[Special Review] Picking up Steam: New Platform

[Crip 4,735]

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Greetings Tankers! The subject of the latest announcement in Tanki Online was rather unexpected, and definitely raised some eyebrows in the Community. However, this update is a very positive step forward for Tanki and its development, and today I will be exploring its possible effects as well as offering some of my own thoughts on the introduction of Tanki to Steam.

 

 

Introduction

 

On the 3rd of March, it was officially announced that Tanki Online had been integrated into Steam, the large and fast-growing platform and game provider. It was largely surprising and there had actually been very little previous indication that Tanki were moving in this direction. Even so, there was a huge positive response to this update, and for once was not forced to defend himself from the usual onslaught of questions and irritated feedback messages.

 

Actually, there was a topic with a suggestion for Steam in the "Ideas and Suggestions" section, but it seemed as though the developers had paid it little heed. With that idea being just under 2 years old, it was finally completed last week.

 

Interestingly, Tanki Online has been added to Steam before the up and coming Tanki X, even though it was largely assumed that TX would be the only game to achieve Steam status.

 

 

What is Steam?

 

Steam is a free, simple-to-use entertainment platform designed to provide users with access to thousands of games, as well as automatic update installation on multiple computers across the same Steam account. It also equips the user with an ample Community, Friend Groups (or clans) and special in-game Voice/Chat abilities. In addition, there are also many special features such as support for user-created game content in the Steam Workshop and downloads for TV/Mobile to allow users to access Steam benefits everywhere.

 

 

Steam originally was created when developers of the game Counter-Strike were encountering difficulties when game patches were required, with the entire online game being forced offline for days at a time. The client that was conceived would deliver the auto-update feature that was so desperately needed. In early 2002, the first Steam Client was revealed to the consumers, and was eventually available for public testing by 2003. In 2005, third-party games started to become available via Steam, a process that has progressed over the last 10 years; now, thousands of games available at the click of a button.

 

It has grown enormously over the last few years, with over 4,000 games being added in 2016 to the 7,800 in the preceding year.

 

 

A pie chart showing Steam's rapid increase in new supplied games over the past few years

 

 

Tanki in Steam

 

Just how is Tanki displayed as a game in the Steam Store? Well, that's what we will be looking into in this next section, along with how Tanki through Steam works.

 

 

The image above circles some important features on the "Tanki Online on Steam" page. Below each individual label is analyzed and explained.

 

1) The link to the Tanki Steam Community is well situated, and provides easy access to a place full of hints, tips, thoughts and opinions from Tanki players - perfect for newcomers.

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2) Helpful tags provided by users help to direct searchers to Tanki Online.

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3) A special Friends List allows you to stay in touch with other Steam users and recommend/share games with one another.

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4) This button allows Steam users to follow the game and receive notifications every time a new update occurs, or news regarding it is released.

5) Videos and images give newcomers a good sense of what the game is actually like.

 

Once you've downloaded Tanki Online from the Steam Store, you will notice several things. For example, one cannot run the Tanki Online Client and Steam Tanki at the same time, presumably because their mechanisms are too alike to work in synchronization (possibly the Steam Tanki simply is the Client, just downloaded in a different form). Also, the log-in screen for Steam Tanki is surprisingly different from the Browser/Client versions. Here, images of both registration pages are shown and compared.

 

 

The in-game Shop is also different in the Steam version. For a start, the only currency option is Russian, but it is automatically converted back to your location's currency when purchasing an item. There is also only one solitary payment option, via Steam. Under this spoiler, the simplicity of the Steam payment option is captured in an image.

 

 

 

 

 

Tanki purchases through Steam are almost as simple as Amazon's. Essentially clicking twice.

 

Currently if you sign into or create a Tanki account on Steam, it is impossible to log out of that account. Running the game will always automatically log you into that account, which is slightly irritating and will hopefully be altered in the near future to allow multiple account management.

 

 

Steam vs Other Platforms

 

Now, let's take a look at Steam as a game platform and how it far excels its closest rivals in the game distribution/support industry, namely Origin, and Uplay. We will look at a few reasons as to understand why the Tanki Developers chose Steam.

 

Steam has far more registered users

 

Certainly this is the case with Origin and Uplay, they are much newer and therefore less trusted. Back in 2013, Steam had over 6.6 million registered accounts, compared to Origin which was significantly behind with only 1.3 million. The amount of Steam users is a definite positive sign for Tanki because the game will be exposed to a larger and more broad audience of gamers.

 

Steam provides access to far more games

 

Steam is much more open when it comes to supporting games and since Origin only provides users access to EA games, Steam is again the preferred option when many gamers come to select a platform. With over 3000 different titles to choose from and enviable sales on many products, Steam is definitely much better equipped that its rivals, which stock between 300 and 500.

 

Steam is experienced

 

Out of the three, Steam is the oldest and the most dependable. They have been working in this market for far longer than Origin or Uplay, and are tried and trusted. Certainly Origin provides better expertise on certain products, but Steam's broader approach is solid over most areas.

 

It's certainly Steam's experience which makes it stand out from the crowd as the leading PC gaming platform. The fact that Tanki has managed to acquire a place in its library is a hugely positive sign.

 

 

Steam Community

 

 

The main Steam Community screen for Tanki Online.

 

Although we have touched on this in previous sections, I don't think we've spent enough time exploring the possibilities and features of this truly tremendous Steam facet. It's essentially another Tanki Forum in some ways, although with a very different layout that is much more exposed to gamers generally. It's much more visually interesting than the Tanki Forum, and while I don't expect it to be used much by existing Tanki players, a lot of Steam newcomers will use it.

 

 

The Tanki Steam Community Hotbar, showing the different sections.

 

A number of items can be posted in individual categories, and the sections available appeal more to the non-forumer brand of gamer, who just requires somewhere to unload the records of their gaming feats. There are special areas set aside for videos and screenshots, though for the more sophisticated there are also "Artwork" and "Guides" divisions.

 

Of course, the "News" segment is reserved for Official Tanki Online News only, and I believe the "Broadcasts" area will perform a similar role (perhaps an area for Vlogs to be posted). As usual, there are places to leave feedback and areas to share your tips, hints and ideas for the game in the "Discussions" area.

 

There's even a special Group Chat, which I believe is simply a place to hang out, chill, share and discuss with other Steam users and potentially find "grils".

 

Now, although the Player Reviews on Steam haven't been overwhelmingly positive (59%), I don't believe this information is particularly relevant. Many Tanki players who complain about any update, positive or negative, immediately jumped at the opportunity to vent their opinions elsewhere and I believe the worst of the reviews have already been posted.

 

 

Potential of Steam for Tanki

 

*Warning* Reporter Candidate Opinion Incoming *Warning*

 

Personally, I think this is just the update Tanki needs to kick-start the conveyor belt of new players. Tanki Online desperately needs a new set of gamers and I think Steam will provide a large crop of Tanki newcomers. The addition of the new beginner friendly update (the M0 Microupgrade changes), plus all the recent sales and special events are clearly designed to draw in new players. Hopefully this will all pay off, and Tanki will get a breath of fresh air to blow the cobwebs away that have started to gather at the low ranks.

 

I think Tanki will also profit from this due to the simplicity of the Steam Purchase option. It definitely opens a lot of doors for potential buyers, especially as Steam gift cards are widely available.

 

 

Conclusion

 

And with that, we have reached the end of my fairly short-ish review on the addition of Tanki to the Steam Store! I hope you found this article mildly interesting, and maybe even enjoyable. There have been a lot of positive updates added to the game recently, such as this one, and it is a sign that there is plenty of life left in this game yet!

 

I'd recommend checking out the Tanki Steam version if you can, and leave some helpful feedback to encourage others to play this game.

 

 

So do you think we will see plenty of new players "Steam"ing into Tanki soon? Do you like the Steam version of Tanki? Feel free to post your opinions below!

 

It's been a pleasure.

✯ @Savage ✯

Edited March 10, 2017 by Savage

[Crip 4,735]

New Review examining the latest update connecting Tanki and Steam. Enjoy!

[ToiletPaperRoll 1,318]

most important tag; free to play

[Jwimmer 2,835]

I've been reading Tanki reviews on Steam, and they are not good. Only 53% positive, compared to 90%+ positive on games like Team Fortress 2. Every single one of the negative reviews point out game imbalance, how much of a pay2win it is, and the horrendous community: "makes you want to go back to minecraft". Hopefully this will prompt the devs to make some changes for the game to be good for once. I have a bit of a feeling TO on steam will be a flop. The game could become even more of a laughingstock to non/ex-players. TX though, has a chance, after how i've seen TX deals with balance and such.

Edited March 10, 2017 by Jwimmer

[The.Dutchman 36]

I've been reading Tanki reviews on Steam, and they are not good. Only 53% positive, compared to 90%+ positive on games like Team Fortress 2. Every single one of the negative reviews point out game imbalance, how much of a pay2win it is, and the horrendous community: "makes you want to go back to minecraft". Hopefully this will prompt the devs to make some changes for the game to be good for once. I have a bit of a feeling TO on steam will be a flop. The game could become even more of a laughingstock to non/ex-players. TX though, has a chance, after how i've seen TX deals with balance and such.

I actually disagree about the negative Steam reviews.

 

I think all the haters and complainers saw a chance to post their opinions in public, so they all went ahead and did it.

 

A lot of Tanki players just like to complain for the sake of it. I see players posting "bring back Tanki 2013" when back in 2013, people on the forums were continuously complaining and wanted "Tanki 2010".

 

Many players have no idea about what they actually want.

[ToiletPaperRoll 1,318]

I've been reading Tanki reviews on Steam, and they are not good. Only 53% positive, compared to 90%+ positive on games like Team Fortress 2. 

Lets be happy. Official tetris has only 33 positive

http://store.steampowered.com/app/316750/#app_reviews_hash

Edited March 10, 2017 by ToiletPaperRoll

[Jwimmer 2,835]

I actually disagree about the negative Steam reviews.

 

I think all the haters and complainers saw a chance to post their opinions in public, so they all went ahead and did it.

 

A lot of Tanki players just like to complain for the sake of it. I see players posting "bring back Tanki 2013" when back in 2013, people on the forums were continuously complaining and wanted "Tanki 2010".

 

Many players have no idea about what they actually want.

But the problem is, if I have the choice between a game with 90% positive reviews, and 50% positive reviews, I'll choose the former.

[Crip 4,735]

But the problem is, if I have the choice between a game with 90% positive reviews, and 50% positive reviews, I'll choose the former.

I think the positive number will increase over time.

[Indian_Tanker 468]

I saw a guide on steam for tanki online and I was like xD XD XD

 

My steam name - [HH] MєgaLaяK:=-(≧∇≦):- ZØRØ

 

Steam is the best thing a gamer can get

Edited March 10, 2017 by Indian_Tanker

[VaudeVille 1,428]

I've been reading Tanki reviews on Steam, and they are not good. Only 53% positive, compared to 90%+ positive on games like Team Fortress 2. Every single one of the negative reviews point out game imbalance, how much of a pay2win it is, and the horrendous community: "makes you want to go back to minecraft". Hopefully this will prompt the devs to make some changes for the game to be good for once. I have a bit of a feeling TO on steam will be a flop. The game could become even more of a laughingstock to non/ex-players. TX though, has a chance, after how i've seen TX deals with balance and such.

Yep, I noticed that too and it's no surprise to me.

Though what people have written in reviews about the community seems to be inaccurate.

If TO has something special about it, it's the community.

[RIDDLER_8 5,552]

I use and read articles about Universe Sandbox 2 on Steam.

[ldea 1,544]

Well done Savage :) 

[Ninja 10,468]

Very interesting, the only specials article I've fully read, actually. Two points I find interesting are:

 

1) Will Steam 'forum' effect the activity of these forums?

 

2) All the pathetically written reviews, quite frankly some look like they are written by 5-year olds and should be removed IMO. Will they effect the game's popularity on steam?

Edited March 15, 2017 by Ninja

[Aumritash 396]

I've been reading Tanki reviews on Steam, and they are not good. Only 53% positive, compared to 90%+ positive on games like Team Fortress 2. Every single one of the negative reviews point out game imbalance, how much of a pay2win it is, and the horrendous community: "makes you want to go back to minecraft". Hopefully this will prompt the devs to make some changes for the game to be good for once. I have a bit of a feeling TO on steam will be a flop. The game could become even more of a laughingstock to non/ex-players. TX though, has a chance, after how i've seen TX deals with balance and such.

I lost some of my friends already who have moven back to minecraft...

[F-50-CCX 6]

The tanki client will be deleted??

and we can play at broswers??

[Ninja 10,468]

The tanki client will be deleted??

and we can play at broswers??

No

Yes

[DarkVengeance 31]

Well this is what happens. Most everything Tanki does is aimed at shifting the system to squeeze more cry and $ out of Tankers. I get it, its a business, the guys gotta eat, but this needs to be balanced with listening to player complaints and keeping the community happy. TO is imbalanced, Pay to Win and does have a horrendous community. There is rampant multing, trolling and so forth. Its also an awesome game.

 

D.V.

[Musa 5,352]

When I click on 'Play Game' button, it says that Tanki online is not available on your current platform. What to do?  :( My operating system: Linux. 

[railguniz4noobz 2,394]

This is more or less a guide to steam and not tanki related.

[Crip 4,735]

This is more or less a guide to steam and not tanki related.

It's a guide to Steam for Tanki players.

[Musa 5,352]

When I click on 'Play Game' button, it says that Tanki online is not available on your current platform. What to do?  :( My operating system: Linux. 

Will anyone reply me that what to do?

[Aumritash 396]

Will anyone reply me that what to do?

Get windows

[Mr.Ace 1,116]

Wait what? tanki on steam??? had been busy in exams so didn't really have time to catch up. Honestly i don't think tanki deserves a spot at steam :x . Honestly Speaking, I dont see why people are going wild to download the steam version when they already have this game on browsers/clients, i mean i doubt it will even have all the full features.

 

Honestly, this news gave me a good laugh :D

Edited March 20, 2017 by Mr.Ace

[danpuksto_PRO 2]

I really like the client on steam, however there is one huge problem, that problem is that once you log into an account you can no longer log out and you cant log onto other accounts. this is a problem because I wanted t buy crystals on my smaller account but I cant because I cant log onto my smaller account. :angry:  :(

[Crip 4,735]

I really like the client on steam, however there is one huge problem, that problem is that once you log into an account you can no longer log out and you cant log onto other accounts. this is a problem because I wanted t buy crystals on my smaller account but I cant because I cant log onto my smaller account. :angry:  :(

Create another Steam account.

 

That's what I did.