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GOG have opened sign-ups for the open beta of their Galaxy digital game distribution platform, currently live on Windows and Mac OS X with a Linux version expected at some unspecified point in the future. The client allows for the purchase, download and launch of a broad selection of DRM-free titles, specializing in older games with the necessary emulation or compatibility baked into the installation. While comparisons with Steam, Uplay and Origin are inevitable, the DRM-free nature of GOG's offering is likely to be a major selling point for many. Almost all the features 'expected' of a digital game distribution platform are in place; chat, auto-updates, matchmaking, achievements and time tracking. Some are still in development, like in-game overlays, but others are somewhat unexpected; auto-updates are optional and will be capable of being rolled-back in the future, interoperability between Steam and GOG allows their clients to launch games from both of a user's libraries, and the entire platform is itself optional - with no plans to withdraw the DRM download service they already provide, GOG specifically state that "the [Galaxy] Client will never be mandatory".
I'm personally intrigued by the delays to the Linux client. Given that SteamOS is Debian based, that Valve have invited other digital download platforms to participate in the project and that there appears to be close integration between Steam and GOG libraries, could a SteamOS version of GOG's Galaxy be in the making here? It certainly makes sense, expanding the audience for GOG and the catalog for SteamOS, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. With fingers crossed.
(Score: 2) by quadrox on Friday May 08 2015, @12:02PM
The problem is that DRM is never going to do what it should do - Completely stop pirates, and give legal users full access. There are just too many use cases where an external observer cannot determine if it's a legal or an illegal transaction. Something as simple taking backup copies for personal use (as backup!), transcoding for a different device, etc.. You can never determine from the outside if this is a legal action (for personal use), or an illegal distribution action. It can never work.
Thus DRM will ALWAYS restrict legal users from legal use cases, or it will have to be so horribly broken to be even more futile than it is today.
And even if you could do it - I just don't want to have to ask for permission every time I want to legally use my product. The very concept is extremely degrading/disgusting to me. I paid money, I get to do what I want. It's nobodys business, and I fucking well don't have to ask for any fucking permission. Seriously.