DRM Free version gone?

[TenDot11]

The Humble Store got keys, but they took away the DRM Free version.

I thought the whole point was to have both Steam keys AND DRM Free versions.

What happened?

[Playstos]

That is correct, when we were greenlighted it became apparent that we would have to choose between supporting all Steam features (cloud sync, leaderboards, matchmaking and their multiplayer infrastructure, etc), or hold off those features and keep both the DRM-free and Steam versions going.

We decided on the first option, thinking that most players would benefit from complete Steam integration, and the DRM-Free version is now obsoleted by the Steam version.

The DRM-free version will keep working for the single-player part, while the multiplayer has been migrated to Steam and requires an up to date version.

We would have loved to support both solutions, but being "indie" and thus severely limited in resources, means at times we have to make painful decisions.

[TenDot11]

It would still be nice to get the DRM Free version back for the single player.

I totally understand the Steamworks thing but is it possible to get it back for Single Player?

[Playstos]

Originally posted by ATesting:

It would still be nice to get the DRM Free version back for the single player.

I totally understand the Steamworks thing but is it possible to get it back for Single Player?

The old version was removed from Humble Bundle in order to avoid confusion for new purchasers, who would download an outdated version with broken multiplayer without knowing of an updated version being available on Steam. We'll probably put together a DRM-free single player version as a few other games in a similar situation already do.

[Azrael]

Not a good move, removing a working version from Humble Bundle without any notification. You should know by now that many users purchase and prefer DRM-Free only versions of the games, and they specifically buy them from places where can be found, like GOG.com, Humble Bundle, Desura, GamersGate, etc... and NOT from Steam, because they don't want any type of DRM in their games.

I don't have this game, but I know a few friends (without access to Steam by preference) who bought it DRM-Free, and now they don't have access to their game on Humble Bundle anymore, and instead, they have now a Steam key. So now, without any notification, they are been forced to move to Steam just to keep playing your game? Usually is the other way around: Removing DRM, not adding more...

Personally, I don't have any issues with Steam, but I understand the frustration and anger of my friends and many others non-Steam customers who suddenly don't have what they bought anymore, and been any type of DRM a big issue for them.

I was interested in the game, but actions like these make me re-think to support or recommend these type of developers or companies. You should do what others developers do: Prepare a proper DRM-Free version for non-Steam customers, and NEVER TAKE AWAY WHAT THEY BOUGHT, especially without any warning or notification or without giving something back.

Also, I don't think they will be happy with only the single player campaign...

[shmumbler]

Just saying, I'd rather get an "out-dated" game than have what I specifically paid for pulled away from me without even the dignity of giving a warning. The worst part about this is you're damaging Humble as much as you are yourselves. I'm now much more hesitant to buy from Humble in case other devs decide to pull similar stunts. At least GOG guarantees me access to my purchased games even if they do get taken down.

[Playstos]

Point taken guys :) We'll discuss within the team how to handle this.

The main problem we can see is the release of a new DRM-free version without multiplayer taking up quite some development time we could pour into enhancements and bug fixing.

[TenDot11]

Originally posted by Playstos:

Point taken guys :) We'll discuss within the team how to handle this.

The main problem we can see is the release of a new DRM-free version without multiplayer taking up quite some development time we could pour into enhancements and bug fixing.

I apologize about this entire post. I did not mean for it to cause you guys more stress. Take your time with it, I just noticed something and wanted to make sure I was not the only one.

Keep up the good work! :)