• On TV.com: TOP 10 Shows CANCELED Too Soon
November 3, 2008 3:55 PM PST

First 'Steam Cloud' game coming this week

by Josh Lowensohn
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 3 comments

Later this week Valve Software, makers of the popular Half Life series, and the Steam software distribution system are releasing the first version of the Steam Cloud service in the demo for the upcoming cross-platform title Left 4 Dead. The service will keeps things like game saves, mouse and keyboard settings, and player profiles the same across multiple PCs.

Up until now the Steam application, which lets you use the same game license on multiple computers, required users to take and make these changes across all their devices. Announced back in March, Steam Cloud puts the onus on Valve instead, and syncs up any per-game settings changes between sessions.

In addition to the Left 4 Dead demo, which will be available this Thursday, Valve is adding Steam Cloud functionality to its entire back catalog of games, making it easier to ferry settings back and forth in case you have multiple gaming rigs. No word yet on when you'll be able to do this with (now) classics like Portal and Half Life: Episode 2.

Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh.
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by chrisfrary November 3, 2008 4:29 PM PST
This is the only feature, hardly a cool thing. How many people have several Gaming Rigs?
Reply to this comment
by Josh.Lowensohn November 3, 2008 6:27 PM PST
Think of it more for lost data. Hard drives crash--your 30-hour game save won't be history too.
by NHDriver4 November 4, 2008 5:45 AM PST
I have several gaming pc's, and I love this idea!!
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About Webware

Say No to boxed software! The future of applications is online delivery and access. Software is passé. Webware is the new way to get things done.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Webware topics

With eye to the future, try raw photos today

Raw photos are a hassle compared to JPEG. But if you like photography, the list of their image quality advantages is long and getting longer.

Inside the Apple, er, Microsoft Store

Although Redmond's foray into retail bears a big resemblance to Apple's approach, Microsoft has added some distinctive features to draw casual PC buyers and techies alike.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right