I do not want to guess what steam games will work on it! Can I get a list, so far I am wasting $ buying games I can't play on it!!?

Whoa! I'm just trying to enhance an already good experience. I'm not interested in participating in any flame wars on either side.

In any case, a close review of my STEAM list - which includes both STEAM and non-STEAM games - on my home computer, compared to the all games list for the Alpha, shows my age old frustration with the limits of STEAM. Alienware makes the problem seem worse by supporting the STEAM limits rather than working around them to help their customers.

So, to be clear, the 100% STEAM games all seem to be there. However, only a little over half of my non-STEAM games that I've added to my STEAM library on my home computer show up on the Alpha. Of those that do show up, the Alpha will not run games older than about 10 years.

Additionally, games that require a log in on a separate screen, like Games For Windows games such as Fable III, will not run because there seems to be no way to bring up the Games For Windows login screen. Similarly, games that require a disc require you to start the game on your home computer and then stream it to the Alpha. This is a process that generally seem to work OK.

The problem from the get go with STEAM is that despite their apparent diversity, most STEAM games fit in a very big niche; a niche that leaves out a very many great games. I thought the Alpha would bridge that gap and allow me to play the best of both STEAM and non-STEAM games on a portable unit that could travel with me. That doesn't seem to be the case.

So, back to my original question, How can I increase the number of games from my library that will play on my Alpha?

Hi!

No offense taken. We seem to have similar concerns from different points of view. I want to add more non-STEAM games. In particular games from the last 10 to 15 years that do not require a disc.

NON-steam games that require a disc must first be started on the home computer in order to play them on the Alpha. You must first enable streaming in your Alpha settings and a mode of connection. It is NBD.

Games that require a log in on a separate screen do not seem compatible at all. I haven't figured out a way to play these with my Alpha.

NON-steam games over 10 years old, whether or not they require a disc, are "iffy." These are the one's that I miss playing the most. I sure wish some tech person would give me some hope or accurate info about this and if it may change down the road a bit.

As far as I can tell at this time, all STEAM downloads ORIGIN downloads, U-Play downloads, and Amazon downloads play OK. But, I really miss the deep and story based RPG/JRPG programs, golf games, and many other games of depth, complexity, and variety that seem to be absent either in fact or in spirit for most my STEAM purchases.

Would desktop mode work for this? The Steam library might conflict with those games on the UI; but outside of it you should be able to play them.

Wow! I accidently hit "yes my question was answered. It really wasn't quite yet.

1) I can't get to desktop mode despite plugging in both a mouse and keyboard; each is wireless. How can I get there? I do not see an opportunity when starting up and before opening STEAM.

2) Re - the fellow looking for games that do work, I can add to my list in a previous response: GOG downloads seem to run OK too.

Much thanks to the Dell/Alienware person. Can you help me figure out how to get into desktop mode?

Thank you so much for bringing this up!  It is the other question/problem I have had since receiving my Alpha.

The only time I saw an opportunity to open/use the Alpha in desktop mode was during my initial set up and first time use. Despite connecting both a mouse and keyboard (both wireless) I have not seen any opportunity to open windows or use the desktop mode since that one time.

I would love to explore desktop mode. It is one of the reasons I purchased an Alpha.

So, how do I get there and use it? Keyboard and mouse are plugged in. But, I never seem to have the chance to enter desktop mode. Can you help??

When I boot up my Alpha I come to the Alpha UI and there are choices to make and if you go over to the far right box you can pick

1 Shut down

2 Reboot

3 Go to Desktop

Just pic the one that says go to desk top that is all I do. Now if you want to play games that are disk based and 10 to 15 yrs old the only work around I can think of is as follows

1 Buy and external cd drive USB

2 Search the Web and you may find a mod that allows you to fully install the game that no longer needs the disk

3 Depending on copy protection of the game on disk you can also copy all the disk into a folder on you HD and then install it from there. That way if the game is looking for more info it will go to the folder on the HD for it .

the only help I can offer for not having to use a keyboard is to get one of the modified game controller for the PC that programmable keys on it the plug in by USB you then can make custom key layouts for each game you play. I own two of these types of controllers they work well with a mouse.

I am sure you are aware of compatibility issues when trying to play a 15yr old game on windows 8.1 You may need to do some work in windows to get the game to run.