Need Constant Online Connection To Play Half Life2?

[Frankie]

I just want to verify some conflicting info I've gotten, before I buy the game.

First off, do I need to have Steam running the whole time I play HL2 even if I'm just playing the Single Player?

I have 2 computers, is there a way I can install the game on BOTH computers? I'm guessing the answer is no, but I'm hoping I can at least play the Single Player on both computers since I DID buy the game.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

[BlueWeasel]

I don't have HL2 but this is what I understand. Steam requires verification of HL2 and you must go online for this. However, once this complete, you can go into "Offline" mode in Steam and this doesn't require an internet connection to play HL2.

 

[clicknext]

I believe BlueWeasel is correct.


However, I just thought of something. If you're required to verify only once to play in offline mode, can't you verify it on two different computers at seperate times? Since you're in offline mode, Steam wouldn't know that you're using the same license at two locations.

 

[Slogun]

You are all correct.

For offline mode, online connection is only required the first time you install the game on each machine you use it on.

You can install one copy on 25 computers at home and then run them all at the same time and play together on a LAN, in offline mode.

This, assuming however, you are using the Steam version as opposed to the retail version. Offline or online, the retail version requires the CD to run and I'm not aware of a way around that as yet except for using a virtual cd image through something like alcohol.

 

[Frankie]

Originally posted by: Slogun
You are all correct.

For offline mode, online connection is only required the first time you install the game on each machine you use it on.

You can install one copy on 25 computers at home and then run them all at the same time and play together on a LAN, in offline mode.

This, assuming however, you are using the Steam version as opposed to the retail version. Offline or online, the retail version requires the CD to run and I'm not aware of a way around that as yet except for using a virtual cd image through something like alcohol.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm getting the retail version and I have Alcohol so I'll be alright. Just wanted to make sure me and my brother could both play the Single Player at the same time.

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: Frankie

Originally posted by: Slogun
You are all correct.

For offline mode, online connection is only required the first time you install the game on each machine you use it on.

You can install one copy on 25 computers at home and then run them all at the same time and play together on a LAN, in offline mode.

This, assuming however, you are using the Steam version as opposed to the retail version. Offline or online, the retail version requires the CD to run and I'm not aware of a way around that as yet except for using a virtual cd image through something like alcohol.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm getting the retail version and I have Alcohol so I'll be alright. Just wanted to make sure me and my brother could both play the Single Player at the same time.

Most recent (past few years) games won't work off a backup cd or CD image, however sites like gcw & megagames have ways around this.

 

[Slogun]

People have been posting on various forums that a virtual cd image (a virtual drive actually) through alcohol works for HL2.

 

[brxndxn]

I downloaded the Steam version of HL2 and I burned a backup copy to a DVD. Then, I gave the DVD to my neighbor who wanted to see if his crappy computer would be able to run HL2 before he went out and spent $60 on it.

Well, we had planned to let him play for a few hours and then he would uninstall it. Though, through bad communication, we both ended up playing it at the same time (online mode using my account) for about five hours. Since then, he's uninstalled it and bought the game.. But nothing bad has happened to my account.

I would guess they're fairly lenient..

 

[Slogun]

I'm very surprised that the steam servers would allow two simultaneous authentications from one account.
The old Wonserver system never used to allow any simultaneous online play using one CD key that I ever heard of.
Perhaps it was during a time when their servers were overloaded.

Nothing against you, but I would have to see this for myself to believe it.

Perhaps I will try later authenticating simultaneously from both mine and my son'e computer using the same account. then again, it would be the same IP which would not be the same situation for you and your neighbor.