I don't see why they couldn't. Something like achievements they probably just have to turn off, something like cloud saves they have to replace by their own - and if then they programm a bit more abstract and publish the code, it's their code right, then it would help others.
For the first thing. I don't think the two version have to come out at the same time, a delay of 1-4 weeks is acceptable. After all there is additional work to do for the second version (whatever you choose to be second) and why should users of the first version wait then.

It might even be better for the DRM version as it probably benefits from all these beta testers on Steam and will probably contain less bugs. That's something.

As for the second question, that is a good question. From a programming standpoint of view it would be very appealing to have a mock up Steam API interface layer and then just switch underneath between Steam or not Steam. That would be the cleanest solution, but just having a port of the Steam version, i.e. ripping Steam out, seeing what doesn't work anymore and either turning it off or replacing it with other stuff, would probably be equally possible. You could even start with a DRM free version and then later enhance it by Steam services as you see fit.

The main thing is that supporting a "normal" DRM free version and a special Steam version is more effort than just doing one of the two things. Banner sage promised to do both so they have to do both, although it might take some time, which is okay in my opinion.

But there are other who just don't even go the extra mile (Stardock, Paradox, Take2) which is sad and may be also a bit unwise. Who knows...

@Trilarion:

Why they should use Steam-only functions in program code? This game is available on multiple platforms: Steam, Gamefly, GameStop, Uplay, Gamersgate.... and why not GOG?

Other thing: They get 723886 $, over 600000 $ more then needed. It is a problem to hire an assistant programmer in the hot phase before the release and after the release to fix bugs?

Well, I confess it grates a little (and was the source of an unkind comment from my part on the KS page). It's also the reason why I caved in and installed it on steam, instead of waiting for the gog version.

But frankly, I waited this game for 2 years. A few weeks more to have a clean, drm-free version seems rather tame.

On their kickstarter page, The Game is described as:
Our first priority has always been to make a role-playing game that feels and looks fresh, and plays like the classic tactical strategy games of our childhood. It's not about defeating the villain and saving the day. It's not about grinding to get past the next fight. The Banner Saga throws you into the end of the world and asks "how do you deal with this"? (this is not important)
DRM-Free, and available on PC and Mac (exactly like this, with bolded letters).
Not another generic fantasy: Drawing heavily........
etc."

DRM-free. There is no mention of Steam, Origin and others here.

Only at the bottom of the page (and it's a very long page) at the FAQ section there is a question:
"Will you be releasing the game on Steam, Desura or other popular, digital distribution services?"
"We're already looking into getting the game up on the major distribution sites including the ever-popular Steam. Believe me, we'll let you know as soon as we do!" (this is visible only if you click on the question "button").

I understand that they ask and took money to make a DRM-free version of the game. This is what is written on the front page. DRM-free. If they manage to also sell it on Steam, Desura, Origin...good for them, but the important version, the one they commited themself to do should be the DRM-free version, no? This is what they should make first. DRM-free. If they could offer the Steam version exactly at the same time, without any delay, then it would be very nice for those who buy on Steam (me included), but the DMR-free version should be their nr. 1 priority.

On other note, by releasing the Steam version first they hurt the GOG sales. People who buy games when they are released and don't have strong preferences for Steam or GOG bought the game from Steam. The big seller was favored and the underdog was hurt. Of course, as developers (ignoring the kickstarter promises), they put the game on the platform that sell the most, but me, as a GOG fan, don't like this kind of behavior. I have more than 300 games on Steam but things are going to turn on a Steam monoply.

I think Gamefly, Gamersgate and Gamestop sell the Steam version.
I don't see the Banner Saga available on Uplay, are you sure?

First of all, expecting the DRM-free version first and foremost is your, personal bias. It's much more reasonable to be expecting the Steam release first and foremost, for several reasons:
a) Banner Saga has been on Steam already, with their multiplayer demo - obviously, they already have the needed infrastructure and experience to release and support a Steam game by now. They don't necessarly have the same for a DRM-free one
b) Steam version will sell more. Obviously, initial sales are important, and the question you're asking right now, "Why is it not on GOG yet?" ... A lot more people would be asking the question "Why is it not on Steam yet?"

As for that quote you've just found, we could argue semantics of that sentence to high heaven, but there's not even an implication that they're going to release the DRM-free version first. I'm fairly sure that with this approach, I could find a couple of your posts and twist you out to be a massive Steam fan :-P If it's how you have understood their claims, I'm sorry, devs should have been clearer there - but I have never came to such conclusion when browsing Banner Saga KS back then.

As for release of Steam version hurting GOG sales... Yes, and why should they care? GOG is a retailer. I highly doubt Banner Saga devs give a shit where do you buy it from, it's your responsibility to pick a shop - not theirs.

Bottom line is, what exactly are you losing by not playing it now? Where's the disadvantage to you, personally? When the game comes out, you'll not only get exactly the same version as Steam users at release, you'll get a superior one as it'll surely come out with numerous patches. And I personally applaud the devs for wanting to do more with their DRM-free version than just 'cut the Steam out'

solution is simple - sell both versions and let people decide which one they want. No complaints.
no, your info is wrong. What is really happening is that Stoic is trying to trademark "Banner Saga" and King has filed a letter of opposition to this claim fearing it will infringe on their "saga" games. What needs to happen is that the two teams lawyers need to get together and work out a deal of coexistence between the two trademark.

Bottom line is that his would not happen if Stoic did not try to make this trademark claim, but when they did King needs to defend theirs. It is how trademark law works, you need to defend it or you will lose it.

@Fenixp: You do not understand the problem !!!!

Stoic said, there will be at any time (always) a DRM-free alternative! DRM-freedom was very important thing in the announcements of the game. Look at the Wiki, FAQ and description of the kickstarter page! Everywhere you can read: "The Banner Saga" will be DRM-free! No one is forced to use Steam.

An now? Nothing!

It is a problem of communication! Why Stoic has not said it will only appear on Steam and a few weeks later on GOG? Then I would have no problem. But at the moment it gives the impression, that Stoic denied the DRM-free version....

I did not pledge and will likely not be buying the game until an attractive discount is offered, so I've little stake in the matter in any sense other than as a general issue regarding DRM-free gaming, but:

Do you really think most backers read "DRM-free" in a Kickstarter project description as "we'll eventually provide a DRM-free version whenever we get around to it, and backers that prefer DRM-free will just have to wait while everyone else gets to play"? Do you really want it to be the case that we come to have to read it as such?

There *is* a social aspect to playing new single player games for some of us: It can be very fun to play a new game at the same as your friends, chatting enthusiastically about it each time you see each other. The value of such is subjective, of course, and some less social players might not value it at all, but it is nonetheless a valid factor for some players.

---

To me, the delay seems like a vote of no-confidence in releasing DRM-free. It might not be such, but that's the impression it leaves. It almost certainly damages DRM-free sales of the game. And unfortunately for Stoic, it lowers the price I'll be willing to pay for the game.

Edit: grammar

I took a print-screen (see atachement) on their kickstarter page. It's just me who understands that they'll make a DRM-free game? At least is the Steam version DRM-free? (can be played without the Steam client?).

I agree with you.

I was a Steam fan, until: a) I found GOG to be better and b) about a year ago Steam forced me to sing a new EULA (if I didn't agree I could'n play the games I already bought. wtf? )

Yes, they could write something like: DRM-Free and on other platforms (Steam, Origin, uPlay etc) if they agree to sell our game.

I agree, that's why I wrote: "Of course, as developers (ignoring the kickstarter promises), they put the game on the platform that sell the most".

Yeah, I'll pick the shop: Steam, where else? :) GamersGate, Gamefly etc don't count, as the game requires Steam.

I personally don't lose anything as I don't intend to buy it right now. But my impression is that they took money to make a DRM-free game and lost time and resources to make a Steam version first.

Here is their kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stoic/the-banner-saga

Of course they didn't say it, for all we know they hoped DRM-free and Steam version will be finished at the same time back then.

What is described on KS page are plans for a product that will be released several years down the line. I still can't comprehend how people can be as naive as to believe everything that's written on them, let alone stuff that isn't - and to be perfectly honest, I would be quite happy if people who can't think realistically just stayed away from KS altogether.

At any rate, when these plans are made, all the devs have in front of them is a plan, a goal that they intend to reach. If they don't release all versions at once, it can be for so many reasons it just baffles me how people can go ahead and complain after a few weeks - a couple of months I would understand, but weeks? Really? In software development, such a mad amount of things can go wrong. And my original point still stands, if they've finished the Steam version already, why should they sit on it? There's just absolutely no practical reason to do so.

This is just about the only argument I can understand, but a couple of weeks won't really change anything. If we're taling months here, sure, but weeks - nah. I bet that most people that were interested in the game in the first place didn't buy it yet anyway, even when they do happen to use Steam.

As I said, I have never red their KS page as having prioritized DRM-free version - I always understood it as "There will be DRM-free version". So I'm sorry, I quite simply can't get behind your reasoning with this mindset. That being said, I do understand why you would feel that way and for all it's worth I'm sorry it turned out like this for you. Doesn't change that I find trusting KS promises to the letter to be an extremely naive notion, so... Yeah. I guess I'm just more cynical than you are :-P

Fenixp. Dude. Im not arguing with you.
But there is something you fail to understand. Everything you say is seeing things from the devs perspective.
Yeah business case right. Important. Fine.
The OTHER and arguably more important one is the customer side of things. Steam. GOG. DRM free or otherwise.
EVERY backer is supposed to be equal. EVERY backer should be treated the same way. And for customer's who did not back it as well. Ive backed a lot of Kickstarters and this is the only one where the DRM free version had been offered and delayed at release (for X,Y,Z reasons).Pretty much every other dev who have offered steam + drm free released BOTH versions at the same time (that i am aware of)
Is it really that hard to understand a % of customers/backers who looked forward to the game will be disappointed (if not outright unhappy) about these delays?. FINE the dev releases the game for the majority. That smacks of favoritism no matter what way you look at it. Unhappy customers dont become repeat customers and will not recommend a service or product to their friends.

What do you define as a 'reasonable' waiting time?

I... You know what, when you put it that way I can actually see where you're coming from. I am a developer, so that is a viewpoint I'm going to prioritize - but... You're actually right. I would still suggest waiting a bit longer before pulling your guns out tho

Oh I'll gladly buy the game on Steam :-P

(I think he was being sarcastic :-p)

What is your problem with playing the Steam version now and getting a DRM-free version a few weeks later ?

I get your argument but I think their team is not that big and they need to focus on one thing at the time, and that thing is the Steam release with easy updates management. We'll get a DRM-free later. As said above they never promised a simultaneous launch for Steam and DRM-free releases.

My first question is a real one BTW. Can you explain why you don't want to play the Steam version now ? We'll get both version in the end, so it is solely the player who need to make his choices. More choices, the better. Do you really hate Steam so much that you don't want to run it to play the game now ?