"State of War" is not available on Steam. Here's a breakdown of the situation:
- Developer/Publisher: DreamCatcher Interactive (developed by Russian studio Eversim).
- Release: 2002 (PC).
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS).
- Status: It's an older, relatively niche RTS game. It was never officially released or listed on the Steam platform during its initial release or in subsequent years.
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Sequel - "State of War 2: Arid Empires" (2005):
- Developer/Publisher: DreamCatcher Interactive / Eversim.
- Release: 2005 (PC).
- Status: Like its predecessor, "State of War 2" is also not available on Steam.
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Why Isn't it on Steam?
- Age: Both games are over 20 years old. Steam wasn't the dominant PC platform it is today when they were released, and publishers/developers often didn't bring older back-catalog titles to it.
- Publisher: DreamCatcher Interactive (later acquired by TopWare Interactive) focused on different distribution channels. The rights likely reside with entities that haven't pursued a Steam release.
- Niche Appeal: While it had its fans, it wasn't a major blockbuster RTS like Command & Conquer or Age of Empires, making a Steam port less commercially viable for the rights holders.
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How Can You Play It?
- Physical Copies (eBay, etc.): You might find old CD-ROM copies for sale on second-hand marketplaces like eBay. Ensure you have a compatible optical drive or use tools like Daemon Tools to mount the ISO.
- Digital Re-releases (GOG - Good Old Games): This is the most likely legitimate digital option. Check GOG.com. While not currently listed as of late 2023/early 2024, older games sometimes get added later. It's worth checking periodically. If available, GOG offers DRM-free downloads and compatibility layers.
- Abandonware Sites: Be very cautious here. Sites offering "abandonware" downloads operate in a legal grey area. While the game is old and the publisher may not actively enforce copyright, downloading from these sites is not legal and carries security risks (malware). This is not recommended.
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Important Considerations:
- Outdated Graphics & Mechanics: Both games are products of their time (early 2000s). Graphics, UI design, and gameplay mechanics will feel very dated compared to modern RTS titles.
- Multiplayer: Official multiplayer servers are almost certainly long gone. Any online play would rely on unofficial methods like Hamachi or LAN emulation, which can be unreliable.
- Compatibility: Running on modern Windows (10/11) might require compatibility mode (Windows XP/7) or even third-party tools like DxWnd or Wine (on Linux) to work correctly.
In summary: "State of War" and its sequel "State of War 2" are not available on Steam. Your best legitimate digital bet is to check GOG.com periodically for a potential re-release. Otherwise, you'd need to track down physical copies. Be aware the games are significantly dated and official online multiplayer is unlikely. If you're looking for a classic RTS experience on Steam, consider titles like Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Age of Empires II, Warcraft III, or StarCraft.
