An update to the steam client has been released. The updates will be downloaded automatically and installed the next time Steam is restarted.

From the Steam Powered News Page:

A Steam client update is now available. To apply the update, click the File menu inside of Steam and then select “Check for Steam Client Updates…”. The specific changes include:

Steam Client

* Fixed NAT-traversal library using too much CPU during L4D - matchmaking
* Fixed several localization issues
* Fixed install wizard forcing clients to install the full version of a game instead of the demo version, when the full version isn’t released yet
* Added l4d.com to the whitelist of chat url’s not to warn about

Posted under The Steam Store Updates

On November 3rd, Valve software announced that the “Steam Cloud” will be shipped with the release of the Left 4 Dead demo.

The whole story can be found at this link.

What the Steam Cloud seems to boil down to, if you move around from one computer to another, your game settings will travel with you. This sounds like a good idea, but is it really needed? How many people play their games on more then one or two computers?

But then again, lets say the computer is shared between several people - when each person logs into their steam account, their config will download to that system. When the next person logs into their steam account, their config will be downloaded. This sounds like a good idea for places such as a cyber cafe.

Read More…

Posted under The Steam Store Updates

From the Steam News Page, Fallout 3 is now on ready for purchase and download.

Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world — radiation, Super Mutants, and hostile mutated creatures. From Vault-Tec, America’s First Choice in Post Nuclear Simulation.

• Limitless Freedom! Take in the sights and sounds of the vast Capital Wasteland! See the great monuments of the United States lying in post-apocalyptic ruin! You make the choices that define you and change the world. Just keep an eye on your Rad Meter!
• Experience S.P.E.C.I.A.L.! Vault-Tec engineers bring you the latest in human ability simulation — the SPECIAL Character System! Utilizing new breakthroughs in points-based ability representation, SPECIAL affords unlimited customization of your character. Also included are dozens of unique skills and perks to choose from, each with a dazzling variety of effects!

Click here to read the rest of the article.

The original Fallout was developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay in 1997. At that time the game requirements pushed modern computers to the edge. Even though Fallout 1 had some high system requirements, a loyal and dedicated fan base developed. These fans have been waiting for a long time for Fallout 3 to be released, and today is the day.

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Posted under The Steam Store Updates, fallout