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General discussionAnnouncement: Big Preorders & Launch Day Releases Coming!(4041 posts)(4041 posts)
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Posted February 21, 2014
The DRM-Free Revolution Continues with Big Pre-Orders and Launch Day Releases!

Good news! GOG.com is going to bring you more fantastic launch day releases, preorders, and other exciting new content from some of our favorite developers. We've lined up 3 big titles that we will be bringing to GOG.com in the next couple of months for sale or preorder that we think will be hits with all of our gamers; and we have more equally exciting games coming up soon.

If you've been a member of the site for a long time, you may recall that when we launched sales of The Witcher 2 on GOG.com, we had to add in regional pricing. The game cost different amounts in in the US, the UK, the European Union, and Australia. We're doing something like that once again in order to bring you new titles from fantastic bigger studios. Since we don't accept currencies other than USD on GOG.com right now, we'll be charging the equivalent of the local price in USD for these titles. We wish that we could offer these games at flat prices everywhere in the world, but the decision on pricing is always in our partners' hands, and regional pricing is becoming the standard around the globe. We're doing this because we believe that there's no better way to accomplish our overall goals for DRM-Free gaming and GOG.com. We need more games, devs, and publishers on board to make DRM-Free gaming something that's standard for all of the gaming world!

That brings with it more good news, though! As mentioned, we have three games we're launching soon with regional pricing--two RPGs and a strategy game--and while we can't tell you what they are yet because breaking an NDA has more severe penalties than just getting a noogie, we're confident that you'll be as excited about these games as we are. For a limited time, we will be offering anyone who pre-orders or buys one of them a free game from a selection as a gift from GOG.com, just like we did for The Witcher 2.

If you have any questions, hit us up in the comments below and we'll be happy to answer (to the best of our ability).

EDIT: Since we've answered a lot of the common questions already here (and lest you think that we've ignored you), it may be handy for you to check out the forum thread about this and search for staff answers by clicking this link here. (hat tip to user Eli who reminded us that the feature even exists. :)
Posted February 24, 2014
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Bloodygoodgames: No, the games I buy from my Thai supplier are not pirated (although he also sells pirated games if I wanted them). The physical copies of most legal games in Thailand are much cheaper than in the US (obviously you don't know that as you have never been to Thailand), particularly when you buy them a month or two after they've been released.

A boxed copy of a newly released legitimate game in Bangkok can often be bought for $10 when that same game is still selling in the US in its boxed version for $50. Why? Because the game companies know that the vast majority of Thais cannot afford to pay $50 for a game. Not on a daily average salary of less than $8. So games are sold here much cheaper. Same for movies. An average movie a month or two after release on DVD is $3-$5. Not a price you would ever get in the US or Europe.
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spindown: Wait... so you are going to buy regionally priced games in Thailand because you are boycotting regional pricing on GOG?
If it's going to be regional prices, why not get the best regional prices from those who never promised otherwise? To me, it sounds like a unique opportunity for poetic irony.
Posted February 24, 2014
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spindown: Wait... so you are going to buy regionally priced games in Thailand because you are boycotting regional pricing on GOG?
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Selderij: If it's going to be regional prices, why not get the best regional prices from those who never promised otherwise? To me, it sounds like a unique opportunity for poetic irony.
It makes the position look a bit flimsier when someone rails against a concept, but then is okay with it so long as the right modifiers are in play. If nothing else, it turns into the pot calling the kettle black real quick.
Posted February 24, 2014
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Bloodygoodgames: snippety
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HGiles: That changes things. I know that in various other countries in that area of the world if it's cheaper it's probably pirated. You're right, I shouldn't have assumed that was true for Thailand.

Regarding the grocery store - their treatment of employees is one of the things you mentioned. After you mentioned lower prices and better customer service. I don't care what other reasons you have, shopping at a place that leaves you better off financially isn't something you do because of a moral stance. That this chain is also a good chain is great. But it sounds like Costco here in the States. Costco has low prices, good service, and treats employees well. People shop there because of the first two, mainly. That's a financial decision, not a moral one.
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spindown: Wait... so you are going to buy regionally priced games in Thailand because you are boycotting regional pricing on GOG?
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HGiles: She's all in favor of regional pricing as soon as it favors her. Ironic, isn't it?
Wow, it's the Clueless on Parade day on GOG, isn't it?

I'm fully supportive of regional pricing IF it is based on the buying power and average salaries of the countries that are subjected to it.

However, it NEVER is. You only need to look at every other digital distribution platform and, outside the US, almost every other country pays MORE,

That's why Americans always pay a lower price for games, even though the average US salary is higher than most other countries in the world. Europeans, on the other hand, pay 30-50 percent MORE for the same game, yet their salaries are not 30-50 percent higher. In most cases, they're much lower.

Of course, GOG says if other publishers ask for regional pricing (which, of course, they now all will when they are renegotiating contracts), it MAY be regional prices for Europe for instance will be 4.99 euros and American will pay 5.99.

Bullshit. There isn't a game publisher alive that will do that, not when they can make a higher profit from a large percentage of GOG's customer base. And all for doing the same as they've done before.

It's not rocket science. Although it seems to be as difficult as for a couple of people posting here right now :)
Posted February 24, 2014
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Chacranajxy: What I can tell you is that if a country passed a law that made DRM mandatory, and then proceeded to sue GOG, that wouldn't fly. I can't think of a developed country that allows one to be guilty of a crime if they did it before it was illegal. Maybe there's one or two shitty ones that do, but uh... yeah.
I'm not talking about past, but do you really think GOG would need to stop selling DRM-Free games in this case? And what would happen if they didn't (nothing)?

Also, it is actually quite common to pass laws that allows one to be guilty of a crime they did before it was illegal (though more often it is a penalty change). This usually happens because of an individual high profile case that gets off (or gets off lightly) and is politically motivated.

Edit: FYI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex_post_facto_law

Edit 2: I find it funny/sad reading that now that it starts by stating that this is banned by the consititution in the US, then goes through a whole list of exceptions. The constitution in the US is everything, except for when it's not convenient.
Post edited February 25, 2014 by _Bruce_
Posted February 25, 2014
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HGiles: That changes things. I know that in various other countries in that area of the world if it's cheaper it's probably pirated. You're right, I shouldn't have assumed that was true for Thailand.

Regarding the grocery store - their treatment of employees is one of the things you mentioned. After you mentioned lower prices and better customer service. I don't care what other reasons you have, shopping at a place that leaves you better off financially isn't something you do because of a moral stance. That this chain is also a good chain is great. But it sounds like Costco here in the States. Costco has low prices, good service, and treats employees well. People shop there because of the first two, mainly. That's a financial decision, not a moral one.

She's all in favor of regional pricing as soon as it favors her. Ironic, isn't it?
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Bloodygoodgames: Wow, it's the Clueless on Parade day on GOG, isn't it?

I'm fully supportive of regional pricing IF it is based on the buying power and average salaries of the countries that are subjected to it.

However, it NEVER is. You only need to look at every other digital distribution platform and, outside the US, almost every other country pays MORE,

That's why Americans always pay a lower price for games, even though the average US salary is higher than most other countries in the world. Europeans, on the other hand, pay 30-50 percent MORE for the same game, yet their salaries are not 30-50 percent higher. In most cases, they're much lower.

Of course, GOG says if other publishers ask for regional pricing (which, of course, they now all will when they are renegotiating contracts), it MAY be regional prices for Europe for instance will be 4.99 euros and American will pay 5.99.

Bullshit. There isn't a game publisher alive that will do that, not when they can make a higher profit from a large percentage of GOG's customer base. And all for doing the same as they've done before.

It's not rocket science. Although it seems to be as difficult as for a couple of people posting here right now :)
You seem to have a really big stick up your ass. That might seem rude to say, and perhaps it is, but at the very least I won't engage in condescension and veiled passive-aggressive insults. You have a stick up your ass, and it's making your position unpleasant based on the snottiness with which you defend it.
Posted February 25, 2014
LOL, and I do have to laugh at the three people questioning my morals.

All three are Americans, so all three are people who won't be affected by regional pricing on GOG at all.

ROTFL - no surprise there.

"It doesn't affect me, so why should I worry about it".

Typical.
Posted February 25, 2014
166 pages ... wow ;)

I think I will refrain from adding much to this discussion, just that I think GOG is betraying a core principle and that is something they said they will never do just a few months ago. Turns out GOG now betrays it's principles. But I have my own principles and I won't betray them ;P and if you regionally price anything I won't buy it. Does not mean boycott, just means I boycott regionally priced titles by not buying them ;p
Posted February 25, 2014
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Selderij: If it's going to be regional prices, why not get the best regional prices from those who never promised otherwise? To me, it sounds like a unique opportunity for poetic irony.
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CarrionCrow: It makes the position look a bit flimsier when someone rails against a concept, but then is okay with it so long as the right modifiers are in play. If nothing else, it turns into the pot calling the kettle black real quick.
If two stores sell an identical product at the same price, and one of those stores heavily disappointed you in the past, are you likely to take your business to that store again just for old times' sake?
Posted February 25, 2014
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Bloodygoodgames: Wow, it's the Clueless on Parade day on GOG, isn't it?

I'm fully supportive of regional pricing IF it is based on the buying power and average salaries of the countries that are subjected to it.

However, it NEVER is. You only need to look at every other digital distribution platform and, outside the US, almost every other country pays MORE,

That's why Americans always pay a lower price for games, even though the average US salary is higher than most other countries in the world. Europeans, on the other hand, pay 30-50 percent MORE for the same game, yet their salaries are not 30-50 percent higher. In most cases, they're much lower.

Of course, GOG says if other publishers ask for regional pricing (which, of course, they now all will when they are renegotiating contracts), it MAY be regional prices for Europe for instance will be 4.99 euros and American will pay 5.99.

Bullshit. There isn't a game publisher alive that will do that, not when they can make a higher profit from a large percentage of GOG's customer base. And all for doing the same as they've done before.

It's not rocket science. Although it seems to be as difficult as for a couple of people posting here right now :)
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CarrionCrow: You seem to have a really big stick up your ass. That might seem rude to say, and perhaps it is, but at the very least I won't engage in condescension and veiled passive-aggressive insults. You have a stick up your ass, and it's making your position unpleasant based on the snottiness with which you defend it.
LOL,

Have a nice day. I'm off to do something more constructive with my time than argue with rude fools who won't be affected by a regional price change anyway.
Posted February 25, 2014
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Ophelium: We, as a species, can't tell. Maybe.
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dirtyharry50: I heard the temperatures globally are rising but lots of people don't believe it. I'm pretty sure Fox News says it isn't true. Maybe I saw that on The Daily Show. Jon has a great way of making us all laugh while telling us we are all going to die. :D
Completely forgot about Daily Show.Been a while. Thanks for reminding :D
Posted February 25, 2014
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Bloodygoodgames: LOL, and I do have to laugh at the three people questioning my morals.

All three are Americans, so all three are people who won't be affected by regional pricing on GOG at all.

ROTFL - no surprise there.

"It doesn't affect me, so why should I worry about it".

Typical.
That doesn't make sense. Granted, I haven't dug through the numbers, but going by what others on this thread have said, Russians get the same game as myself for less money. Assuming for a moment that the information is correct, doesn't that mean I'm being affected by it?

Also, I get it. It's impromptu soapbox time, a little sparring, a little nastiness, a little presentation of moral superiority, and everything's peachy. But seriously. Stick. Ass. Can't be comfortable.
Posted February 25, 2014
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Bloodygoodgames: LOL, and I do have to laugh at the three people questioning my morals.

All three are Americans, so all three are people who won't be affected by regional pricing on GOG at all.

ROTFL - no surprise there.

"It doesn't affect me, so why should I worry about it".

Typical.
You're taking a convenience and financial stance, not a moral one. Saying 'I will not buy any games where the price differs based on region because regional pricing is wrong' is a moral stance. Saying 'I will not buy games that are priced out of line with my wages and costs' is a financial decision. Making smart financial decisions is great, but it doesn't make you a superior person. It just means you have access to better products and lower prices and are taking advantage of that.

You're also insulting the people calling you on your hypocrisy. If you were certain you really were in the right, you wouldn't bother defending it so aggressively. Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
Posted February 25, 2014
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Chacranajxy: What I can tell you is that if a country passed a law that made DRM mandatory, and then proceeded to sue GOG, that wouldn't fly. I can't think of a developed country that allows one to be guilty of a crime if they did it before it was illegal. Maybe there's one or two shitty ones that do, but uh... yeah.
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_Bruce_: I'm not talking about past, but do you really think GOG would need to stop selling DRM-Free games in this case? And what would happen if they didn't (nothing)?
Again, the consequences depend on a bunch of different factors, but we can say that generally, GOG would have to stop selling DRM-free games in that region, or else they would risk being brought into court there. If it's a region where they're actively selling games, they've established 'minimum contacts', with that region, and that's what's needed to bring them to court there. So yes, they could be sued, but the likelihood of success depends on the laws and a number of other things. Chances are that GOG would just cut their losses and stop selling within that country rather than deal with the legal trouble.
Posted February 25, 2014
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CarrionCrow: It makes the position look a bit flimsier when someone rails against a concept, but then is okay with it so long as the right modifiers are in play. If nothing else, it turns into the pot calling the kettle black real quick.
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Selderij: If two stores sell an identical product at the same price, and one of those stores heavily disappointed you in the past, are you likely to take your business to that store again just for old times' sake?
Depends on the modifier in play. Get sufficiently irritated with it, and that's that. No more business with them. But at the same time, I'm not inclined to tell a company that I think highly of one day that they're garbage the next.
Posted February 25, 2014
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Protoss: Age of Empires 2 coming to GOG?

That picture you used is the crop rotation sign in Age of Empires 2. :-)
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megarock58: Can you please post a link to that picture?
http://www.gog.com/news/announcement_big_preorders_launch_day_releases_coming
http://ageofempires.wikia.com/wiki/Crop_Rotation

Ok, I was wrong about the picture. :-(
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This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussionAnnouncement: Big Preorders & Launch Day Releases Coming!(4041 posts)(4041 posts)
(4041 posts)