So I just got my email with my redeem code (which was 2 days late, BTW) and I redeem it. It's in my library, I click it, and tells me it's coming soon. Do I have to wait for a day or so before it's available to me or what??

Never mind. I was never prompted to download the installer so I thought it was optional.

I was having the same issue. Thanks for the info.

Here is a nice tidbit straight from the downloader link http://www.gog.com/downloader:

Completely optional
We hate mandatory client apps so this isn't one. You can use it for downloading only or not use it at all and just use your browser.

I guess that is not true anymore, eh?

It's a beta for the multiplayer part of the client they're working on. It's more than necessary, it's just a unique case. You can download anything else off the website that you own without the downloader it's just in cases like these that it's necessary. That's all, no need to jump to conclusions they're trying to force you to use their software to download all of their content.

Thanks for the info, fellas. I'm new to GOG.

If the question was about the optional GOG Downloader, i can say i didnt have to use it to download the game. Just downloaded the installer as i normally do, by clicking the installer link on the game card. I never used the Downloader. Nothing against it, just never really wanted to.

The Galaxy Client is needed to test the game in multiplayer, singleplayer works without it.