GTA V: Steam version or retail version?

[Dave3000]

I'm going to buy this game for the PC. I have purchased GTA 1-IV on Steam and having GTA V in my Steam library would compliment my GTA collection on Steam. However, I might buy the retail version and I read that the retail version does not require Steam which means no double DRM since I read that the Steam version requires RSC as well. 65 GB is a big chuck out of my internet's 250 GB data cap despite having a 3.5 MB/s connection. Not all my games are on Steam so having all my games in one place is a mute point for me and not possible anyways and in my opinion a true PC gamer would not limit themselves to just Steam for PC games. I use shortcuts inside a Games folder on my desktop to launch my currently played games anyways since not all my games are on Steam and I don't run Steam at Windows start up either. I prefer my games to have the least amount of DRM on them and the least hassle to install and activate. I can buy the non-steam version at GMG for with the VIP discount but still I would have to download the game which would take a big chunk from my internet and I'm not even sure if I would have to redownload it again if I ever reinstall Windows or if the game installation files are kept in a folder that I can backup for future reinstallation.

 

[TechBoyJK]

I bought Retail. I want the box. I like steam, and I enjoy my library, but not 'that much'.

Plus, I want the physical media. I don't want to have to DL 50GB everytime I install it. (edit: I know I can save the install files, but still. I want the raw media, JIC).

 

[Granseth]

The biggest bonus of Steam (and similar) is that you don't need to save the medium.

For you it seems like downloading 60GB (59GB for me when I downloaded) is a big deal, and I would have bought a physical copy if you can live with taking care of of your physical copy.

 

[Dave3000]

If I do get the physical copy, I will throw the jewel case away and just keep the discs in my CD binder. I don't care about jewel cases as I don't need the additional clutter. As long as the physical copy does not require the disc in the drive to play I fine with getting the physical copy.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

I'd get the physical copy if my connection was capped. You still, as you mentioned, need to go through RSC no matter what option you go with.

Biggest advantage of Steam (to me) is auto-updating. I tend to remove games from my drives as soon as I stop playing them, though.

 

[ImpulsE69]

I bought Retail. I want the box. I like steam, and I enjoy my library, but not 'that much'.

Plus, I want the physical media. I don't want to have to DL 50GB everytime I install it. (edit: I know I can save the install files, but still. I want the raw media, JIC).

Is this even still an issue? I can't remember the last time I 'reinstalled" a game. Even with disks...

 

[Atomic Playboy]

It's all a matter of preference. I don't want any more physical media lying around if it isn't a tangible upgrade to downloading. Blu-rays are tangibly better than streaming, so I get them. Steam downloads are not inferior to physical copies of games, so I see no reason to get the discs.

 

[mnewsham]

I bought on steam, 75Mb/s download + no data cap.

 

[Hinda65]

I bought on steam, 75Mb/s download + no data cap.

Damn! my speed caps @ 1.9mb/s I figured it would take me 8.3 hrs to dl this game...I'm gonna be at best buy, 10:00am Tuesday.

 

[SithSolo1]

I got it on steam, no data cap and only took about 4hrs to download.

 

[mnewsham]

Damn! my speed caps @ 1.9mb/s I figured it would take me 8.3 hrs to dl this game...I'm gonna be at best buy, 10:00am Tuesday.

I capped my steam connection to 7MB/s (about 55Mb/s). So I could watch anime while it downloaded, took about 2-3 hours.

 

[escrow4]

Barely get 1.8MB/s here. Pre-ordered the DVD version (just in case its sold out) and will be picking it up Tuesday. Game is 7 DVDs (check the other GTA V thread) I'd rather install it in 45min or so then spend a whole day downloading and unpacking it.

 

[XiandreX]

Correct me if I am wrong but can you not activate the Retail cd key on the Rockstar Social platform and download the digital version anyways?

I could have sworn I read somewhere you could do that....

 

[futurefields]

If I do get the physical copy, I will throw the jewel case away and just keep the discs in my CD binder.

what a moron ^

 

[mw8t]

I'll wait for the Steam sale tyvm

 

[Fire&Blood]

I'll wait for the Steam sale tyvm

I think that's the right idea. I'll probably pick it up during launch week, if port reports are positive, to keep me occupied until Witcher 3 launches. I heard playing it online extends the value proposition but trolls explore every possible angle for exploits. Definitely want to avoid that, may not even try online before I shelve it for good.

 

[DeadFred]

Steam would be the least deciding factor for me. Had some early bad experiences and I grew to hate Steam with a purple passion! But alas, Im stuck using it occasionally since some games I like require it. :thumbsdown:

 

[JeffMD]

Correct me if I am wrong but can you not activate the Retail cd key on the Rockstar Social platform and download the digital version anyways?

I could have sworn I read somewhere you could do that....

Rockstar social is not a store. Digital versions are managed by stores like steam which are separate from the retail box and you cannot simply throw your retail key at them and unlock it.

 

[DeadFred]

Rockstar social is not a store. Digital versions are managed by stores like steam which are separate from the retail box and you cannot simply throw your retail key at them and unlock it.

Rockstar Social is where I logged in to activate my download key that I bought form GMG.

 

[Majcric]

Barely get 1.8MB/s here. Pre-ordered the DVD version (just in case its sold out) and will be picking it up Tuesday. Game is 7 DVDs (check the other GTA V thread) I'd rather install it in 45min or so then spend a whole day downloading and unpacking it.

Is that steam or your isp provider? I'm thinking steam.

 

[Oyeve]

i preloaded from steam this morning. i was gonna get retail but figured preloading this from steam NOW would get me playing instantly on tuesday when i gets unlocked. took around 3 hours.

 

[JeffMD]

Rockstar Social is where I logged in to activate my download key that I bought form GMG.

Like steam, and maybe gmg, you have game serials, and then serials managed by the store. So if you buy a serial from amazon for steam, it will enable the game in steam, it will not be the same serial you type into the game itself, steam will provide you with another unique code when your steam purchase in verified. This is exactly how it worked in GTA4, too.

 

[escrow4]

Is that steam or your isp provider? I'm thinking steam.

ISP.

 

[JoJoman88]

Barely get 1.8MB/s here. Pre-ordered the DVD version (just in case its sold out) and will be picking it up Tuesday. Game is 7 DVDs (check the other GTA V thread) I'd rather install it in 45min or so then spend a whole day downloading and unpacking it.

I thought you couldn't get 59 GB on 7 DVD's. DVD's could only hold about 700MB. Unless it's compressed and will have to be unpacked. That is some compression if so.

Yes, i too will be going Best Buy to get a copy. I like having something to hold for my 60 bucks. Anyway, my son hijacked my Steam account and i don't want to make another right now.

 

[Eric1987]

Um DVD's can be dual layer holding 8GB.