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cmdr_flashheart: I had no idea, how does that work? I am getting the sense that you need to log into the game with GOG account details.
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toxicTom: I think I wrote that bit misleading. The are games on GOG that use accounts, but the accounts are with the developer and act like public highscore lists.

But it could work this way:

A game could offer the option to log into the GOG account. GOG would provide some kind of service for that (like a REST service). They would also define some data structure that decribes what information games can push into the account data and how it must be formatted (XML schema, JSON). GOG would provide some method to display this information should people wish.

So you start the game and decide if you want to log in or play offline.
You play the game online and it says "Oh noes, you beat that level under 1 minute". Data is published.
You go to your GOG account and choose if this kind of information should be visible tthe public or not.

GOG is the 2nd largest digital store after Steam. Why should developers that are here not support it? If GOG ever goes out of business, you just play offline. If Steam goes out of business on the other hand...
...
Thanks for explaining. I tried looking it up, but didn't get anything good, what's the REST service?
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cmdr_flashheart: Thanks for explaining. I tried looking it up, but didn't get anything good, what's the REST service?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REST

It's just one option. I'm sorry I'm software developer myself, I tend to get cryptic when I think of an actual implementation.
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cmdr_flashheart: I guess what we're thinking here is that we should be able to connect a DRM-free game from GOG into some kind of client, which then tracks your gameplay to check off achievements. It could work, but the main thing is that game should remain DRM-free, first and foremost.
That's exactly my meaning.
I would like an achievement system, but:
- it should be an optional program to download.
- it shouldn't collect data without consent (configurable, online only when\if requested by user, only game data)
- (no DRM\adware\spyware is just obvious).
- it shouldn't require big game code modifications, and so be compatible with normal savegames, patches, and mods (is it even possible?)
- it should reward only good infrequent outcomes, not just a normal progress (wow, level2!) or a silly objective (collect 1000 plants).

P.S: even sites have achievements! (see anidb).

P.P.S: "Achievements: they make you do anything." XD
Post edited February 28, 2014 by phaolo
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Snickersnack: A public achievement system would require some sort of 'protection' to keep honest people honest. Otherwise you're likely to see rampant cheating.
That is an issue that needs some investigating for sure.
If GOG had achievements, that'd put it miles ahead of Nintendo. :B
in game achievements consult with devs
most people here either don't care or don't want it.Gog has a lot higher priorities.
That's Steam's thing, I say let them keep it.
I hope GOG won't do this, simply because it's not what they were about.

I agree with tfishell, if you want to be congratulated for slaying an orc, let steam give you their hollow thanks. GOG is hopefully still more oriented towards giving you the game itself.
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cmdr_flashheart: Thanks for explaining. I tried looking it up, but didn't get anything good, what's the REST service?
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toxicTom: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REST

It's just one option. I'm sorry I'm software developer myself, I tend to get cryptic when I think of an actual implementation.
No problem, thanks for the link. I can't comment on whether it might or might not work for GOG, but if achievements are optional, and you can still play/maintain your games DRM-free, then I see no reason why GOG shouldn't bring game achievements to its games.
I'd like achievements, but [insert large list of conditions]... yeah, there is a reason why GOG has no achievements, it just wouldn't be worth the effort. The reason Steam has all those features is to soften the DRM, so people don't mind it. (besides, I still don't get the appeal of achievements, when you are not really achieving anything)

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Darvond: If GOG had achievements, that'd put it miles ahead of Nintendo. :B
GOG has an account system, that alone puts them lightyears ahead of Nintendo.
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HiPhish: I'd like achievements, but [insert large list of conditions]... yeah, there is a reason why GOG has no achievements, it just wouldn't be worth the effort. The reason Steam has all those features is to soften the DRM, so people don't mind it. (besides, I still don't get the appeal of achievements, when you are not really achieving anything)

GOG has an account system, that alone puts them lightyears ahead of Nintendo.
Now now, Nintendo has an account system, its just hilariously short featured.
Achievements are usually a cheap attempt to make a crutch for a game lacking a clutch.
I prefer GOG social enhancements than achievements thingy
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Skysect: I prefer GOG social enhancements than achievements thingy
What do you mean like cocktail parties and bingo night?