How Do I Used Steam?

I'm a newbie to multiplayer gaming. I am not a newbie to the Civilization games. I've been playing them since 3. I have 5 now, and I want to try it in multiplayer mode via Steam, I guess is the name of the software. How do I go about doing that?

First, download Free Civ, because it's an open source Civilization game.

Second, did it say anything about Steam when you installed your games?

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Absolutely nothing. I have a Mac, and so the installation process is really streamlined from installation on a PC. You drag the program to the folder, and that's pretty much it.

Hm. What Civilization games are they?

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Because Civ IV and Civ V are the only games that can be used on Steam for the Mac, looks like.

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I've played every game since 3 (at that time, I had a PC). Right now, I'm trying to do multiplayer on 5. I had 4 too, but I've never tried it there.

So it specifically says you have to have Steam? Did it bother you for a Steam account or anything?

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I don't know - I just keep hearing that it uses Steam from other people. I have no idea how to use multiplayer. -_-

Steam isn't just for multiplayer. Why don't you quick try to start a multiplayer game on Civ V, see what happens first?

Oh, if it gives you a choice between LAN or Internet servers, you want to pick internet.

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Don't bother trying to play MP in Civ V.

It is borked to hell and back.

How is it borked?

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I did try - I got it to allow me to try to hook up with the "local network," where there were no games going on, so I tried to host one, and it kept telling me that I needed a "team 2." Well, I can't exactly get one if I can't post the game up, can I?

Go to steampowered.com install steam, sign up for an account. It should detect your other civ games automatically, but if not, you can tell it to add them.

I hate playing Civ multiplayer, so I can't really tell you about that, or what problems a Mac might have.

"Local network" is computer jargon meaning a network of computers in close physical proximity*

where they can communicate with each other even if they weren't connected to the Internet. In multiplayer games, this is meant for LAN parties and the like. If you actually find someone to play with on "local network" mode, chances are they'll be sitting next to you.

edited 9th Jul '11 8:13:40 PM by PoochyEXE

Extra 1: Poochy Ain't Stupid

Yeah, you want "Internet," not "Local."

"Hipsters: the most dangerous gang in the US." - Pacific Mackerel

Steam is required for Civ V to work at all (even if bought retail), so you already have it. That said, I don't (have Civ V), so I'm not sure what the problem is.