So the only difference how it's handled by the strore compared to other DLCs is that you can't buy Gothic 2 and get this DLC at the same time, right?

It's just strange that this DLC is a completely separate item in the library.

I do not understand why it was packed together with Gothic 2. Was it a legal issue to make it a separate download?

Separate item suggests it can be downloaded and used if you have Gothic 2 on CD or from some other source.

You also need to remember that Gothic 2 has a separate DLC - you can't find it by typing "Gothic 2" in a search box.

It is. Both can be downloaded and installed separatly. You just need to own Gothic 2, that's all.

How they handle it here is actually very convenient.
Myrtana is a total conversion for Gothic 2. For such a TC you usually have to install the base game, then apply the mod.
Here on GOG you can install the TC without installing the game first (because it already includes the necessary game files). But they only give you the "Game+Installed TC" download if you own the base game.

Instead of getting the Standalone version from GOG you can also do it the old fashioned way and grab the TC mod files here:
https://www.nexusmods.com/gothic2/mods/27

It isn't that strange really, when you consider it is a full conversion mod built on Gothic 2. So in other words it is Gothic 2, but changed in a major way. That then makes it a different game and not an addon like most DLC.

So needing to own Gothic 2, would be just a copyright come licensing issue, not an install or play requirement.

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For those not aware, who cannot take advantage of this free conversion mod because they don't own Gothic 2, it is going very cheap right now - $3.69 AUD.

https://www.gog.com/game/gothic_2_gold_edition

It's not so convenient for the people who has already G2 installed. I, personally, do not like "packs" as well. I always prefer to have some control over the installs. I always prefer offline installers over Galaxy's automatic process.

I do understand that for some people it can be fast way to get the game going but I would like to have access to separate DLC data as well. Why do I have to download and store(!) whole G2 data two times if I want to have access to both G2 alone and to G2+DLC?

But the question is why? Why do I need to use 3rd party sities to get the right DLC data? The site you linked shows that it's possible to have download of DLC data alone. But why can't I have it in one place, on GOG, the only store I use to buy games?

That would also be the case if you grabbed the TC from Nexus.
In one directory you'd have the base game, in the other one the base game + TC.

edit: If it's the diskspace that's bothering you, DON'T download Myrtana from GOG and grab the files from Nexusmod.

Anyway ... maybe it would be better to move this discussion into the Gothic forum?
This thread really should be about games offered for free, it has been off topic for a while now.

The way i understand it with a Full Conversion Mod, is that it isn't the game plus DLC, it is the game given a major makeover, so any game files in it are required for the mod to work. So while technically you could say you are getting the game files twice if you own the game and the mod, in reality the game files are modified in the mod, so not quite the same.

A full conversion mod is quite different to a regular DLC. Normally a DLC is an addition (new level, new quest, etc) to a game or a minor makeover (skin, new weapon, etc). While a full conversion mod is a full major makeover, essentially creating a new game.

Apologies for my part in going off-topic. I don't think I have anything more to add. Blame GOG for creating the issue in the first place, and some of us then trying to clarify things.

Lol I was about to say please move this topic to the Gothic forum XD.

Anyway as part of the list of free games, I will classify it as a free DLC, hence, I'm not tracking those.

Witcher Goodies Collection given free, for those who have not gotten it the last round.

From the 16th of December 2021 till the 5th of January 2022 as part of Winter Sales

The signs of it are on the Winter Sale Page, not the front page

https://www.gog.com/winter_sale_2021

Get it from here

https://www.gog.com/game/the_witcher_goodies_collection

I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream is free for 48 hours from the 23rd to 25th of December 2021 as part of Christmas Sale 2021. Go go go!

X-Morph: Defense Complete Edition given free for 48 hours from the 27th to 29th of December 2021 as part of Christmas Sale 2021.

Go go go!

Iratus Lord of the Dead given free for 48 hours from the 3rd to 5th January 2022 as part of Christmas Sale 2021.

Go go go!!

Welcome! I have fun doing it too!

Happy New Year to you and your family too! :)