http://steamcommunity.com/groups/idlemastery#announcements/detail/666902171288054077

In light of the upcoming Steam Marketplace changes next week, I’ve decided to discontinue working on and supporting Steam Idle Master. As someone who is unable to use the mobile authenticator, having trading cards put on hold for 15 days prior to being listed in the market makes the proposition of selling them a difficult one. As most of you know, the value of each card can fluctuate wildly in that amount of time.

This, bundled with additional security measures Valve has put in place are a good step forward in that they make Steam more safe for its users. For me personally, the cost of this safety is inconvenience. For people in my position who are unable to use the mobile authenticator, this effectively makes idling for and selling Steam Trading Cards a futile effort.

Idle Master started out as and always has been a hobby project. My personal attitude towards it has always been “It’s something I built for myself that I find useful, others probably will too”. The first part of that statement, however, is no longer true.

Going forward: I will be updating the Idle Master homepage so that the “Download” button links directly to the portable version of Idle Master. The homepage will remain online for the foreseeable future, but I’ll be adding a statement to the site that the program has been discontinued and is no longer being supported.

The source code for Idle Master is and will remain available on Github under an open source license.

Finally, I would like to say “Thank you” to all of Idle Master’s users and fans. Without you, a project like this couldn’t have been as successful as it was. For those of you who this security change won’t affect: happy idling in the future!

8 years ago*

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"I’ve decided to discontinue working on and supporting "Steam". "

fixed

8 years ago
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Damn, this thread just made me aware that they're introducing even more "securiity" measures to push
their god forsaken mobile app. While I never used idlemaster (I'm using SAM, becuse it's easier on .net
requirements for farming cards in a virtualbox under WinXP) I totally support your decission to discontinue
development on it. All that mobile hype really sucks. I don't have a smartphone and I don't want one.

If Valve really wanted more account security, they could have offered 2 factor authentication via sms/voicecall but
I suspect the main reason is to spy on us anyway. For everyone who can't use mobile auth like me, I can
only recommend the inofficial Desktop autenticator found here:
https://github.com/Jessecar96/SteamDesktopAuthenticator

Already using it on my secondary account ... guess I'll just turn it on for my main account now as well.

8 years ago
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Isn't sam that thingy where people get their hacked achievements? XD

8 years ago
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Yes, you can set achievements with it ... but it also simulates playtime, which effectively gets you card drops without installing a game.

8 years ago
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But is it safe? if so I'll download it as an Alternative from IM.

8 years ago
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What shouldn't be safe about it? If you're worried about getting in trouble for "hacking" achievements,
then don't hack 'em. Just run SAM and let it simulate a particular game that you want card drops for. As long as
it runs, Steam can't distinguish between you having the game actually installed and running and SAM pretending
it to be so. It's safe, because you don't have to enter your Steam information into SAm or anything. Unlike
Idlemaster it's not completely automatic, you'd still have to check your badges page to see what games's missing
card drops and such, but otherwise it works great ... and you can even run it on a plain old Windows XP.

8 years ago
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I'd say that using SAM for cards farming is really stupid idea, as SAM is closed-source, and has ability to cause some real fuckups, as opposed to e.g. ASF, which is open-source, and doesn't interfere with steam client.

Although it's always your choice what you want to run.

8 years ago
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ASF doesn't run under WinXP (32bit) though, does it?
I'd always prefer an open source alternative, but I really need something that I can run under XP/VBox
while I do my work on Linux.

8 years ago
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ASF runs on Linux, and as a Linux user you should know that you can create additional account purely for ASF, so it can't modify any files apart from it's home directory and /tmp, if you configure your home properly, it can't even read your files. I see no reason to run ASF in virtual environment, especially because you have Linux, and on Linux you can pretty much restrict the process however you wish.

No, ASF does not support Windows XP, as using Windows XP is major security hole, and you're putting your steam account at risk only by plugging it to the internet, it's discontinued by Microsoft as well.

8 years ago
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ASF would still need a Steam client though, wouldn't it? I don't want to install Steam on Linux. Linux is for work,
I only use Windows for games.
As for WinXp being a security hole, I couldn't care less. as it runs in a controlled virtual environment, with
an extra snapshot for each application. I also couldn't care less as to what is discontinued by M$. it still offers
relatively good privacy compared to Windows 10 and doesn't need a lot of space or resoruces for those few
windooze apps that do not run under wine.

8 years ago
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No, ASF is standalone and does not require any steam client to run. Mono and ASF.exe is all you need, and it runs natively on Linux, hence, the whole goal of ASF is to run on my server, and as you may guess I don't have any steam client there.

8 years ago
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Okay, might give it a try then.
If it doesn't require a Steam client, how's Steam authentication handled? I wouldn't feel comfortable
entering my credentials in ASF (that's what I really like with SAM: all the autentication is handled
directly by Steam).
Can you point me into the right direction (a link or a howto),
to get started with ASF under Linux? Seems rather complcated to set up...

8 years ago
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https://github.com/JustArchi/ArchiSteamFarm/wiki/Setting-up + https://github.com/JustArchi/ArchiSteamFarm/wiki/Mono

If it doesn't require a Steam client, how's Steam authentication handled?

ASF has it's own built-in steam client based on SteamKit2, code is open-source.

8 years ago
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justtakingovertheworld

8 years ago
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I don't get how the recent changes make such a difference in his eyes and I also don't really get the "unable to use the Mobile Authenticator" bit, but... all right. His project, his choice, of course. And to be frank, it's not like the software needs much more development, anyway. Even the abandoned, old Linux version still works.

8 years ago
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He created IdleMaster to farm his own cards to sell on the market.
The mobile auth app doesn't work on his phone.
Too much hassle (and will be nearly impossible) to sell his cards with a 15 day market hold

He now has no reason to keep working on the project, since it was originally for his personal use anyway.

8 years ago
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I wouldn't dream of questioning the legitimacy of his choice, I think it was clear in my first post. This said, the "I made it for myself" thing doesn't really mean much anymore when you set up a website promoting the software, a public repository, a Steam group, initially support 3 different operating systems and so on.

I also don't really get how the 15 days hold is a deal breaker for people, since it's there for everyone. Maybe someone can offer the perspective I am missing on this. This is obviously an universal issue and not only related to Idle Master's author.

Finally, there's WinAuth which is reported to work for generating codes, there are free Android emulators and I am sure almost everyone has friends or relatives with Android devices half-broken or abandoned in a drawer that they'd be happy to lend, so the "I can't run the Mobile Authenticator" sounds... mostly crap.

Make no mistake, I truly value jshackles's work, both with Idle Master and with Enhanced Steam. He just seems a bit of a drama queen to me, and I don't care much for them.

8 years ago
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I also don't really get how the 15 days hold is a deal breaker for people, since it's there for everyone

People who use the mobile authenticator get their items listed immediately on the market. They can also remove items and relist immediately. People without the mobile authenticator list the item, and it doesn't appear on the market until 15 days later.

Prices can fluctuate minute to minute, so 15 days is pretty much a deal-breaker for most. You pull the item to reprice it, and another 15 day wait before it's listed again. Your item can be undercut weeks before it's even even seen on the market, making the market obsolete for those users.

The simplest solution would be to impose this hold only for high-value items -- set a ceiling price for which an item can be listed before the market hold goes into effect. Placing a 15 day hold on something like emoticons, backgrounds, or trading cards (I don't follow CSGO items, so I don't know how low they go) is just ridiculous as far as I am concerned.

so the "I can't run the Mobile Authenticator" sounds... mostly crap.

Perhaps to you it does, and perhaps to others it's simply too much hassle to sell those items. Time and effort are resources, and resources have a monetary value. If someone feels that the time and effort they have to invest isn't worth the return, they'll simply move on to something else ...

8 years ago
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Interesting. I am currently using the Mobile Authenticator and I recently got a few cards - not by farming, just by playing a new game - and listed them on the market. I didn't realize there was a connection, since I wasn't asked for authentication when I listed them.

So the whole thing boils down to being a Mobile Auth user or not, which itself boils down to having to login again once in a while. It's not like you need to authenticate every time you list an item.I have to call crap again.

Of course, I respect other people's freedom to move on to something else instead of spending 10 seconds once a week to type a five digit code. I just don't get it.

8 years ago
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It's a completely unnecessary over-complication of things, especially when it comes to selling a handful of trading cards for pennies each.
I think that's the point. High priced skins - sure, fine, whatever - but causing a hassle for people selling a few trading cards is a bit much.

It all boils down to perception - clearly his doesn't match yours, so while to you it may seem like "crap" - obviously to him it isn't.

8 years ago
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thanks for your work through these years!

8 years ago
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Wasn't Idle Master from Jason Shackles? I see two people writing in first person here.

8 years ago
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They're just reposting original message while including link to the source, I can't really see anything wrong here.

Although they could use a quote block

8 years ago
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My bad. Didn't follow the link. =)

8 years ago
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Thank god I started using ASF in the first place

8 years ago
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Archi's reputation is raising.

New world order is close.

8 years ago
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I didn't use idlemaster.
I think ASF is the only one that works on Linux. I like it.
We don't need a GUI.

I had troubles on beginning but Archi helped me on forum
(I had to type mozroots --import --ask-remove)

8 years ago
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Probably the only one >supported< that works on Linux.

Old idle master (written in python) probably still works, but it's not supported since a long time.

And I don't know about any other alternatives.

8 years ago
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The python branch was always fixed when Valve changed the badge page layout. It even got idle-many-at-once-to-2h capabilities as a new feature. I wouldn't say it was unsupported before now.

As for alternatives, I bet someone's going to fork it. At its heart, Idle Master is just a badge page parser that does a bit of thread management to spawn and kill processes that pretend to be Steam games. It would be easy to fix if Valve should change the badge page again.

8 years ago
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I've been using idle master on debian for about a month and a half now. Works flawlessly.

Too lazy to try ASF, but I promised myself I'll do it asap.

8 years ago
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Not sure if it's been mentioned, but you don't need to own a smartphone, just an Android or iOS device, which would include super cheap tablets.

Cheap Tablet/Phone + Free Google Voice Number = No Trade Hold

There's no need for any smartphone plan or other expense.

8 years ago
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Google Voice is only available in the US. I signed up using an American proxy but then they ask for an American confirmation number to send a verification code to

8 years ago
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Ah, OK, so that only helps us USians.

8 years ago
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Dont even need the tablet/cheap phone. I used Bluestacks and TextNow for the SMS code, and WinAuth for the mobile auth.

8 years ago
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Yep, although I personally prefer the idea of actually having a separate device for the codes, because I like the idea of 2FA, but if a desktop solution works for you, go for it.

8 years ago
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I already tried that. I have a cheap Android tablet (which comes with factory installed malware btw, - so much for security) ... the Steam mobile app wouldn't even run on it ...Steam's offical app was stuck on the loading screen.
Then, I manged to install the app on Androidx86, but I couldn't get trade confirmations to work..

8 years ago
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ngl my weeab ass thought this said "Idolmaster" and I was about to say that there is a god....
Sorry about the project man.

8 years ago
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While I realize you have the link at the end to the OP, this thread you made could have used some kind of preface.

As soon as I started reading it, my first though was: WTF are you trying to troll the community or something? You didn't make Idlemaster, Jshackles did.

8 years ago
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Exactly what I thought. They needed to add quotes or put the link at the top, before the text.

8 years ago
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Well this still sucks even know i just idle cards to get them and i only trade no market bs,to much effort and time for so little pay out....plus it just more fun to craft a badge and collect trinkets like the cool CS-GO kids do with stickers and such.

Though it is kinda sad that no new updates to idle master,i was all games came with a launcher like Skyrim and Fallout games,then you could idle them with just the launcher for cards.

Anyhow thanks for all you have done,and enjoy your new time with a new hobby.

8 years ago
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Why is nobody using either SDM or Bluestacks to authenticate without a phone?

8 years ago
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Isn't it against steam rules to use a idle program anyways?

8 years ago
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Nope.

8 years ago
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Been using it for months, thanks for your work and wish you all the best in future

8 years ago
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When my friend harked me about idlemaster being discontinued and asked what's the reasoning behind it, I just think the reason was shallow.

He could've use Bluestacks or Andy if he really don't want to get a phone. Oh But they're bloatware? Find the Rooted Bluestacks then. Also I believe there's desktop authenticator already for steam. Whatever, as long as still works, then it's fine. When steam finally does something to break it, someone will step up to update the code.

8 years ago
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Am I missing something? Even if there is a very inconvenient waiting period for putting cards on the market, what the IdleMaster program actually does is accumulate cards, not sell them. Selling them is something you do on your own. Later. Outside of IdleMaster. If you want to. Why does the waiting period have anything to do with it?

8 years ago
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"IdleMaster program actually does is accumulate cards, not sell them. "
agree,developer doesn't need care the new Marketplace policy

8 years ago
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Because the dev basically said he created IdleMaster for himself to be able to idle and sell cards effectively, but since he cannot do the latter anymore because of Valve's new policy, there's no point for him to keep working on the former.

8 years ago
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That is really bad news, indeed. I use idlemaster since i find out, i can farm cards with some software and it was almost every time without problem. Will se, how long it will be working, but until Valve dont change anything about drop cards, i will keep using it. Tried ArchiBoT, but i prefer idlemaster.....maybe i will be forced to move on, but not so soon i hope.
btw there were no updates for long time, so almost no change for me

8 years ago
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Behind the cute face and happy, wide mouth is an evil soul wanting to rule the galaxy under an iron fist. A ready-to-be dictator who only needs a throne to sit on. Cheery eyes which only see unlimited power of abuse, humankind under one flag. The hairbow might as well be a string to garrote the defects and enemies of the new state. That face is of no mercy; it's only a mask.

View attached image.
8 years ago
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View attached image.
8 years ago
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View attached image.
8 years ago
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Loved it.

8 years ago
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... the lulz!

8 years ago
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I like how the terminator has a trollish grin.

8 years ago
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+1 for ...

8 years ago
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Sanguis bibimus
Corpus edimus

Sanguis bibimus
Corpus edimus

Sanguis bibimus
Corpus edimus
Tolle corpus Satani
Ave

Sanguis bibimus
Corpus edimus
Tolle corpus satani
Ave

Ave, ave versus christus
Ave, ave versus christus
Ave, ave versus christus
Ave Satani

8 years ago
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That is... certainly bad... I can live with it though....

8 years ago
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Hopefully someone takes over.

8 years ago
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Thanks for the work so far.

8 years ago
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But...but....I need IM in my life :(

8 years ago
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Been using IM for a while and I'll probably move on to ASF once and for good but hey, thanks for your hard work and dedication. :)

8 years ago
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Archi thing is not working for me , and now idle master got shut down ...
Guess ill go back to installing the games and leaving them afk in the background ... uh well

Anyway , much props for the guy and for all the work put into that thing.

8 years ago
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Closed 8 years ago by MattsPeppers.