What is the serial number for? It isn't necessary to install the game.

http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/eb3ae86de9212017a1ffd276b48c6f73/http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/camiecoop/ninja.jpg

LMAO that's awesome!

In fact, the autoupdater is neded, as it realy do some updates on top of the GOG distibuted file.

So I think th only way to alway stay on newest version is using the autoupdate feature.

For the other platforms, the serial / key is a multipurpose code that activates the game on Steam, Humble Store, and Chrome.

(Can't post links. for more info go to the official game page, get into the forums, [Don't Starve] General Discussion subforum, and read the "How Keys Work - Post Launch" sticky.)

Can anyone confirm if the same is true for the GOG key? If it's the same I will be purchasing my copy here, as it's both my favorite store and the one with the currently cheapest price :) ; otherwise, I will purchase from one of the other stores for the multiplatform (Windows+Linux+Chrome) benefit.

Unfortunately I think the code is solely for the updater. Tried to use mine for steam activation but it was not accepted.

edit: not sure if this is you posting on the forums too but:

http://forums.kleientertainment.com/showthread.php?17494-GOG-amp-Keys

I actually asked there too. The answer I got is in the linked thread:

http://forums.kleientertainment.com/showthread.php?17495-GOG-amp-Keys

Basically, seems like the GOG key is good for the Chrome version too, but won't work either in Steam or in the Humble store. Seems like I will be getting my version on either Steam or the Humble store, due to the Linux version...

I did by it on GOG and I do think that currently Gog-purchase is not the best choice (unless it is cheaper here, was for me) :
This is because (in decreasing importance, after my opinion):

1) no access to Linux version.
2) Auto updater do not Currently work with windows XP (I belive). See other forum post on this Don't Starve forum called "Q: Anyone else have problems with the auto updater?". note: There is in fact regularly new updates via the auto updater.
3) not possible to register at steam. So no auto-update there either.
4) no access to (Humble Store downland),

note: Generaly I try to by everything from GOG now because I can be sure there is no DRM crap. And they don't do that strange and annoying assumption that a US$ equals a Euro. In fact I have repurchased many game that I already owned on CD or steam to get rid of Crappy-protection without relying on cracks.

There's an easy work around for this problem (see this thread).