F4LL0UT: That's how I roll, baby.

Seriously, though, that that's all I need in 99% of all cases. That is exactly why Galaxy is good for users like me.

Also, this further makes the entire outrage absurd. And further confirms that they should advertise this functionality more openly and make it even more prominent in the Galaxy client.

However, it also means that what I stated earlier isn't necessarily correct. If they do offer installer downloads through the client they might very well be planning to make the client mandatory - can't say that it would be a very bad thing in my book, however. I don't think that people would have ever been frustrated with GOG if downloading had been always only possible via a client like the old downloader, just losing the option to download directly via browser would hurt because we're used to it and it would be an uncanny change. Well, okay, the big problem I can think of is that it would become impossible to download games on platforms that Galaxy is not compatible with but that's just the more reason why I don't quite think that GOG will make Galaxy mandatory, certainly not before making sure that Galaxy runs on all platforms that are also supported by the library itself.

F4LL0UT: Yeah, actually wasn't aware of that. Another reason why the outrage is really unnecessary.

ZFR: I also don't think that this step was done as an intentional conspiracy to make Galaxy obligatory.

The problem is that this shows that Galaxy could easily become "less optional" by... omission? Not sure what word to use.

The recent disappearance of notifications from the forum are a good example. No one thought "Hey, let's screw the non-Galaxy users by removing notifications for them, so they will be forced to use Galaxy." No. It's simply that during the site overhaul this was overlooked, and when the problem came to light, fixing it was given less priority. Works in Galaxy correctly, doesn't it? Well the, let's not waste resources on fixing this small bug for everyone else.

Unless, GOG actively works to ensure that non-Galaxy users are also getting the best possible experience, this problem will only increase. New updates? Let's put it in Galaxy first. Bug? Let's prioritize solving it for Galaxy. It will still be "optional" in the sense we get standalone installers, but if this leads to second-class treatment, then as I said, I might as well stick to Steam.

BKGaming: Hey as a person who likes Galaxy and also has a degree in computer information systems... I take offence to that. :P

We make/use software to make things more convenient or to lower the boundaries on entry, otherwise we would not make it to begin with. I wonder if some people felt that way when humans created the wheel? To hell with those puny humans that can't carry heavy loads on their back. Weaklings. xD

russellskanne: Hey. I'm BKGaming. A client is no drm!! I have nothing more to say. Thanks! I'm outta here!

Gilozard: Requiring a client is DRM.

Gilozard: If GOG no longer offers those services and I have to do the same checking for a game no matter where I get it, then GOG is only competing on price.

BKGaming: Identity thief....

Anyway I could lie to you and tell you what you want to hear but what would that make me? I'd rather tell it like it is and be down voted then go through life agreeing with people, telling them what they want to hear like a mindless drone.

toxicTom: A lot of inexperienced people downloaded the setup.... but not the accompanying -bin files. And started the setup... Which left them stranded at "insert disk two". In these cases having Galaxy in the first part.and let it handle the rest is actually a pretty good option. People are used to download only a small exe which then downloads the rest. Think MS with Visual Studio, SQL Server... Or those tiny Steam clients sold on DVD mimicking a full game *blech*

Wouldn't have happened with the Good Old Downloader though...

MarkoH01: Imo that is the biggest problem with GOG's "logic" here. "Galaxy" and "Standalone Installers" are two different things designed fo two different kind of potential buyers. Mixing those would serve no one really.

F4LL0UT: Please, having to log into the client to get DRM free installers is as much DRM as logging onto the website is. It does not restrict your ability to duplicate or use the content once downloaded, does it.

adaliabooks: ... They follow the instructions to download and install their game and off they go. They are not tech savy enough to understand that some of the features they are expecting (achievements, cloud saves or multiplayer) require Galaxy.

By giving them the option to install Galaxy with their game Gog are making their experience easier and better. For those of us who understand the ins and outs of clients and downloads and installing we know what we are doing and can make the informed decision about whether we want or need Galaxy.
Unfortunately for us, the tech savy people, we are the minority. Most people are morons. Most people need their hands held and their arses wiped. I work with the general public day in day out, and have for years, and you absolutely have to aim for the lowest common denominator if you want to succeed.

adaliabooks: I disagree.

Galaxy is optional. If this were Steam or Origin you would buy your game be told to download the client and get your game from there and be off.
For many users (who barely understand how to download their files) all the flashing banners saying try Galaxy mean nothing. They follow the instructions to download and install their game and off they go. They are not tech savy enough to understand that some of the features they are expecting (achievements, cloud saves or multiplayer) require Galaxy.

By giving them the option to install Galaxy with their game Gog are making their experience easier and better. For those of us who understand the ins and outs of clients and downloads and installing we know what we are doing and can make the informed decision about whether we want or need Galaxy.
Unfortunately for us, the tech savy people, we are the minority. Most people are morons. Most people need their hands held and their arses wiped. I work with the general public day in day out, and have for years, and you absolutely have to aim for the lowest common denominator if you want to succeed.

adamhm: Which is why as I and many others have mentioned, it would make much more sense to modify the site to make people aware of & direct them towards Galaxy before offering download links for the offline installers. This would also mean much less work for GOG, as the installers would not need to be modified & re-tested.

adaliabooks: I disagree.

Galaxy is optional. If this were Steam or Origin you would buy your game be told to download the client and get your game from there and be off.
For many users (who barely understand how to download their files) all the flashing banners saying try Galaxy mean nothing. They follow the instructions to download and install their game and off they go. They are not tech savy enough to understand that some of the features they are expecting (achievements, cloud saves or multiplayer) require Galaxy.

By giving them the option to install Galaxy with their game Gog are making their experience easier and better. For those of us who understand the ins and outs of clients and downloads and installing we know what we are doing and can make the informed decision about whether we want or need Galaxy.
Unfortunately for us, the tech savy people, we are the minority. Most people are morons. Most people need their hands held and their arses wiped. I work with the general public day in day out, and have for years, and you absolutely have to aim for the lowest common denominator if you want to succeed.

MarkoH01: So please explain one thing to me: MarkoH01: Why doesn't GOG do exactly the same and leave those backup installers untouched for those who actually want them? Isn't that what GOG wants? To do it the way Steam does it but without the client being mandatory to run the game? Well, it's working on Steam and Steam does not even offer backup installers. I only want my backup installers to stay the way they were before. You are saying that people don't understand how to download Galaxy or that they need to download Galaxy at all - but they do understand that they need uPlay or Origin or Steam? Why?

adamhm: Which is why as I and many others have mentioned, it would make much more sense to modify the site to make people aware of & direct them towards Galaxy before offering download links for the offline installers. This would also mean much less work for GOG, as the installers would not need to be modified & re-tested.

GR00T: What you say has merit. Much merit. But, it's easy enough to inform them during installation that if they want cloud saves, achievements, social functions, etc., they need to install the Galaxy client and then have the tick box to opt into it. Even a moron can understand if he wants his cheevos he'll need Galaxy.

adaliabooks: This does seem like a better option, but I would say it makes things a lot more complicated still. Do you want a big pop up explaining what Galaxy is and why you might want it every time you go to download something?