Do I need Galaxy to download and play games

Nope :)

You can download them from your internet browser by going to your account, clicking on "Games", then clicking on the individual game you are trying to download...THEN you have to go to where it says "Offline backup installers" and click that, to access the direct download.

However, please be aware that some games do require Galaxy for multiplayer modes. This is listed on the store pages where you buy the games themselves. Personally, I recommend not supporting that practice if you can help it because the reason many of us shop here is to not deal with that kind of client requirement.

No, you can download them through your browser.

A lot of the time for multiplayer.
You might get lucky with broforcxe etc. (local couch co-op), but it does require extra hardware in such an instance ; and word to the wise win 7 uses xbox 360 controllers and won't work with xbox one controllers due to microshites trying to phase out and force you into win10,
Single player though you should be able to get offline installers from within your gog library online.

Thank You, It seems that GOG is tring to control things like Steam

It may be that network code is incredibly complicated and beyond the abilities of many indie devs, so they have to use third-paty libraries such as the Steam SDK and now Galaxy. Or it may be a CIA, I mean Agencja Wywiadu, plot. You never know.

We all have a cross to bear but sometimes the Bear gets YOU !

Your avatar is great white shark.

Pretty sure you could kick the bear's ass! :P

Thanks, I had the Shredder gamer name for a long time, way before the avatar but when I found that pic I said that'sTHE ONE