Some people just prefer digital distribution

Just buy the retail version then? I am getting the collectors edition myself, I dont see a problem here :)

Just curious...how much do you think is the fair price for those digital bits?

I didn't have any problems with Arkham Asylum, but I'm surprised to find out that saving is impossible without turning on Windows Live. I had thought from playing other Windows Live games (like Fallout 3) that saves are possible without using Windows Live, and that the game separates Windows Live and non-Windows Live saves (which is the case with Fallout 3).

Looks like you can create an offline profile to play Batman.
Create a new profile, but instead of clicking Continue, scroll down to the bottom of the window full of text about GFWL. There should be an option to create an offline profile there as a blue link within the text. I don't have the game installed to test this however. In Fallout I know I was able to just not sign into Windows Live at all and play the game offline.

I don't think this is really Steam's fault since they have to comply with their partner's demands if they want to carry their games. It's also why some games aren't availiable to some regions (like the Witcher for me) and why some games get their prices pushed up (like everything from Activision in Australia - COD: Black Ops for $89.99) If they didn't comply then there would be no Windows Live games on Steam and I'd have to buy them straight from Microsoft's crappy storefront.

I get mad at the partner's for this and not at Steam directly.

Not much - breaching any of Steam's Terms and Conditions would do - take particular note of section 5:

"Valve may terminate your Account or a particular Subscription for any conduct or activity that...negatively affects the enjoyment of Steam by other Subscribers. You acknowledge that Valve is not required to provide you notice before terminating your Subscriptions(s) and/or Account, but it may choose to do so."

An extreme (but legal) interpretation of that could include posting any off-colour comment in a Steam forum. Or importing a non-Steam game that Valve thinks is pirated.

More significantly, any attempt to seek a refund on a disputed transaction via a credit card chargeback will see your account terminated (and this can happen even without you doing anything if [url=http://www.giantbomb.com/forums/general-discussion/30/a-fucking-steampaypal-horror-story/383618/]is involved).

In the longer term though, the biggest problem for Steam subscribers is the likelihood of Valve bringing in a subscription fee, which they would have to pay to maintain access to their games collection. With a claimed 30 million active users, a US$5/month charge would bring in more than US$1.4 billion (assuming a 20% rejection rate) with almost no extra work needed on Valve's part.

As for the Witcher 2 pre-order - I'm quite divided on this. The price *is* high for a digital download (I would be looking at the $20-25 level given the lack of physical content and the costs involved in producing, storing, managing and shipping it) but if successful, it could start a much-needed trend of publishers offering DRM-free releases rather than the current round of crippleware from the likes of Steam, Direct2Drive, GamersGate, etc.

...the fact that you don't like digital distribution doesn't make this an unfair offer. It's a great offer for those of us who actually prefer digital versions. The hyperbole in your post, plus the fact that you state in your reaction (laced with over-the-top terms like `plain shit', `farce' and `don't give a fuck') that you dislike digital distribution and do not care at all about drm-free on a site dedicated to digitally distributing drm-free games actually does make it trolling material: you're making a highly exaggerated, provocative, definitive statements which run contrary to the popular opinion.

I would prefer gog stays with older games with max 9.99 for one.

There is no such a thing as a "fair" price. It's just price. Somebody is selling something and it's up to you to decide, if you want it or not. Nobody is forcing you to buy it.

So, GOG is offering DRM-free Witcher 2. Many of us ( me included ) think, that buying DRM-free Witcher 2 on gog.com is great offer. You think otherwise, so pass it.

But please, spare me of your pathetic whining like "MOST-UNFAIR-BLA-BLA-EVER"

And last thing - it you are not willing to switch from physical media to digitial distribution, what for bloody-christ-sake are you doing here ? Trolling ?

Yep I'm another audiophile who'd love to see more FLAC out there as an alternative to MP3

Well, they did state that this is a one time special. Though I think it's also an experiment to see if selling a new big title this way is viable.

I am now installing the first game. Totally forgot about finishing it.

Just pre-ordered it, and wanted to leave a post thanking CD Projeckt and GOG, for a brand new game without DRM.
So:

Thank You! :-)

20 Euros/Dollars. Ask me more and you're asking in vain....

I just want to say thanks! Not only is the game DRM free and available on day1 but I get compensated for the 1$=1€ shenanigan that most publishers pull. I love it.

I can only quote this message: a good offer, a whole bunch of things, a discount and for EU citizens 16$... what can I say? Thanks GOG and please continue so good!

Emm...

[url=http://www.direct2drive.eu/10080/product/Buy-The-Witcher-2:-Assassins-of-Kings-Digital-Premium-Download]http://www.direct2drive.eu/10080/product/Buy-The-Witcher-2:-Assassins-of-Kings-Digital-Premium-Download[/url]

Look at the price.