From Dragon Commander's page:
"Multiplayer notice: The game's multiplayer mode is compatybile only with the DRM-free versions of the game bought on GOG.com. "

So, if I buy the game from here because I like to support GOG, it's then impossible for me to play with my friends who might end up buying it on Steam, or even just the (More than likely larger) Steam player base in general?
I really wanna just pre-order this game on GOG and convince my friends to do the same, but this is a bit worrying. Does anyone know of a official statement on this?
Failing that, any info on how important Multiplayer is to the game? Like if it's on the level of XCOM's multiplayer, which is fun but not important, Starcraft's, which is practically the main game, or just somewhere in between.

Unfortunately, the GOG version will not contain Steamworks, and I guess the Steam version can not have a non-Steamworks online mode. I don't know if there were technical or legal / licensing type issues, but Larian ended up deciding the best solution was to include both a GOG key and a Steam key with the retail version of the game.

There are programs that let you set up a virtual LAN online, so that could be a solution if you wanted to play with specific people.


I have not played any multi-player against people, because I'm not great at RTS games. From other comments it certainly adds to the game, though is not essential. There is a single player campaign as well as multi-player modes that you can play against the AI (of configurable difficulty).

I wasn't aware there would be a retail version of the game, I'm guessing it's a small retail release? As I've checked around and can't find anything about it besides a single listing on Amazon.de.
Either way, I guess I'll wait till closer to release. Maybe a listing will appear on the EB games website somewhere. Though if not I'll probably just stick with buying from GOG.

It certainly seems like it. Larian hasn't announced any retail pre-orders, and even the Larian Vault doesn't list the retail version (yet). Maybe distributors want to see the initial digital sales results first, or maybe since GOG and Steam keys are being included, they don't want the retail version competing directly right away. Maybe it is just easier to come out with the digital version first, and then focus on the retail version (though one of the Larian videos did mention a deadline for something for the retail version).