OS Neutral Installing Steam game on both Windows and OSX?

[hieronymuspool]

Hi all,

After five years, I'm finally getting a new MacBook (Pro) - which also opens up the option of playing computer games again. Totally stoked to unleash the nerd inside me again.

I was wondering: in case I'd like to try (and compare playability of) for instance Crusader Kings 2 on both OSX and on Windows (Bootcamp), would I have to buy two versions of the game? Or does one purchase of the game on Steam mean I could download both the Mac and the PC version - considering I'd launch Steam in both OSX and Windows?

(This question relates to me still figuring out if I'll be playing mostly natively on OSX or through Bootcamp.)

 

[MichalM.Mac]

Almost all of Mac compatible Steam games have SteamPlay feature.
See https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9439-QHKN-1308

 

[hieronymuspool]

Thank you very much for the link - had no idea this option existed. Seems like a perfect way to test OSX vs Bootcamp playability of a number of games.

 

[Huntn]

When you open your Steam Library, it will show you your purchases. If it is not on your computer simply download it, keeping in mind (I don't think) it will offer to download PC-only games to Mac Steam. Also reference the Steam Your Mac Guide which explains how to move a Steam Install.

 

[hieronymuspool]

When you open your Steam Library, it will show you your purchases. If it is not on your computer simply download it, keeping in mind (I don't think) it will offer to download PC-only games to Mac Steam. Also reference the Steam Your Mac Guide which explains how to move a Steam Install.

Sorry, I'm not too sure what you're trying to explain here. If we take the example of CK2 again, I'd buy and download the game first for OSX. Afterwards, opening Steam with the same user account in Bootcamp, I'm hoping Steamplay will let me redownload the game again - be it the Windows version this time. I'm assuming this is what Steamplay means, right?

For what purpose would I move a Steam install (not even sure what that means)?

 

[Huntn]

Sorry, I'm not too sure what you're trying to explain here. If we take the example of CK2 again, I'd buy and download the game first for OSX. Afterwards, opening Steam with the same user account in Bootcamp, I'm hoping Steamplay will let me redownload the game again - be it the Windows version this time. I'm assuming this is what Steamplay means, right?

Correct. Steamplay is a description of a feature of Steam where they won't force you to buy a Mac/PC game twice. I'm simply saying that when you install Steam on your new Mac, log-in, and open your Steam Library, you'll see all of your past purchases, but they will be greyed out by virtue of them not being installed on both the Mac and PC side. To play a Mac/PC game under both OSs, you'll have to download it twice, once under each OS.

For what purpose would I move a Steam install (not even sure what that means)?

There is the Steam appllication, and then there is the Steam Apps Folder which is located in a different location. Steam Apps is where game downloaded content appears. The default location for Steam Games to be installed on the Mac is the Steam Apps Folder in Library>Application Support> Steam folder on your internal drive. This situation might apply if your Mac's internal hard drive, especially after you've carved off a piece of it for Windows, may not be as big as you'd like and you don't want to fill it up with Mac (Steam) games. If you have an external drive and want to put all of your Steam Mac games there, this guide explains how to move the install to a different partition or drive.

Having trouble finding the Library folder in the finder pull down menus? In the newer MacOS the library folder is hidden. Find it by typing "Library" in the Help window and that should make it appear as a selection in the "Go" menu.

 

[hieronymuspool]

Correct. Steamplay is a description of a feature of Steam where they won't force you to buy a Mac/PC game twice. I'm simply saying that when you install Steam on your new Mac, log-in, and open your Steam Library, you'll see all of your past purchases, but they will be greyed out by virtue of them not being installed on both the Mac and PC side. To play a Mac/PC game under both OSs, you'll have to download it twice, once under each OS.



There is the Steam appllication, and then there is the Steam Apps Folder which is located in a different location. Steam Apps is where game downloaded content appears. The default location for Steam Games to be installed on the Mac is the Steam Apps Folder in Library>Application Support> Steam folder on your internal drive. This situation might apply if your Mac's internal hard drive, especially after you've carved off a piece of it for Windows, may not be as big as you'd like and you don't want to fill it up with Mac (Steam) games. If you have an external drive and want to put all of your Steam Mac games there, this guide explains how to move the install to a different partition or drive.

Having trouble finding the Library folder in the finder pull down menus? In the newer MacOS the library folder is hidden. Find it by typing "Library" in the Help window and that should make it appear as a selection in the "Go" menu,

You, sir, have helped me a lot with this great answer. Thank you times two!

Now just to wait for some nice Steam sales.

 

[Huntn]

You, sir, have helped me a lot with this great answer. Thank you times two!

Now just to wait for some nice Steam sales.

My pleasure.

Keep in mind in the new MacBookPro lineup, only the $2600 MBP has dedicated graphics. The $2000 model has integrated graphics which depending on what type of gamer you are, might make a difference. In case you are not familiar: link

Has anyone seen a good benchmark article on these new models?

 

[hieronymuspool]

Coming from a late 2007 white Macbook, I made sure to max out the 15" and took the 750M model. Very happy I didn't jump the gun and went for the 650M model earlier. Delivery in 5 days!

It seems many people are waiting for Anandtech's review, since they usually do quite extensive testing. Should hopefully giving more insights into the IGPU vs DGPU-question!

 

[Huntn]

Coming from a late 2007 white Macbook, I made sure to max out the 15" and took the 750M model. Very happy I didn't jump the gun and went for the 650M model earlier. Delivery in 5 days!

It seems many people are waiting for Anandtech's review, since they usually do quite extensive testing. Should hopefully giving more insights into the IGPU vs DGPU-question!

I've been quite pleased with my 2011 MBP (see signature) for gaming/Windows gaming. It does a fine job for both World of Tanks and Final Fantasy XIV. Yours will do even better.

 

[827538]

I've been quite pleased with my 2011 MBP (see signature) for gaming/Windows gaming. It does a fine job for both World of Tanks and Final Fantasy XIV. Yours will do even better.

Nice, a fellow WoT player.
I asked a guy who has a rMBP on YouTube called retinagameshow to post a video showing WoT on bootcamp on his late 2012 rMBP. Ran brilliantly, cannot wait to get my Mac this week so I can play everywhere - been playing WoT since closed beta!

 

[Huntn]

Nice, a fellow WoT player.
I asked a guy who has a rMBP on YouTube called retinagameshow to post a video showing WoT on bootcamp on his late 2012 rMBP. Ran brilliantly, cannot wait to get my Mac this week so I can play everywhere - been playing WoT since closed beta!

I assume you are getting the top of the line MBP, the one with dedicated graphics? 15" 2.3GHz.

 

[827538]

I assume you are getting the top of the line MBP, the one with dedicated graphics? 15" 2.3GHz.

That's the one. Been holding off for ages. I know Macs aren't built for gaming but Apple has included all the makings for a respectable gaming machine. Plus the fantastic, high quality design and stunning retina display. Can't wait to fire up WoT with my E-75... Atleast until arty owns me and then I'll go club baby seals in the low tiers

 

[Huntn]

That's the one. Been holding off for ages. I know Macs aren't built for gaming but Apple has included all the makings for a respectable gaming machine. Plus the fantastic, high quality design and stunning retina display. Can't wait to fire up WoT with my E-75... Atleast until arty owns me and then I'll go club baby seals in the low tiers

Lol. I'm about 60k from my first tier 9. Fighting tier 9s and 10s in my 8 is not as much fun as at the tier 5-7 level.

 

[827538]

Lol. I'm about 60k from my first tier 9. Fighting tier 9s and 10s in my 8 is not as much fun as at the tier 5-7 level.

I haven't had the oppurtunity to play regularly, I have a good four tier 9's. E-75, M103, IS-8, T-54.
I would say tier 9 is the sweet spot, tier 10 just becomes far too expensive for repairs, ammo and the tanks themselves - plus everyone's just flinging gold around these days .

You'll enjoy tier 9 no doubt, that's when you tend to get the tier 10 level guns capable of laying down the hurt.

My favourite has to be the E-75, it's not over powered by any means, but learn to play i.e. angle the armour, then you can bully almost any tank in the game - tier X's included! I'm a bit fed up of the 'power creap' in world of tanks, I remember the days when a Maus or an IS-7 were beasts, now compared to those ridiculous tier X TD's they are useless...

I've unlocked the E-100 but have no plans on playing it, it's no better armoured really and the 150mm is lacking, I've gone toe-to-toe against them in my E-75 and can win 70% of the time, providing they aren't great players.

My favourite tanks after years of playing have been, Stug III, Matilda (British version), T-34-85, Jagdpanther (before the nerf it was phenomenal), KV-IS, T29, King Tiger. Not to say I didn't enjoy others, just these were the stand outs.

Looking forward to War Thunder's Ground Combat!

 

[Huntn]

I haven't had the oppurtunity to play regularly, I have a good four tier 9's. E-75, M103, IS-8, T-54.
I would say tier 9 is the sweet spot, tier 10 just becomes far too expensive for repairs, ammo and the tanks themselves - plus everyone's just flinging gold around these days .

You'll enjoy tier 9 no doubt, that's when you tend to get the tier 10 level guns capable of laying down the hurt.

My favourite has to be the E-75, it's not over powered by any means, but learn to play i.e. angle the armour, then you can bully almost any tank in the game - tier X's included! I'm a bit fed up of the 'power creap' in world of tanks, I remember the days when a Maus or an IS-7 were beasts, now compared to those ridiculous tier X TD's they are useless...

I've unlocked the E-100 but have no plans on playing it, it's no better armoured really and the 150mm is lacking, I've gone toe-to-toe against them in my E-75 and can win 70% of the time, providing they aren't great players.

My favourite tanks after years of playing have been, Stug III, Matilda (British version), T-34-85, Jagdpanther (before the nerf it was phenomenal), KV-IS, T29, King Tiger. Not to say I didn't enjoy others, just these were the stand outs.

Looking forward to War Thunder's Ground Combat!

Has the Matilda been nerfed? Seems like it does not hold up as well as it used to. BTW have you seen this WOT thread?

 

[827538]

Has the Matilda been nerfed? Seems like it does not hold up as well as it used to. BTW have you seen this WOT thread?

Ever since I saw a Mighty Jingles replay contest where the Matilda took over 10k potential damage I've used it. Providing you side scrape etc it becomes so hard for them to pen you.

No I'll take a look.

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Has the Matilda been nerfed? Seems like it does not hold up as well as it used to. BTW have you seen this WOT thread?

Ah I see. Well once my rMBP arrives I'd be happy to platoon up (I'm on the EU server). I have a nearly 3000 player rating, I more play for fun than for stats these days though.

Good to see you play with your son. The game really isn't a complete wallet warrior fest. Granted you definitely progress quicker with premium but gold ammo is mostly bought with normal credits so that's available to all. Premium tanks aren't OP, I have the Lowe and the Type 59, both good with the Type being the better of the two but I wouldn't consider them OP, the Type is well rounded, the Lowe is a pure sniper and can't take punishment.

The game is very well done economics wise, people pay because they enjoy it, not because they have to. But now that the arty has finally been nerfed the only thing that I really have a problem with is gold ammo, it completely unbalances the game and negates tanks with an armour advantage.