Why Do Steam Games Take So Long to Verify?
When you install or update a game on Steam, you've likely noticed a step labeled 'verifying game files'. This process can sometimes take a considerable amount of time, leading to frustration for many gamers. But why is this necessary, and what exactly is it doing? In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of Steam's verification process, unravel its purpose, and explore why it takes so long sometimes.
The Purpose of Verification in Steam
The process of verifying game files is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity, security, and overall smooth operation of games on Steam. Here’s a deep dive into what Steam is checking during this process:
1. Ensuring Game Integrity
Steam is known for its robust verification system designed to ensure that all files associated with a game are correct and up-to-date. This includes checking for any missing, corrupted, or tampered files. By verifying each file, Steam guarantees that the game is safe to play and that all features work as intended. This step prevents users from encountering issues such as crashes, missing features, or occasionally experiencing inconsistencies in game functionality.
2. Detecting Piracy
While the primary focus of verification is to ensure game integrity, it also plays a significant role in deterring piracy. When a person attempts to play a game that was obtained through unauthorized means, chances are it won't pass the verification process. Steam looks for inconsistencies and signs of tampering that could indicate an illegally obtained copy. This mechanism helps maintain the integrity of legitimate purchases and ensures that the game is functioning as intended without any security risks.
The Impact of Game Size on Verification Time
The size of the game on Steam is one of the most significant factors influencing verification time. Larger games might contain thousands of individual files, which all need to be checked against a comprehensive database. Each file must be compared against the expected checksum (a unique identifier) to ensure it is the correct and unaltered file. Additionally, the number of files and their distribution can also impact the process. Games with a large number of small files may take longer than those with fewer, larger files.
Optimizing Verification Time
While the verification process is a crucial aspect of maintaining game performance and integrity, there are steps you can take to minimize the time it takes to verify:
1. Choose the Night to Download and Verify
One way to reduce the impact of verification is to try and plan your download and verification around times when network traffic is typically lower. Night downloads can be less disruptive, as there is generally less competition for bandwidth at these times, allowing for a smoother and faster verification process.
2. Use a Stable and Fast Internet Connection
The speed and reliability of your internet connection play a vital role in the verification process. A faster and more stable connection can help speed up the download and verification of the missing or corrupted files. If you're experiencing slow verification times, consider upgrading your internet plan or using a closer data center for Steam.
3. Optimize Your Steam Settings
Steam offers several settings that can affect the verification process. Adjusting certain settings, such as the number of simultaneous downloads or the queue priority, can help optimize the verification time. For instance, reducing the number of concurrent downloads can help ensure files are verified more reliably. However, this may mean that your game installations will take longer.
4. Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily
Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the verification process by flagging certain files as suspicious or scanning them during the verification. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software during the verification process can sometimes help speed up the process as it avoids unnecessary scans and checks.
Conclusion
Steam's verification process is a vital aspect of ensuring game integrity, preventing piracy, and maintaining the overall experience of players. While it can sometimes take a considerable amount of time, it is a necessary step in maintaining a safe and secure gaming environment. By understanding why the verification process is needed and taking steps to optimize it, you can enjoy your games with less frustration and more confidence in their quality and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What causes Steam to take so long to verify a game?
A1: Steam takes time to verify a game because it checks every file against an expected checksum to ensure the file is correct and unaltered. This process involves comparing each file to a database of expected values, which can add up to a long time for larger games with many files.
Q2: How can I speed up the verification process?
A2: You can speed up the verification process by choosing to download and verify the game at night when there is less network traffic, using a stable and fast internet connection, optimizing Steam settings, and potentially temporarily disabling antivirus software, although this may come with its own risks.
Q3: Is it normal for Steam to verify a game every time I use it?
A3: No, Steam typically verifies the game only when downloading or updating a game. Once the game is installed and verified, it will not be checked further unless you update or reinstall the game.