where your accounts literally bound to steam meaning you can only play through it and not the exe

zaria · December 2018

DaveMoeDee wrote: »

Malem_Benign wrote: »

Once again, guys. I don't want to argue about the causes or responsibilities.
I want official statement.

ALL other titles bought from Steam are playable without Steam. Just keep it in mind.

You are confusing launchable directly from .exe with playable without steam (no steam DRM, no need to authenticate with their servers).

Single player games can be run in offline mode, this kick in automatically after 30 seconds something.

An game without steam drm can be run outside of steam entirely. Kerbal space program is one and this is relevant as steam auto updated will make the game unplayable if you use mods that is until the mods are updated
So its recommended to copy the game out and play that version if you run mods.

ESO does not need Steam DRM as you need an eso account to play. You can download multiple copies of ESO if you want say on desktop, laptop and pc at office

starkerealm · December 2018

stojekarcub18_ESO wrote: »

Been saying since the late 90's...DON'T USE STEAM....

Steam first went online back in 2003. So, what were you railing against in the late 90s?

starkerealm · December 2018

Malem_Benign wrote: »

Some official reply will be very appreciated here...

You're not going to get one. ZOS and Bethesda Softworks aren't going to light Valve up like that and risk losing their place on the storefronts.

Ri_Khan wrote: »

This would be the correct course of action for ZOS to take if they actually cared and weren't trying to scam customers into buying multiple copies of the game.

Yeah's not on ZOS, it's Steam, and the contract with Valve. The problem here is legal, not technical. Valve has a major issue with anyone putting a game on their storefront and not giving them a cut of any subsequent microtransaction sales. So, they teather ESO through their own system on their end. Then when their system goes down, they just point at ZOS and say, "take it up with them, we don't know nuttin'."