Firstly let me make it clear, I like Galaxy (i'm using it right now). It's certainly more polished than uPlay (not that I've used it in the last year) or Origin.

Also, I understand the need for a client to make social online multiplayer more accessible, secure and organised.

That said there are aspects of how Galaxy works which is counter to GoG's DRM free ethos and previous comments made by GoG.

Most important aspect, is that Multiplayer components of games are not just bound to Galaxy, but access is Account controlled. If I try to use my install of 8-Bit armies through Galaxy with my Wife's GoG account (which has not bought the game), multiplayer is not available. That is DRM. It may be minor and selective for an aspect of a game, but it is an Account (rather than just 3rd part tool dependent) based locking mechanism.

The fact 8-Bit armies doesn't have a LAN multiplayer is not the fault of GoG, its just a disappointing choice by a veteran development team that should know better.

Now I don't mind buying multiple copies of a game when its being played simultaneously. We have multiple copies of C+C, ut2004 and so on. The licencing on these clearly state 1 active installation. I'm not sure about Terraria, but we have multiple copies of that. On the other side I only have one license for Torchlight2, because the publishers granted me the right to install and use simultaneously on upto 10 machines (I have an email confirming that).

GoG has always had a policy that you can install on as many machines as you own, though has never clarified simultaneously use on these installs.

Personally I'd like to see better clarification on DRM'ed nature of multiplayer via GoG Galaxy. Clearly State that multiplayer is Account based.

With Chaos Reborn, it clearly states that multiplayer is locked to a unique key. It is clear that to play multiplayer with family members that multiple licenses will be required. With games locked to Galaxy, that is not clear.

Going forward, Galaxy needs a family sharing system. It needs a way to link accounts so that my Wife or Children can use their accounts to play my games like 8-Bit Armies with out restrictions. I believe other Galaxy functions (such as cloud saves) are also unavailable for non-game owning accounts.


As I said, I understand the need for a client for multiplayer. I can also see that locking to an account allows ranked match making and a degree of anti-cheat security. However multiplayer should not be exclusively "online multiplayer with strangers", it can equally mean "playing with the family members in the same house".

I know other people dis-like galaxy.

It would be much better if it was truly optional. But from a design view point, I understand why using a client is preferable for community based multiplayer.

Also compared to other clients for Digital distribution, its better than most.

Again I disagree, I think it's the worst one out there.
It's even worse than the Desura client.

Never used it.

Though my main point of the OP is that, regardless of the visual esthetic, Galaxy introduces an form of DRM that is counter to GoG's ethos and its restrictions are not clearly stated.

Was thinking the same thing....Galaxy being "polished"?...

But the single player is available?

I'm pretty sure that GOG has said from the very beginning that their DRM-free extends only to single player campaign. So while the situation you describe could be annoying, it's not really counter to GOG's ethos.

more polished

Galaxy is useable, last time I used uPlay, I had to fight against it.

first of all, the word you probably want is functional, not polished.

secondly.... i think we have been using different software... uPlay is almost to basic... Nicely polished, though.

I think right now Galaxy and Uplay are almost at the same level. Both barely work and are riddled with bugs. Origin works proper, Desura worked (until it didn't).

8-bit armies clearly and openly states glaaxy is needed for multiplayer.

Every single game that supports LAN play does not need Galaxy. You bought a game that states explicitly it requires Galaxy. Unfortuantly if Galaxy is run in offline mode multiplayer features are disabled, you need a valid account on GOG to use it fully.

GOG offers a refund policy, so maybe its not a total loss.

Last time I used uPlay was over a year ago. IIRC it had no way to filter on games, platform or price. So using the PC client thinking about buying FarCry I had to go through pages of physical merchandise, console versions and DLC. It also used the trendy parallel page gimmick, that made reading the information difficult.

Again, a distraction from the main purpose of this thread which is, the limitations of galaxy bound multiplayer is not clear at point of purchase.
But it doesn't state that the game is account bound.

Its like saying your need flash player to Watch this film, while not saying you need a unique account.

Ok that makes sense.. I can see your frustration with that. Hit up support and see if they can help then. GOG has always been very helpful and forthcoming with me on all my issues.

GOG's promise on the game page "DRM-FREE. No activation or online connection required to play." is simply a lie, now, and should be changed to something like: "DRM-FREE single-player. No activation or online connection required to play most of the game."

I think the problem with Galaxy is that it's TOO polished. Yes, i'm terrible for making that joke, everyone feel free to throw various produce at me. :P