Steam Games and Modifications

[Legacy-ZA]

Alright, this is a question that has been on my mind for some time. Are we allowed to modify / add content to our Steam games, a.k.a MODS

Examples:

• Installing files that will upgrade textures for old game titles.

• Installing files that will allow me to change resolutions to my monitors native resolution, this means here and there a modified game .exe and other extra .exe files that might be required.

• If I purchase Mass Effect 1's Pinnacle Station DLC and install it on my Steam version.

• If I purchase Mass Effect 2's DLC from Bioware’s website and install it on my Steam version.

• Other mods that add extra content to a game that were developed by 3rd parties.

I heard there are people doing this, but I just want to know if it is safe. I really don’t want to get my account wtfpwned by Steam. Thank you in advance for any info you are able to provide.

[Omolong]

The first and the last one should be fine, it will more likely depend on whether the developer of the game allows you to install mods. The second one will depend on if and what security system the game could be using. For example, you wouldn't be allowed to edit the .exe of any of the Valve games, as you would then be likely to be VAC banned. For the third and fourth one, I am not sure. It would probably be best to ask Steam Support or Bioware Support about that.

[Legacy-ZA]

Originally Posted by Omolong

The second one will depend on if and what security system the game could be using. For example, you wouldn't be allowed to edit the .exe of any of the Valve games, as you would then be likely to be VAC banned.

I am strictly talking about non-valve games, like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, one needs to use a cracked.exe in order to make the resolution what your require it to be. Same for Deus-Ex, you need to use a 3rd party launcher to enable the higher resolutions, I just don't want steam to scan those files and then decide to ban my account because of it

[Kainnemesis]

DLC's will work with both mass effect games.

[Legacy-ZA]

Have a look at these 2x sites: (.exe's to replace the originals to enable Widescreen support)

http://www.kentie.net/article/dxguide/index.htm
http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/wiki/Downloads

[PCgamerzz]

as long as the mods not affecting multiplayer, I guess there should be no problem

[Legacy-ZA]

Originally Posted by Kainnemesis

DLC's will work with both mass effect games.

Thank you for the information, this was one of the reasons I have not yet purchased Mass Effect I & Mass Effect II

Originally Posted by PCgamerzz

as long as the mods not affecting multiplayer, I guess there should be no problem

No, they will strictly be used for singleplayer. When I play multiplayer, I will simply restore a game backup, so that the game will run on normal values.

If there are more people out there with personal experiences, I would love to hear from you

[Vetron]

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

• Installing files that will upgrade textures for old game titles.

Works for me... I use improved textures for many games on steam (e.g. the old Unreal games).

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

• Installing files that will allow me to change resolutions to my monitors native resolution, this means here and there a modified game .exe and other extra .exe files that might be required.

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

Have a look at these 2x sites: (.exe's to replace the originals to enable Widescreen support)

http://www.kentie.net/article/dxguide/index.htm
http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/wiki/Downloads

It depends on a game-by game basis, however most older titles will be fine - that particular .exe works fine for me with deus ex on steam (just tried it).

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

• If I purchase Mass Effect 1's Pinnacle Station DLC and install it on my Steam version.

• If I purchase Mass Effect 2's DLC from Bioware’s website and install it on my Steam version.

I've used both and they both work ok, I've also both used and developed mods for ME2 with the steam copy without any problem - its identical I believe to the standard retail. There are few EA games that have DLC that doesn't work - such as Miror's Edge, but this is only because of a poor installer on EA's part that does not allow the steam copy to receive DLC. Overall you shouldn't have any problems with most games on steam.

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

• Other mods that add extra content to a game that were developed by 3rd parties.

Generally it shouldn't be a problem, the games are pretty much the same as retail - however there may be one or two that differ slightly, but in these cases a 'steam' version of the mod is usually available. I've run a ton of mods on games via steam and generally not had any trouble.

[Legacy-ZA]

Vetron +1 rep, thank you for the reply, this pretty much answers all my questions. Are there more people out there that want to share their experience?

I have another question though, I heard that Steam does not always apply the latest patch for certain games, may the manual patches from the developer’s website be used without complications?

[Lord_Gannondorf]

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

I have another question though, I heard that Steam does not always apply the latest patch for certain games, may the manual patches from the developer’s website be used without complications?

Sometimes manual patches work with the Steam version of the game, sometimes not. Most games are patched though so it's not that much of a worry.

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

I am strictly talking about non-valve games, like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, one needs to use a cracked.exe in order to make the resolution what your require it to be. Same for Deus-Ex, you need to use a 3rd party launcher to enable the higher resolutions, I just don't want steam to scan those files and then decide to ban my account because of it

I used a cracked .exe on KOTOR when it was first released on Steam and just a few days ago. My account is fine. Steam support says it's fine, too: http://forums.steampowered.com/forum...1&postcount=19

[Vetron]

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

I have another question though, I heard that Steam does not always apply the latest patch for certain games, may the manual patches from the developer’s website be used without complications?

A few games get delayed patches, but this is only where the developer is generally lazy - but with most delays its usually about a week.

Updating with retail patches really depends on a game-by-game basis, some do and some don't tbh. Usually games that wont work would be something like modern EA or Ubisoft titles etc., games that I've recently updated (and worked) include Unreal, IL-2, Wings Of Prey, Arma 2 - all work fine for me with official or any community patches.

[Legacy-ZA]

Phew, seems my fears were founded on nothing, now I can mod certain titles in peace and sleep easy. Thank you for the info folks

[serieus1]

Your account will only be banned if you you try to steal games, such as using a phony credit card that actually works.

You can only be banned from a game for breaking the VAC rules and regulations. Don't have aim hacks, wall hacks, etc....

For single player games you can change whatever file you want to change and never get banned.

I downloaded the patch to slow down Commandos and it changed quite a bit of files and the game worked flawlessly after that and I never got any lip from Steam for changing the game files.

[Washell]

Originally Posted by Legacy-ZA

Phew, seems my fears were founded on nothing, now I can mod certain titles in peace and sleep easy. Thank you for the info folks

You only need to be careful with modifying exe's and dll's from VAC secured games and subsequently playing on VAC secured servers.

[Legacy-ZA]

Originally Posted by Washell

You only need to be careful with modifying exe's and dll's from VAC secured games and subsequently playing on VAC secured servers.

That won't be a problem.