The game is Steam only. The DRM-free version is for backers only. I don't know if there's a slacker backer option, but you might want to look into that as it's the only way you'll get a DRM-free copy.

Microsoft won't allow it: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1613260297/shadowrun-returns/posts/453037

We can wish for them to come to their senses, of course: http://www.gog.com/wishlist/games/shadowrun_returns

You know, this is honestly enough for me to actually consider not using Windows anymore. I don't know a thing about Linux, but I'm guessing I could figure out with help from the Internet.

*hese updates will require Backers to re-download the game from the Harebrained Account Website, since it will not include auto-patching functionality. *

DRM Free editions require redownloading of the game per patch seriously....

The company is living up to its name.

As much as it is a BS move by Microsoft, the blame isn't fully on them. Harebrained Schemes starting a kickstarter to fund a game without having the rights figured out ahead of time was pretty stupid on their part.

I don't blame you, though I like having both Linux and Windows running so I can still have an OS for when Wine or VirtualBox VM just won't cut it. That being said, when I loaded up Steam for Linux, Shadowrun's Linux version was available to me (not available to download yet obviously, but it was there). As for running Linux yourself, it's not really that difficult, running something like Arch might take some more doing, but if you want something simple and relatively easy to figure out there are Debian distros like Linux Mint, and Ubuntu which are a snap to learn. Anything "under the hood" like doing things through the command line are simple enough, and if you're unsure there are slews of how to's and type "this" to do "that" posts on countless forums if you're stuck. I generally run Ubuntu on my laptop for sake of convenience, but most versions are pretty easy to figure out. Even learning how to configure your hard drive properly (root, page, etc...) is pretty simple, and most people will recommend how much space you should allot for each. :)

As for the topic at hand, I would love if Shadowrun Returns came to GOG, but seeing as that is fairly unlikely for the foreseeable future (as previously stated), I got it on Steam. However, if it ever does come to GOG, it will be a day one purchase for me I would like to think.

As others have said, Returns is Steam only. Regarding porting the old ones to the PC, there's basically no way that's happening. GOG would need to source code (which is probably lost) and also the rights to do that and even then they're not in the business of porting games.

Other than Steam have they said what the drm is going to be, the steam page and the kickstarter page have not mentioned any third party drm.

I was under the impression it was just Steam.

Would it now not be really fun if they distribute it DRM free through Steam :)

If you ever need help then just pop me a message. I am no expert but I know a thing or two about Linux and know where to easily find more information. Already made the switch from Windows to Linux!

Thanks, mate. :)