What if I switch computers?

[t4ste]

If I get a new computer. That is WAY.... more lagg free than my current one. And I log-in to my steam account. Can I still download the games (That I bought) and still have the same memory. On it? Please i'v been pondering this issue for awhile now and I need answers.

[alexUW]

Yup. I bought a new computer last year and was able to download all my games. Just make sure you remember your login details.

[t4ste]

Originally Posted by alexUW

Yup. I bought a new computer last year and was able to download all my games. Just make sure you remember your login details.

What about my memory did you still have that? Like in-game items and stuff?

[Wulframn]

Originally Posted by t4ste

What about my memory did you still have that? Like in-game items and stuff?

If you have Steam Cloud upload enabled for those games (by default it is) then yes; all of your saved games, items, etc. will be downloaded and loaded up with the game by default. You will simply login to your Steam client, download the game, boot it, and then continue where you left off.

[Flozem]

Unless it's crysis and you reinstalled the game once too many...

[prmaguiar]

Originally Posted by t4ste

What about my memory did you still have that? Like in-game items and stuff?

TF2 items and such are also bound to your account.

As for saved games, it depends on whether or not a specific game uses the Steam cloud feature, I guess.

[Haaax]

Also can be done without cloud - use a USB stick.

[T@F]

The only thing you have to worry about is the games with activation limits.
Just make sure you can revoke them before you switch to your new computer.

[seseorang]

Just copy the entire Steam directory. I'm not sure what you mean by memory.

You need to run a revoke for any games that use SecuROM, or similar.

[prmaguiar]

Originally Posted by T@F

The only thing you have to worry about is the games with activation limits.
Just make sure you can revoke them before you switch to your new computer.

I never heard of this revoke future. How does it work? Is it legit? Some people say you have to go through all the trouble of contacting support and begging for new activations.

[i9urd]

Originally Posted by prmaguiar

I never heard of this revoke future. How does it work? Is it legit? Some people say you have to go through all the trouble of contacting support and begging for new activations.

It varies with each individual game and what method of digital rights management (DRM) is used. With some games it is not possible to get the activations back and the game in question will eventually become useless after x amount of installations.

[paralipsis]

Batman: Arkham Asylus actually included the revoking tool with the game, and you can find it under "Tools" section of your game library. Others too may well do it this way, but none that I own.

I remember seeing the downloadable revoking tool for Crysis at one point, but didn't preserve the link.

Lots of games simply have no revoking tool at all. But for those that do, it's an entirely legitimate thing, and something worth doing, as it's a heck of a lot easier than begging for another activation from various customer support sites.