lowyhong: So for those of you who use GamersGate, how is it compared to GOG? Is it as hassle free? Is support good? Is the online activation DRM for installing games troublesome? Is there no other way to circumvent the need for an Internet connection when installing the game?
When you download from Gamersgate, you actually download a small downloader utility, which doubles as an installer. Taken as-is, it's kind of a pain in the ass to back up the installer, but the flip side is that in almost all cases, you can easily rip out the authenticator and be left with a full installer that has no dependence on Gamersgate (though obviously any publisher DRM remains). Since many of my GG purchases already have no publisher DRM (even some newer ones like Cryostasis), this means I have many 100% offline-capable installers, much like something you'd buy from GOG.
Note that the GG authentication trick is a loophole and will probably be eliminated in the future, but for now, they're making a killing off of me because of it. However, also note that GG's store policy is that if you run out of publisher-limited activations, they will issue you a new key for the game.
Support is ace. Seriously. Gamersgate is
very eager to please, and you will not get a form response, unless you ask something retarded, I guess. They will also explain the full details of a particular title's DRM on request. They used to be a bit slow on support, but they've been quicker to get back to me lately. Their English isn't perfect, but I haven't had any problems communicating with them.
In short, Gamersgate is a bit scratchy right now, but I recommend giving them a try.