So Store or Steam?

[quickmind2020]

So here is a question for all... what is better? Steam or The KSP store, to buy from?

[WOODY01]

You should be able to port the game to Steam after buying it from the store.

I imagine the devs get more money from buying from them instead of Steam.

If you use Steam already it should not make much difference to you.

If you do not use Steam this is a good game to try it out on since unlike many games bought through Steam it does not require Steam to run.

[sewerbird]

My understanding is that Squad makes a touch more money off of their store per-purchase, so that can be a factor in your decision. However, Steam has sales on KSP occasionally, which can also be attractive, and has a pretty good track record so far as handling server load when a new version comes out.

In terms of the day-to-day play, the steam version is literally the same game and folder structure (and thus ability to launch multiple KSP installs from-folder, like stock and modded versions), just located in the Steam apps folder directory. The value in having it in Steam is likely proportional to how many other games you have on Steam - although if you use Steam you can still run the KSP-store version as a non-Steam app.

Basically, I can't think of any significant difference. I bought from KSP store back in the day, but transferred to Steam. Consider joining the unofficial Steam group if you do

[GreeningGalaxy]

I bought from the store directly. I personally find Steam to be frequently useful and fun, but I also find it to be buggy and frustrating at times, so I went with the option that didn't involve a middleman.

And, of course, being a Linux user, maybe it's a good thing that I don't use Steam very much.

[SkyRender]

I prefer to work from the store version, but I'm a bit old-school like that. Having it on Steam has a few nice benefits like automatic tracking of time played for you and auto-updating when new versions hit, but also some annoyances (like auto-updating when new versions hit; there's a way around that problem in the form of copying the current version to a different location before an update hits, of course).

[UmbralRaptor]

Store because it was all that was available at the time. Also, the more manual installation process seems to have less breakage.

[flashcactus]

Store. Definitely store. Steam's in-place auto-updating tends to break saves and mods and happens unexpectedly. It also gives you no choice in what version (x86 or x86_64) you want to play (and also doesn't say which one it launches). Fortunately it gives you the option of copying the files out on every update, but that's a bit tedious IMO.

The store lacks all these problems and also lets you download the previous version, which is really useful with all the gamebreaking updates if you ask me. This even led me to purchase the store version while already owning KSP in steam.

[r4pt0r]

steam if you have steam already.

[Caelib]

I prefer Steam - not that the game is big by any means, but you will probably get faster download rates from Steam (especially when there is a new update/patch).

[SRV Ron]

Store. Definitely store. Steam's in-place auto-updating tends to break saves and mods and happens unexpectedly. It also gives you no choice in what version (x86 or x86_64) you want to play (and also doesn't say which one it launches). Fortunately it gives you the option of copying the files out on every update, but that's a bit tedious IMO.

The store lacks all these problems and also lets you download the previous version, which is really useful with all the gamebreaking updates if you ask me. This even led me to purchase the store version while already owning KSP in steam.

Steam install launches the 32 bit version. Since both versions are in the KSP folder, all you need to do to run the 64 bit version is to run the executable or create a shortcut to it.

Steam has the advantage of quickly updating your program due to its server structure. However, since this can break saves, it is best if you run the game from a copy placed elsewhere on your computer.

I have the Steam version on the desktop and the store version on the laptop.

[Laie]

And, of course, being a Linux user, maybe it's a good thing that I don't use Steam very much.

rm -rf $untested_variable

I know how that happens. I may even be guilty of similar mistakes. But still.

[iFlyAllTheTime]

I wanted Squad to keep all the funds and not have to give steam it's cut, so store for me.

Bought two gift copies for a friend and a cousin too

[Thomas988]

The only reason I got my KSP on steam is because the download wasn't working at the time. Nevertheless, simply having to press a button to update KSP is pretty nice!

[lordlundar]

It doesn't matter. There's no requirement fro Steam to be running to play the game so you can purchase, download it, then move it to another location and run it directly. That way you won't have to worry about the auto updating (which you can also turn off for the game).

Either way you buy it you get the same game, so long as you buy it and join in the fun.

[Joonatan1998]

I bought it from the store, too many bad experiences with steam (especially the "offline" mode) for me to ever get any game from there if I can get it otherwise.

If you already have steam then it doesn't really matter where you get KSP from. Steam sometimes has sales so it may be cheaper.

[quickmind2020]

So is there a way to buy it from one and have both?....just thinking here...

[Renegrade]

I greatly prefer the Store version. You can just unzip it wherever you please, no-hassle re-installs (Steam requires a little executable to restore any Steam backups you make), and you can install it without Steam if need be.

The only real downside to me is that the Store pretty much collapses on release days. Fortunately, I happen to own both Steam and Store versions~

(Woah there's a remastered version of Homeworld 1 coming out~ woot~)

[lordlundar]

So is there a way to buy it from one and have both?....just thinking here...

See my above post. If you buy it from the Steam store and download it, you can launch it from the Steam launcher or launch it stand alone if you want.

[LethalDose]

I vote Steam. It's better equipped to deal with the flood of downloads when new updates get released.

[technicalfool]

I don't accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement, so it's the store for me. That and I've already had to help a friend after their Steam client decided it would be brilliant to default to launching the Windows x64 variant that didn't work properly. So much for "convenience".

[The Yellow Dart]

The KSP Store does put the game on sale sometimes, FYI, just not very often. Not nearly as often as steam and humble bundle and all the other sites that sell steam keys. I don't like steam so the choice was obvious for me.

[RocketBlam]

I like Steam, because I don't have to keep track of either DVDs or any other sites I've purchased from.

I have a couple of other games that I had to buy on a (not to be named) competitor to steam, and it's just a hassle to install it and remember my passwords for it, and all that.