OS X Steam won't recognise installed game

[bmac89]

Hello,

I recently downloaded steam and bought some games and have had nothing but trouble since. However at the moment I am facing a different problem which is making both steam and my purchased games useless.

My current problem is steam does not recognise the game is even installed even though it is and I have previously played it. I have tried uninstalling steam and deleting all associated files, including the game and game data and re-downloading it. I launched the game and then it said Downloadable Content damaged and it quit. When I launch the game again it does not recognise the game is installed and the cycle goes on!

I am running OSX Mavericks.

I will never buy a steam game again. Constant freeze ups. Games won't launch or take 15 minutes before they start. Firewall and universal access request every time. Asking to verify computer with email code every single time I log in or launch game. Game can not be played offline at this stage....and the list goes on and on.

I really hope someone can help me get the current problem sorted out.
Many thanks

 

[Janichsan]

Steam for Mac is currently completely messed up. You are not alone with this problem. The cause of this seems to be that – for what reason ever – Steam sometimes does not read the whole content of ~/Library/Application Support and hence does not find its own library folder.

You don't have to reinstall Steam and/or the games every time, though. Quitting Steam, waiting a while and relaunching it often makes it find the library again. It's no real fix though. Valve has to get their ***** together, but I have the impression their interest in supporting OS X properly is gone…

 

[bmac89]

Steam for Mac is currently completely messed up. You are not alone with this problem. The cause of this seems to be that – for what reason ever – Steam sometimes does not read the whole content of ~/Library/Application Support and hence does not find its own library folder.

You don't have to reinstall Steam and/or the games every time, though. Quitting Steam, waiting a while and relaunching it often makes it find the library again. It's no real fix though. Valve has to get their ***** together, but I have the impression their interest in supporting OS X properly is gone…

Thanks for the reply.

I wonder does this issue affect all versions of OSX or only some?

What do you mean by wait a while...? I have spent a whole day trying to get it to work with only 1 success.

Every time I launch a game the steam client completely freezes. On the odd occasion that the game does successfully load, it then says download is damaged and then quits the game.
When I first bought the game it worked despite the long wait for game to launch, constant freeze ups and the repeated universal access and firewall requests.

In addition to reinstalling steam and the games I have restarted the computer multiple times.

I have paid Steam for a service which is not being provided - but I doubt I will get a refund or any acknowledgment. I will never waste any more money on this Steam junk.

Thanks again for your response.

 

[Janichsan]

Thanks for the reply.

I wonder does this issue affect all versions of OSX or only some?

I don't really know. The reports I've seen were all either Mavericks (all 10.9.5, I think) or Yosemite.

What do you mean by wait a while...? I have spent a whole day trying to get it to work with only 1 success.

Yes, it's definitely hit-or-miss, with a lot of miss.

 

[Irishman]

Hello,

I recently downloaded steam and bought some games and have had nothing but trouble since. However at the moment I am facing a different problem which is making both steam and my purchased games useless.

My current problem is steam does not recognise the game is even installed even though it is and I have previously played it. I have tried uninstalling steam and deleting all associated files, including the game and game data and re-downloading it. I launched the game and then it said Downloadable Content damaged and it quit. When I launch the game again it does not recognise the game is installed and the cycle goes on!

I am running OSX Mavericks.

I will never buy a steam game again. Constant freeze ups. Games won't launch or take 15 minutes before they start. Firewall and universal access request every time. Asking to verify computer with email code every single time I log in or launch game. Game can not be played offline at this stage....and the list goes on and on.

I really hope someone can help me get the current problem sorted out.
Many thanks

You mentioned you are running Mavericks, but what other apps have you installed on your Mac? I ask because about a year ago, I had some performance problems with my iMac - stuttering, delaying, beach ball while playing games or browsing. I thought it was Steam, too, so I uninstalled it and reinstalled it, losing all my save games in the process, because I didn't know how to save them at the time.

I also ended up reinstalling OSX in the end, because the problem was some little app downloaded from the web that was incompatible with my system.

Just my two cents.

PS - I am having the pop up issue everyone else is having, so Steam isn't perfect for me.

 

[bmac89]

I don't really know. The reports I've seen were all either Mavericks (all 10.9.5, I think) or Yosemite.


Yes, it's definitely hit-or-miss, with a lot of miss.

Thanks. I am running OSX 10.9.4

----------

You mentioned you are running Mavericks, but what other apps have you installed on your Mac? I ask because about a year ago, I had some performance problems with my iMac - stuttering, delaying, beach ball while playing games or browsing. I thought it was Steam, too, so I uninstalled it and reinstalled it, losing all my save games in the process, because I didn't know how to save them at the time.

I also ended up reinstalling OSX in the end, because the problem was some little app downloaded from the web that was incompatible with my system.

Just my two cents.

PS - I am having the pop up issue everyone else is having, so Steam isn't perfect for me.

Thanks for your reply.

For me it is definitely steam which is freezing up and beach balling. All other apps still function well, including mission control which reamins smooth despite Steam freezing on launch and marked as "application not responding."

It looks like I won't be able to play the games unless Steam fixes this mess. Either way I will never spend a single cent more on Steam Junk.

 

[bmac89]

My Steam and games are completely broken! When it does launch the game it says "Damaged Content: Your download content is damaged and cannot be used. Please download it again" and quits.

I have downloaded multiple times. Completely deleted steam, games, game files etc etc. I have tried backing up steam content and restoring. Nothing works.

I have tried contacting Steam Support but it asks me to create a support account which I did. I then says it has sent a code to my email to verify account but the email never arrives and it is not in junk. I have asked for verification email to be resent - still nothing a day later. So I'm stuck.

Total waste of money and time!

 

[xSinghx]

When I did use Steam I used it on the windows partition with bootcamp since it's usually trash on the mac side, but even that's no guarantee of avoiding problems indefinitely. And when you eventually do, Steam has non-existent customer support and a no refund policy which is why I no longer use them. If possible try gog.com (or MAS) as they have 30day return policy and are DRM free, meaning you don't need to use a client like Steam to play your games. Simply click the program icon from your dock and - presto - the game launches. What a concept~

But if it helps you can always drop Gabe Newell a line:
http://www.valvesoftware.com/email.php?recipient=Gabe+Newell

 

[bmac89]

When I did use Steam I used it on the windows partition with bootcamp since it's usually trash on the mac side, but even that's no guarantee of avoiding problems indefinitely. And when you eventually do, Steam has non-existent customer support and a no refund policy which is why I no longer use them. If possible try gog.com (or MAS) as they have 30day return policy and are DRM free, meaning you don't need to use a client like Steam to play your games. Simply click the program icon from your dock and - presto - the game launches. What a concept~

But if it helps you can always drop Gabe Newell a line:
http://www.valvesoftware.com/email.php?recipient=Gabe+Newell

Thanks for the reply & suggestions. I will send a message and I most certainly won't be giving away any more money to Steam!

 

[macmannate]

yeh steam mac is disgusting currently causing my machine to hang on shutdown etc.

 

[bmac89]

I can't even contact customer support or use the forum. It says to verify my email but I never received any verification email despite requesting it to be sent again (not in junk). I have created multiple new accounts but never receive the verification email on any of my accounts. It then says to setup my profile before I can post on the forum but everytime I do that it kicks me off and I have to log back in. I have tried multiple browsers and computers.

Steam is a total train wreck!

I warn anyone considering buying games on Steam to avoid. Don't get sucked in by any specials - it simply isn't worth the problems that a mac user will face assuming they can even play the games.

P.S. I have emailed Gabe using the link above. If I don't get a satisfactory response I will post (snail mail) Valve/Steam.

 

[Washac]

The biggest downside on all this is in the fact that if you want to stop using their service because of these type of ongoing issues they will NOT hand over any of the games that YOU have supposedly PAID for

Believe me I tried.

 

[Irishman]

I can't even contact customer support or use the forum. It says to verify my email but I never received any verification email despite requesting it to be sent again (not in junk). I have created multiple new accounts but never receive the verification email on any of my accounts. It then says to setup my profile before I can post on the forum but everytime I do that it kicks me off and I have to log back in. I have tried multiple browsers and computers.

Steam is a total train wreck!

I warn anyone considering buying games on Steam to avoid. Don't get sucked in by any specials - it simply isn't worth the problems that a mac user will face assuming they can even play the games.

P.S. I have emailed Gabe using the link above. If I don't get a satisfactory response I will post (snail mail) Valve/Steam.

As you're addressing a thread of Mac Steam users, it should have become obvious to you by now that we don't share your experience. And even though we want to help, you seem convinced that Steam is your only problem.

We can't force you to take our advice. Keep trying to contact Steam/Valve support, and maybe look into Origin. ;P

----------

The biggest downside on all this is in the fact that if you want to stop using their service because of these type of ongoing issues they will NOT hand over any of the games that YOU have supposedly PAID for

Believe me I tried.

Neither will the MAS or Origin. WE buy licenses from these services, not the games themselves.

 

[xSinghx]

Neither will the MAS or Origin. WE buy licenses from these services, not the games themselves.

I'm sure he knows that. He's just not happy with the status quo the way you are, and he has good reason not to be - which is his point.

 

[Washac]

Neither will the MAS or Origin. WE buy licenses from these services, not the games themselves.

MAS you download the whole game, no interface etc required to play, I have the whole game to do with what I will, if I choose to never use the MAS again I can still play my games, that was my point.

 

[Janichsan]

MAS you download the whole game, no interface etc required to play, I have the whole game to do with what I will, if I choose to never use the MAS again I can still play my games, that was my point.

Not really: the apps you got from the MAS have to be authenticated online before use. If the required servers are shut down, you are out of luck.

 

[xSinghx]

Not really: the apps you got from the MAS have to be authenticated online before use. If the required servers are shut down, you are out of luck.

And none of this conflicts with what he said. What you're pointing out is a trivial detail compared to dealing with the mess that is Steam, Origin, Uplay etc. A program from the MAS authenticates once and you're fine - everything he wrote follows after that and is correct. Sorry but I hate reading forum posts that pretend to pull the rug out on something and are just noise that overlooks the greater point.

 

[bmac89]

Still not working after Clean install OSX

As you're addressing a thread of Mac Steam users, it should have become obvious to you by now that we don't share your experience. And even though we want to help, you seem convinced that Steam is your only problem.

We can't force you to take our advice. Keep trying to contact Steam/Valve support, and maybe look into Origin. ;P

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate not everybody is experiencing the same problems, but a lot of mac users are facing some, many or all of the issues that I am facing. I also am personally aware of friends who are facing many of the same issues.

Every problem I have experienced is documented on forums and blogs so it certainly is not a unique experience.

So if it isn't a Steam problem then what is it and what advice should I be considering? Bare in mind I have done a clean install of the Operating System on two different mac computers and a clean install of Steam and the games again. I have also tried it on Mavericks 10.9.4 as well as 10.9.5 and Yosemite 10.10.

Absolutely no other software has been installed and no backups restored. Simply OSX, Steam & Steam Games.

So if it is not a Steam problem then I really don't know what is causing the following problems since Steam updated on both computers:

* steam not recognising my installed games
* freeze up every time it launches
* Give an error saying damaged content and quitting game
* Requesting universal access and firewall access every single time
* Requesting email verification code every single time
....and the list goes on.

These issues occur on 2 different mac computers with clean install.

 

[GoldfishRT]

I'm not sure...

I have only had it not see the installed games once. Even the overlay problems and resource leaks have managed to disappear and those were the only problems I ever have really had with Steam on OS X in the last year. Steam's OS X launch was a **** show though that's for sure. Sorry you're having problems but at the end of the day I'm not really sure what to say that can help you. I find the fact that you're having issues with your downloaded games really quite strange though. I've never heard of problems other than some superficial client stuff and the occasional resource leak.

 

[Janichsan]

A program from the MAS authenticates once and you're fine …

Unless you move them to a new machine or freshly installed system. Then you have to authenticate them again.

 

[bmac89]

I have only had it not see the installed games once. Even the overlay problems and resource leaks have managed to disappear and those were the only problems I ever have really had with Steam on OS X in the last year. Steam's OS X launch was a **** show though that's for sure. Sorry you're having problems but at the end of the day I'm not really sure what to say that can help you. I find the fact that you're having issues with your downloaded games really quite strange though. I've never heard of problems other than some superficial client stuff and the occasional resource leak.

Thanks for the reply. When I first started using Steam the games worked fine. However this did not last long. When I opened Steam a little popup window said "updating steam" a few seconds passed and the problems have been consistent ever since that time.

 

[Washac]

And none of this conflicts with what he said. What you're pointing out is a trivial detail compared to dealing with the mess that is Steam, Origin, Uplay etc. A program from the MAS authenticates once and you're fine - everything he wrote follows after that and is correct. Sorry but I hate reading forum posts that pretend to pull the rug out on something and are just noise that overlooks the greater point.

Thank you, good to see somebody understands, if others did the gaming world online would not be in the mess that it is in today.

 

[Irishman]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate not everybody is experiencing the same problems, but a lot of mac users are facing some, many or all of the issues that I am facing. I also am personally aware of friends who are facing many of the same issues.

Every problem I have experienced is documented on forums and blogs so it certainly is not a unique experience.

So if it isn't a Steam problem then what is it and what advice should I be considering? Bare in mind I have done a clean install of the Operating System on two different mac computers and a clean install of Steam and the games again. I have also tried it on Mavericks 10.9.4 as well as 10.9.5 and Yosemite 10.10.

Absolutely no other software has been installed and no backups restored. Simply OSX, Steam & Steam Games.

So if it is not a Steam problem then I really don't know what is causing the following problems since Steam updated on both computers:

* steam not recognising my installed games
* freeze up every time it launches
* Give an error saying damaged content and quitting game
* Requesting universal access and firewall access every single time
* Requesting email verification code every single time
....and the list goes on.

These issues occur on 2 different mac computers with clean install.

THIS post should have been post #1. It would have avoided so much tension and aggression.

 

[roadbloc]

The biggest downside on all this is in the fact that if you want to stop using their service because of these type of ongoing issues they will NOT hand over any of the games that YOU have supposedly PAID for

Believe me I tried.

That goes without saying for all DRM management.

 

[antonis]

So if it is not a Steam problem then I really don't know what is causing the following problems since Steam updated on both computers:

* steam not recognising my installed games
* freeze up every time it launches
* Give an error saying damaged content and quitting game
* Requesting universal access and firewall access every single time
* Requesting email verification code every single time
....and the list goes on.

These issues occur on 2 different mac computers with clean install.

And I bet that if you open the console app while doing all these things with Steam, you'll face a wall of text with error messages thrown in the background. Some of them sound like permission issues between steam and the operating system but, regardless, this definitely seems that the problem is on the steam side.