Hi, I'm getting an error message that the game is not compatible with my (32Bit) WIn 7. Steam version works fine, and from the forums I gather that the game should automatically install as whatever's compatible. Any suggestions?

It says on the specs that it is 64 bit only...

Looks like someone at GOG HQ fowled up. On both the English and French game card it has this in the system specs: "Notice: 32-bit operating systems are NOT supported." For some reason it's not on the German page though. You may want to try to contact support and see if you can get a refund.

My Google-fu isn't strong today so I'm not sure what is up with 32 & 64 bit versions. All I could find is a year-old thread talking about 32-bit while in beta, and 64-bit at release. So there may not be a fully functional 32bit version. Don't quote me on that though.

Thanks guys; I've contacted support. And yes, there is a 32 Bit version. As I mentioned, I have the game on Steam and reinstalled recently, works perfectly fine and gives me the build as 32 Bit Windows in the game menu. I also found forum posts on the developers' website talking about the same problem; they answered that normally, the game (on Steam) should install automatically as the locally compatible version.

Ok nice to see it got sorted.

That's interesting, so is this game a case of needing 64 bit to function correctly and 32 bit runs with reduced functionality making that the reason its unsupported?

I would imagine a game with this level of simulation needs a lot of ram.

Did support say if they were going to supply the 32 bit version?

As of now, support only sent me confirmation and told me they would look into the problem. System specs on the German shopsite haven't been changed. I've tried the 64 Bit version on another Computer and can't see any difference; I could use maximum graphic settings, but the Computer was much better anyway than my old Core 2 Duo. And things like the slight camera stutter in half zoom remain in both versions. Maybe later in the game, the difference is bigger, but I've connected a lot of towns and established all kinds of lines.

I´ve also contacted support and this was part of the answer:

"(...)The 32-bit version of the game has issues with memory management that cause it to crash and the Publisher decided not to make it available on GOG.
We could ask them for the 32-bit version of the game, but it will not work reliably and we will not support it. (...)"

I thought this would be the case. A fair few games these days seem to need 64 bit for one reason or another. Looks like its time for me to invest in an upgrade...

If you are lucky and your PC is 64 bit compatible you may be able to use your 32 bit Win 7 key with a 64 bit install for free, I cant remember the exact process but my wife was able to install my Win 7 Professional 64 bit and use her 32 bit key after making a call to the MS automated helpline.

I've taken the opportunity and upgraded my PC to a 64 Bit System. Was necessary anyway, it seems. MJVandershonk, you're right, 64 is quickly becoming a requirement. By now, GOG have also rectified the error on the German shop page. I didn't encounter any problems with the 32 Bit version, but it seems I was lucky.

So if this 32 Bit version of the game keeps on crashing, why is it still sold on Steam? Dreamfall Chapters is also crashing because of not having enough RAM on a 32Bit System but they still sell it on GOG without telling about additional requirement. The same goes with "Vanishing for Ethan Carter" in which you can only activate very low res textures if running on 32Bit system - nothing of this is mentioned on the game card.