nissa: The base game comes with no DRM whatsoever, the patches and subsequent DLCs do not. Everyone had (and still has) the choice not to abide by such a rules before purchasing the game.
When exactly did CDP state that patches and DLC
would involve DRM? All the publicity I've seen was about the DRM-free goodness available from GOG itself. I would agree with Coelocanth here, slipping DRM into patches (which, let's be honest, are likely to be essential) is really being deceptive (which is why I've boycotted Stardock for the last few years since their "DRM-free" GalCiv 2).
On the other hand, the first patch is available as an
offline download, so if there has been a change of policy then perhaps someone could provide a relevant link?
nissa: What I don't understand is what prevents you from moving your computer downstairs, the time to register your game, download the extra content, and then move it back upstairs ? What prevents you from looking for a solution to connect a computer, that you obviously seem to dedicate to gaming, to the Net ? What prevents you from playing the game on another computer, connected to the Net ?
Internet connection is not a trivial matter, especially if you're going to keep your system secure in the process. You need to select, install and configure a firewall (no, Windows' built-in one is nowhere near effective enough), configure network setup (installing adaptor and driver, setting up encryption for wireless) and possibly install system components (if you're running a customised version of Windows with networking functions disabled or removed).
nissa: In my opinion, it is unreasonable to expect a gaming computer not to be connected to the Net in 2011. It is unreasonable to expect companies not to attempt getting their customers to register their games, to keep them up to date, especially if they're up front about it, like CDP has been.
Well, I am in the same position as Coelocanth - my gaming system is offline and will remain so as it allows me to game without online distractions (which has meant relying on the services of Mr SKiDROW to play my retail copy - I'm not prepared to pay a second, higher, price for the GOG release).
There are however plenty of other people who will not have the option of connecting online - their access may be costly (dialup/mobile) or they maybe somewhere with
strictly limited (see Kainvorador549's post) network access. Making online access mandatory rather than optional will therefore always disenfranchise a part of the gaming population.
The downside that affects everyone though is the problem of server (and company) longevity, which you note yourself.
