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General discussionThe recent controversy about installers haveing Galaxy showcases this.(172 posts)(172 posts)
(172 posts)
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This is my favourite topic
Posted May 11, 2017
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toxicTom: And hard to overlook except you only used those "install" and "play" buttons.
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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.

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ZaineH: Galaxy downloads offline installers just fine...
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F4LL0UT: Yeah, actually wasn't aware of that. Another reason why the outrage is really unnecessary.
If GOG required a client I wouldn't have started shopping here in the first place. Requiring a client is DRM. That would be a HUGE change and is part of why I refuse to shop at Steam.
Posted May 11, 2017
Hey. I'm BKGaming. A client is no drm!! I have nothing more to say. Thanks! I'm outta here!
Posted May 11, 2017
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F4LL0UT: The difference seems to be that I don't think that it was some preparation for making Galaxy obligatory.
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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.
This is basically what's happening.

Part of why I started buying games again was that GOG provided an easy way to do so without needing to jump through client hoops, worry about internet connectivity, etc. GOG provided services that other publishers and distributors didn't.

Now, well, there's less and less difference between GOG and other providers. If I have to carefully check exactly what each game is installing instead of being able to trust that the description is complete and honest...there are other places to get games.

I was willing to pay a higher price for older games because I got more services and was treated as a first-class customer instead of an afterthought. 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. I have a whole lot of options for where to get games with much better prices. Heck, if I have to start checking for adware-type installs, I might as well take to the high seas where at least the time spent on figuring this crap out is more compensated.
Posted May 11, 2017
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zeogold: Because the majority absolutely love the thing. Unlike what you might be led to believe if you're extremely tech-savvy and spend your time around tech-savvy people, most folks are morons and need a client to do the handholding for them in terms of installation, plus it makes them feel comfortable as something recognizable.
Galaxy is actually very profitable and is a good move for GOG. Forcing it, no, but having it? Most definitely.
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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
Convenience isn't the same for everyone:P

I have my own file server for all my comps I only update games when needed or when it has a feature I really want.
I can script download my games or you know I can just throw them in the gog downloader.
No interest in any social features or achievements, steam and galaxy clients only make things more inconvenient for me :P
And having to uncheck boxes is frigging annoying.
Post edited May 11, 2017 by Reaper9988
Posted May 11, 2017
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russellskanne: Hey. I'm BKGaming. A client is no drm!! I have nothing more to say. Thanks! I'm outta here!
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.
Post edited May 11, 2017 by user deleted
Posted May 11, 2017
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Gilozard: Requiring a client is DRM.
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.

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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.
You are aware that the games that come with the still optional Galaxy installer do not actually require it, right?
Post edited May 11, 2017 by F4LL0UT
Posted May 11, 2017
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russellskanne: Hey. I'm BKGaming. A client is no drm!! I have nothing more to say. Thanks! I'm outta here!
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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.
Technically you're right in many cases. But you have the annoying habit of defending every slice of a salami-slicing with "No, thats not a salamy!" till there is only one slice left. No, even then you woudln't call the pile of slices what it is: a f*cking salami!
Post edited May 11, 2017 by russellskanne
Posted May 11, 2017
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Catrhis: No offence but if you are too stupid to double click on setup.exe, your issue are far deeper the using galaxy, especially with the setup already having all additional software included
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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...
But how would integrating Galaxy into the setup file prevent this? They would still nort be able to start it because they are just too stupid (sorry, but imo people who aren't able to download and execute a setup file should not use any PC at all to - there are beautiful and easy to handle consoles out there and they could accidentally start another war ;)). My point being: the problem is not fixed by integrating Galaxy into the setup file but by making clear that those "unexperienced" people should rather use Galaxy than the backup installer in general.

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.
Posted May 11, 2017
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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.
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.
Posted May 11, 2017
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Gilozard: Requiring a client is DRM.
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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.
Having to install and use software I don't want and that isn't actually needed for anything unless it's made to be necessary for no other purpose than being necessary is DRM.
Posted May 11, 2017
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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.
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.
Posted May 11, 2017
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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.
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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.
So please explain one thing to me:

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.
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?

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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.
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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.
Yes, good idea. That would be a much better alternative imo.
Post edited May 11, 2017 by MarkoH01
Posted May 11, 2017
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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.
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.
Posted May 11, 2017
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MarkoH01: So please explain one thing to me:

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.
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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?
Because they are given no other option. You buy your game, are directed to the client and instructed to download it from there.

Sure, Gog could do that. They could hide the offline installers away where the old downloader links are now, but that would cause an even bigger outcry then this is. Otherwise the idiots will follow the instructions and get an offline installer which lacks features, and they won't understand why.

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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.
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?

Also, Gog's track record on website features isn't exactly brilliant... do we really want them messing around with the account and downloads?
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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.
And this is what I would do personally. I tick actually preticking the box is an unnecessary step too far. If enough info is given in the installer about what Galaxy is and why you might want or need it then people should be able to make the choice themselves with the minimum amount of fuss.
Post edited May 11, 2017 by adaliabooks
Posted May 11, 2017
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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?
Once dismissed it should never return. Perhaps make it an account option toggle.

The library already remembers previous selections for things such as your language and OS choice, so adding an additional one for Galaxy links vs offline installer links shouldn't be too difficult.
Also, Gog's track record on website features isn't exactly brilliant... do we really want them messing around with the account and downloads?
Well they're doing stuff like that anyway, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Post edited May 11, 2017 by adamhm
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This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussionThe recent controversy about installers haveing Galaxy showcases this.(172 posts)(172 posts)
(172 posts)