The Steam Deal Thread V6. We're all pumped for CAG 3.0!

Status
Not open for further replies.

eastx

CAGiversary!
Feedback
92 (100%)
Welcome to the Steam Deal Thread V6! You can find link to past threads at the bottom of this post. Read post #2 of this thread for Steam FAQs and more.

With the V6 Thread, we're trying a slight formatting change. We used to list every possible Steam deal in the OP, but they change too frequently for anyone to keep up with (even in the Wiki format). So now, we'll leave regular minor sales out of the OP. This post will keep track of major sales (Winter sale, etc.), Steam deals available through other sellers (like Amazon), Preorder deals, and Group Buys.

I would still greatly appreciate help from you folks at home in keeping this smaller-scale OP up-to-date. This is a Wiki post so anyone can contribute. Wiki instructions:
Thanks for your help! If you notice a sale has ended, feel free to delete its line from the sale list. Of course, if you see something does need to be added, then kindly add it to the list.

Make sure your changes match the thread's format! For example, every game that's on sale is part of an unordered list. When adding a game to the list, copy an existing line and update the link, title, and prices. That way, the format stays correct. Do not list percentages off! We list the original price and the sale price here. If you have any suggestions for major changes to the post/thread, PM me (EastX) about them.

Steam Sales - Updated 1/22


CAG Threads Featuring Steam Games on Sale Elsewhere - Updated 1/9


Preorder Deals - Updated 1/10
Group Buy Deals - Updated 1/9/13

Free Stuff - List needs updating with F2P games!
There are several free games and mods on Steam. These are a few choice ones; you can find a full list here. Note that free games are not permanently attached to your Steam account like actual purchases would be. You'll need to manually download a game again from the website if you uninstall it.


Steam around CAG

If you are interested in joining the Steam CAG Community or participating in a trade or group buy with fellow Cheap Ass Gamers, please do so in the dedicated threads and not in the deal discussion thread. In the dedicated threads you will find CAGers with the same specialized interest who will be much quicker (and happier) to respond than in the Deals thread.

Past Special Sales

Visit www.steamgamesales.com to check previous sale prices on Steam games. We do keep track of some older sales here though:

Steam Retail Key List

What is a CD key and where can I find it?

Steam's explanation and list of Steam-activatable keys

The CD Key is a serial number with a combination of 13, 18, or 25 letters and numbers - it can be found on a sticker inside your game's case or printed on the game's quick reference card. The CD Key acts as your proof of purchase for the game - Steam Support may ask for it if you need to establish your ownership of an account. It is recommended that you keep your CD Key in a safe place to ensure the security of your account.

Other Keys that can be redeemed on Steam (CAG tested & verified)
11.gif

  • The Ball (bought @D2D, tested by voken)
  • Supreme Commander Forged Alliance (gives both FA and original, bought @amazon, tested by vism)

Indie Bundles thread on Steam forums (link)

Past CAG Steam Deal Threads
 
Last edited by a moderator:
[quote name='asheskitty']
Pretty obvious but worth stating...
You could build up some more user base by posting around in some more forums, SPUF, AnandTech, etc.
When you feel it's reasonably polished, contact appropriate writers at ArsTechnica, Joystiq, etc.[/QUOTE]

Exactly this. Get it around, get it as amazing as possible, then go for the jugular.

Oh, and remember one thing:
We made you; we can break you :twisted:
 
[quote name='asheskitty']My opinion (devaluing the paper it's been printed on since 19XX):

Having plenty of interviewing experience and some experience on the hiring side of things as well, I believe the hardest hurdle is simply getting noticed, and becoming the candidate that the staff talk about. Enhanced Steam is definitely your ticket for getting noticed at Valve. That said, I think you can easily milk more publicity that would certainly help.

Pretty obvious but worth stating...
You could build up some more user base by posting around in some more forums, SPUF, AnandTech, etc.
When you feel it's reasonably polished, contact appropriate writers at ArsTechnica, Joystiq, etc.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the insights. I'm certainly looking to expand the Enhanced Steam user base and features.

I have a huge background in networking (I got my CCNA in 1998!) and I also (obviously) programmed EnhancedSteam.com so I decided that I'll do this for now: I'm going to build a "secret" page on the site, and fill it with my resume / credentials / skills and a general "Please contact me for an interview" page. Then I'm going to backlink all of the IP addresses owned by Valve, and if the page detects that it's being visited by someone from a Valve-owned IP, it will display a banner at the top of the page with a link to my secret "Hire me" page.

Then, hopefully, as it becomes more popular and (hopefully) catches the attention of someone at Valve, I'll have my in. :) If that doesn't work then... well... I'll have to go a more traditional route.

EDIT:

[quote name='BigSpoonyBard']Exactly this. Get it around, get it as amazing as possible, then go for the jugular.

Oh, and remember one thing:
We made you; we can break you :twisted:
[/QUOTE]

The biggest problem I have with "getting the word out" is that most places it is against the rules to engage in self-promotion. So that's where you guys come in. Get it out there! And don't worry, once a CAG, always a CAG. ;)
 
[quote name='BigSpoonyBard']Oh, and remember one thing:
We made you; we can break you :twisted:
[/QUOTE]
Note to self: if I ever develop something similar, post on CAG last. :twisted:

[quote name='jshackles']I'm going to build a "secret" page on the site, and fill it with my resume / credentials / skills and a general "Please contact me for an interview" page. Then I'm going to backlink all of the IP addresses owned by Valve, and if the page detects that it's being visited by someone from a Valve-owned IP, it will display a banner at the top of the page with a link to my secret "Hire me" page.[/QUOTE]
:applause:
 
jshackles ! I never really use steam in my browser, only through the application itself. In that case, that extension will be pretty useless for me, right? Although, as a firefox user, I really am considering downloading Chrome and your extension anyway, hearing all the praise.

On another note, I decided to start up Origin for a change to see if they have anything interesting. The first thing that pops up is Sim City preorder: [FONT=&quot]€ 79,99[/FONT]. PWAH! Excuse me? Okay it has DLC, but there's lots of games that offer DLC during preorder and not for such a rediculous price. Also saw other "new" games for console game prices. Well, at least I got my reminder why I hardly ever use Origin. Closed it off again on a whim.



I wish that JakeNome would answer my PM already...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
[quote name='Therapy']jshackles ! I never really use steam in my browser, only through the application itself. In that case, that extension will be pretty useless for me, right?[/QUOTE]
Not quite useless, but certainly not very useful unless you start using a browser more often.

[quote name='Therapy']Although, as a firefox user, I really am considering downloading Chrome and your extension anyway, hearing all the praise.[/QUOTE]
:cry:
 
[quote name='warreni']I'm going to drop this question here as the Origin thread regulars must have nodded off: do you miss out on anything by playing Crysis 2 and not having played Crysis 1 or Warhead? I ask because of the Origin $5 deal. Unfortuately I missed the $1 Crysis 1 deal yesterday.[/QUOTE]

You miss the good games (1 and warhead) in the series.
 
[quote name='MrBonk']Wish there was a firefox version of this "enhanced steam" seems real nice .[/QUOTE]
Pretty sure he ran into a technical difficulty with the FireFox version and gave up on it. Some way that FireFox manages it's extensions wasn't working with Advanced Steam correctly, so he decided to focus his efforts on the Chrome version.

I think.
 
[quote name='Idiotekque']Pretty sure he ran into a technical difficulty with the FireFox version and gave up on it. Some way that FireFox manages it's extensions wasn't working with Advanced Steam correctly, so he decided to focus his efforts on the Chrome version.

I think.[/QUOTE]
Ah, if so. Understandable.
 
[quote name='jshackles']Been seriously thinking about throwing my resume Valve's way. I've been reading up on their "corporate culture" and I think I'd fit in well there. I have 16 years experience in the tech industry in a WIDE variety of positions, which seems to be what they're typically looking for.

I just don't know if "Hey! I made this cool Chrome extension that does X, Y, and Z! You should consider hiring me." would be enough. Thoughts?[/QUOTE]


Can't say what Valve will do. However, I can already envision a future of, "Hey Jshackles, why the hell isn't Skyrim 75% off yet?"
 
jshackles, my $0.01 is this: I switched to Chrome (even though I much prefer Firefox) for the Enhanced Steam extension. You want Valve to really notice you, find a way to make a complete package. Meaning making a equally functional extension on Chrome, Firefox and dare I say it, Explorer. Remember, Valve and Steam have customer ease and functionality in mind as evidenced by their client service. Expanding your browser base equals expanding your user base as well as more word of mouth.
 
[quote name='Motoki']Well I knew this place was going without complaining for far too long. Thanks Firefox people. You sure fixed that. :p[/QUOTE]

Hey, we do what we must.
 
[quote name='BernardoOne']Would love that extension on Opera :D[/QUOTE]

:rofl:

And Dolphin, Boat, Silk and Safari too. We must have those!

As far as this making a 'complete package' for multiple browsers etc goes let's please remember this is one guy doing this in his spare time and not getting paid.

Yes he would like to get Valve's attention but he doesn't need to do everything under the sun that they should be doing in all possible browsers.

I know a couple of people who are in the games business. They had a portfolio before they really got into it but it was 3D work, mods, demos and such. It's not like they made Call of Duty all on their own for free before they were able to get any development houses to look at them.
 
[quote name='Neuro5i5']Netscape Navigator FTW!

Actually, WebTV FTW! \\:D/
[/QUOTE]

My mom used to have WebTV. For some reason she has real difficulties using a computer with even simple things like using a mouse :roll: but she sure was able to use that old raggedy WebTV.

She was sad when it went away.
 
[quote name='Motoki']:rofl:

And Dolphin, Boat, Silk and Safari too. We must have those!

As far as this making a 'complete package' for multiple browsers etc goes let's please remember this is one guy doing this in his spare time and not getting paid.

Yes he would like to get Valve's attention but he doesn't need to do everything under the sun that they should be doing in all possible browsers.

I know a couple of people who are in the games business. They had a portfolio before they really got into it but it was 3D work, mods, demos and such. It's not like they made Call of Duty all on their own for free before they were able to get any development houses to look at them.[/QUOTE]

Are you saying we shouldn't give suggestions? It isn't as if someone said if he didn't get it on more browsers he absolutely wouldn't get a job. Just that it would most likely increase his chances. If someone made Call of Duty that would most likely also greatly increase their chances at getting a job compared to simply making some models.
 
[quote name='Motoki']
As far as this making a 'complete package' for multiple browsers etc goes let's please remember this is one guy doing this in his spare time and not getting paid.[/QUOTE]

As a CAG, I'm fully appreciative. I switched browsers because of his efforts and given constant praise and will donate as soon as it is feasible for me to do so. I'm just playing devil's advocate on Valve's behalf. Being on the hiring side of the equation for some time anything an individual does that can set themselves apart from the other hands in the air deserves extra attention. That is assuming all this Valve/employment talk is at all serious.



[quote name='Motoki']My mom used to have WebTV. For some reason she has real difficulties using a computer with even simple things like using a mouse :roll: but she sure was able to use that old raggedy WebTV.
She was sad when it went away.[/QUOTE]



While, I (more so my family) have had a computer since 1981, WebTV was my first personal 'internet' capable device giving me my first email address. Fond memories indeed. I find it interesting that the "new" smart TV's being released are basically modern integrated versions of WebTV. :)
 
[quote name='Kaltic']Are you saying we shouldn't give suggestions? It isn't as if someone said if he didn't get it on more browsers he absolutely wouldn't get a job. Just that it would most likely increase his chances. If someone made Call of Duty that would most likely also greatly increase their chances at getting a job compared to simply making some models.[/QUOTE]

Yes. I am saying we shouldn't give suggestions. That's exactly it Kaltic. :roll:

No I am saying remember he is doing this for free.

Also you don't work for Valve and I don't work for Valve so anything we say is or isn't increasing his chances is just guessing. For all we know, getting their attention could require making a Youtube video singing the Barney song. We just don't know.

PS - No one's going to make Call of Duty in their spare time. Watch Indie Game the movie. They barely made those little 8 or 16 bit looking games and it took doing just that for years and sacrificing a bunch to do it.
 
I think we're all perfectly aware that the guy is doing this all in his spare time without being payed. That doesn't mean we're not allowed to comment and suggest. All the comments thus far have been positive anyway and suggestions are all with the best intentions. I'm also sure jshackles doesn't need you to filter out what's good and bad advice, Motoki.

As far as the complaining comments... I guess I missed the part where there was actually any complaining?
 
[quote name='Motoki']Well I knew this place was going without complaining for far too long. Thanks Firefox people. You sure fixed that. :p[/QUOTE]
Complaining? More like Suggestions and hopeful wishes!:roll:
 
[quote name='Neuro5i5']jshackles, my $0.01 is this: I switched to Chrome (even though I much prefer Firefox) for the Enhanced Steam extension. You want Valve to really notice you, find a way to make a complete package. Meaning making a equally functional extension on Chrome, Firefox and dare I say it, Explorer. Remember, Valve and Steam have customer ease and functionality in mind as evidenced by their client service. Expanding your browser base equals expanding your user base as well as more word of mouth.[/QUOTE]

I don't think Valve main focus will be "hey, he can program an extension" but "hey, why we couldn't see the features he is implementing before?". I believe they will see the creativity behind the project. That's the thing I like most from enhancedSteam...

You know what feature would be great? An enhanced metacritic featuring the user's score. I usually don't care about the critic's score, the user's is more useful...
 
[quote name='Motoki']And Dolphin, Boat, Silk and Safari too. We must have those![/QUOTE]
Lynx or get out.

Also, someone have a sale. I'm bored.

[quote name='juanjava']I don't think Valve main focus will be "hey, he can program an extension" but "hey, why we couldn't see the features he is implementing before?". I believe they will see the creativity behind the project.[/QUOTE]
I think it'll be helpful to show the dedication and interest in the platform. Some of the features of the plug-in (extension, whatever Chrome calls 'em) are probably things Valve doesn't really WANT called attention to in the name of moving products, namely historical pricing ("You could have gotten this cheaper") and DRM alerts ("Warning Will Robinson!"). They'd rather you think you're getting a great price and trouble-free experience.
 
Personally, I think we should all bang heads and build the first SteamTV (SmartTV + integrated and upgrade-able Steam Box + integrated and upgade-able HTPC). Then we'd all be hired by Valve. :)
 
As far as I am concerned all the 'GEE I SURE WISH THERE WAS A FIREFOX VERSION' for the kabillionth time and sad crying emoticon faces = passive complaining with a bit of guilt mixed in.

But fine, fine, do carry on the with complaints suggestions.

Glad to see this thread is still this thread, just sleeping.

After all I am the instigator of all arguments by the world according to Kaltic so it won't do for me to see things quiet for too long.

[quote name='juanjava']
You know what feature would be great? An enhanced metacritic featuring the user's score. I usually don't care about the critic's score, the user's is more useful...[/QUOTE]


I hadn't thought of that for an advanced Steam feature but it would be a great one. A real suggestion even that's actually asking for, you know, a feature.

Seriously though I never care about the 'critics' score and go straight to the user ones. Sometimes I go look at the scores on Amazon too.

[quote name='Syntax Error']Lynx or get out.
I think it'll be helpful to show the dedication and interest in the platform. Some of the features of the plug-in (extension, whatever Chrome calls 'em) are probably things Valve doesn't really WANT called attention to in the name of moving products, namely historical pricing ("You could have gotten this cheaper") and DRM alerts ("Warning Will Robinson!"). They'd rather you think you're getting a great price and trouble-free experience.[/QUOTE]


I had thought about that too. At the same time though, those are probably the most useful features to me so for purely selfish reasons I don't want them to go away. :p
 
[quote name='Motoki']As far as I am concerned all the 'GEE I SURE WISH THERE WAS A FIREFOX VERSION' for the kabillionth time and sad crying emoticon faces = passive complaining with a bit of guilt mixed in.[/QUOTE]
That's funny: I've been looking out for that kind of comment, and have only noticed a few over the last few days.
 
[quote name='Syntax Error']New daily deal in 49 minutes![/QUOTE]

Oh you know it will be something that has been in an indie bundle or something that will be in an indie bundle for only 50% off.

tumblr_lz3gd4LugV1r6i3cdo1_500.jpg
 
[quote name='BernardoOne']Would love that extension on Opera :D[/QUOTE]

Any chance of getting this to work in Lynx?

Aaaand I see I was ninja-ed. I actually used Lynx for quite some time. I kinda miss it.
 
Hey everyone - just got up. :)

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and comments. And Idiotekque was right - Enhanced Steam started off as a Firefox / Google Chrome Greasemonkey script, but as more features were being requested it got harder and harder to duplicate all of those features across multiple browser platforms. Obviously, the script itself outgrew what Greasemonkey was capable of - so I had to decide on a platform to continue development on, and Google Chrome has (I think) the best features and lowest barrier of entry for developers. It has Chrome sync features, generally painless automatic updates, etc.

However, I'm not opposed to going back and implementing a few of the Enhanced Steam features into a separate Firefox plugin, I just don't think it would ever be as feature-rich as the Chrome plugin, for the reasons mentioned above. Certainly at first it would simply be the highlighting of games and DLC. If the interest is there, it seems the logical thing to move forward with. ;)
 
[quote name='jshackles']Hey everyone - just got up. :)

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and comments. And Idiotekque was right - Enhanced Steam started off as a Firefox / Google Chrome Greasemonkey script, but as more features were being requested it got harder and harder to duplicate all of those features across multiple browser platforms. Obviously, the script itself outgrew what Greasemonkey was capable of - so I had to decide on a platform to continue development on, and Google Chrome has (I think) the best features and lowest barrier of entry for developers. It has Chrome sync features, generally painless automatic updates, etc.

However, I'm not opposed to going back and implementing a few of the Enhanced Steam features into a separate Firefox plugin, I just don't think it would ever be as feature-rich as the Chrome plugin, for the reasons mentioned above. Certainly at first it would simply be the highlighting of games and DLC. If the interest is there, it seems the logical thing to move forward with. ;)[/QUOTE]

If it matters, I'll chime in as a Firefox user who would gladly use a less feature rich version. It'd still be an improvement over no features and greatly appreciated! :applause:

TMG

*I'll be your tester!!
 
[quote name='gilby']Any chance of getting this to work in Lynx?

Aaaand I see I was ninja-ed. I actually used Lynx for quite some time. I kinda miss it.[/QUOTE]
You can have Lynx. I'm holding out for the Contiki version.

8197.png
 
[quote name='theemadgamer']If it matters, I'll chime in as a Firefox user who would gladly use a less feature rich version. It'd still be an improvement over no features and greatly appreciated! :applause:
[/QUOTE]

I'll look into this. I have a few irons in the fire with new features for the Chrome addon, but I might be able to whip up something easy for Firefox users, since I already have the code and all.

Also, anyone who has a reddit account should go here and upvote me:

http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/16hfou/enhanced_steam_chrome_extension_adds_new_features/
 
[quote name='Syntax Error']You can have Lynx. I'm holding out for the Contiki version.

8197.png
[/QUOTE]

I'm so glad they let me know it was modern. And here I was thinking it was old fashioned.
 
ATTN: Motoki (and others)

From @theowaern (The Journey Down dev) on the subject of Steam keys:

And if you got it via a bundle, don't worry, we're workin' on getting out keys to the respective bundles. Should go live the coming week. :)
 
This thread has gotten amusing. It's like watching a bunch of monotheists argue why their god is the only god.

I use many browsers, they all have their niches that they are better at. I have at least the trinity of FOC (Firefox, Opera, Chrome) installed on all my machines. (And Opera user since v3.3 in '98). I'd note that Steam's captive browser is WebKit based, thus making chrome the closest popular target.

While requesting silly versions, I'll toss my hat in the ring with a request for a Enhanced Steam package for GNU Emacs.

I used to work next door to WebTV. The most amusing memory was the linux riots protests when M$ bought them.

@Motoki, my mom is the same way, though a few years ago I gave her a laptop running ubuntu (that I manage) and she's been quite happy with that. As long as she reliably launch her brower and get to Yahoo and YouTube fine, she's happy.
 
Today's deal is Lunar Flight at 66% off ($3.39)

A modern take on the classic arcade game, Lunar Lander, Lunar Flight extends the experience to a fully fictionalized and accessible lunar module simulator providing a variety of mission types involving transporting cargo, acquiring data at survey locations and locating lost cargo.
Genre: Indie, Simulation
 
[quote name='juanjava']I don't think Valve main focus will be "hey, he can program an extension" but "hey, why we couldn't see the features he is implementing before?". I believe they will see the creativity behind the project. That's the thing I like most from enhancedSteam...

You know what feature would be great? An enhanced metacritic featuring the user's score. I usually don't care about the critic's score, the user's is more useful...[/QUOTE]

I find user scores pretty unreliable. Typically loaded with trolls and fanboys that give unrealistic scores. I just look at vids and screens and determine if it looks like something I would enjoy.
 
[quote name='Preedatore']I find user scores pretty unreliable. Typically loaded with trolls and fanboys that give unrealistic scores. I just look at vids and screens and determine if it looks like something I would enjoy.[/QUOTE]

I don't just look at the scores but you do get a much larger sample with the user scores than you do with the critic ones. I tend to feel like in most cases the legitimate reviewers outnumber the trolls and balance them out or if everyone is slamming the hell out of the scores than maybe there's some issue that's really pissing people off like draconian DRM, which is something the critics won't ding a game for at all usually but I want to know about it.

I think Amazon has a pretty good system where you get the most useful (rated by other users) positive review side by side with the most useful negative one. It's still subject to abuse and trolling but it would really require a mass coordinated effort to do that.

I'm not saying I use metacritic (or Amazon) users scores as an end all be all, but personally I find them to have more value on the whole than the critic ones, which I feel in many cases are out of touch with the average users and those gets are getting comped stuff and so forth.
 
So I had a Cyrillic subject header in an email from Steam sitting in my inbox this morning. That's generally a pretty good sign that I just won something on Steamgifts.
 
Okay so I ported a fair amount of code to Firefox and submitted my Add-On for inclusion in their Add-On repository (store? page? thing?)

If anyone would like to test and provide feedback, you can install it directly from my website. Doing so, it won't automatically update when I make changes (best I can tell, that requires the Mozilla site approval).

http://enhancedsteam.com/firefox/enhanced-steam.xpi

Let me know what kind of interesting new bugs you guys find!

EDIT: at the moment, this is just the basic stuff - cleaning up the javascript in search, highlighting games you own and games on your wishlist, highlighting owned DLC on the game page. I may be able to port a few of the other features over, but this should be a good "jumping off" point.
 
Amazon price matched the Command and Conquer pack to the gamefly gamestop $16.99 sale which means it's $11.99 with the Editor's Choice $5 if you have any left.

Tony said they weren't going to do it so it's probably a mistake auto-price match like the Hotline Miami $5 was. If you want it for $12 I would grab it ASAP.

*Edited to add: It's Origin only, but I know some people here were interested in it if it was $12 so figured I'd repost that here.
 
[quote name='Motoki']I don't just look at the scores but you do get a much larger sample with the user scores than you do with the critic ones. I tend to feel like in most cases the legitimate reviewers outnumber the trolls and balance them out or if everyone is slamming the hell out of the scores than maybe there's some issue that's really pissing people off like draconian DRM, which is something the critics won't ding a game for at all usually but I want to know about it.

I think Amazon has a pretty good system where you get the most useful (rated by other users) positive review side by side with the most useful negative one. It's still subject to abuse and trolling but it would really require a mass coordinated effort to do that.

I'm not saying I use metacritic (or Amazon) users scores as an end all be all, but personally I find them to have more value on the whole than the critic ones, which I feel in many cases are out of touch with the average users and those gets are getting comped stuff and so forth.[/QUOTE]

I agree pretty much completely with this. While I don't think any user-generated rating system is the best in and of itself (whether we're talking about metacritic, rotten tomatoes, yelp, etc), I do find them quite helpful as a general litmus test, especially since critic reviews do tend to be somewhat out of touch at times, given that they hardly ever have to worry about paying for their games or worrying about DRM and other issues. While I don't buy into conspiracy theories that well known gaming sites and critics are swayed by swag and money, I do think they don't relate completely with normal gamers.

Perhaps that's why I tend to prefer sites or podcasts such as Giant Bomb, Gamers with Jobs, Polygon/Besties because I feel they are the most "in touch" with people who game as a hobby and not as a full time job. Either way though, it's convenient to start with user-generated scores, while still doing any other research necessary (and accounting for personal tastes). While there are some games that basically get either 0's or 10's from lazy user reviews, I also find some really helpful write-ups from time to time on Amazon and similar places.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top