Note: The game isn't on Linux, but it raises an important issue.
So, this annoyed me to the point of having to write about it. Hero Siege was sold on IndieGameStand DRM free and without warning the developer has now removed the DRM free version and has tied it to Steam.
This has led IndieGameStand to have to supply all purchasers a Steam key for the game so that they can still play it (now that is good customer service) and remove the game from their store.
IndieGameStand had to seek out the developer who simply said this to them:
Erm, what? The developer has put up an artificial barrier and completely removed their DRM free versions, without warning to the previous store that accepted them, or to the customers.
I completely agree with what the admin over at IndieGameStand store had to say, as Steam gets more and more indie games discovery will become harder and harder, so smaller stores will shine.
Source forum post
Do you think we will see more of this happening, developers removing DRM free versions? Especially with a lot of indie developers selling their games via stores like IndieGameStand, Desura and others while they try to get onto Steam.
What do you think folks? Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
So, this annoyed me to the point of having to write about it. Hero Siege was sold on IndieGameStand DRM free and without warning the developer has now removed the DRM free version and has tied it to Steam.
This has led IndieGameStand to have to supply all purchasers a Steam key for the game so that they can still play it (now that is good customer service) and remove the game from their store.
IndieGameStand had to seek out the developer who simply said this to them:
QuoteI dont think its a good idea to make a DRM-Free version, its too integrated with steam.
Erm, what? The developer has put up an artificial barrier and completely removed their DRM free versions, without warning to the previous store that accepted them, or to the customers.
I completely agree with what the admin over at IndieGameStand store had to say, as Steam gets more and more indie games discovery will become harder and harder, so smaller stores will shine.
QuoteFor those wondering, we have pulled the game from the store, updated the deal to no longer show the DRM-free emblem and hav unlocked steam keys for everyone that purchased. Like many of you, I am extremely disappointed with a Developer's focus on 1 platform. There's no reason to do a Steam version only - there are a lot of players that love the Steam ecosystem...and plenty that don't and prefer DRM free from our site, humble, GOG, Desura, and a multitude of other stores/sites. More importantly, as Steam greenlight goes away and becomes more open - it's going to be more and more important to get exposure via other means. Steam's game discovery is not that great. Getting on steam used to mean guaranteed success but with hundreds of games being greenlit - that is no longer the case. As a developer you should leverage exposure on as many platforms as you can IMO and should not bait/switch customers.
If you're an indie developer look at the most successful indies of the past few years:
Braid - Available DRM Free
Positech Games - all games available DRM Free
Minecraft - NOT EVER ON STEAM!
Just my 2 cents...
Source forum post
Do you think we will see more of this happening, developers removing DRM free versions? Especially with a lot of indie developers selling their games via stores like IndieGameStand, Desura and others while they try to get onto Steam.
What do you think folks? Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Yes but the point with Brutal Legend & Dungeon Defenders is they were up front & said it was steam only, this developer sold a game as DRM free then changed it while still selling it as DRM free, dishonesty doesn't pay, if you make a promise or offer something stick to it or else.
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sorry about the double post, I forgot to say something just now.
I for one will NEVER buy from this developer becasue they are dishonest in their dealings, even if the game is on Linux in the future they will never see a penny of my money.
I for one will NEVER buy from this developer becasue they are dishonest in their dealings, even if the game is on Linux in the future they will never see a penny of my money.
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Quoting: thwal5So this annoys you? what about the humble guys?
* Brütal legend req. Steam for MP
* Dungeon defenders req. Steam for MP
* the old DRM free Jamestown download req now Steam
it's totally common these days...
Common doesn't make something right, also the quote below is the actual point:
Quoting: Rob on LinuxYes but the point with Brutal Legend & Dungeon Defenders is they were up front & said it was steam only, this developer sold a game as DRM free then changed it while still selling it as DRM free, dishonesty doesn't pay, if you make a promise or offer something stick to it or else.
Selling a game DRM free, then removing then DRM free version is not good business or good PR.
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FutureSuture Feb 23, 2014
Quoting: thwal5So this annoys you? what about the humble guys?Surely this also applies to GOG's client, correct?
* Brütal legend req. Steam for MP
it's totally common these days...
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Quoting: FutureSutureQuoting: thwal5So this annoys you? what about the humble guys?Surely this also applies to GOG's client, correct?
* Brütal legend req. Steam for MP
it's totally common these days...
From http://www.gog.com/game/brutal_legend
"Multiplayer notice: The DRM free version of Brutal Legend is single-player only."
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FutureSuture Feb 23, 2014
Quoting: GuestSo how do FOSS projects do it? Xonotic, Red Eclipse, and so on? They are small even when compared to an indie, are they not?Quoting: thwal5So this annoys you? what about the humble guys?I can understand requiring Steam for multiplayer, because otherwise you have to develop your own matchmaking code and infrastructure, which is not trivial. And also have it duplicated for Steam / non-Steam…
* Brütal legend req. Steam for MP
* Dungeon defenders req. Steam for MP
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Quoting: s_dBravo to IGS for this! I'm pretty happy to support IGS, and that sentiment is growing rapidly as time passes.
Thank you for the nice words!
At the end of the whole situation, it worked out well for everyone. Panic Arts was new to the PC market and did not understand the mistake that was made. They resolved the situation quickly and fixed the DRM-Free version.
I'd like to thank Panic Arts for making a great game and solving this quickly, as well as thank the community for being supportive.
- Matt "Canj"
Marketing/Community Manager
IndieGameStand.com
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