Apologies if this has been posted before, I hadn't seen it here yet with a cursory search.

Subscription-based with DRM-Free option on classic titles that have not been released yet on other platforms:

https://www.gamepump.com/

Seems interesting. I wonder if they might seek out a distribution agreement with GOG on some of their titles once they have been released? Or if they will be launching their own storefront in the future and giving us another DRM-Free classic game haven?

Interesting, but this bit:

" In addition, some games are developed exclusively for GAMEPUMP as spiritual successors to your favorite game franchises of the past. "

Is slightly concerning... sounds like they may be selling more modern clones than classic games.
Plus how many classics are out there completely unreleased that they would be able to legally get hold of and sell?
If it were that easy surely they would be here?

It's not clear from the text, but in the video, they clearly say "classic console games". There might be something there. On the other hand, they also say "to your Steam account" and something like "if we can't get a game, you get a remake".

What I'd like to know is have they shipped anything already or is it still in the "we have a website" stage.

You missed the part in the trailer "...released straight to your Steam account.".

Between the terms and the subscription seems high-risk. Plus I can't even think of many "must-haves" not on modern platforms that aren't in some form of licensing hell.

But then there is this:

Q: HOW WILL I DOWNLOAD THE GAMES?

A: Every month, you'll receive an email letting you know the new game has been unlocked. Soon, all subscribers will have user accounts which will automatically unlock their game. By default, you will receive a DRM-Free version of the game, however you can elect to instead receive a Steam key.

No, thanks. Show me what you got first and then I will think about it. No blind purchases.

To answer my own question, no, no they haven't shipped anything yet. January.

Here's an interview with the person behind GamePump, I suddenly remembered I read about this already: link

MSX wouldn't interest me, but some Sega CD titles would be nice.

Well if they go out of business at least there will be "one pump chump" jokes to be made.

They aren't. They're going for ports of games on other consoles. From the interview I linked earlier:

They've mentioned on Twitter that not all the games they bring will be DRM-free:
https://twitter.com/GAMEPUMP_com/status/798993859535466496
"When possible we will offer DRM-Free downloads, some games licensing do not allow for it so we can't guarantee it."

As for releases elsewhere than Steam, they said in the interview linked above:
"While Steam is the focus at launch, Bowling is open to publishing these games across other platforms outside of subscriptions. “We want to tread carefully and focus on building this business,” he said. “Steam is the easiest path and makes the most sense.”

Other than that, my concern is that the ports may be inferior to emulated versions. =\

Riiiiiight. And Nintendo is just simply known for having made so many versions of their games for other platforms. I sure can't wait for the corpse known as Hudsonsoft to okay Super Mario Special, what with the limited colors, lack of scrolling, and different level scheme.

Or how about we enjoy Mega Man 1 and 3 for DOS?

Or we could get in contact with the now defunct High Tech Expressions and ask nicely if they'll give us Chip and Dale, the craptastic PC version with only 9 screens of gameplay!

Nintendo controlled things so tightly in their prime that they forced arbitrary limitations on companies on Namco, Konami, and others, forcing them to make fake publishing houses to print games by. Like Ultra Games and Konami. There are maybe...one or two Nintendo games out on other platforms.

Honestly? If this deal means they can get more Genesis games added to the Sega Genesis Classics emulator on Steam, I'd be all for it, especially if it means they can get old Sega CD games added.

I made a topic about this one month ago.

www.gog.com/forum/general/in_case_you_guys_missed_it_robert_bowling_is_working_on_releasing_classic_unreleased _video_games/page1