Mar 6, 2012
Costume Quest - Valve
This patch updates the DirectX redistributables to the version required for Costume Quest. This fixes some issues that new installs of Costume Quest might have.
Product Update - Valve
These are the full game update notes for the PC version of NBA 2K12.
ONLINE
• Several matchmaking optimizations have been made in order to help users get into games quicker. This will reduce the amount of time the “Searching For Opponent…” screen is displayed for.
• Addressed a number of network errors that would cause games to end prematurely.
• Addressed an issue in Team-Up where certain conditions would lead to a player standing idle for prolonged periods of time.
• Corrected a Win/Loss streak tracking issue such that the “Back to Back to Back” achievement/trophy will now unlock at the proper time.
• Fixed an issue that would cause large-user Team-Up games to hang at halftime if all users watched the halftime show in-full.
• Addressed an issue that would lead to a disconnect in subsequent games when one or more users modified their playbook for the current game.
• A number of Association: Online optimizations were made to greatly minimize disconnects.
• Additionally, general optimization improvements were made in order to improve the overall online experience.
GENERAL
• Previously unlocked NBA’s Greatest games and ‘Gift with Purchase’ Kings/Warriors teams will now remain unlocked after playing and exiting the Association/My Player game modes.
• Fixed a rare issue that would cause the game to hang when attempting to skip the pre-game presentation in Season and Playoff modes.
• Corrected an issue where players could become duplicated after editing a Created Team.
• “PIPPEN” dunk package has been updated so that it can be re-assigned to Pippen when switched off of him.
• Addressed issue where Created Players are assigned Cold Zones for all shot locations. This change applies for all generated players in Association/My Player modes as well.
• The Adidas Zig Pro Future and ZigEncore shoes should now have the correct shoe image associated with them.
GAMEPLAY
• On-dribbler steal success rates have been tuned down.
• Tuned accuracy of directional passing in order to more reliably pass to the intended target.
• Improved help defense, specifically for rotations on pick-and-roll situations.
• Defensive tuning on 3PT shots to reduce the success of contested threes.
• Addressed an issue on drives to the basket where the help defender wouldn’t fully engage in the double team.
• Increased the velocity of lob passes into the post so they are less vulnerable to tips and steals.
• Reduced steal success when the defender attempts a steal from behind the ballhandler.
• Tuned player lunges on steal attempts such that they don’t cover an unrealistic amount of ground.
• Tuned AI passes from the wing down into the post. The AI is now smarter during this situation, specifically where the perimeter defender is sagging off the ballhandler in anticipation of this pass.
• Corrected an issue where during online gameplay, a shot ball would ‘re-launch’ even after it had been blocked.
• Tuned AI playcalling during late-game situations so that they initiate plays faster.
• Fixed an issue where the CPU ballhandler would take too long to pass (or in some cases, not pass the ball at all) when running a play in My Player.
• Addressed an issue where the user would inadvertently commit an intentional foul with a defender when attempting to contest a shot with his hands up.
• Tuned animation selection that would cause a player to lose forward momentum when attempting a Swat Block.
• Addressed a specific case where attempting a pass fake would cause the pass to be thrown.
• 8-second violations will no longer be called when the ball is poked loose and enters the backcourt.
• Training Camp: Triple Threat drill score requirements lowered in order to make it a little easier to complete the drill.
MY PLAYER
• Corrected an issue where the game would hang after winning the NBA Finals in My Player mode.
• Trading logic has been greatly improved in this mode. In particular, your team’s GM will no longer overhaul the roster once you join the team.
• Your team’s GM will now do a better job of acquiring one of your recommended players when he comes to you asking for potential trade targets. Be careful what you ask for!
• Fixed an issue where both teams in a game would be using the wrong playbooks on occasion.
• A few select season-long milestones (e.g. Shoot 85% or better from the free throw line) should now properly unlock when the prerequisite conditions are met.
• The camera should now properly follow the action in your Signature Shoe Commercial.
THE ASSOCIATION
• A number of trade logic improvements have been made for this experience (these apply to Association: Online as well).
• Addressed the CPU lineup building / player role allocation such that players no longer become unnecessarily upset with the direction of their respective teams.
• New coaching staff is now generated when you get many years into the mode. This will result in sufficiently skilled coaches available to be hired.

Toki Tori 2+ - Valve
With the help of all those who sent feedback to us, we managed to create a great looking GDC build that doesn't look anything like the previous development build we released two weeks ago.

More information? http://twotribes.com/message/toki-tori-2-update-20

MLB 2K12 - Valve
MLB 2K12 is now available on Steam!

The longest running Major League Baseball franchise returns to the virtual diamond. Featuring advanced pitching & hitting controls, detailed player tendencies & scouting reports, and immersive game modes for any level of fan, MLB 2K12 is the only game you’ll need this season!

Really Big Sky - Valve
4.03
- Increased performance on some machines
- Added advanced controller configuration settings
- Added customisable keys for keyboard settings
- Fixed a bug with Boss 4 that stopped the game from continuing
- Orbital now destroys shrapnel during Spike Cascade
- ... maximum amount of shrapnel increased 50%!
- Narrator enabled on all modes!
- Initiate Charge Beam by firing a regular laser, pew pew!
- New song - You Tit by Mr Pineapple
- Unlock by beating Mr Pineapple's highscore of 6,875,972
- Increased Boss Rush multiplier from 1.5 to 1.75
- Fixed a bug that stopped the Laser and Barricade Event from occuring
- Rebuilt blackhole effects from the ground up
- 256x256 and 128x128 icons added

The Sims™ 3 - Valve
Save up to 66% on The Sims 3 and The Sims 3 DLC* during this week's Midweek Madness!

The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief! Create over a million unique Sims and control their lives. Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams.

*excludes The Sims 3 Showtime and The Sims 3 Showtime Katy Perry Collector’s Edition

Dead Horde - Valve
Today's Deal: Save 75% off Dead Horde!

Look for the deals each day on the front page of Steam. Or follow us on twitter or Facebook for instant notifications wherever you are!

Stacking - Valve
Stacking is Now Available on Steam and 33% off.*

To celebrate the launch of Stacking, Double Fine's Costume Quest and Psychonauts are also on sale at 50% off.*

Explore a vintage world inhabited by living Russian stacking dolls as you jump into more than 100 unique dolls and use their special abilities to solve a wide variety of puzzles & challenges. Play as Charlie Blackmore, the world’s tiniest Russian stacking doll, and embark on an adventure to rescue Charlie’s family from the nefarious industrialist known only as the “Baron.” This imaginative 3rd person puzzle adventure game will take you on a journey from a bustling Royal Train Station to a high-flying Zeppelin as you collect unique dolls and matched stacking sets to display in Charlie’s secret hideout, where you chronicle your adventures.

*Offers ends Tuesday March 13th 10AM PST.

The Sims™ 3 - Valve
The Sims 3: Showtime is now available on Steam in North America! Showtime will be available in more territories this week, please check the store page for the release time in your territory.

Venture into the new world of Starlight Shores and play out a rags-to-riches story with your Sims as they become superstar singers, acrobats, and magicians, or even moonlight as a DJ. Watch your Sims rise to fame—or go down in flames as they perform on stage in front of cheering crowds in all new venues.

The Sims 3: Showtime Katy Perry Collector’s Edition is also available on Steam! This Collector’s Edition includes The Sims 3 Showtime Expansion pack, plus downloadable content including an Ultimate Stage bonus venue, iconic Katy Perry themed items, and an exclusive poster.



Alan Wake - Valve
Update 2 - Alan Wake v1.03 release notes:

* Add Latin-American Localization support (download the Free DLC from Steam and add -locale=esm to Alan Wake's Steam launch options to use it)
* Added -directaiming command line parameter that removes all mouse acceleration (enables also -rigidcamera automatically)
* Improved low level mouse reading routines to make the control cope better with low and variable frame rates. This also removes the reported jerkiness when -rigidcamera was enabled. You may need to re-adjust your mouse sensitivity in the menus!
* Removed auto-aim that was accidentally enabled in the previous build
* Added a frame rate limiter to menus & videos to prevent cards running at 1000's of fps (reduces stress on the graphics cards)
* Reduced CPU use when game doesn't have focus
* Fixed "first run" on a 2nd PC overwriting saves & statistics downloaded from cloud
* Fixed crashes when using alt-tab to change out of the game when the game is loading
* Fixed DEVICE_CREATE_ERROR for users who have "custom DPI" set in Windows.
* Fixed one specific case of "File IO Failure" issue when unable to write to My Documents
* Fixed camera to remember it's side preference (tab key)
* Fixed Cursor Key / Numpad assignment issues
* Fixed screen brightness back to original when changing process
* Fixed some cases of "back" and Return to Game functionality so that it doesn't need 3 presses
* Thanks for your feedback! We are still working on improvements & fixes, please see our forum for up to date troubleshooting and update information: http://forum.alanwake.com/showthread.php?t=7759
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