steam on mac [Archive] - MacRumors Forums

scott85213

Aug 7, 2008, 11:42 PM

You can try crossover, parallels, or vmware. Though I doubt you'll have much luck with a blackbook. My macbook pro could barely run crossover and tf2. There have been rumors of steam trying to hire osx developers, but they are just rumors.. You'd be better off using bootcamp if you really want to play steam games on your laptop.

5PEEDz

Aug 8, 2008, 12:04 AM

crossover makes your system run slower? or the graphics run slower or something?

scott85213

Aug 8, 2008, 12:07 AM

A macbook doesn't have the dedicated graphics card to run source based games smoothly.

ohforfckssake!

Aug 8, 2008, 12:09 AM

How poor was Crossover on the Macbook Pro? Does it get in the way of gameplay?

5PEEDz

Aug 8, 2008, 12:10 AM

how about cs 1.6? or GTA? these games are pretty old arent they?

airjuggernaut

Aug 8, 2008, 12:17 AM

Crossover and VMWare/Parallels/VirtualBox really aren't great for gaming.

CrossOver although might be good enough for CS 1.6 and GTA

But for anything else, use bootcamp, its you best bet.

hankolerd

Aug 8, 2008, 12:41 AM

Your best bet is to get a copy of XP and install it on a partition using boot camp, having integrated graphics in your blackbook is going to greatly limit what you will be able to play(I don't know if even TF2 will work). It sounds like this is your first time on a mac. Steam is only available for windows platforms, that is how valve produces the software right now, as the Mac market grows, I believe they will release a mac client, but I am sure that is still a few years out. I can run TF2 using Crossover Games(see my specs in my sig), but it doesn't run as well as when I boot into vista(due to having to run os x and a windows environment when Crossover is running). If you are looking for applications to replace your windows counterparts, search something like 'best os x apps' in google, and you will get a list of alot of amazing programs most of which are all free. But as for Steam, there is nothing out there that does the same thing for Macs. :apple:

ohforfckssake!

Aug 8, 2008, 12:45 AM

Interesting. Cheers.

hankolerd

Aug 8, 2008, 12:45 AM

crossover makes your system run slower? or the graphics run slower or something?

Crossover essentially is a windows emulator. You launch the program in OS X, and then you use it to launch a windows program. The reason it runs slower is because of all the overhead processes going on to run everything, and because you are essentially running windows and OS X at the same time. Crossover is also only compatible with a very small list of games(I believe CS:S, TF2, and Half-Life pretty much make up the list):apple:

5PEEDz

Aug 8, 2008, 01:11 AM

I guess ill be picking up a copy of either windows xp/vista. probably a vista.. and yea im new to mac.. just got my blackbook today. and i absolutely loVE IT<3 =D

palebluedot

Aug 8, 2008, 03:26 AM

Steam probably wont come to Mac because Apple does a HORRIBLE job of supporting gaming. Fanbois and apologists for Apple will say "oh boo hoo its because Valve wanted an investment" but it makes SENSE considering how small our community is (Mac users). If Apple brought Steam to OS X they would increase their market share by 3% over night.

Anyways, no there is no client, and all the games are made for Windows. Few games exist in OS X and if they are they are shi**y Aspyr ports. Still I'd recommend supporting Mac gaming so maybe one day it would get better.

Sorry im cynical but I just recently got a Mac and although I love it the lack of Mac gaming and horrible implementation depresses me every day.

Dagless

Aug 8, 2008, 04:28 AM

You need to install Bootcamp and XP (or Vista) to get Steam working. Don't try Parallels or Crossover, from my experience (especially on a slower system) performance is going to suck.

You'll be able to run many Steam games but I wouldn't count on the newer ones. I've heard TF2 doesn't run too well on a MacBook. But there are many older and lesser demanding games on Steam. Including the oh-so very addictive Peggle.

tominated

Aug 8, 2008, 05:13 AM

most steam games run in crossover prettty well, but ur better off with it on xp/vista

thunderclap

Aug 8, 2008, 08:13 AM

I remember an article a year or so ago where someone from Steam (or was it id?) said they wanted to make games for Mac but that they don't get any support from Apple. It sounds like Apple's to blame, at least partially.

But doesn't EA use an Apple program that converts PC code to Mac code? Couldn't other developers use this?

brian9271

Aug 8, 2008, 09:20 AM

Running Steam on Crossover just messes up things, doesn't even work, I've got Windows now and Crossover is pretty useless now...

whooleytoo

Aug 8, 2008, 10:26 AM

What exactly is Steam? :confused: Maybe we can suggest a Mac friendly alternative.

Steam is a app/service which enables gamers to browse and purchase games, download (& update, if necessary) them. IIRC you need to be logged into Steam to play the games too, hence it does require an active net connection.

The big game on it was Half Life 2, but now there are quite a lot.

I think Apple's gaming support has always been half-hearted. Until Apple has a large market share they're always going to struggle to attract many quality titles; and Apple isn't joining a fight it can't yet win.

OTOH, the way iTunes is going, it might not be long before it becomes a software download site for the Mac as well as the iPhone, and could be a great games distribution, anti-piracy and online gaming service.

Dagless

Aug 8, 2008, 10:35 AM

The big game on it was Half Life 2, but now there are quite a lot.
And without HL2 Steam would have had a hard time taking off. One has to wonder if that HL2 leak spurred on Steam. In which case thank you hackers :D

OTOH, the way iTunes is going, it might not be long before it becomes a software download site for the Mac as well as the iPhone, and could be a great games distribution, anti-piracy and online gaming service.
TBH I can see iTunes being split into 2 apps, this idea you have (where you can purchase OSX and iPhone apps) and iTunes as it used to be. I think there's a design flaw in loading up iTunes to download something that isn't music or to be run on a media player at all.
I think something like this will happen but will end up being either built into OSX or that the shop will be renamed (Apple Store?).

whooleytoo

Aug 8, 2008, 10:43 AM

TBH I can see iTunes being split into 2 apps, this idea you have (where you can purchase OSX and iPhone apps) and iTunes as it used to be. I think there's a design flaw in loading up iTunes to download something that isn't music or to be run on a media player at all.
I think something like this will happen but will end up being either built into OSX or that the shop will be renamed (Apple Store?).

I'd agree, it must have any business iPhone buyers scratching their heads at loading the ever increasingly inaccurately named iTunes to download business software or sync their phone.

It's a bit odd too having to load the bloated monolithic application if all you want to do is open one music file (though of course there are other options).

I think there are a couple of problems though
- the "iTunes" name is very well known now, they won't want to throw away that marketing effort to rebrand the download/distribution service.

- a key benefit of the iTunes experience is the convenience of its integrated nature. How do they break away the store/download side from the media player without impacting on that convenience?

Keleko

Aug 8, 2008, 06:10 PM

I wouldn't say Crossover Games is useless. I'm using it to run Civ IV, Star Wars: Empire at War (and the expansion) and Dawn of War, and they all run well. I even purchased Civ IV and the 2 expansions over Steam (because the Mac version lacks the 2nd expansion). Heroes of Might and Magic V is an Aspyr port that works fine for me, too.

It mostly depends on the type of game you play. One that relies on a high frame rate is probably not as well suited to Crossover and is better with Bootcamp.

alphaod

Aug 8, 2008, 06:11 PM

You can use Wine/CrossOver or Bootcamp. I doubt there will be a Mac Steam for a long time.

Silver-Fox

Aug 8, 2008, 06:12 PM

cross over will be an option like most people have said, i dont think there will be steam for a while for mac

hankolerd

Aug 8, 2008, 09:15 PM

I guess ill be picking up a copy of either windows xp/vista. probably a vista.. and yea im new to mac.. just got my blackbook today. and i absolutely loVE IT<3 =D

Unless Vista is cheaper, I would suggest XP. If you really want vista then go ahead, but XP takes up less space, so you will have more space for games, plus xp uses less resources, meaning your games will run slightly faster. I would suggest a copy of xp pro sp2, but it is up to you. I am running vista business, and am looking for the opportunity to wipe it and install xp pro, I just haven't had the time or backup space to do it yet. Don't get a 64 bit version of XP(X64 I think Microsoft called it) if you do go that route, as it is not supported by Apples' Bootcamp. Glad to hear you are enjoying your new mac! :apple:

cantthinkofone

Aug 8, 2008, 09:28 PM

i run steam with 'crossover for games' and play half life 2, ep 1, 2, and deathmatch online.

runs very well if you ask me given the hardware my macbook has and the virtualization that is going on.

its no where near what it is on a pc, but its better than nothing.

Dagless

Aug 9, 2008, 02:35 AM

Unless Vista is cheaper, I would suggest XP. If you really want vista then go ahead, but XP takes up less space, so you will have more space for games, plus xp uses less resources, meaning your games will run slightly faster. I would suggest a copy of xp pro sp2, but it is up to you. I am running vista business, and am looking for the opportunity to wipe it and install xp pro, I just haven't had the time or backup space to do it yet. Don't get a 64 bit version of XP(X64 I think Microsoft called it) if you do go that route, as it is not supported by Apples' Bootcamp. Glad to hear you are enjoying your new mac! :apple:

This is true. I had problems with XP so I "upgraded" to Vista. This is on my C2D 2ghz, 1gb Ram x1600 iMac. Vista ran like a dog. To get the same FPS rate in HL2: Ep1 I had to turn off Bloom and HDR. Only then did the FPS settle at 32fps (what XP could do with the effects on).

I hear Vista purrs if you have an adequate amount of ram.
But in my experience Vista slowed down game performance, and also took longer to boot than XP. Not good when you dual boot.

FizzZ*

Aug 13, 2008, 05:32 PM

thunderclap

Aug 13, 2008, 05:39 PM

steam wont work on macs end of story ..... because games like counter strike can only be played on windows, why bother updating and crossover and waisting time and money, do what im doing im buying a cheap windows for gaming, mostly for counterstrike, and my mac is for halo and other things

Why buy a cheap Windows PC when you can just install Windows on your Mac using BootCamp? It's even cheaper then! (Unless your Mac doesn't have Intel chips.)

FizzZ*

Aug 13, 2008, 05:52 PM

Why buy a cheap Windows PC when you can just install Windows on your Mac using BootCamp? It's even cheaper then! (Unless your Mac doesn't have Intel chips.)

because its a lot of time to waist and my computer is very full to download something else to it so i dont know how im going to start windows on my mac!
also games like counter strike needs the right click mouse and the good old windows keyboard that im used to when i play cs .. i tryed to buy a right click mouse for my mac and tried for example to change my mouse setting for halo to use the right click but it doesnt work ... and you have to update your graphics card for some games like half life-counterstrike
any way its a lot of hassle to play steam or counter strike ..i can buy a $600-500 us, windows with good performance .. quick and ready to play, sometimes you gotta pay more to play games faster and better. and trust me, i know little about computers i know a lot about games, so updating and installing is not my thing lol, buy the suitable computer and dont mess with nature! why install and update, get the original computer that the games you wana play so bad is designed for..

cantthinkofone

Aug 14, 2008, 09:55 AM

because its a lot of time to waist and my computer is very full to download something else to it so i dont know how im going to start windows on my mac!
also games like counter strike needs the right click mouse and the good old windows keyboard that im used to when i play cs .. i tryed to buy a right click mouse for my mac and tried for example to change my mouse setting for halo to use the right click but it doesnt work ... and you have to update your graphics card for some games like half life-counterstrike
any way its a lot of hassle to play steam or counter strike ..i can buy a $600-500 us, windows with good performance .. quick and ready to play, sometimes you gotta pay more to play games faster and better. and trust me, i know little about computers i know a lot about games, so updating and installing is not my thing lol, buy the suitable computer and dont mess with nature! why install and update, get the original computer that the games you wana play so bad is designed for..

--you have to update steam games as soon as you install them. it wont let you play them unless you do. once they are updated i always tell it to not update automatically to same me the time.

--i play CS, HL2, EP 1, EP 2 all with a two buttom mouse. And guess what? It works just fine. Only settings i changed on the mouse tab were my look sensitivity.

And i didn't have to update my video card. And i have a macbook. So......

FizzZ*

Aug 14, 2008, 06:42 PM

--you have to update steam games as soon as you install them. it wont let you play them unless you do. once they are updated i always tell it to not update automatically to same me the time.

--i play CS, HL2, EP 1, EP 2 all with a two buttom mouse. And guess what? It works just fine. Only settings i changed on the mouse tab were my look sensitivity.

And i didn't have to update my video card. And i have a macbook. So......

are u serious?? can you help me then? tell me what to install and download i want to play CS so bad, i only play it at net cafes i want to play it at home.. do you think i can install it for free i dont think i can afford paying for anything right now. i have a steam account but i use it at the cafe, if i can have windows on my mac im sorted!

cantthinkofone

Aug 15, 2008, 09:23 AM

are u serious?? can you help me then? tell me what to install and download i want to play CS so bad, i only play it at net cafes i want to play it at home.. do you think i can install it for free i dont think i can afford paying for anything right now. i have a steam account but i use it at the cafe, if i can have windows on my mac im sorted!

You need a intel mac.

Go get Crossover For Games (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxgames/).

Run thru the setup. It has steam as one of it's presets. Install steam. Steam will run. Then download CS to your computer. Since you play it you should just have to tell it to put it on that computer.

Let it install, and update and all that stuff.

Run CS.

i play on the never stop gaming server. Nobody talks ***** and they are friendly.

I might have forgotten something. Let me know if it doesn't work.

FizzZ*

Aug 17, 2008, 04:42 AM

You need a intel mac.

Go get Crossover For Games (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxgames/).

Run thru the setup. It has steam as one of it's presets. Install steam. Steam will run. Then download CS to your computer. Since you play it you should just have to tell it to put it on that computer.

Let it install, and update and all that stuff.

Run CS.

i play on the never stop gaming server. Nobody talks ***** and they are friendly.

I might have forgotten something. Let me know if it doesn't work.

my computer is an eMac G4, i just remembered, i dont think it will work i need a newer computer, argh! this sucks!
but thanx for your help i get the idea, i think in my case buying a windows computer is the best option and the cheapest.

thunderclap

Aug 19, 2008, 04:37 PM

because its a lot of time to waist and my computer is very full to download something else to it so i dont know how im going to start windows on my mac!

A lot of time to waist? Run BootCamp and install Windows XP/Vista. This takes 20-30 min. Then install the games you want. It doesn't take that much time.

also games like counter strike needs the right click mouse and the good old windows keyboard that im used to when i play cs .. i tryed to buy a right click mouse for my mac and tried for example to change my mouse setting for halo to use the right click but it doesnt work

I picked up the Logitech LX3 at Best Buy which cost $25. Works perfectly with the Mac, including the right mouse button.

why install and update, get the original computer that the games you wana play so bad is designed for..

To save on room. Why have two boxes, two monitors, two mice, two keyboards and two sets of speakers? It's wasted space.

retrofraction

Aug 20, 2008, 11:42 AM

What exactly is Steam? :confused: Maybe we can suggest a Mac friendly alternative.

steam is an automatic game station for everything, want games download them, chat to friends, play games without cd without cracking, downloads updates automaticly for you, want to make mods? get the tools free!

steam owns all apps, and there really isn't another mac alternative.

I don't think they are going to make a mac version manly because they make games only for the PC, because Valve owns Steam and Valve only makes PC games.

FizzZ*

Aug 21, 2008, 03:52 PM

A lot of time to waist? Run BootCamp and install Windows XP/Vista. This takes 20-30 min. Then install the games you want. It doesn't take that much time.

I picked up the Logitech LX3 at Best Buy which cost $25. Works perfectly with the Mac, including the right mouse button.

To save on room. Why have two boxes, two monitors, two mice, two keyboards and two sets of speakers? It's wasted space.

dude even if i had an intel mac i wouldnt go through all this, i played cs over 6 years now im goin pro big time and im so used to the windows as u can tell after 6 years of playing on the windows keyboard.
and unfortunately the **** mouse quality lol i have to say mac mouses are smoother and better even if you change the speed and the setting lol but im used to play cs on the windows mouse quality.. yea everything original is better, play cs on a cs computer not a mac!
good cs players that played for years will notice a difference and won't be comfortable with a new atmosphere, people that play cs immaturely and just to waist day time wont mind doing all this and play it on a mac, but pro's and people who played for years on a windows will always play it on windows to keep thea skillz. buy windows to play cs, but games like halo and BF and other big names should be played on mac, good grapchics and performance, macs are stronge and it just feels fancy to play on a mac XD
love ya mac, big fan

spyker3292

Aug 21, 2008, 04:28 PM

Consultant

Aug 21, 2008, 05:06 PM

What exactly is Steam? :confused: Maybe we can suggest a Mac friendly alternative.

Steam is an online store + game authentication + auto update + achievement tracking app/site
that sells games for PC available for download (but with DRM and anti-cheat).
steampowered dot com

A macbook doesn't have the dedicated graphics card to run source based games smoothly.

Many people have success with such games such as TF2 and the orange box.