UPDATE: Mac Civ IV now available for previous PC purchases

[SolidMonkee]

I own the steam version of all Civ 4 games but they do not give me the install option on my mac.

I know steam for mac just came out so Im sure there will be some issues...but I just thought Id point this out.

[stevebr]

I picked up the Civ 4 bundle this past weekend and today I was pleasantly surprised to see the games in it in the Steamplay/Mac list. However, trying to install any of them from my library list in the Mac client yields the error in the title of this thread.

Please tell me this is a bug and not that somehow my licenses are ineligible for cross-platform installations.

[atm153]

Same here, bought the Complete Edition last week during the sale.

[Ma$termind]

I was very happy to see that Civilization IV was also supported as a SteamPlay game, as shown here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/3900/

Unfortunately, despite purchasing "The Complete Edition" over the holiday sales, my Games Library shows them as being "not available on your current platform." (Picture (http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/7376/screenshot20100512at343.png)) Will these games become available on Mac for those who have previously purchased the pack, or must one repurchase the games for it to become available?

Thanks.

[stevebr]

2 other threads posted during the few minutes since I wrote this. Mods: feel free to close this one to keep the discussion in one thread.

[FracOMac]

I think its a bug, I purchased torchlight several weeks ago and I can play the osx version of it fine, but everyone I know is having trouble with Civ IV. I hope this will be resolved soon.

[sfrazer]

Add me to this list. I have a number of games that are listed as "steam play" in the store, but only Portal and Torchlight are listed under "Mac Games" in my list. I bought Civ quite awhile ago, though. Part of the 2K HUGE GAMES PACK
bundle.

[triad23]

Me as well. Was going to buy Torchlight but think I'll wait to make sure this is bug and not policy. :confused:

[AgentMunroe]

Just wanted to +1 this.

I'm hoping it's just a server-side oversight, since I tried to add the "Mac" version of Civ4 to my cart and was told I already owned it...

[BurtonJ]

Please see this FAQ (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308) for a list of games which support Steam Play with purchases made prior to today. The list will be updated as support for other games are added.

[stevebr]

Please see this FAQ (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308) for a list of games which support Steam Play with purchases made prior to today.

Would you please confirm that this means a new license of the Civ 4 games is required for Mac installation? AgentMunroe's comment and yours don't seem to mesh.

[Kirijini]

Please see this FAQ (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308) for a list of games which support Steam Play with purchases made prior to today.

Civ4 is not on that list. Are you saying that people who bought Civ4 on windows aren't going to be able to get it on their mac? Or, is it a mistake that Civ4 has a steamplay badge?

[sketch7]

That FAQ lists 'some' of the games that come with SteamPlay.

I am assuming that Valve are trying to keep their server load down in the first few days as loads of Mac users download the Steam client and set about getting hold of their games. Give it a little while and I would expect this game to be available.

People who are purchasing the game right now are getting the same error as people who already own it, from what I can gather.

[Ronin_Zanoh]

Add me to the list that bought it on the weekend deal.

I just hope it would be added soon.

[FuzzyPuffin]

Well, someone on the main forum posted that they just bought it and the Mac version isn't available to download. So it looks like Valve just hasn't released the Mac version, it shouldn't matter if you bought it today or yesterday. I hope.

[ester25]

Well even from the front page news it is clear, not all games are available immediately. What Burton is trying to say is keep an eye on that support article, or news updates about future releases.

[Topmounter]

I wish store.steampowered.com/browse/mac only showed the games that are currently working (i.e. the ones in the FAQ linked above).

[d10sfan]

The FAQ seems to be showing the games that currently work. The ones on the store with the steamplay badge should be ones that will work in the future. I hope that Civ4 gets released quickly, I bought the complete a while back and would like to play it.

[GadgetDon]

The game pages that are coming soon, should have a marker to that effect. Was looking forward to some Civ IV gameplay.

[triad23]

Please lord let Civ4 work soon since my PC was sent in for repairs today and will not be back for up to two weeks.

[bomimo]

not to be cruel or anything, but Civ 4 is great fun :)
bah, it'll be up when it's up. try to get awed by the other games you've got access to already?

[ottster]

that sucks, when i bought the deal i thought i might get it on mac =[

[CMoZ]

I purchased this on my Mac today via Steam because in the steam client it said Civ 4 was available on the Mac but still no go for me. This isn't an issue of it just being unavailable for users who purchased if prior to steamplay

[Innervision180]

I doubt we'll be forced to re-buy the game. In fact, just for kicks I added it to my cart to see if I even COULD re-buy it (not that I would). It doesn't give the option to re-buy it for yourself, only as a gift.

I guess its just them working out the system's kinks...

[DougV]

If you have purchased Civ4 on the Mac and are getting an error that it isn't available on your platform we will have it fixed shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[GadgetDon]

Thanks, DougV.

Aren't launch days fun?

[CMoZ]

If you have purchased Civ4 on the Mac and are getting an error that it isn't available on your platform we will have it fixed shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Three cheers for Doug. It's working for me now. Thanks

[Innervision180]

Thanks! Can't wait :)

[mixvio]

It's SteamPlay or whatever right, so as I understand it because I already owned the PC version, the Mac one is supposed to be available to me as well?

If that's the case, something's not working correctly. I don't have it available to download under "Mac Games" though I can see it listed under all owned.

Anyone else have this problem or did I misunderstand something?

[FuzzyPuffin]

Three cheers for Doug. It's working for me now. Thanks

Still not working here.

[TrippleD]

I believe Civ 4 is available.

[Zurcaledo]

I actually have the same problem as well. You're not alone. Hopefully this will be fixed soon. :(

[MADDOGGE]

Quote:
Originally Posted by BurtonJ
The following is a list of the games currently available on the Mac:

And Yet It Moves
Atlantis Sky Patrol
Bejeweled 2 Deluxe
Bob Came in Pieces
Bookworm Deluxe
Braid
Brainpipe
Chocolatier: Decadence by Design
Chuzzle Deluxe
City of Heroes: Architect Edition
Civilization IV: The Complete Edition
Cooking Dash
Diaper Dash
The Dig
Diner Dash: Hometown Hero
DinerTown Detective Agency
DinerTown Tycoon
Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child
Escape Rosecliff Island Fairway Solitaire
Fitness Dash
Football Manager 10
Galcon Fusion
Gemini Lost
Guns of Icarus
Hotel Dash Suite Success
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
KrissX
Loom
Luxor
Luxor 3
Luxor: Mahjong
Machinarium
Mahjong Roadshow
Max and the Magic Marker
My Tribe
The Nightshift Code Nightshift Legacy: The Jaguar's Eye
Parking Dash
Peggle Deluxe
Peggle Nights
Portal
Professor Fizzwizzle and the Molten Mystery
Quantz
Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse
Tales of Monkey Island Season 1
Toki Tori
Torchlight
Trijinx: A Kristine Kross Mystery
Unwell Mel
Valarie Porter and the Scarlett Scandal
Wandering Willows
Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around the World
World of Goo
Zenerchi
Zuma

[mixvio]

I believe Civ 4 is available.

Right, I see it available on the store, but it tells me to purchase it.

Except that I already own the Windows version of the game.

From what I understood, the SteamPlay games are supposed to be cross-compatible, with you only needing to purchase it one time regardless of your platform.

A bunch of games I owned were available under "Mac Games" when I loaded the Mac client today, like Braid and Torchlight. When I bought Galcon too, that showed up on both Windows and Mac.

But Civ4 still doesn't show up under my available Mac games.

[TrippleD]

Thanks for posting the list MADDOGGE. I was going back to look for the list to double check.

[mixvio]

Quote:
Originally Posted by BurtonJ
The following is a list of the games currently available on the Mac:

Civilization IV: The Complete Edition


Again, if you'd read the thread, I'm not asking if it's out yet. I know it's out. I own it on Windows already. I'm not given the option of downloading and installing the Mac version, only the option to repurchase it.

[sketch7]

Mine still isn't showing in the library - out of my entire library, four games are showing as Mac - Torchlight, Portal, Braid and Call of Duty 2.

Call of Duty 2 doesn't install.

CIv IV is listed in my library but doesn't give me an install option. Guess I'll have to wait a bit and see if it pops up with one. Hopefully it should - my understanding of the SteamPlay initiative is only having to pay once to be able to play the same game on Mac and PC.

[Zurcaledo]

Despite the fact that I own it on Windows already, it won't give me an option to install. Under the game info, it just says that "Civilization IV is not available on your current platform" even though we know that's it's available for Mac.

[MADDOGGE]

Right, I see it available on the store, but it tells me to purchase it.

Except that I already own the Windows version of the game.

From what I understood, the SteamPlay games are supposed to be cross-compatible, with you only needing to purchase it one time regardless of your platform.

A bunch of games I owned were available under "Mac Games" when I loaded the Mac client today, like Braid and Torchlight. When I bought Galcon too, that showed up on both Windows and Mac.

But Civ4 still doesn't show up under my available Mac games.Don't buy it again! You only need to buy it once. It's probably a glitch. It is after all launch day. Steamplay is going to be buggy for a while. Ya'll waited this long give Valve a chance to fix what ever problems crop up with mass use as apposed to the closed beta. Have you tried restarting the Steam client? Deleting the blob file?

[TrippleD]

Again, if you'd read the thread, I'm not asking if it's out yet. I know it's out. I own it on Windows already. I'm not given the option of downloading and installing the Mac version, only the option to repurchase it.

We did read.

I already owned the PC version, the Mac one is supposed to be available to me as well?


And we went to double check and yes it should be available to you. I am sure Valve is looking into it.

[Logikal]

So, I own the game, but I can't play it on this platform yet, even though the Steam Store advertises that I CAN.

Then a VALVe rep points to a FAQ saying that Civ IV isn't on the list of those games that will work for people who purchased it prior to today.

...and I can't re-BUY the game in order to workaround the issue. Steam won't let me.

So, it sounds like we're flat out up a creek until they fix this, and naturally, no courtesy of an ETA provided.

Disappointing...

[Topmounter]

Wow now I'm confused... so any game under /browse/mac/ I can "buy and play" today? (barring the aforementioned Civ4 bug). I bought Civ4 via Steam previously so I guess I'm sort of stuck with something I paid for but can't use.

What about say "Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter"? I downloaded the demo, it says "Ready to Play", but gives me the "not available on your current platform" message... If I buy it will the full version work? ...or is this related to the same Civ4 bug you mentioned was being fixed?

[d10sfan]

So, I own the game, but I can't play it on this platform yet, even though the Steam Store advertises that I CAN.

Then a VALVe rep points to a FAQ saying that Civ IV isn't on the list of those games that will work for people who purchased it prior to today.

...and I can't re-BUY the game in order to workaround the issue. Steam won't let me.

So, it sounds like we're flat out up a creek until they fix this, and naturally, no courtesy of an ETA provided.

Disappointing...

From what I understand, this is a bug that someone from valve posted that they are working on fixing. Since this is a steamplay title, everyone who has ever bought it on steam should be able to play it.

[Zurcaledo]

I found this: http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1265445

Apparently it will be fixed shortly.

[d10sfan]

Wow now I'm confused... so any game under /browse/mac/ I can "buy and play" today? (barring the aforementioned Civ4 bug).

What about say "Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter"? I downloaded the demo, it says "Ready to Play", but gives me the "not available on your current platform" message... If I buy it will it work?

Where is Serious sam HD TFC in the mac game list? Pretty sure there is no mac version available anywhere. That would be very nice to see though. It seems that the logic to detect what platform youre in hasnt fully been implemented across the whole store.

[mixvio]

We did read.

I was referring to the guy who'd left a long list of games in case I hadn't read it already.

I'm sure you get a lot of dumb threads from people who don't take the time to look into anything, but it shouldn't be assumed that's the case for everyone who asks a question. ;)

I knew it should be available, so I was asking if anyone else had the same problem with the game not appearing even though it ought to.

[mixvio]

I found this: http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1265445

Apparently it will be fixed shortly.

Oh kickass. Thanks! This can be locked then.

[elvisizer]

Three cheers for Doug. It's working for me now. Thanks

still not working here, either.

[jman2008351]

I thought that I would see my Civ 4 from my PC account show up since the new Mac steam allows for Civ 4 play on either PC or Mac. I don't know why this doesn't allow me to play it on my Mac. It ask for me to purchase it again, even though I purchased it 2 years ago.
:o

[Topmounter]

Where is Serious sam HD TFC in the mac game list? Pretty sure there is no mac version available anywhere. That would be very nice to see though. It seems that the logic to detect what platform youre in hasnt fully been implemented across the whole store.

That's really strange, no idea how I found it now... but it did download and says "Ready to Play" :confused: I just deleted it... I should never have been allowed to download it.


edit... still confused regarding Civ4

[Topmounter]

Still showing "Not Available" for me :(

[d10sfan]

I thought that I would see my Civ 4 from my PC account show up since the new Mac steam allows for Civ 4 play on either PC or Mac. I don't know why this doesn't allow me to play it on my Mac. It ask for me to purchase it again, even though I purchased it 2 years ago.
:o

This is a bug that they are working on. Been posted a couple times.

[Badtux]

Civ IV Colonization is now downloading for me, we'll see how it works in 30 minutes or so. Only weird thing is that I'm seeing *TWO* copies of all the Civ games (I bought the bundle) in my library now -- one that says "Not available", and one that says "Not installed" (other than the Civ IV Colonization one, one of which says "Downloading", of course :p). Still, if it works, that puts me 1,000% ahead of where I was yesterday, when I had to boot into Boot Camp to play Civ IV Colonization (ick!)....

[sketch7]

I bought the Civ4 bundle pack, as most people did I believe (I already own an original Civ4 box-with-the-big-ol'-manual version for the PC) and none of the titles are listing as being available.

A bug I shall wait for them to fix. I'm keen to try Colonization, I played the original way back when.

[pray2jebus]

Please see this FAQ (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308) for a list of games which support Steam Play with purchases made prior to today. The list will be updated as support for other games are added.

does that mean that civ IV will eventually be added?

[veggiecannibal]

Don't buy it again! You only need to buy it once. It's probably a glitch. It is after all launch day. Steamplay is going to be buggy for a while. Ya'll waited this long give Valve a chance to fix what ever problems crop up with mass use as apposed to the closed beta. Have you tried restarting the Steam client? Deleting the blob file?

How does one delete a blob file? Where is it located?

[Badtux]

And my fresh download of Civ IV Colonization works! :p

If you're still getting the problem with "not available for your platform" when you try to run a game you previously downloaded, try right-clicking on the games giving you that error and selecting "Delete Local Content:", then exit out of Steam and coming back in. Then head over to your Library tab. When I did that, I saw two copies of each Civ IV game -- one saying "Not available", the other saying "Not Installed". Right-click on a "Not installed" one and select to download, wait for it to download, and voila, it works!

[sketch7]

Grrr I'm still not being shown any option to download Civ at all - and it's a fresh install of Steam onto my Mac, no local info downloaded already.

Only game I have at the moment is Torchlight.

[Logikal]

Tried deleting blog files and even the config/ directory for Steam.. re-downloaded, but no change. "Not available" despite what the Store advertises.

[FuzzyPuffin]

"If you previously owned any of the games listed here prior to May 12th, 2010, you will have access to them on both Mac and PC. *Games not on the list currently do not qualify for cross-platform support if purchased prior to previously mentioned date.*"

Major bummer. Looks like you have to have bought it today to get Steam Play.

That still leaves a bug: if you want to rebuy it for Steam Play support, you can't!

[Jake Badlands]

"If you previously owned any of the games listed here prior to May 12th, 2010, you will have access to them on both Mac and PC. *Games not on the list currently do not qualify for cross-platform support if purchased prior to previously mentioned date.*"

Major bummer. Looks like you have to have bought it today to get Steam Play.

That still leaves a bug: if you want to rebuy it for Steam Play support, you can't!


Indeed, very disappointing. I understand that there are costs associated with porting this stuff to Mac, but could we at least get some sort of $5-10 SteamPlay "upgrade" option? I'd really love to render my Windows partition obsolete, and ole Sid does already have my $75 or so from the game and two expansions the first time 'round... I'd rather not cut him another check till Civ V comes out.

[tokeio]

"If you previously owned any of the games listed here prior to May 12th, 2010, you will have access to them on both Mac and PC. *Aspyr is a bunch of money grubbing pigs so you'll need to re-buy the Civ IV games AGAIN if you want them on Steam for Mac or you can buy them from their horrid DRM nightmare store or buy them in a box for $40 each and use a DVD drive like it's 1999.*"

Fixed.

[Logikal]

Not fixed here.

[Bureaucromancer]

Except we can't rebuy either!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fix it one way or another, right now we're left completely unable to play on Mac if we had it on PC before today.

[Jakal.au]

So I get punished for being a long term, multi-platform, steam user, way to destroy any good will Aspyr.

At least give us a away to upgrade. I'd be willing to pay $5 so they can get their stupid pound of flesh.

[mathewjm51]

I think when they said it would be "fixed shortly" they meant in a day or maybe three ... I don't think they meant in the next 20 minutes.

Go for a walk or something ...

[Dorfdad]

Im confussed as hell with some of the posts in here can someone please clarify something for me.

I bought the Collection last weekend. Today I see that its a steamplay game so I assume since I just bought it I will be able to install it on the MAC as well without needing to repurchase the game correct?

Is this a temporary problem with it not being available?

[veggiecannibal]

Im confussed as hell with some of the posts in here can someone please clarify something for me.

I bought the Collection last weekend. Today I see that its a steamplay game so I assume since I just bought it I will be able to install it on the MAC as well without needing to repurchase the game correct?

Is this a temporary problem with it not being available?

At the moment there are three possibilities. We know it's broken now, and it will "soon" be fixed.

First way to fix it would be to give us the game gratis on Steam Play. This would require, of course, the publishers and company that converted it to mac to allow this to happen.

Second way to fix this is to allow us to buy the game again at full price.

Third way would be to ask a price to "Upgrade" our Win license to a Win/Mac(/Linux?) license.

I think 2 or 3 is more likely.

[Jakal.au]

No, not according what's written here:

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308

I image at some point they'll enable you to re-buy the package (at full price) if you want steam play support, but currently you can't even do that.

[Dorfdad]

So once again the question is DOES my purchase last week qualify for steamplay or not? Simple yes or no.

I just bought it.. So in essence are they saying if you bought the deal your screwed because we dont want to give away free stuff?

[Jakal.au]

So once again the question is DOES my purchase last week qualify for steamplay or not? Simple yes or no.

I just bought it.. So in essence are they saying if you bought the deal your screwed because we dont want to give away free stuff?

No, not at this moment and possibly (probably) never.

[tokeio]

So once again the question is DOES my purchase last week qualify for steamplay or not? Simple yes or no.

I just bought it.. So in essence are they saying if you bought the deal your screwed because we dont want to give away free stuff?
That would be Aspyr's logic normally.

And if you're bored, send a message to Aspyr about Steam Mac Civ IV here:
http://blog.gameagent.com/2010/05/03/civilization-iv-price-has-dropped/

[Nietzsche]

Guys, I bought the Complete edition last week (or whenever the sale was), and I was able to install Civ4: Colonization (which is an Aspyr game just like the rest of 'em). I had to do it by using the steam://install/16810 link rather than right-clicking and installing — even while it's in the midst of downloading the Library says that Colonization isn't available for my platform. People who purchased Civ4 today say it won't download for them either — I'm pretty damn sure it's just a bug, just like DougV said. Give them some time before you proclaim it a sin against humanity.

[Jakal.au]

Guys, I bought the Complete edition last week (or whenever the sale was), and I was able to install Civ4: Colonization. I had to do it by using the steam://install/16810 link rather than right-clicking and installing — even while it's in the midst of downloading the Library says that Colonization isn't available for my platform. People who purchased Civ4 today say it won't download for them either — I'm pretty damn sure it's just a bug. Give them some time before you proclaim it a sin against humanity.

A bug doesn't explain why it isn't listed on the Steam Play backfilled list. I hope you're right, I just fear you're not.

[sketch7]

That would be massively irritating - I had hoped that SteamPlay would be retroactive, but from what this thread seems to be saying, that's not the case.

Question is, does that mean all of the Source games are not retroactively covered as well? They're not on the list.

[Jakal.au]

That would be massively irritating - I had hoped that SteamPlay would be retroactive, but from what this thread seems to be saying, that's not the case.

Question is, does that mean all of the Source games are not retroactively covered as well? They're not on the list.

Portal is there, but anyway Valve has stated specifically they are, so I'd say that trumps the list. I know TF2 is showing up as something I can install based on my windows orange box license.

[Ronin_Zanoh]

A bug doesn't explain why it isn't listed on the Steam Play backfilled list. I hope you're right, I just fear you're not.

His method works. It is indeed a bug, and as the first Valve team member said, they will be updating that list as it goes along.

[sketch7]

Apparently TF2 shouldn't be appearing at all at the moment (see the sticky thread in the Steam For Mac > Source Games forum) - the only exception to that would be if you're in the Mac beta and you already have access, I think.

[Jakal.au]

His method works. It is indeed a bug, and as the first Valve team member said, they will be updating that list as it goes along.

Ahh that's good news then, have you got it running? Last I heard people had it downloading, but I didn't know anyone was actually playing.

[d10sfan]

Many of you are leaping to conclusions here. Just because it says steamplay and is not working does not mean that you have to buy it again. One of the valve people said its a bug and they are working on it. The whole point of steamplay is so you dont have to buy a game twice. If a game has steamplay, then that is what you can do. We have already seen steamplay in action with Torchlight.

[veggiecannibal]

Many of you are leaping to conclusions here. Just because it says steamplay and is not working does not mean that you have to buy it again. One of the valve people said its a bug and they are working on it. The whole point of steamplay is so you dont have to buy a game twice. If a game has steamplay, then that is what you can do. We have already seen steamplay in action with Torchlight.

They never said steamplay would be retroactive with all games. In fact, there is a list of games that steam play is retroactive with. Civ 4 is not on this list. There is no requirement to put it on this list. We would all like it on this list, but at the moment, only time will tell.

Ed: The list is in the next post down

[sketch7]

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308

This Steam Support article for SteamPlay has been updated stating that if you bought the game before May 12th, if it's on the list, it's supported for SteamPlay. If it's not on the list, and Civ4 isn't, then it's not supported.


If you previously owned any of the games listed here prior to May 12th, 2010, you will have access to them on both Mac and PC. Games not on the list currently do not qualify for cross-platform support if purchased prior to previously mentioned date.

Unsupported platform error: the most common reason for this error is if the game you are trying to play was purchased prior to it being eligible for Steam Play support (May 12th, 2010)."

Whether that's just intended as a back-covering thing as some games are supported, some aren't, some will be in the next few days, I don't know.

I'll wait and see. In the meantime, I need sleep. I'm sure you all wanted to know that.

[sketch7]

It does kind of make the big discount on the four game set seem like a very cynical marketing ploy, if what we're all concerned about turns out to be true.

[d10sfan]

That seems to be a contradiction about what they said earlier about steamplay but maybe I just read too much into it. Hopefully all the games will have steamplay retroactively. What are you going to have to do if its not? Buy all your games again at full price? Personally, I probably will not do that. Waste of money.

[redking315]

They never said steamplay would be retroactive with all games. In fact, there is a list of games that steam play is retroactive with. Civ 4 is not on this list. There is no requirement to put it on this list. We would all like it on this list, but at the moment, only time will tell.

Logically, I would think that it is not on that list because of this bug. Technically Civ IV is not steamplay enabled for anyone, even those that bought it today. This seems to be a nasty bug that is preventing people who own the game from getting it. That list is not set in stone and any game can be added at anytime. All of the games listed have been successfully downloaded. By keeping Civ IV off the list they are not lying to the customer by saying the game is Steamplay enabled when it, at the moment, is not. Just because its not on the list now doesn't mean it won't be. In fact last week, while testing the beta client, All four of the Civ IV packs had install buttons on my client, but gave a server busy response, At the same time I also got an install button for Torchlight, and look what released today. This leads me to think a bug.

[jeff3f]

If it were just a bug, they'd say so. That linked page makes it sound very much that it is up to the individual titles' owners to decide whether to grandfather in previous purchasers. I think that if they planned to offer it free of charge for Civ, then it was a poor decision to have it on sale for so cheap recently. To me this is further evidence that they intend to charge something for this service. I'm not averse to paying something, but I would rather it be a smaller fee, because after all I purchased Civ4 twice now (once on disc years ago and once on steam already).

I am unhappy about it, and won't be re-buying anything.

[Trebuin]

I'm joining the group plagued by the issue of purchasing it early and not being able to use it on OSX :(

[desolateone]

I'm joining the group plagued by the issue of purchasing it early and not being able to use it on OSX :(

Can I get a link to that group?

[Dorfdad]

Guys, I bought the Complete edition last week (or whenever the sale was), and I was able to install Civ4: Colonization (which is an Aspyr game just like the rest of 'em). I had to do it by using the steam://install/16810 link rather than right-clicking and installing — even while it's in the midst of downloading the Library says that Colonization isn't available for my platform. People who purchased Civ4 today say it won't download for them either — I'm pretty damn sure it's just a bug, just like DougV said. Give them some time before you proclaim it a sin against humanity.


Thank You SIr... This solved my install for the main game now we just need the expansion installs from the sale last weekend.. Mines installing now at least I will have the game on the system now!

Wait This is Civ4 colinzation is there a link for Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition?? Thats what I bought.

[desolateone]

Thank You SIr... This solved my install for the main game now we just need the expansion installs from the sale last weekend.. Mines installing now at least I will have the game on the system now!

main game? but that only links to Colonization? If I alter the link to install civ 4 or another expansion, it doesn't download.

[d10sfan]

Thank You SIr... This solved my install for the main game now we just need the expansion installs from the sale last weekend.. Mines installing now at least I will have the game on the system now!

Wait This is Civ4 colinzation is there a link for Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition?? Thats what I bought.

That dosent work anyways. If you download with that link, it just downloads the pc version of the game. It has dlls and everything.

[Dorfdad]

I bought the Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition last weekend that link above installed colonization which is part of the collection but im missing the main game(Civilization) and other expansions

PS how do you find what steam# the installs are.

[Logikal]

Wont matter, even if you install them, they're the windows gcf's. Won't run.

[desolateone]

I bought the Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition last weekend that link above installed colonization which is part of the collection but im missing the main game(Civilization) and other expansions

PS how do you find what steam# the installs are.

It's pointless, the expansion you downloaded is the windows one.

[redking315]

It's pointless, the expansion you downloaded is the windows one.

because that link leads to the windows version, it leads me to believe that VALVe didn't mean for Civilization IV to be released today, explaining its absence from the list. They are getting it online now to save face. Doesn't Civ IV have some kind of online multiplayer that they would like to show off when they show off steam multiplayer functionality?

[Dorfdad]

because that link leads to the windows version, it leads me to believe that VALVe didn't mean for Civilization IV to be released today, explaining its absence from the list. They are getting it online now to save face. Doesn't Civ IV have some kind of online multiplayer that they would like to show off when they show off steam multiplayer functionality?


Where do you see it saying they are getting it online now? How do you know this?

[redking315]

Where do you see it saying they are getting it online now? How do you know this?

I don't know that. I'm just trying to make an educated guess based on the information that I have. Such as the linking to windows files shows that the mac version doesn't seem to be on the servers. The absence for the steamplay list is something else strange. I mean out of all the games that will come out they are all certainly not listed and it could change at any moment. I don't have any inside information. I'm just trying to think logically and how a company such as VALVe would react to something like this. They would be worse of removing the game completely, if it was mistakenly released, then they would to be silent and then suddenly it worked. This is VALVe so anything is possible. With all of the games that have the possibility of steam play, all of them can't have been released today.

[ploppypoo]

So, if I were to buy the complete pack now, and I've never bought it for windows, will it work?

[redking315]

So, if I were to buy the complete pack now, and I've never bought it for windows, will it work?

well, people who have bought the pack today, having never bought the windows, are saying that they are also unable to download the games also.

[ploppypoo]

Thanks for the reply, I used to have Civ 4 on an older PC but have since lost the discs, I would spend 40 bucks right now!

*wink wink nudge nudge elbow etc*


c'mon civ 4!

[veggiecannibal]

I am now updating this page about as obsessively as I did the original mac steam thread. Let's see if we can make 20 pages!!!

[Logikal]

Being 9pm, I don't think anything is going to happen tonight. Here's hoping things get resolved or COMMUNICATED much more adequately tomorrow! :)

[Innervision180]

I am now updating this page about as obsessively as I did the original mac steam thread. Let's see if we can make 20 pages!!!

lol, me, too. I bought the game last week, and I want to play it. I was so excited that it was a SteamPlay title, because I never thought it actually would be. Now that I know its possible that I might not have to restart in Boot Camp to play this game, restarting seems that much more laborious and difficult to do. Its the same with Team Fortress 2, though at least we know that we're getting that 100%.

I really hope Civ IV turns out to be retroactive for previous buyers. If they are going to have non-retroactive games, they should just come out and clearly say it, leaving no doubts for which games are and aren't (i.e., saying it on their store pages, maybe?). I don't remember them ever saying there was a possibility that items labeled as SteamPlay were not all 100% going to be retroactive. Wasn't that the whole point?

I just hope its a bug... :(

[Badtux]

well, people who have bought the pack today, having never bought the windows, are saying that they are also unable to download the games also.

Uhm, I'll repeat, I'm playing Civ IV: Colonization on the Mac right this minute, and Warlords is downloading. I bought it today, having never been Steamed before.

[SolidMonkee]

So anyword if Civ 4 supports STEAMPLAY? I have hte PC version on Steam and would love to play it on my Macbook Pro (2.5GHZ C2D and 9600M GT) but it doesnt show up.

Seems liek if it wasnt meant to be steamplay they would have taken that logo down by now.

[DJ Thunder Face]

So anyword if Civ 4 supports STEAMPLAY? I have hte PC version on Steam and would love to play it on my Macbook Pro (2.5GHZ C2D and 9600M GT) but it doesnt show up.

Seems liek if it wasnt meant to be steamplay they would have taken that logo down by now.

They've apparently fixed it for people who bought the game after the Mac client came out. It looks like the rest of us are going to be left behind. I'd love to be proven wrong, but I think we're going to get the shaft.

[TheSomian]

The funny thing is that we can't even re-buy the game because we already own it. So now what? make a new steam account and pay 40 Euro to play the mac version of a game you already own because steam is so purchase-once and tier-one-platform-ish?

[Kukasauto]

I'm yet another one of the folks affected by this, unable to download, unable to purchase, as I already have it.

I'm _positive_ what is going on is there's a problem in the ordering/cataloging system, and someone at Steam support will dig it out and fix it.

It's a setback, but it'll work out that we get to play Civ4 natively.


Which, to be honest, is a nice 'osX Steam Client Launch Suprize" for me.

That said: I wanna play it (: So, if anyone at Steam is getting to the office about now and wondering - yes, problem still exists - and I can post screenshots, whatnot if you like. But I'm sure you'll find that some 'bit' needs to be 'flipped' in some 'order system' somewhere and whomever finds it will go "oh CRAP," fix it, and we can all go play Civ4.

The second it works I'm totally telling 2 friends to get it like, NOW (:

[Genexi2]

It begs the question though, is Valve's policy on games for Steam is that it *has* to support Steam play if you release it on more than one platform?

As it stands not one Mac title has yet to not explicitly support Steam Play that has both a PC & Mac release on the store.

Granted, it's still early, and a lot of those titles were done by the same developer/publisher, well, aside from Civ4 here where Aspyr did the work for the Mac port.

[DJ Thunder Face]

It begs the question though, is Valve's policy on games for Steam is that it *has* to support Steam play if you release it on more than one platform?

As it stands not one Mac title has yet to not explicitly support Steam Play that has both a PC & Mac release on the store.

Granted, it's still early, and a lot of those titles were done by the same developer/publisher, well, aside from Civ4 here where Aspyr did the work for the Mac port.

I don't have it on me, but they did issue a press release a few weeks back stating that anything Steam Play would not have to be repurchased. However, the responses by Valve employees seem to be sidestepping and backtracking -- especially when combined with the reworking of the language in the Steam Play FAQ.

Their line used to be that developers don't HAVE to support Steam Play, but if it says Steam Play you don't need to rebuy it.

[FroggySwede]

And if you're bored, send a message to Aspyr about Steam Mac Civ IV here:
http://blog.gameagent.com/2010/05/03/civilization-iv-price-has-dropped/
Done.

[frankenzilla]

Please see this FAQ (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308) for a list of games which support Steam Play with purchases made prior to today. The list will be updated as support for other games are added.

So, Steam, would you care to directly answer the question that you dodged yesterday? Rather than gesturing at a link that essentially says "Not now, maybe someday," that is. Will those who purchased Civ IV for other platforms prior to May 12 be able to play it on Mac, or will they have to repurchase? If the answer is "We don't know yet," that's fine too. And please avoid more corporate double-speak. Steam for Mac is awesome; please upgrade your corporate communications to match.

[Genexi2]

If we do have to 'repurchase' I'm just going to wait for another sale. I'm not paying full price for the package on top of what I paid during the sale already, just for Mac access.

Granted, the amount of self-entitlement in this thread is a bit staggering, Aspyr has to get paid too you know. :P

[TheSomian]

You can't re-purchase without making a new account. So, in fact, your steam account is spoiled and you aren't able to play civ IV with it on a mac, even if you re-buy the game.

[drunifex]

And my fresh download of Civ IV Colonization works! :p

If you're still getting the problem with "not available for your platform" when you try to run a game you previously downloaded, try right-clicking on the games giving you that error and selecting "Delete Local Content:", then exit out of Steam and coming back in. Then head over to your Library tab. When I did that, I saw two copies of each Civ IV game -- one saying "Not available", the other saying "Not Installed". Right-click on a "Not installed" one and select to download, wait for it to download, and voila, it works!


All mine did was obliterate 500 meg of data and put me back where i started.

[DJ Thunder Face]

If we do have to 'repurchase' I'm just going to wait for another sale. I'm not paying full price for the package on top of what I paid during the sale already, just for Mac access.

Granted, the amount of self-entitlement in this thread is a bit staggering, Aspyr has to get paid too you know. :P

While that may be true, the bottom line is that there is no upgrade path available let alone a full price repurchase. Why should I have to pay the Windows publisher and Steam's cut again for the Mac version?

EDIT:

That didn't quite come out right. What I meant to say was:
Why should I have to pay the Windows publisher and Steam's cut from the Windows publisher's portion of the price for downloading the Mac version?

[Logikal]

No self-entitlement here. I only want one of two things to happen, and either are acceptable.

1. Allow those of us to download and play the Mac version of the Civ4 games if we already own the windows version.
2. If #1 is not an option, allow us to re-buy the game or otherwise spend whatever money is required to gain Mac support for Civ IV via the Steam platform.

That's it in a nutshell. Though also, given the discrepancy between what the Steam Store says and what the Steam Support FAQ page says, it would do a great service to VALVe's customers to provide an increased level of communication to clarify why the discrepancy exists (a.k.a. admit the mistake) and more importantly, explain what's going to happen going forward.

[Xenesis]

They've apparently fixed it for people who bought the game after the Mac client came out. It looks like the rest of us are going to be left behind. I'd love to be proven wrong, but I think we're going to get the shaft.

For lack of a better phrase, that seems like false advertising.

[DJ Thunder Face]

For lack of a better phrase, that seems like false advertising.

Yeah from what I can gather, I'm pretty sure the whole reason for the "bug" in the first place was that they just meant to disable the option for us, but ended up disabling it for everybody.

[sketch7]

The way SteamPlay was sold was that you bought the game once, you could play it on both systems. If it wasn't going to be implemented retroactively for titles that were previously available for the Mac anyway, (such as CoD4, Civ4, etc.) that should have been made very clear in the initial announcement, as I'm sure many gamers, myself included, would not have purchased titles that they now can not play.

I doubt the Steam admins are reading this, but I for one would not have bought Civ again, as I already own a disc copy, had I known that I would be unable to play it on my Mac.

[veggiecannibal]

I doubt the Steam admins are reading this, but I for one would not have bought Civ again, as I already own a disc copy, had I known that I would be unable to play it on my Mac.

While I very much want Civ4 to be retroactively Mac Play enabled or us allowed to purchase a cheap upgrade, I don't recall any clue that Civ 4 was ever going to be mac play before 3:00 yesterday [EST, noon VALVe Time] when the Steam Mac store showed up. It was a complete surprise to me, so I doubt too many people thought "I will buy it this weekend because it will be available on my mac on Wednesday" I for one bought it expecting to reboot.

I'm still very disappointed, but I have to be fair to Valve here.

[norman_6]

Do we know for sure that it is not going to be supported.... besides cryptic messages. It seems so un-valve like and especially since they just had a sale for Civ 4 this last weekend. There has been no concrete evidence that steamplay won't be implemented or if it is just a bug. In short, there has been much said from valve, which is typical.

[FroggySwede]

I'm still very disappointed, but I have to be fair to Valve here.
Fair to Valve? Where do you get that idea? Every step of the way, they've shown themselves utterly incapable of communicating clearly with their customers. It's great that they've come out with Steam for Mac, but that's not a free pass to leave everyone in the dark (again).

[veggiecannibal]

Fair to Valve? Where do you get that idea? Every step of the way, they've shown themselves utterly incapable of communicating clearly with their customers. It's great that they've come out with Steam for Mac, but that's not a free pass to leave everyone in the dark (again).

It was a comment on the statement that someone bought Civ over the weekend expecting to play on his or her mac.

VALVe has been consistently EXTREMELY poor at communication and really needs to get better at it. I just don't want to accuse them of bait and switching us with Civ over the weekend, because no one should have bought it expecting it would be steam play enabled. That was a surprise. What they did is drove up our expectations and excitement at VALVe noon yesterday, and then it all crashed down when we couldn't download it. And they need to AUTHORITATIVELY tell us why, and if they can't, what they are doing to work on it.

[Topmounter]

The cryptic mumblings from Valve do get old... it's not like we're talking about a free beta or demo.

I paid money for Civ4 and I'd like to know why it's not working and/or how to make it work.


Banner at the top of //store.steampowered.com/browse/mac :confused:

"Purchase once - Play anywhere"

Civ4 page on //store.steampowered.com/browse/mac :confused:

"Now Available on Mac & PC"

What happens when I try to launch Civ4 from Steam.App :confused:

"Steam - Game Unavailable: Sid Meier's Civilization IV is not available on your current platform." :o

**edit**

Your (Steam) Shopping Cart :confused:

"According to our records, you already own some of the above items on Steam. You can purchase these items as a gift or adjust the contents of your cart to continue." :mad:

[deer]

The cryptic mumblings from Valve do get old... it's not like we're talking about a free beta or demo.

I paid money for Civ4 and I'd like to know why it's not working and/or how to make it work.


Banner at the top of //store.steampowered.com/browse/mac :confused:

"Purchase once - Play anywhere"

Civ4 page on //store.steampowered.com/browse/mac :confused:

"Now Available on Mac & PC"

What happens when I try to launch Civ4 from Steam.App :confused:

"Steam - Game Unavailable: Sid Meier's Civilization IV is not available on your current platform." :o
Valve statement is clear as day:
What do I do when I get "Unsupported Platform" when attempting to play a game on my Mac?

The most common reason for this error is if the game you are trying to play was purchased prior to it being eligible for Steam Play support (May 12th, 2010). Another cause for this error is that the game simply has not yet been released on the platform that you are attempting to play on. (via https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308 (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308))


So only people that bought Civ4 after 12th of May will get SteamPlay. Before 12th of May nobody knew that Civ4 will have SteamPlay so I don't see a problem here. Until Valve says otherwise you have only Civ4 for Windows. Maybe they will make some rebate to buy it again with SteamPlay support.

[redking315]

Valve statement is clear as day:
What do I do when I get "Unsupported Platform" when attempting to play a game on my Mac?

The most common reason for this error is if the game you are trying to play was purchased prior to it being eligible for Steam Play support (May 12th, 2010). Another cause for this error is that the game simply has not yet been released on the platform that you are attempting to play on. (via https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308 (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308))


So only people that bought Civ4 after 12th of May will get SteamPlay. Before 12th of May nobody knew that Civ4 will have SteamPlay so I don't see a problem here. Until Valve says otherwise you have only Civ4 for Windows. Maybe they will make some rebate to buy it again with SteamPlay support.

yeah, but the problem is, those people that did happen to own Civ IV before May 12th are completely out of luck, because Steam doesn't allow you to repurchase games. If this is true, I will NEVER be able to play Civ IV on my mac with steam.

[DJ Thunder Face]

...So only people that bought Civ4 after 12th of May will get SteamPlay. Before 12th of May nobody knew that Civ4 will have SteamPlay so I don't see a problem here. Until Valve says otherwise you have only Civ4 for Windows...

Enacting SteamPlay for new users has made it impossible for those who bought it prior to the 12th to purchase the Mac version.

[deer]

Valve is starting work in like 20 minutes (or 80 minutes I still can't figure it out it is 8:40AM in Seattle) so we will get some response (I hope) about rebuying Civ4.

[elvisizer]

yep -I have no problem with aspyr wanting to be paid for the work they did on the mac port. the problem is that there is currently no avenue for me to give them my money! c'mon valve- figure out a way for existing owners to upgrade their license to include the aspyr port if we're not getting it for free!

[redking315]

while fiddling around in steam, it seems that our worst fears have been confirmed. When I added the complete package which I own to my shopping cart it is now allowing my to buy it again. Sigh.

edit: the buy option is once again disabled for me

[TheSomian]

The way SteamPlay was sold was that you bought the game once, you could play it on both systems. If it wasn't going to be implemented retroactively for titles that were previously available for the Mac anyway, (such as CoD4, Civ4, etc.) that should have been made very clear in the initial announcement, as I'm sure many gamers, myself included, would not have purchased titles that they now can not play.

I doubt the Steam admins are reading this, but I for one would not have bought Civ again, as I already own a disc copy, had I known that I would be unable to play it on my Mac.

Yep. From what I can tell, the initial announcement stated, to make it short "when there's a multi-platofrm title for mac and PC, you can play it on either system with your license."
which we certainly can't here, in this case.

[tokeio]

From Aspyr:

I understand your disappointment and I just wanted to explain what exactly is going on here. Aspyr does not control the pricing and partnerships for the Civilization Mac titles digitally and therefore we have not been part of the arrangements 2K made with Steam in launching their Civilization Mac titles. 2K/Take Two is the publisher of the Civilization Mac titles digitally even through our own store, gameagent.com. This is a unique digital relationship for us and typically we DO make the decisions for digital partnerships. Aspyr is still available as the developer for your game support issues. When it comes to these outside relationships it is not our call.

Source: http://blog.gameagent.com/2010/05/03/civilization-iv-price-has-dropped/comment-page-1/#comment-27

[deer]

Yep. From what I can tell, the initial announcement stated, to make it short "when there's a multi-platofrm title for mac and PC, you can play it on either system with your license."
which we certainly can't here, in this case.
Correct, but you assumed that it will be retroactive and as we see it isn't in some cases. Don't get me wrong I'm too disappointed about this but there is nothing free in the world except Portal until 24th(this is weird wording too as many people think that portal will be available for 12 days until 24th and Valve confirmed that it is free to buy until this date and then return to normal price) :D

[redking315]

well VALVe's workday should be beginning soon, so maybe we'll have our official answer soon, good or bad.

[norman_6]

Im betting it is a bug, why would valve be open to a policy that would (sort of) brick your steam id. It doesnt make any sense.

[TheSomian]

Correct, but you assumed that it will be retroactive and as we see it isn't in some cases. Don't get me wrong I'm too disappointed about this but there is nothing free in the world except Portal until 24th(this is weird wording too as many people think that portal will be available for 12 days until 24th and Valve confirmed that it is free to buy until this date and then return to normal price) :D

i know, it hasn't been advertised as retroactive, but I never really doubted it would be. I mean, it wouldn't make any sense blocking windows users of the games from playing them on macs. I mean, that's the whole point of the SteamPlay thing. If i already buy it on a mac, I'll play it on a mac, but steamplay is for finally giving users the chance to play these games on macs too, who didn't have the chance before because they were only available for windows (on steam).

It's like a Mcdonald's now opening a new drive-in so you couldn't only buy food while on-foot, but from your car, but then, when you arrive with your car, they're only letting folks in who have bought their car after the drive in was opened.

— an Incomprehensble comparison for an incomprehensible issue.

[Yukeake]

Heh...so Aspyr is pointing the finger at 2K/TT. The publishers already got their cut. I would've sympathized with Aspyr (although I'd still have been disappointed) - I find it hard to sympathize with a publisher who already got paid.

If the OSX version of Civ IV is not included for those of us who purchased it prior to yesterday, several things need to happen:

* We need to be allowed to purchase the Mac version somehow - either as an "upgrade" for a discounted rate, or as a new purchase. Locking us out completely is not acceptable.

* If the latter is the only option, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that refunds be offered for our existing copies - or at least credit towards the SteamPlay version for those of us who purchased in the past month.

* Documentation needs to be added to the pages for Civ IV and SteamPlay explaining the situation clearly, and outlining the process to either upgrade, or receive a refund and buy again. This situation has been incredibly confusing, and I think as customers we deserve a straight answer - which should be made available up front.

[veggiecannibal]

Im betting it is a bug, why would valve be open to a policy that would (sort of) brick your steam id. It doesnt make any sense.

I highly doubt the situation will remain like this, but we're mostly all wondering what will eventually become of this. The three options are 1) rebuy 2) paid upgrade to mac-enabled or 3) free upgrade. Most of us are hoping for 2 or 3 and 1 will cause some considerable ill will.

[Andrewicus]

Heh...so Aspyr is pointing the finger at 2K/TT. The publishers already got their cut. I would've sympathized with Aspyr (although I'd still have been disappointed) - I find it hard to sympathize with a publisher who already got paid.

If the OSX version of Civ IV is not included for those of us who purchased it prior to yesterday, several things need to happen:

* We need to be allowed to purchase the Mac version somehow - either as an "upgrade" for a discounted rate, or as a new purchase. Locking us out completely is not acceptable.

* If the latter is the only option, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that refunds be offered for our existing copies - or at least credit towards the SteamPlay version for those of us who purchased in the past month.

* Documentation needs to be added to the pages for Civ IV and SteamPlay explaining the situation clearly, and outlining the process to either upgrade, or receive a refund and buy again. This situation has been incredibly confusing, and I think as customers we deserve a straight answer - which should be made available up front.

Yeah since this is now in 2k and Valve's hands I expect that we will likely be able to download it soon, and most likely for free. I can almost guarantee locking us out of BUYING something was not the intent of anyone... unless of course it was supposed to be free.

Valve and/or 2k definitely need to clarify though, as there is just too much confusion out there now.

[deer]

"This situation has been incredibly confusing" I will go further with this statement, this situation is just stupid as it seems that Civ4(plus BtS, Warlords and Colonization) is the only game to have this problem and that 2K/TT is the wrongdoer here with trying to milk people (charging two times).

[greatmagnus]

Judging by how Valve went from saying that all games will carry over to providing a list, there must have been a problem developer side with the whole "Well they already have it, why not let them keep it?" thing. I cannot imagine valve would do such 180 quick enough to give you whiplash unless otherwise.

That said however, I would at least like an update as to what happens to those of us who bought it while it was on sale just so we could have it for the Mac. Advertising was done for Civ IV being on steam, and many articles called out Civ IV especially. There was no indication that it would not work after steam for mac came out, and many assumed (rightfully so) that the sale was for the mac release. Now we find that there is a "list" of approved titles that was not out before and there is no indication of what on earth is going on.

I assume that we cannot buy it because the solution itself is still in La-La land as steam and the developers fight it out, but an update would at least be appreciated.

[deer]

That said however, I would at least like an update as to what happens to those of us who bought it while it was on sale just so we could have it for the Mac. Advertising was done for Civ IV being on steam, and many articles called out Civ IV especially. There was no indication that it would not work after steam for mac came out, and many assumed (rightfully so) that the sale was for the mac release. Now we find that there is a "list" of approved titles that was not out before and there is no indication of what on earth is going on.

Don't make things up or don't overthink. It was a surprise to see Civ4 with SteamPlay to all. There was no indication that it will happen.

[FuzzyPuffin]

At this point I just want my refund for $10. I already own all the civ games on DVD, I just thought it would be nice and convenient to have it on Steam. It was cheap, so I picked it up.

Don't make things up or don't overthink. It was a surprise to see Civ4 with SteamPlay to all. There was no indication that it will happen.

He's not making anything up. Several news sites reported it; it appeared briefly in the Mac games list during the beta; and it is the only game on steam that works like this.

[veggiecannibal]

Advertising was done for Civ IV being on steam, and many articles called out Civ IV especially. There was no indication that it would not work after steam for mac came out, and many assumed (rightfully so) that the sale was for the mac release.

Just wondering, why did everyone assume Civ IV would be Mac Play? I remember looking on the weekend when I was contemplating buying it, and I thought that I would probably have to reboot into Windows to play it. When I saw it on the Steam Play list, it turned into a pleasant (then unpleasant) surprise.

I would definitely admit that I am wrong, and in fact that we have more of a point if there was any solid or implicative evidence before yesterday that Civ IV would be mac play...it would definitely strengthen our arguments here. But if it's just "It has a mac version and was on sale", I think that most people were leaping to conclusions thinking that they could play on mac (even though they were correct).

[Innervision180]

I just tried to re-purchase this game after having previously bought it. The first time, I actually COULD. The option was there. I removed it from my cart, re-added it, and now I can't. What's going on?

What makes it even more confusing is that their SteamPlay system is still obviously buggy. It will let you download games that aren't supported by your platform, only warning you when actually fully downloaded it and try to boot the game. Also, some SteamPlay games still don't work right. I tried to download the Quantz demo and I'm getting the "Not available for your platform" message. Apparently the demo doesn't support Mac? This makes me wonder if buying the game will even work as well.

Also, instead of making a list with retroactive SteamPlay games, I think they should make a list of games that are NOT retroactive. It would make things a lot more clear, and we wouldn't be sitting here wondering if its a bug or not.

[veggiecannibal]

Several news sites reported it; it appeared briefly in the Mac games list during the beta; and it is the only game on steam that works like this.

Can I have sources on the news sites? I have tried to find them, and I want to believe we have more of a point here.

[RABicle]

This is downright filthy and deceitful from Steam, 2K, Firaxis and everyone else ever involved. Can I blame Aspyr or whoever did the sloppy port too?

Right now on the front page of the Mac store SteamPLay is promoted heavily and Civ4 gets top billing alongside Portal. It claims to support SteamPlay. But it doesn't work. If 2K/TakeTwo want to be ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥s then Valve ought to strip them of Steamworks since they are clearly not supporting it as advertised.

If I bought Civ4 on windows on Tuesday I would have this problem. If I bought Civ4 on Windows today I wouldn't. This is stupid and disgusting. I say we refuse to buy Civ5 until this is sorted out.

[veggiecannibal]

Also, some SteamPlay games still don't work right. I tried to download the Quantz demo and I'm getting the "Not available for your platform" message. Apparently the demo doesn't support Mac? This makes me wonder if buying the game will even work as well.

Quantz does work, at least for me. I found it very overblown and disappointing though, YMMV. But I have it and it works.

[TheSomian]

Hi, I just started a Civ4Mac-steam group for folks who have problems playing their iv IV on macs because steam won't let them, even as it is steamplay.

http://steamcommunity.com/groups/civ4mac

[deer]

This is downright filthy and deceitful from Steam, 2K, Firaxis and everyone else ever involved. Can I blame Aspyr or whoever did the sloppy port too?

Right now on the front page of the Mac store SteamPLay is promoted heavily and Civ4 gets top billing alongside Portal. It claims to support SteamPlay. But it doesn't work. If 2K/TakeTwo want to be ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥s then Valve ought to strip them of Steamworks since they are clearly not supporting it as advertised.

If I bought Civ4 on windows on Tuesday I would have this problem. If I bought Civ4 on Windows today I wouldn't. This is stupid and disgusting. I say we refuse to buy Civ5 until this is sorted out.

As someone already stated it does support SteamPlay but only if you bought it after May 12th 2010. We must wait few hours and maybe this nonsense situation will clarify.

[Innervision180]

Quantz does work, at least for me. I found it very overblown and disappointing though, YMMV. But I have it and it works.

I guess its just the demo then? That's still an issue they need to resolve.

I can only imagine how the service looks to people new to Steam and gaming. "Ooh, this is only $3. Let's try the demo! Wait, not for my platform? Huh? Forget this."

[sketch7]

So only people that bought Civ4 after 12th of May will get SteamPlay. Before 12th of May nobody knew that Civ4 will have SteamPlay so I don't see a problem here. Until Valve says otherwise you have only Civ4 for Windows. Maybe they will make some rebate to buy it again with SteamPlay support.

I bought it when it as being offered cheaply because I checked the Apple Store, discovered that there was indeed a Mac version of Civ4, and assumed that this would be offered through Steam as part of the pay-once-both-systems deal that has since become known as SteamPlay.

If I had known that it wouldn't be supported by SteamPlay retroactively, I wouldn't have bought it.

[veggiecannibal]

I bought it when it as being offered cheaply because I checked the Apple Store, discovered that there was indeed a Mac version of Civ4, and assumed that this would be offered through Steam as part of the pay-once-both-systems deal that has since become known as SteamPlay.

If I had known that it wouldn't be supported by SteamPlay retroactively, I wouldn't have bought it.

That is a pretty bad assumption to make, honestly. Tropico has a mac port, where's my steam play on that?

[deer]

I bought it when it as being offered cheaply because I checked the Apple Store, discovered that there was indeed a Mac version of Civ4, and assumed that this would be offered through Steam as part of the pay-once-both-systems deal that has since become known as SteamPlay.

If I had known that it wouldn't be supported by SteamPlay retroactively, I wouldn't have bought it.
Reread your post in my quote and specifically stay a bit longer (and think about it) on what is reded.

I guess its just the demo then? That's still an issue they need to resolve.

I can only imagine how the service looks to people new to Steam and gaming. "Ooh, this is only $3. Let's try the demo! Wait, not for my platform? Huh? Forget this."
It is day one of Steam for Mac give them some time. Still the first impression is always crucial.

[RABicle]

No that's a pretty fair assumption to make. That was the deal we were told we were getting.

As for Tropico, maybe on a future Wednesday.

[deer]

No that's a pretty fair assumption to make. That was the deal we were told we were getting.

As for Tropico, maybe on a future Wednesday.
Who told you?

[veggiecannibal]

No that's a pretty fair assumption to make. That was the deal we were told we were getting.

As for Tropico, maybe on a future Wednesday.

We were told that every game on steam that has a mac port would be on steam for mac? I never remember being told that...

(In fact, some people seem to assume that every steam game in total will be coming out for mac)

Wouldn't that involve asking all the people with the rights, and some people with specific rights for the mac ports, some already out of business, which would take a lot of effort and probably money?

What we were told is all the Valve Source games will be coming out for mac, and Goldsrc probably as well. Everything else is up to the people who hold the rights.

[mixvio]

Wait there's a Mac version of Tropico somewhere? :O

Where!

[greatmagnus]

Can I have sources on the news sites? I have tried to find them, and I want to believe we have more of a point here.

PC World (http://www.pcworld.com/article/196157/steam_for_mac_rolls_out_downloadable_now.html)

This was the only one I could find, but many more have been buried beneath the newer reports on it.

[RABicle]

Wait there's a Mac version of Tropico somewhere? :O

Where!

Store shelves.

Who told you?
Oh you know, every single reposting of the press release back in march.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/steam-for-mac-announced-detailed
http://terminalgamer.com/2010/03/08/steam-announced-for-the-mac/
So who told me? Jason ♥♥♥♥ing Holtman told me. And he is a liar.

[deer]

PC World (http://www.pcworld.com/article/196157/steam_for_mac_rolls_out_downloadable_now.html)

This was the only one I could find, but many more have been buried beneath the newer reports on it.
This is an article from 12th of May are you serious? So you bought Civ4 week (or two) ago based on future article. This is great assumption that you made. Now I need 6 numbers to win 2M € could you share your insight.

[mixvio]

Store shelves.

God damnit.

[veggiecannibal]

PC World (http://www.pcworld.com/article/196157/steam_for_mac_rolls_out_downloadable_now.html)

This was the only one I could find, but many more have been buried beneath the newer reports on it.

While that is a useful source, as it says people who bought the windows version should have the mac, I was looking for sources that said that Civ 4 would be availiable on mac steam BEFORE the launch, because a bunch of people claim to have bought it on the weekend thinking it would be on mac steam when I have not found any indication of that anywhere.

[sketch7]

If it's available already, that's the port they're going to be using on Steam - so it would be a safe assumption that the version you see available on Apple's site is the one that they'll be providing on Steam.

Whatever else you want to say, this is an appalling failure of communication on Valve's part regarding SteamPlay.

Edit: Just to clarify, I'm not rabidly anti-Valve, but I do feel like I've been left out of pocket thanks to their shoddy marketing and lack of clarity.

[deer]

Store shelves.


Oh you know, every single reposting of the press release back in march.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/steam-for-mac-announced-detailed
http://terminalgamer.com/2010/03/08/steam-announced-for-the-mac/
So who told me? Jason ♥♥♥♥ing Holtman told me. And he is a liar.

Not a single word about Civ4 and SteamPlay or even Civ4 for Mac on steam.

If it's available already, that's the port they're going to be using on Steam - so it would be a safe assumption that the version you see available on Apple's site is the one that they'll be providing on Steam.

Whatever else you want to say, this is an appalling failure of communication on Valve's part regarding SteamPlay.
But Steam Play is working for Civ4 but only for those that buy it after 12th May.

[FuzzyPuffin]

PC World (http://www.pcworld.com/article/196157/steam_for_mac_rolls_out_downloadable_now.html)

This was the only one I could find, but many more have been buried beneath the newer reports on it.

That article is from May 12. I know there was at least one article from last week that mentioned it, probably from beta reports and screenshots that it was appearing. But as greatermagnus said they are hard to find now.

Yes, I know that perhaps it was a bit dangerous for people to assume that it would be available. But Steam never described the feature in the past as requiring you to buy after a certain date, and Civ IV is the *only* game that is working like this.

IMO the least they can do, if they cannot offer us licenses for the mac version due to 2K's edicts, is refund anyone who bought it during the sale this past weekend.

(And surely it must have dawned on Valve that Civ is a very popular game on the Mac, and many people would be picking it up during the weekend in anticipation of Mac steam. If they knew the license was going to work this way, they should have never had that sale three days before the release!)

[Psy-Phi]

I don't know if it's Valve's fault or 2K Games.

I can picture Valve talking with 2K about this and urging them to allow it.

The fact that it's unavailable to even those who purchase it makes me think something is being discussed behind the scenes and we're not privy to it as it will make one of the companies look bad.

I hope an announcement is made soon though. I'm curious and would like to have it, but I don't think I'd pay for it again. The games I would have paid for again are already available, except for Aquaria anyway.

[RABicle]

While that is a useful source, as it says people who bought the windows version should have the mac, I was looking for sources that said that Civ 4 would be availiable on mac steam BEFORE the launch, because a bunch of people claim to have bought it on the weekend thinking it would be on mac steam when I have not found any indication of that anywhere.
Oh sure, there is nowhere that specifically said Civ4 would launch with Steam for Mac. But Steamplay was fully detailed well in advance and we expected that the Mac games we already own would eventually find their way onto the mac Steam store with SteamPlay tacked on. (So hold out hope on COD and DOOM guise)

Launch rolls around, I can play Portal, I can play Loom, I can play the Dig and wow look at this bonus Civ4! My favourite game supports steamplay and I can play it jsut li-wait I can't. I can't even buy it again.

[norman_6]

No one has the right to assume anything! Just because a game that has a mac version is on sale the weekend before steam for mac comes out doesn't mean you should assume anything! Valve and 2K will tell you what to assume!

[sketch7]

But Steam Play is working for Civ4 but only for those that buy it after 12th May.

Valve did not make it clear at any point before that date that games would not be supported retroactively. Their SteamPlay FAQ itself was changed late on the 12th to clarify the point, far too late for myself and others who'd bought the title in the expectation that it would be available through the SteamPlay system at some point.

I was not expecting it to be a launch title. I was not expecting it to be available May 12th. I was expecting that SteamPlay would apply to purchases irrespective of the date of purchase. That it would not be was something that was never made clear at any point in the entire marketing push of SteamPlay and is still not clear now.

You would only know that it wouldn't apply to your previously purchased titles if you dig down into the Support FAQs for SteamPlay - not something I would expect to have to do before putting down my cash.

[Perceptor]

Any updates? I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll have to re-buy the Mac port, but I can't even do that right now.

[RABicle]

Not a single word about Civ4 and SteamPlay or even Civ4 for Mac on steam.
Now you're either jsut trolling me because you're a wanker or you can't actually read. I suspect the latter.
Valve's biz dev director Jason Holtman said the firm had a new feature called "Steam Play", which allows you to buy a game once and then play on either Windows or Mac.

"For example, Steam Play, in combination with the Steam Cloud, allows a gamer playing on their work PC to go home and pick up playing the same game at the same point on their home Mac," he said. "We expect most developers and publishers to take advantage of Steam Play."

Incase you missed it

The Mac version of Steam will be arriving in April and will also feature Steam Play, which will allow gamers to purchase one game for use on two platforms so that if you purchase a copy of Left 4 Dead 2 for your Macbook but then want to play the same game on your desktop PC at home, you can and you only have to pay for one, rather than two, separate copies.

“Our Steam partners who are delivering over a thousand games to 25 million Steam clients, are very excited about adding support for the Mac” said Jason Holman, Director of Business Development at Valve. “Steamworks for the Mac supports all of the Steamworks APIs, and we have added a new feature, called Steam Play, which allows customers who purchase the product for the Mac or Windows to play on the other platform free of charge. For example, Steam Play, in combination with Steam Cloud, allows a gamer playing on their work PC to go home and pick up playing the same game at the same point on their home Mac. We expect most developers and publishers to take advantage of Steam Play.”

The way he describes, you could even get the impression that if you own the windows version and it supports Steam Play, then you get the mac version, you know the same deal EVERY GAME OTHER THAN CIV4 got on the store yesterday.

[veggiecannibal]

Maybe it seems like a technicality, but it always uses the present tense. Gamers who PURCHASE not gamers who PURCHASED.

If you buy Civ4 now, you do indeed get the ability to play on mac.

I'm not saying there weren't heavy and real implications that this would work like we thought it would, but I was also not expecting Civ4 to even be on this list of games BECAUSE it had a third party mac port and the rights would be strange. I mainly expected Portal, Braid, and some indie games. We got SIXTY FOUR GAMES. This is a pretty impressive launch.

[LN3000]

I'm not too worried about this.
I'm impatient, yes.
But I'm sure Valve will fix the issue soon.

It wouldn't make sense to not retroactively add it, since current people get both, and there's no way to 're-buy' the game.
So something would have to change.

I am, however, disappointed that I bought the $10 bundle on Direct2Drive.com a week before it was available for $10 on Steam.
So now I have both, but I only bought the Steam version since I assumed that SteamPlay would give me the Mac version too.

Eh, I'm stingy with money, yeah, but I do expect some sort of solution to be given soon.

We'll see.

[Topmounter]

All this verbiage parsing and "smartest-guy-in-the-room" analysis is just wonderful, but how do I 'upgrade' or 're-buy' Civ4 then???


Your (Steam) Shopping Cart :confused:

"According to our records, you already own some of the above items on Steam. You can purchase these items as a gift or adjust the contents of your cart to continue." :mad:

[veggiecannibal]

All this verbiage parsing and "smartest-guy-in-the-room" analysis is just wonderful, but how do I 'upgrade' or 're-buy' Civ4 then???


Your (Steam) Shopping Cart :confused:

"According to our records, you already own some of the above items on Steam. You can purchase these items as a gift or adjust the contents of your cart to continue." :mad:

You can't.
Maybe later you can.
Wait for valve to work on it.

If you're really impatient, you can get a new steam account and buy it with that and it may work, though you may very well end up out of $40 or so if we get given a free upgrade or a $10 upgrade path.

My advice would be to wait.

[orpsmorps]

Just bought the CIV4 complete pack, and each of the four games/add-ons appears twice in the library. (Screenshot) (http://i.imgur.com/r7k2J.png)

Once as "Not installed" and again as "Not available".

I'm currently downloading one of the "Not installed" ones.

Am I right to assume that the not-available ones are the Windows versions, and I'll be fine by installing the other ones on the Mac?

Just wondering, because other games I already own do not show up twice, even if they are available for both platforms (like Portal or Braid).

[Darkjad]

I really gotta say, very disappointed if it says SteamPlay but you have to buy the Mac version separately. If the SteamPlay logo wasn't there it'd be stupid but I wouldn't mind, but with SteamPlay there I just feel cheated by Valve's last minute changing of the FAQ.

Overall very impressive launch, don't get me wrong. This Civ4 issue is just silly.

[FuzzyPuffin]

Just bought the CIV4 complete pack, and each of the four games/add-ons appears twice in the library. (Screenshot) (http://i.imgur.com/r7k2J.png)

Am I right to assume that the not-available ones are the Windows versions, and I'll be fine by installing the other ones on the Mac?

Just wondering, because other games I already own do not show up twice, even if they are available for both platforms (like Portal or Braid).

Yes. I don't think Valve was planning on a developer not agreeing on SteamPlay being retroactive. That would explain the odd behavior of the game appearing twice.

[orpsmorps]

Thanks, FuzzyPuffin.

There's something else really odd with Civ IV right now: I can't select any language in the properties. The language tab is missing, despite the Civ IV Steam page listing various languages.

I'm hoping that for Civ IV this selection will be available in-game. Don't know yet, because the download is slow and the steam servers seem to get hammered badly right now.

[FuzzyPuffin]

Thanks, FuzzyPuffin.


I'm hoping that for Civ IV this selection will be available in-game. Don't know yet, because the download is slow and the steam servers seem to get hammered badly right now.

Yes, you can language in the options in-game.

[nicgross]

yeah, the biggest pain with this is even if we're willing to repurchase the game, we can't. So either way we can't play it. Hopefully this will be fixed by next week's title launch but they should have at least been able to let us re-purchase if we wanted to. Another thing people were complaining about was that while Torchlight is playable on both systems, you can't use your saves on both. You have to have different files on each system.

Just a few limitations that would have been nice to know about before launch.

[Innervision180]

I'm just upset about the lack of communication.

If its a bug, just clearly say so. I don't mind waiting an extended period of time, as long as it eventually comes.

If its not retroactive, just clearly say, "Sorry guys, you have to re-buy Civ IV again to play on the Mac. Civ IV, and possibly other games in the future, won't have retroactive SteamPlay." And if this is the case, then it should say so on the game's store page.

The only official response we got is that it would be fixed for those that bought it on May 12th onward. Just throw us a bone and say something regarding this situation. "Hang tight," or "Get out your credit cards for another Civ IV purchase!" or "Quit complaining, nerds." Something!

[FuzzyPuffin]

I'm just upset about the lack of communication.



This.

My take on it is that they realize that there is a problem and are talking to 2K to work out a solution. But at the very least they could inform us of that!

I submitted a ticket about this issue last night, and I will post the response when/if I get it.

[deer]

Now you're either jsut trolling me because you're a wanker or you can't actually read. I suspect the latter.

Incase you missed it

The way he describes, you could even get the impression that if you own the windows version and it supports Steam Play, then you get the mac version, you know the same deal EVERY GAME OTHER THAN CIV4 got on the store yesterday.
I didn't miss a thing all they are saying is about future purchases and totally nothing about any game (other than source games) having SteamPlay at the moment. You just assumed to much. I am very disappointed that I will need to probably rebuy Civ4 if I want to play on Mac. But what else can I do. Still hoping for 2K and Valve to come to their senses and activate Steam Play for Civ4 retroactively. As orpsmorps said he has 2 copies of each Civ4 in his list, probably one for Windows and one for Mac.

[dawnerd]

I know for fact I wont pay twice for it.

Pretty screwed up though that this is happening. Had a feeling it would sense the offer of buying a game once is almost too good to be true.

[stevebr]

$10 is a small sum and I've already gotten way more entertainment value than that out of Civ 4. I never bothered with it until last week's sale, still playing Civ 3 occasionally. Maybe I'll spend a few more dollars the mac version in the future, but probably not and definitely not at today's prices. Frankly, rebooting is not that big of a deal.

But I just don't understand the decision-making process....

We have a new game in the Civ franchise coming out soon: Lets have a big sale on Steam of some of the older games to promote it!

7 days later....

Hey, you know all that goodwill we generated last week? Let's throw it out the window!

[FroggySwede]

$10 is a small sum
It's not $10 anymore. Some of us didn't buy during the sale because we already own the game. Now if we end up having to repurchase for Mac, it will be at full price (until the next sale, of course).

Hey, you know all that goodwill we generated last week? Let's throw it out the window!
LOL. +rep

[norman_6]

Why is there nothing on this yet? No statements or clarification.... We are fans of both Steam and Civ 4, we have paid for the game already, we just want to get to play it.... please tell us anything so we know how we will be able to do that.

[sketch7]

In the UK the complete edition is £24.99. That's about $36 US equivalent - not a price I'm willing to pay for a game that I already own two times over.

Regardless of the tense of the press release, there's the obvious assumption that games which are associated with your Steam account already will be available to you to play on Steam for Mac – not that you would have to pay for the title twice. The entire point of SteamPlay, as the press releases appear to have stated, is that you wouldn't have to do that.

At no point was it made clear, in any of the marketing prior to release of Steam for Mac, that SteamPlay would only apply to titles bought after 12 May - nor that the list of titles that Valve had released would be the only titles that would have retroactive support for SteamPlay.

Interestingly, the relevant FAQ for SteamPlay has since been updated to be more definite, but this is a classic case of closing the stable door after the horse is already well over the horizon.

Anyway - I'm done arguing now, because we're just going in circles.

[FuzzyPuffin]

Has *anyone* who opened a support ticket about this gotten a response yet?

The lack of communication is very disheartening.

[d10sfan]

We will just have to wait and see until we see official word from Valve.

If it turns out that we will have to repurchase the games, then steamplay is completely worthless. If they try and force us to rebuy Civ4, I will just use wine or just not play the game at all. I am not buying the same game again.

[veggiecannibal]

I'm gonna be really frustrated if in 2 and a half hours there is no word, because likely we'll get nothing until tomorrow then. I might sound impatient but all I want is an answer.

[Innervision180]

I'm also worried that this will happen to other games that were already on Steam that Valve rebrands as SteamPlay. Is this going to be common? I'm not re-buying multiple titles, if any. I'd rather just stick to Boot Camp for those games if that's the case.

[d10sfan]

I'm also worried that this will happen to other games that were already on Steam that Valve rebrands as SteamPlay. Is this going to be common? I'm not re-buying multiple titles, if any. I'd rather just stick to Boot Camp for those games if that's the case.

That is what makes no sense to me. Steamplay was advertised so if you have the pc game, you have the mac version. There was nothing saying that there was a requirement to have to buy it only at a certain time.

[orpsmorps]

Yes, you can language in the options in-game.

Yep, you're right. Thanks a lot. After the download finished I could change the language in-game.

Everything works like a charm. Got a funny Gfx bug fixed within minutes in another forum thread, and as far as I'm concerned I'm happy.

Then again - I bought it today, May 13th. You guys, on the other hand, still have another issue at hand ...

[redking315]

VALVe is doing something. it keeps fluctuating between allowing me to rebuy it and not being able to

[Innervision180]

That is what makes no sense to me. Steamplay was advertised so if you have the pc game, you have the mac version. There was nothing saying that there was a requirement to have to buy it only at a certain time.

I agree 100%. It DOESN'T make sense. I don't really think that will happen, but it is a concern for me.

Hopefully they are working on the issue. I would like to believe that they have everyone's best interests at heart, as they've shown in the past.

After hearing you guys were contacting support, I've sent in a support ticket, too. I'll post if I get a response.

Please, just let us know Valve! I will give you sandvich :)

[FuzzyPuffin]

VALVe is doing something. it keeps fluctuating between allowing me to rebuy it and not being able to

If you are logged out, you can add it to your cart. Maybe that is what is happening? When I am logged in I always can't buy it.

[Innervision180]

No, I've been logged in and had this happen to me, too. If I remove it from my cart and try again, the "Purchase For Myself" button is grayed out. Its been switching back and forth. I haven't gone any farther than the cart, though. I should have tried :-/

[redking315]

If you are logged out, you can add it to your cart. Maybe that is what is happening? When I am logged in I always can't buy it.

no i've been using the client store, so i'm logged in. it's just been switching back and forth for me

[TheSomian]

Hitler reacts :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPhCa8Ht6eg

[G9er]

I bought it when it as being offered cheaply because I checked the Apple Store, discovered that there was indeed a Mac version of Civ4, and assumed that this would be offered through Steam as part of the pay-once-both-systems deal that has since become known as SteamPlay.

If I had known that it wouldn't be supported by SteamPlay retroactively, I wouldn't have bought it.

I did the exact same thing.

[Modiga-Disabled]

Here's my 100% pure guess on why Civ IV is the exception: It is a SteamPlay title. However, it doesn't retrospectively apply to Civ IV purchases made prior to the Mac Steam client launch. It sucks that this is the case, I'm wondering what the reason behind this is.

My guess would be that because Aspyr were the ones who ported the game to Mac, they're entitled to a percentage of the revenue made from Steam sales. It's fine for future sales, where they can negotiate with 2K how to split any revenue attained. This wouldn't hold true for copies sold before the Steam Mac client was released. Since the game was previously sold as a PC-exclusive title on Steam, there'd have been no reason for Aspyr to have seen any of the profit. If they're not going to be making any money out of retrospectively making Civ IV a SteamPlay title and also losing out on the number of potential customers, they really have no reason to support the move. I'd say the only way this could be resolved is for 2K to pay a sum of money to Aspyr to cover this. I certainly wouldn't think this has anything to do with Valve.

Note: The above is purely my own speculation based on nothing more than intelligent guesswork. I could be completely wrong in all of this, but it would make sense.

Presumably they're working on fixing the issue where you can't rebuy the game for Steam Play compatibility. It sucks that the game isn't retrospectively being made available on Steam Plat, but I don't think Valve ever said all Mac titles they release would be. Only their own.

[d10sfan]

But didnt they say that steamplay is so you dont have to buy the same game twice? Isnt that the whole point of it?

[dawnerd]

But I just don't understand the decision-making process....


Yea, they had to have known that they were adding steam play to Civ when they made the sale. If they knowingly did that on purpose, I've lost a little trust in Valve. I don't like being duped like that. I'd have no problem paying full price up front, not 10 dollars + full price for the same damn thing.

[Modiga-Disabled]

But didnt they say that steamplay is so you dont have to buy the same game twice? Isnt that the whole point of it?

Yes and it is the case of Civ IV sales made post-mac client release. Clearly there's some reason why they're not able to apply Steam Play to pre-mac client sales. They've done it with all the other games that are now out on Mac through Steam, so if there's an exception to the practice, there's going to be a reason behind it.

[dawnerd]

Altitude is also not showing up on the FAQ list or my mac game list. I wonder if it's for the same reason.

[veggiecannibal]

My guess would be that because Aspyr were the ones who ported the game to Mac, they're entitled to a percentage of the revenue made from Steam sales.

Aspyr has said that 2K has made this decision (somewhere around Page 10). Why, I do not know. They are losing a lot of PR over this, as is Valve, and I think it might actually be beneficial for Valve to pay them whatever to solve this issue.

I, and I am sure a lot of people, will not rebuy. I personally will go for a less than $10 upgrade path, but free is, of course, preferred.

[Innervision180]

Yes and it is the case of Civ IV sales made post-mac client release. Clearly there's some reason why they're not able to apply Steam Play to pre-mac client sales. They've done it with all the other games that are now out on Mac through Steam, so if there's an exception to the practice, there's going to be a reason behind it.

The problem for me isn't the possibility that we won't get the Mac version (though, admittedly, I'm not happy about it, but Ill live). It's that I'm using the term "possibility." They should tell us what the situation is.

If it is a licensing issue, then they should just come forward and say so. And what if this happens again in the future? Aspyr, etc. have ported a lot of Mac games. And there are likely going to be a lot of SteamPlay editions of these games coming out. Are we going to have to be wondering for days every time one of these games comes out, not knowing why a game that I have already purchased for Windows and is now being touted as SteamPlay is not showing up on my games list?

I'm not complaining because I like to complain, and I'm not hating on Valve or Steam. I love their services, and I normally don't have any beef with them at all. I excitedly and patiently waited for Steam for Mac. But now this is a game that I own, with functionality that they're telling me I have now, but it's not working. And all we get at best are vague responses that either point us to a FAQ or respond to post-May 12th buysers. Is it so much to ask for a clear response? And I also want to be guaranteed clear information regarding future releases of this nature. I don't think I'm being stubborn or unreasonable.

Anyway, I'm not convinced that Aspyr is the problem. Ironically, they're the only ones that have given us a clear response.

http://blog.gameagent.com/2010/05/03/civilization-iv-price-has- dropped/comment-page-1/#comment-27

They're pretty much saying they have nothing to do with it.

[Modiga-Disabled]

Hmm... well that shuts me up then. Does make me wonder what the reasoning behind this decision actually was then.

[Innervision180]

Hitler reacts :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPhCa8Ht6eg

That was hilarious. I loved the woman and her crying child: "Don't worry, we have Boot Camp." :D

[mnickerson]

Yesterday when we shipped Steam on the Mac, previous owners of the PC Steam version of Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Civilization IV: Warlords, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, or Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition did not have access to their games when logging in on a Mac. But as of now, upon logging into Steam, those owners will have access to the Mac version of their games, right in their Steam library.

[sketch7]

I just quit out of Torchlight - about the only game that I have available to play on my Mac - and lo and behold Civ 4 and the other games are all there, in my library, available for me to install.

Bug fixed, or policy changed, I don't know. I'm just happy I'll be able to get my Civ on now.

EDIT: mnickerson beat me by all of 2 minutes :) Very happy that this has been changed.

[Logikal]

Yesterday when we shipped Steam on the Mac, previous owners of the PC Steam version of Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Civilization IV: Warlords, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, or Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition did not have access to their games when logging in on a Mac. But as of now, upon logging into Steam, those owners will have access to the Mac version of their games, right in their Steam library.

You sir, are my hero! THANK YOU! (What took so long to SAY something? We would've accepted a "sorry, it's coming.. bear with us!") ;)

[MikkyX]

Altitude is also not showing up on the FAQ list or my mac game list. I wonder if it's for the same reason.

Interestingly, Altitude DID appear in my games list immediately following install - then the Steam client updated and it disappeared, and has yet to re-appear.

Of course I didn't install it while it was there. That would just be too sensible :(

[Innervision180]

Thank you very much for the update. I see them in my list now. :)

[dawnerd]

Yesterday when we shipped Steam on the Mac, previous owners of the PC Steam version of Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Civilization IV: Warlords, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, or Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition did not have access to their games when logging in on a Mac. But as of now, upon logging into Steam, those owners will have access to the Mac version of their games, right in their Steam library.

Oh my god, thank you so very much.

[MikkyX]

Yesterday when we shipped Steam on the Mac, previous owners of the PC Steam version of Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Civilization IV: Warlords, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, or Sid Meier's Civilization IV: The Complete Edition did not have access to their games when logging in on a Mac. But as of now, upon logging into Steam, those owners will have access to the Mac version of their games, right in their Steam library.

Yep, there it is! Excellent.......

Now where's TF2? :p

[dawnerd]

Interestingly, Altitude DID appear in my games list immediately following install - then the Steam client updated and it disappeared, and has yet to re-appear.

Of course I didn't install it while it was there. That would just be too sensible :(

I thought it was available on mac, but I looked again at the store and it's not. Oh well.

[sketch7]

Yep, there it is! Excellent.......

Now where's TF2? :p

In beta.

Sheesh some people are never happy :D

[Jakal.au]

Yay, thank you.

[Dithyrambic]

EVERYONE:
It seems to be working now.

Before complaining anymore, check to see if the install button is there.
I was about to complain myself when I checked.

[Kukasauto]

Thank you, Steam, and whomever on the staff wrote the canned, lifeless, yet very legal response that MNickerson posted (: I feel like I just flushed the toilet in the first room in Portal.

Seriously, I'm happy that this is fixed. But in future, I'd prefer "updates as to what is going on" faster. And a final response that doesn't sound like it came hot off the editing press from 'the legal department' (:

[veggiecannibal]

Dear Valve,
Thank you very much for bringing Steam to Mac, and Civ IV to steam. I was excited and very happy to see Civ IV on the list of Mac Steam enabled things. Your games are incredible, you are changing the landscape of gaming and you are AWESOME.
But as in a lot of relationships, there are flaws, and your biggest is communication. In the space of a day, this whole Civ 4 deal engendered over 200 posts and a whole lot of confusion. I understand that dealing with this issue was probably complex and difficult, and I personally thank you for it. But you need to talk to us. You need to take the time, not a lot, to keep us posted on what's going on so that we can understand and not panic and not go off the deep end and not get mad at you or Aspyr or 2K games who give us awesome games that we are glad to pay for. We are glad at the resolution of this, but there are going to be situations where you are going to have to tell us bad news. And we need to be in communication about it so we understand.

Thank you,
Your Customer
Vegetariancannibal.

[Broward]

Thank you for fixing this situation Valve!

[Andrewicus]

Dear Valve,
Thank you very much for bringing Steam to Mac, and Civ IV to steam. I was excited and very happy to see Civ IV on the list of Mac Steam enabled things. Your games are incredible, you are changing the landscape of gaming and you are AWESOME.
But as in a lot of relationships, there are flaws, and your biggest is communication. In the space of a day, this whole Civ 4 deal engendered over 200 posts and a whole lot of confusion. I understand that dealing with this issue was probably complex and difficult, and I personally thank you for it. But you need to talk to us. You need to take the time, not a lot, to keep us posted on what's going on so that we can understand and not panic and not go off the deep end and not get mad at you or Aspyr or 2K games who give us awesome games that we are glad to pay for. We are glad at the resolution of this, but there are going to be situations where you are going to have to tell us bad news. And we need to be in communication about it so we understand.

Thank you,
Your Customer
Vegetariancannibal.

QFT, I agree with this statement fully. Thank you 2k/Valve!

[d10sfan]

Great to see that the bug was fixed and that that was all it was. Am downloading Civ4 now.

[norman_6]

thank you thank you thank you,

[redking315]

yay! thanks a ton VALVe! you're the best ever!

[fleet]

A big thank you from me as well. We may have been a little impatient wanting definite answers so quickly when I'm sure there were some issues to work out, whether they were legal or technical, but all things considered you sorted out the issue very quickly and in the best way possible for us. Much appreciated.

[Topmounter]

w00t! w00t! Downloading now!


Keep launching games and I'll keep buying!!!

[Keleko]

The next problem is... the game doesn't work when installed. I've downloaded Civ IV (original), but when I try to launch, it fails. I'm downloading the rest of the expansions now to see if that makes any difference.

[stevebr]

I'm downloading them now and wanted to add my voice to the chorus of thanks. Every time I've had something related to a customer service issue with Steam, Valve has come through in the end.

[FracOMac]

Excellent :D I'm happy to know its been fixed now :D

[ghall]

The next problem is... the game doesn't work when installed. I've downloaded Civ IV (original), but when I try to launch, it fails. I'm downloading the rest of the expansions now to see if that makes any difference.

I'm having the same issue. It's the same deal with all the expansions, including Colonization. I was all excited to play for a bit too.

[Jake Badlands]

Thanks, fellas!

[RABicle]

All is forgiven

[arnhemland]

So how about that latest bug?

[Crouchin]

I'm having the same issues trying to load Civ. I was able to last night and earlier today. Enough time to log about 6-8 hours, now it just says, "Preparing to load Civ..." and then nothing. Thanks.

[Innervision180]

It seems like the patch letting pre-May 12th buyers access the game might have broken the game. That's what it seems like, since people that had bought it and were able to play it yesterday and today are reporting that it stopped working right around when the patch came out. And now its not working for anyone.

Hopefully we'll get a fix soon. I'm just happy we all received the game. If I have to wait a little while to play on my Mac, so be it.

[Kukasauto]

Ok - has anyone a _working_ copy, or is everyone now broken?

We have a thread, and some tickets, open about the issue; but it would be great if someone has it working so maybe we can see what the difference is.

[orpsmorps]

Civ IV BtS worked just fine yesterday.

Now, this morning, steam updated itself (without asking, thank you very much) and two things happened:

- the double entries for all four games vanished
- NONE of the Civ IV games are playable anymore

Steam would either pop up the trying to launch window and close it right away, or say I can't open the app because it is not supported on this architecture (while at the same time showing a steam pop-up which says that the game is currently not available).

[tokeio]

Glad to see this is starting to get sorted out.

[deer]

So the have listened to our crying and gave us what we wanted. I love Valve. Windows version of Civ4 is working fine will check Mac in few hours.

[FroggySwede]

Yes! Thank you to Valve and 2K/Feral/whoever else made this possible!!! :)

EDIT: Never mind, it downloads but doesn't launch. :rolleyes:

[TheSomian]

welcome to the club (http://steamcommunity.com/groups/civ4mac) :D

What about the people who bought it after the 12th? Do they have two versions of civ IV on their mac now, one working and one not?

[orpsmorps]

Nope, there's only one, non-working version for each of the 4 titles since the last steam update.

[frankenzilla]

Civ IV for Mac is currently downloading based on my past Windows purchase. Thanks, Valve. Very pleased that you were able to work this out.