With previous games Larian has just had public playtesting sessions in their studio, for those who could make it there.
What matters most to me is the community involvement in the latter-end of the development process, particularly as the specifics of the game are polished. I like to settle into a community, really get to know the modders and regular players and (if possible) the devs. That community relationship starts during the beta test.
FWIW, Larian has removed the DRM from their previous games (DD, BD and DKS, with contractual issues preventing the removal from the original release of D2:ED)
Yes, I was able to find reference to this in my searches, but it's not a definitive answer. Removing DRM which is functionally obsolete and universally despised from older titles is not the same as going DRM-free on a newer title.
Thanks for the prompt response
