Seems the backers get their downloads sometime this weekend, can only assume sunday. While steam preorders get to download theirs on Monday. This of course begs the question, Do we get to download on Monday also?
Another question, Hoping we get a code like steam uses did for the PDX forum avatars. Silly but still a freebie.

A preload would be appreciated if it can be arranged. It is a bit frustrating to watch others play a release copy while I am still waiting on a long download.

Others getting preloads suggests that there is now a final release build and that they will push any furhter changes into post release updates.

I asked GOG support about when the Paradox forum code as well as other extras for the deluxe edition would be available but never got a response. It seems to me that it would make sense to make these fully available at the same time as any preload for the game but I don't know if they will make us continue to wait or not. Not even sure if we wil get the code and other goodies by email or direct download within GOG Galaxy or some other method.

Yea getting very excited about the game and looking forward to it and maybe some dlc for it next year.

Actually, word on the Paradox forums is that keys will be sent out this upcoming weekend, but that's not going to change when the downloads are available. The downloads will be available for backers at the same time as everyone else on whichever platform.

GoG isn't going to have any control over when those Keys go out once HBS have them, but just having a download key won't let backers download early. It'll just put the game in your account.

(as I understand things)

Ok thanks Kellcat. I try and read all the forums but I miss things.

Info on Paradox foruns is only confirmed for Steam preorder purchases and backers. No confirmed word yet on GOG purchases, just speculation.

update:

It was just confirmed by a community manager over on the Paradox forums that the pre-load will only be available on Steam.

I so hate steam/valve/Jabba the Hutt!

Retard kids don't get it!

Shit being a gamer in 2010+, bring back my SInclair Spectrum 128K lol

I am still up in the air about this game, but I would rather purchase it from GOG then that dung pile Steam.

Not being a backer - I think it's fair that backers get a first look / download. I also think its a kick in your unmentionables that HBS is releasing it early on steam. That in itself is another kick in the unmentionables to the backers. I hope that isn't an indication of their general support for the game.

I think it is just a case of the developers wanting to spend the hour or so of development time it would require to create a GOG preload on developing the game itself rather than on extra work for one distribution channel. That is just my guess though, I cannot speak for them.

Pre-Downloads on Steam basically download an encrypted version of the software in question, the decrypt it on the time of release.

Suffice to say, coding something like that is of questionable use given the idea behind GOG and even the much-maligned Galaxy client. It would also have to be coded by GOG, not by HBS.

Keys are being sent out early since they expect lots of backers to be unable to access backerkit on short order. And even if you get the key: no one except the Streamers gets to play early, and those have been doing so for quite a while, since they're the cheapest form of advertisement you can get these days.

Also, in regards to some spiffy forum avatars and wallpapers:
https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/index.php?threads/fan-kit-official-icons-banners-wallpapers.1071687/

Officially endorsed through the official Paradox forums. Knock yourselves out.

Just so you know, it's Steam orders that get to preload. I'm a Backer, chose GOG for my distribution channel, and don't get to preload.

GOG can and has made pre-loading available, specifically for the release of The Witcher 3. They've done this (IIRC) by making an installer consisting of only a small executable, then offering the .bin files for download and only adding the executable on release day.

Witcher 3 was AFAIK the only title that has gotten a pre-load on GOG (probably due to a combination of its size, its popularity (= # of downloads on release day) and it being developed and published by another CD Projekt company), so they probably don't have a process in place to do this easily and don't offer it to other developers/publishers... yet.

Now, if you want to change that, this subforum is probably not the best way to go about it - instead, how about adding it on the Community Wishlist for Site Features and then making a post in the general discussion forum about it :-)

(and yes, us backers who chose a gog key aren't getting pre-load either. And honestly, pre-load is nice, but I take not having to deal with steam over it on any day of the week)

35 hours until the game is released. Don't know when or if they will stop preorders before that. I bought it so obviously I think it is worth it. Check out a stream of the game on youtube or twitch - it may help you decide if it is for you or not.