Hey everyone! There's four days left until the Steam version of PSO2NA comes out, and there's some things I think all players should be aware of. These details haven't been officially announced (maybe due to red tape or being unable to talk about it until the Steam version is live?), but they are definitely important.
--Q: How do I link my Steam account to my already-existing PSO2 Microsoft account?--
A: This is probably the most important thing in this post - You need to keep your Microsoft version of PSO2 installed if you want to link it to steam.
The steam version of PSO2 currently (in the code) requires an authorization code from whatever version of PSO2 you previously played if you want to continue progress on that account.
As in, do not delete your Windows Store/XB1 copy of PSO2 yet (or ever, if that's your thing!). The code indicates that you will need a key from a previous copy of PSO2 and have 15 minutes to enter it on the steam copy to link accounts. This is likely done instead of a login in order to prevent needing to support the Xbox Live API.
--Q: What will happen to the PSO2 Tweaker?--
A: The PSO2 Tweaker will (shortly after steam's release) support the steam and Windows Store versions of PSO2NA. It already does this in an internal build, but I need to doublecheck on how the steam store launches/handles PSO2 before I can put that part in. The Tweaker will also support "hotswapping" between the two. That means you can have one (1) PSO2 installation, and launch both the Windows Store and Steam versions from that one install, swapping as much as you want.
This will be useful for entering the code (as stated in the last question), or for switch back to the MS store if they do an exclusive-platform collab like steam is doing now.
--Q: Will the steam version use SEGA's original launcher?--
A: Yes, and all the issues that brought. The tweaker will be updated shortly after Steam release to support patching/launching the Steam version. (see above)
--Q: How can I buy AC/SG on Steam?--
A: We'll have to see exactly how the game supports Steam, but it's likely it'll be similar to the Windows Store - If you want to buy AC/SG, it would just launch steam from the game to let you do that (like it does current with the Windows Store). Then you'll pay via Steam Wallet. If you're region blocked from the Steam version, you can likely buy it from the Windows Store website or the Windows Store app itself, though we need to test this to confirm.
--Q: Can I play the Steam version outside of the supported regions?--
A: Probably. We have a few different things to test, but it's likely that you can via Tweaker. Purchasing, however, may work differently. See above.
--Q: Will the steam version work on Windows XP and up?--
We don't know for sure, but we hope so - The reason that the game was locked to Windows 10 was specifically because of Xbox Live APIs. The Japanese version has always worked on 7 and up, as has the Tweaker.
--Q: Can I use Steam streaming/Proton (Linux)/etc with PSO2?--
A: We don't know, hopefully!
--Q: Will they open ships 4 - 6?--
A: If they don't... gods be operative.