Backed within a second. This'll make millions of dollars, I'm sure of it.

I find no information regarding the boxed version and DRM, will the boxed version use steamworks?

They'll probably tell you that before they reveal something about the actual game. But while we wait for those, I'm going to go ahead and take a guess: probably. If their digital copies have Steam, then the boxed versions will too, likely. This is only my speculation of course, so take it with a grain of salt.

PM them. Not like they're unaware of the issue at this point, but the more potential customers bug them about it, the harder they'll try to get the negotiations through.

That's what I fear, steamworks = no sale for me.

I don't quite understand why people even ask this. If game uses Steam as only digital distribution platform, it reasonable to assume all places you can purchase it will contain steamworks. If disk version would be DRM free, what point would there be not offering alternative digital distribution channels in the first place as there would already be two different versions of the game available? They would have to maintain both versions anyway.

One can hope?
Torchlight 2 has a drm-free boxed version for example.

As far as I know, there's no official word yet.

But it probably will if Obsidian decides not to release a DRM-free version. That's what Steam fanboys don't get: Those of us that hate Steam (and other client-based DRM schemes) resent it in large part due to it being forced on us regardless of whether we buy from Steam, from another digital distributor, or on physical media or whether we want its "features" (achievements, auto-patching, etc). Steamworks games typically require installation of, activation via, and "supervision" by the Steam client regardless of where or how purchased.

Hell, if Steam were *optional*, if I could fire it up if/when I wanted to use its features, then I might actually come to like it. But it isn't optional in most cases, and that is a big part of the problem.

I doubt the argument that most gamers prefer Steam based on sales: Aside from boycotting or piracy, you simply don't have a choice as a consumer of a particular game or series. Go to a physical game shop or retailer and 95% of the new releases on the shelf *require* Steam or another client. I suspect that a lot of people *accept* Steam rather than *prefer* it.

All that being said: Give voice to your opinion! You don't have to pledge to ask Obsidian if a DRM-free version will be released, and more people asking can only help the odds of getting that DRM-free version, perhaps even on GOG... be sure to mention GOG!

Edit: Sorry for the rant... It's nothing everyone here doesn't already know. I'm getting tired and a bit bitchy... so... Good night. ;-)

It's always the same damn hassle with these projects. You'd think that the devs would have learned by now, that the DRM free crowd is a vocal one, so the DRM issue should be handled right away.

Oh.my.God

Backed instantly! :D

They got $900,000 in less than two days. The fact is, the DRM-free crowd may be vocal, but Obsidian clearly doesn't need them. Still, we'll hope for the best.

Funny you should say this, I sent them a PM yesterday making this exact point: while they can do without us, I still hope they can look beyond the rate $$ are coming in and offer a DRM-free option.
Though I must say that the wording in the FAQ is not very promising while the platform related one is more positive Time will tell if they care only about the "Shut up and take my money" fans or for all fans.

I've also included the link to this thread, so keep posting in case they do check it out.

Perhaps GOG will be part of a stretch goal. Something along the lines of "Show us how much you want it".

Right, we all should stay vocal and keep bugging them about our concerns about DRM and steam. There is already a pretty vocal "majority" on the backer commentary page for a DRM-free and gog.com release. The threads on the obsidian forum should also further supported by people voicing their disappointment about the only steam approved release. I don't think we should just wait and hope for an DRM-free way, the earlier we show our preferences the more serious these are taken.

Places to raise your voice for GOG and anti-DRM:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/obsidian/project-eternity/comments
http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/59936-drm-free
http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/59973-please-consider-getting-this-game-on-gogcom/
http://www.gog.com/en/wishlist/games/project_eternity