You can wishlist it here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2173760/Super_Video_Golf

Wow, it seems crazy to think that it has been a year since I released version 1.0 - and almost as unbelievable that back then I actually considered the game finished! Fortunately, however, the support for what started out as a small hobby project has buoyed the game along for the last 12 months, with new updates almost every month, hugely expanding on the original game. I have to thank everyone who has given donations, suggestions and precious feedback which has helped mold the game into what it is today. Thank You!

I have been asked on multiple occasions as to whether it would be available on Steam, and it's great to finally be able to say YES! Of course nothing is ever as simple as just 'put it on Steam' and there are a few caveats and conditions. In this post I'd like to address some common questions about the Steam version, and open a forum for discussion (in the comments below!) for anyone who has further questions about the release.

Q: What Does The Steam Version Offer Over The Non-Steam Version?

A: The most significant difference is the way networking and matchmaking works. One of the frequent comments about the game was the complexity of setting up firewalls, allowing NAT traversal and so on, with which I'm inclined to agree. However Steam offers full support for lobbies and transparent connections between players and Super Video Golf takes full advantage of this. Joining a friend's game is as easy as clicking on their name in your friends list, and there is a built-in browser which allows searching for publicly available games. The lobby browser even attempts to best-match players based on their XP level.

The Steam version also has leaderboards for the driving range where you can view world rankings, your personal rankings, and compare your scores with your friends. More content such as two new courses (and potentially more) is also being added, which will not be available with older versions of the game.

Q: Will The Game Still Be Open Source?

A: Yes. The source for the game will remain on Github and will still (hopefully) be compilable for supported platforms: Windows, Linux and macOS. However the open source version does not include Steam integration, and network games will continue to use the existing networking solution, not the Steam matchmaking system.

Q: Will The Game Still Be Free?

A: The last version released before the Steam edition (currently 1.9.1) will remain free to download for Windows, Linux and macOS. It will also be available to compile from source. Older versions of the game are still available on the Github releases page and can be downloaded from there. Purchasing the game from itch.io will grant you a copy of the latest version and all future updates, as well as a key to redeem on Steam. All versions are and will be DRM free (aside from the Steam requirement of the Steam version).

Q: I Donated Already, Do I Have To Pay Again?

A: First of all THANK YOU! 😁 It's your donations which have helped pay the submission fee for the Steam edition. Secondly, no, you shouldn't have to pay again. Anyone who has donated any amount up to the release of the Steam version should automatically receive a Steam key (unless I have misunderstood how itch.io works, in which case I will make sure to find another solution). Do note that the Steam version will, at first, only support Windows (see below)

Q: Which Platforms Will The Steam Version Support?

A: Mostly Windows. This is my main development platform, with which I have the most familiarity. It's quite possible that in the future a native Linux build will become available, although Valve have pretty much proven that it's easier to get non-native builds working via Proton than it is to make a distributable Linux version. I'm also aiming to make sure that the Steam Deck is fully supported (it already works very well at the moment, using Proton) but access to testing hardware is currently infrequent. macOS, unfortunately, is a different story. It’s also a long and boring one which I won’t get into here, but ultimately: it won’t be supported. I’ll try my best to make sure it can still be built from source on macOS, but there won’t be an official Steam version.

Q: Will I Be Able To Play Network Games With Steam Players Using The Non-Steam Version?

A: No. However the non-Steam version will remain cross-platform compatible, whereas the Steam version is limited to Steam supported platforms.

Q: When Is It Available?

A: The best I can say right now is Soon™. There's a lot of backend stuff that has to be plumbed into the Steam version, whilst carefully trying to not break the open source version. There is also still new content to be made! When I have a better idea of a release date I will no doubt post here, and there are frequent updates on Twitter. Of course the best way to be notified immediately when it's released is to wishlist it on Steam.