As I have little knowledge about the digital-distribution retailers - is it possible to purchase a complete Galactic Civilizations II, with all updates, at any reliable site(s), if I am looking for the DRM-free version?

At the official site only Steam and GameStop are listed as retailers. I do not like the idea of having to install third party software to be able to play the game. I want to be able to do everything, from installing to playing the single player components entirely offline.

Is that even possible? I do recall reading about the game being DRM free, but If that is no longer the case, which is the lightest form of DRM packed with the game and what does it do?

Thank you for your time!

you have to sign up for a Stardock account anyway.

You can get it from Gamersgate with steamworks.

EDIT: GalCiv 2 Ultimate Edition(all expansions included) costs 15 euros.

Oddly enough, it seems the Steam version is DRM-free (LOL):


http://steamcommunity.com/app/202200/discussions/0/828925849268464068/

Thanks for replying.

Licurg, Steam version requires Stardock account as well.


Probably there are people who use it here? How does Stardock work?

Yes, I have it on Steam. After the installation you must create an account on Stardock with e-mail and nick and then register the game with CD-key. After that is the same as for any other steam game.

You can buy it directly from Stardock. Obviously you have to register for an account, but I assume you don't mind doing that as...you were prepared to for GOG, for a start. After that you just need to click 'store' at the top right, and select Galactic Civilizations Collection, then click 'buy now' for Gal Civ 2. Although I ended up getting it through Steam, you should be able to download it directly. Then you have to enter a security code the first time you play, but after that you're fine and don't even have to be signed in in game, as far as I recall.

there's a number of places you can buy the game with the latest updates. Gamestop (Don't forget to add VAT/applicable sales tax), direct from Stardock (dunno how exactly this works-I can't dl the client direct from them and I from Impulse), Steam, and I think that's it. As far as registering the game, just input the key once and you're good

If you purchase it from Steam, the game can be played without Steam completely, so it's Steam-DRM free. The base game and the first expansion are 100% DRM free, and can be played without any sort of activation. However, the Twilight expansion requires Stardock activation in order to be played. I tested this on a newly formatted PC without having even installed Steam.

Thank you all, I appreciate that you took the time.

I find a lot of answers very helpful; I will try to mark more than one as solution if possible.


EDIT:
Unfortunately, it seems that I can only choose a single solution. I chose one and upvoted all of you for your helpfulness.

Many thanks again!