Larian Studios Forums Divinity - Original Sin Divinity - Original Sin - General Original Sin at GOG's Summer Conference?

The problem is Larian doesn't understand why Steam annoys people that doesn't want to deal with DRM at all, even if it's "just" required to install the game, and re required to install every update they will release. (Seems like none tough it will be a big mess to tell DRM-free and go the steam route). I was surprised too as there were no mention of obligatory platform when i pre ordered, and i never had to deal with Steam on other Larian's games. It feels odd to me too, didn't had the money at the time of the backing, pre ordered as soon as it was possible for me and got told by a friend they will force Steam to install the game on physical boxes. That's just free punishing of fan, that's how it feels, that's odd, usually the game punish you if you don't play correctly, not the guys behind the game for buying the game.

I really can't understand the STEAM hate. I like STEAM. I got my library there, I just click it and click the game ... which I already know is fully updated, and I play. I never feel any downside to STEAM's 'DRM' feature or whatever. What was even better is I got a new PC last year and STEAM install all my games for me on the new PC. I mean I used to be cautious of STEAM, but the more I use it the more I love it. Honestly I can't understand the 'anti-STEAM' mentality here, unless it's just stopping you from doing something you want to do that's illegal, or you don't have an internet connection (which means you wouldn't be here anyway). I just don't get it. I know that if I buy a new laptop I'll just log into STEAM on it and play my games there (after they install). I just don't get the problems.

Now if this was about Origins I'd be pissed. But that's another topic.

@Magissia
It's an outdated post of mine you replied. In fact, according to this post at Kickstarter site, Larian seem to have given all the CE buyers a choice to let them access to the GOG version. "Even if you have the Collector's Edition which indeed contains Steam keys, you still have access to the GOG version. It's part of your tier description that you get a digital download and you can select the platform." So, practically speaking, if the required Steam installation is the only problem for you, then, you can just download the Steam-free GOG version.

Rather, if some people insist "perfect", Steam-free, non-DRM CE discs (probably for their game collections), that could be a problem. There may be other possible issues, but, that's what I can think of, currently. In any case, you can continue voicing your opinions/what you actually want but I don't think it's a good idea to indulge rhetoric if you are actually willing to solve the issue.

There is obviously no objective fact that Steam should either be liked or disliked. From a developer's point of view (Steamworks : alpha/beta capabilities + networking interface + cheaper distribution) it's a fantastic beast. If only those developers, in their enthousiasm, had not forgotten not everyone is a developer, hence, might very well prefer a completely isolated game binary. Though some of them, too, fail to understand that 'DRM-free' does not necessarily mean 'Steam-free'. I can understand the dissapointment.

I myself will be most happy with a key on gog : no client required to either install or play the game. And yes, I do have to download it using an online-connection once, I did purchase it once online too did'nt I ?!

TL;DR:
Installing Steam is like giving your home keys to Valve, you don't know what they'll do, you don't know how it will be used.

Long version:
You like Steam, i don't. To install Steam you must agree with Valve's EULA that grants them the permission to install/replace any software without asking you. Steam runs as System user, this is a security flaw. There's some more reasons here
On other side, I don't need auto update, it may introduce problems with my saves if i try to use them on another machine.
I don't need a software that will install games where it please Valve instead of where the system point by default.

You may not value as high security of your computer or your private data, you may agree telling your habits to Valve, you may agree to have no control over your games as Valve can lock your account for any reason they find suitable for them, that's your right, but I don't. I use system's tools, and it works perfectly, i have a nice grid with all my games, that's as simple as clicking to start games. If the game needs an update, it will ask me if i want the update on launch, if it's an older game, there won't be any updates.
(You can see i don't have Mass Effect 3 because it require Origin and Origin have a similar EULA)

The major point is not about using Steam or not, everyone has it's own preferences, it's about forcing it or not. Like it or not, you are forced to install Steam to install the game from the boxed version, either from the CD or by claiming your key on Valve's website that will point you to the Steam download.

It's not a hate, i just don't agree with Valve's EULA.


Hello, Larian offered this to backers (Second paragraph from your link "As a Kickstarter backer, on release, you will have the option to download the game via Steam or GOG"), not to pre orders. I doubt Larian will fail communication twice but I wish it was a fail and could include all collector boxes.

I don't want a perfect without Steam disk, i want a way to install the game without Steam. I can download the whole game size, i don't have patience problems with downloading speed. Disk are probably already printed and I won't ask for a reprint.

Thanks for caring Dasyure.

But it's convenient. When I go out to eat I pay with a debit card ... because it's a lot more convenient than carrying around a bunch of cash all the time. Sure there's a risk but I guess each person has to weigh that out for themselves.

Who needs cash? Three letters buddy: GOG. Put in a card number, processes the transaction in seconds and stores no personal or payment information, actually I don't think they ever asked for my real name outside of payment events and as I said that info is not saved. You literally start downloading within seconds without any hassles and without Steam's demented policies.

If you want to compare with money :
I agree, but my bank doesn't have the same paper to sign on, and i prefer the stuff written on my bank's contract because they don't say they may freeze my card for any reason at any moment at their own discretion when i'm not in my home country and I terribly need it, Valve's bank contract specify they may freeze your card without notifying you for any reason, even if there's plenty shiny money available on your account. They also specify they may keep your money for them and never give it back to you.

@Magissia
Now I read the post again, I guess you are right. Also, I didn't know that Larian had put so many CE copies through different distribution channels.


As for the discussion on the pros/cons of Steam, I think, it largely depends on how each individual sees it. I don't live like these non-Steam gamers any more but I understand their skepticism/cautions. I wish Larian had put the description around Steam clear to any potential buyers but, alas...