Getting Punkbuster to Allow the Steam Overlay

[Maniac302]

First and foremost, this thread is intended to discuss the issue with using the Steam Overlay on servers in PR, since Punkbuster will kick you for it. It is not a thread about a end-user solution to stop getting kicked. There are threads about that already.

The Steam Overlay cannot be used for cheating. It's only functions are for chatting with Steam Friends, or Browsing the Internet without leaving the game. (Which could be nice to have during moments where there's 5 or 10 minutes with nothing to do but twiddle your thumbs while waiting, for whatever reason)

This is a question for the developers: Is it possible to modify the settings on servers, or PR as a whole, so that Punkbuster will allow the use of the Steam Overlay?

I seem to remember a post that I came across in my search, that mentioned being able to use the Steam Overlay in previous versions of PR. Could someone confirm this?
I also remember a few squad members talking about using Xfire to browse the internet in PR a few months back. Could someone confirm this as well?

[Hitperson]

punkbuster have to do this themselves, i remember the issues with TS overlay.

the reason could be that it blocks PB screenshots so all that is taken is a black screen, they may come up with some sort of fix in the future i guess.

[Foxxy]

Just use xfire overlay, it works great for browsing the web and listening to music in game

No PB problems either

[Hitperson]

Just use xfire overlay, it works great for browsing the web and listening to music in game

No PB problems either

i think this is more directed to having to disable the steam overlay in order to play PR when using steam.

[Maniac302]

Why would I use the Xfire overlay when I could use the Steam Overlay? I know how it works, and I've got plenty of friends on it.

Why does the Xfire overlay not cause any problems with Punkbuster? How is it different from the Steam and Mumble overlays?

[AfterDune]

Why does the Xfire overlay not cause any problems with Punkbuster? How is it different from the Steam and Mumble overlays?

I think because xfire is accepted by PunkBuster, perhaps Steam isn't? Though I remember playing with Steam overlay enabled, and using it, and not getting kicked on pb servers... Perhaps I wasn't playing long enough, I don't know, but I didn't have issues with it. Not even with Mumble's overlay.

[Hitperson]

but the possibility still stands that it could be blocking PB screenshots.

[boilerrat]

A while ago (And possibly still) FRAPS was able to be used as a esp / wallhack because of it's overlay.

ArtificialAiming created a free public program that exploited the problem, hopefully that issue is fixed.

Maybe PB is very reluctant to allow overlays for this reason?

[AfterDune]

Only older versions of Fraps are blocked.

[Maniac302]

Yes, I use fraps all the time. Punkbuster never gave me any issues with it. But it dosen't like the Steam Overlay.

[ytman]

The overlay was allowed in previous versions. However, when Steam updated about a year ago it was blocked by PB. Steam is constantly changing itself now so this might be the reason.

[James May]

I also heard after steam updated, the problem came along but there isnt a good excuse for not fixing it it has been a while.

[Maniac302]

Well, if that is true, then the burden falls on Steam. I know what their customer service is like, don't expect a solution from them unless you threaten to sue.

[James May]

They need to collaborate with punkbuster, which is the worst program ever

[Raklodder]

I used to be able to open my Steamoverlay previously on Windows 10, but since the last few Steam Client Beta updates I haven't been able to do so and now having to alt-tab in order for me to talk with my friends on Steam:
Steamoverlay doesn't work in non-steam game

[AnA10Warthog]

Talk about a necro thread, wow.

[PLODDITHANLEY]

Me too 67

[Dragon7722]

I use the steam overlay in PR all the time, no problems with Punkbuster at all. It works perfectly fine for me.

[beefstake2]

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