ShinyLoot Game Store Interview And Giveaway!

ShinyLoot is an awesome game store that has Linux support, one we told you about way back when in April! They have been in beta status for quite some time and are finally about to remove this tag and be classed as fully open!

They do things quite differently to other stores, rather than shoving lots of game information right in your face like Steam they have a simple (well it's not so simple, it's pretty decent) search bar with a single rotating banner of deals below it, simple and lovely.

On the 26th of August they officially open and we have honour of another interview and a chance of offering three people up to $20 credit to spend on a game at their store.

I am joined once again by Chris Palmarozzi of ShinyLoot to answer some questions to find out a bit more about them, their mission, what they really think of Linux and whatever else I came up with!

GOL: In our original interview back in April you stated that you wanted to support Linux so gamers didn't have restrictions, how has supporting Linux worked out for you so far?

ShinyLoot: It's worked out to be a no brainer. We built a multi-platform system so that we could easily support Windows, Mac, and Linux. Unsurprisingly, the majority of sales are Windows based, but Linux users certainly contribute enough that we're quite happy with putting in the extra work early to build a more universal platform.

GOL: Have you spoken to developers of Windows only games on your store about doing Linux versions? Have they been very receptive?

ShinyLoot: From my first conversations with developers, I tell them we support PC/Mac/Linux. I don't actively encourage any particular development path, because for some it's very easy to make a Linux version, and for some it's a lot of effort. Almost all developers want to support Linux and Mac in addition to Windows, but there's only so much time. I simply let them know if they decide to release a Linux version, we'll support it.

GOL: Now that the website is heading out of beta, what now really sets you apart from other game stores, the internet isn't short of web based DRM Free stores now more than ever so what are you really bringing to the table for us?spend

ShinyLoot: A couple of years ago when ShinyLoot was first devised, a DRM-free indie store seemed enough to make a splash. By the time we launched, "DRM-free" and "indie" was tossed around so frequently that they weren't much of a selling point. I think there's still enough room for one more indie driven store to thrive and hopefully that's us. In the past several months we've built a set of features that are quite unique in combination. First, we focus on search and game discovery primarily through our trait and filter system. This allows customers to search over 140 individual features of games and cross-reference them with genres, settings, price, DRM, and discount rate. This allows us to level the playing field and provide exposure for lesser known indie titles by presenting them to customers who express direct interest in a game's particular set of features.

Because we also support minimal DRM (one time key validations), we sell games that other DRM-free stores who don't support key distribution cannot sell. A great example of a popular, minimal-DRM, Linux supported title is SpaceChem. These security measures are non-intrusive and require very little extra effort from the customer, while allowing the developer to still protect their game. To be clear, simple one time key validations are the only form of DRM supported so there are no games with limited installs, always online checks, etc. Finally. we also provide a DRM-free download manager, sell all titles worldwide for the same price, offer free credits for approved user reviews, respond quickly to support, and support Steam keys for a growing number of games.

GOL: Do you see yourselves ever budging on the no intrusive DRM policy? Say if a big name game came along and offered you a timed exclusive but they had a "maximum 3 downloads" or an "always on" DRM, would you accept them?

ShinyLoot: I don't see ourselves budging on that. I think that basically amounts to us turning our company back on existing customers to make a quick buck. Building up a distribution platform takes time, and we're customer focused so it would be greedy and poor long term planning to throw away a huge part of who we are.

GOL: What is your honest opinion of Linux?

ShinyLoot: Personally, I'm a Windows guy. The combination of usability and software preferences makes it unlikey I'd switch. However, Linux clearly has a lot of positives for users patient enough to make it's features work for them. I'm always for freedom, customization, and transparency, and Linux has no competition in those departments.

GOL: Do you think the direction Microsoft is taking with Windows (Their new UI for example) would ever lead you to use Linux?

ShinyLoot: Sure - it's possible. If I'm forced to use software in a way that doesn't jive with me I am certainly going to explore alternatives. Whether I actually switch just depends on what I'm gaining and losing out of each option.

Big thank you to Chris for taking the time to keep in touch and for doing the giveaway and interview. Now go buy yourselves a shiny new game.

Now The Giveaway!

READ: This is only open to registered members, not guests so you will need to register and login. This is because too many people don't leave contact details, it just makes it easier to get the prizes to you!

Finally what you all really wanted to know right?

3 lucky people will be able to spend up to $20 at ShinyLoot on any 1 game, all you need to do is reply with why you love GamingOnLinux.com to be entered.

I will pick the three winners on the 29th of August and they will be notified via PM on here where they will then select a game!
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.