Anyone know where I can buy a DRM-Free version of Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines? Several people have mentioned DotEmu as an option, but when I checked it turns out that Activision terminated their contract so DotEmu can't sell it anymore.

You cannot. DotEmu was the only place selling it.

To the illegals!

*gasp*

Bloodlines was actually how I discovered DotEmu. I was looking for a DRM free copy but had never heard of the site. I spent a few days doing my research. Opened an account and downloaded a few of their free games to test just how DRM free they really were. Satisfied that DotEmu was a solid choice from witch to buy the game I pulled out my CC only to discover that the game was no longer available. I had literally missed it by one day.

Yeah bro just get it from the bay (but remember unofficial patch) and if it comes to GOG in the future, get it then.

I don't tend to condone piracy, but if they can't get their act together enough to arrange a proper distribution channel, then they don't deserve your money.

I think there should be a law making copyright on previously distributed products null and void if the IP holder doesn't ensure there is a method of access.

Basically, if you keep it in your basement, it's fine, but once it's out there, it's out there. You can control distribution to a degree (like getting paid for it), but you can't claim it back entirely and make it unavailable to the world.

So yeah, I'd say get a pirated version if you can't buy it from an official channel (second hand copies on Ebay don't count).

EDIT:

Nevermind, you can find it there... http://store.steampowered.com/app/2600/

I guess you'll have to either suffer Steam's DRM or if you are more of an anti-DRM activist like me, abstain from using the product at all.

In a way, refusing to be exposed to a product that is not distributed according to your terms can be a form of punishment greater than piracy (with piracy, the product at least gets additional exposure), but it does require a reserve of willpower that most customers can't muster.

It would be nice to avoid promoting piracy. The game is available on Steam. That's not DRM-free and that's unfortunate, but let's avoid piracy please.

Yeah, you almost Ninja'ed me there. Just saw that myself.

Promoting piracy is better than promoting DRM (Steam).

There is a reasonable argument that it is morally acceptable to perchase a DRM copy and then pirate the DRM free copy as purchasing the later is not an option.

Even legally this is possibly acceptable (I am not a lawyer).

The problem with this is it send the messages that:

1: You are happy to purchase the DRM copy.

2: You are a filthy pirate and we need more DRM.

... at the same time.

+1 *_O

The main thing that nags me about that is that you are still supporting the official DRM distribution, meaning you are encouraging a distribution model where everyone who wants a DRM-free experience needs to turn toward piracy.

Beyond making things very hypocritical and less simple, it also has the effect of making the illegal distribution more legitimate as legitimate buyers end up using it (and thus, it makes is harder to take the illegal distribution out of the equation).

I prefer not encouraging them at all. Let the other 90%+ of gamers support them if they like.

My money will only finance the distribution methods that I approve of.

E-bay, get a CD with the game. No other DRM free channel exists to my knowledge.

I've seen Bloodlines go for around $10 on eBay, especially the euro release on eBay.co.uk. You shouldn't have a hard time finding a cheap copy, but you'll probably need to contact sellers to see if they're willing to send to Australia. I don't see too many sellers willing to ship Worldwide any more.