I doubt Steam will be the only place people will be able to get it, assuming Harebrained Schemes is counting Steam as DRM. To me that FAQ entry means that they're not sure if backers would be able to get their free download through Steam like they would through whatever other download methods get implemented.

They can't edit the tier rewards once someone has backed one, that's why the wording on some tiers remains unclear. They claim it will be DRM free, at least several versions of it.

Also, if anyone didn't hear, the exclusive mission will go to backers for the first bit of time after release and eventually everyone else. A lot of the fans wanted everyone to have it, so they said "okay!"

There has been a lot of talk in the comments about DRM ever since the exclusive mission was anounced to be timed exclusive and how this would work - if there's going to be some sort of DRM (license key, server authentication, etc.), if the exvlusive mission will come as a downloadable stand-alone patch or if it'll be on HBS's servers, if constant interent connection will be required, if you'll need to be on Steam or Google Play after all, etc.

There's a comment mentioning that the DRM-free question was removed from the FAQ (I also remember one being there but not any more). Another one about the number of copies given at the $125 tier - he got a reply from HBS saying "At $125 you get two, so that will probably be all we offer at this time." led to more confusion about the DRM-free nature of the game.

A couple of days ago, HBS posted in the comments asking people what the questions and concerns about DRM are, but has yet to provide any sort of clarification. Which of course makes things only worse.

I think HBS, along with other game studios (Stoic, DF), don't interpret Steam as DRM - or maybe they don't really understand how Steam works?

I'm curious myself to see if HBS is going to officially respond before the pledge drive is over and what their respond will be on the issues raised.

Latest update: Also a couple of the DRM questions are addressed in the FAQ.

Ok people, were are on the final stretch.

I am very excited about this. Heck, even if they never make the game, all the swag I get is well worth the money. I mean, look at the 125$ tier. What is not to like?

If you want a shirt, dog tag, docwagon card or your name in the credits, this is your last chance!

You do realise Harebrained Schemes is run by the original creators of Shadowrun, don't you? They have bought the licence back so that they can create a game that *is* true to the original RPG. Read the kickstarter page, they explain the history of ownership of the Shadowrun IP on there...

I feel, in a year's time, we shall look back on all this with a sense of "Yeah, I was there. I was part of that." Shadowrun Returns will be immense - by gamers, for gamers, sustained by gamers. You all should get on board now - those dog tags look awesome!

Yeah, I'd like to have pledge more, but I really can't afford to.

I've pledged in on some pretty substantial projects so far, I think it'll be amazing to see where they go. LSL, Wasteland 2, Shadow Run, Code Hero and Serpents Tongue, I can easily see all of those being pretty substantial like that in the future.

It's odd in a way that I got sucked into a game series that I'm not familiar with and that I've only just recently heard about. I think somebody might be giving me ideas.

For some odd reason i get a bad feeling about this one. Pulling out of backing this..

... and the game is funded with approximately $1.9 million pledged via Kickstarter + Paypal.

And in next kickstarter project we'll see....

System Shock 3!

Nah, I have enough of those huge annoucements, when they don't even present screenshots publically yet. I need some results, baby!

I know this is the idea of kickstarter, but I am not optimistic when they announce "We want to make shadowrun sequel but we need monies NAO even though we haven't done anything yet. Because, you know, we won't be working for free and shit".

I'm cautious at most. Nowe we need to just wait for 3-4 years for the game to be completed.

That makes it number 3 behind DF and Wasteland.

I'm really looking forward to this one. It probably won't live up to my expectations, but that is because it is impossible ;-). Of all the Kickstarters I've funded, this is the one I'm looking forward to the most. I already have the feeling that it will be this game for which I will buy a tablet.

Heck, even if they take my money and leave. They have earned it anyway.

I like the trend, I'm guessing that since LSL has its funding met, Shadow run has its funding and Wasteland 2 got its funding that we're likely to see a few more of those sorts of projects becoming available.

Ended up pledging $1, just to show general support. It might be a nice game, but I probably won't end up playing it much, and if I do it will probably be on Android. If they had the Android version as part of the reward I might have pledged the $15.