Game News Kickstarter Drama: Conquistador, Shadowrun and Eisenwald

[evdk]

it will be indie and indie is God.

Did skyway hijack your account?

Skyway speaks the truth when he's not retarded.

Just like me.

It's just sometimes difficult to spot the switch.

 

[mbpopolano24]

Good thing i only backed Shadowrun among the three.

Yes good for you indeed. May I ask you why only Shadowfuckrun? 'Inside' information or just not interested?

 

[almondblight]

We said that post-Berlin Campaign DLC would only be available on Steam but we never said why. We regret the omission. The reason is that our license to develop Shadowrun Returns actually requires that the game and its DLC be distributed under DRM. This didn’t come up earlier because the situation was complicated by the number of parties involved in the license and because the process was “ongoing”. Ultimately, we were able to successfully negotiate an exception with Microsoft for us to provide our Backers with a DRM-free version of the Kickstarter rewards (specifically the game and the Berlin Campaign) but that exception does not extend to non-reward DLC. So unfortunately, we cannot sell or give away DRM-free versions of the game or DLC on stores like GoG, and that’s why any future Shadowrun Returns DLC will only be available for purchase on Steam.

I kind of thought we were getting carried away with assuming that HBS had green eyes.

Except their original post stated that the reason was because Steam was so awesome and that they didn't have the resources that Spiderweb software or Basilisk Games have to have to create non-Steam distribution. Now they're saying that they do have those resources, but that their license doesn't allow a DRM-free version. Only it actually does allow DRM-free versions for the initial release and for Berlin...but they're sure they won't be able to work out a similar deal a year from now when the first DLC comes out because...umm...some reason.

 

[Wizfall]

We said that post-Berlin Campaign DLC would only be available on Steam but we never said why. We regret the omission. The reason is that our license to develop Shadowrun Returns actually requires that the game and its DLC be distributed under DRM. This didn’t come up earlier because the situation was complicated by the number of parties involved in the license and because the process was “ongoing”. Ultimately, we were able to successfully negotiate an exception with Microsoft for us to provide our Backers with a DRM-free version of the Kickstarter rewards (specifically the game and the Berlin Campaign) but that exception does not extend to non-reward DLC. So unfortunately, we cannot sell or give away DRM-free versions of the game or DLC on stores like GoG, and that’s why any future Shadowrun Returns DLC will only be available for purchase on Steam.

I kind of thought we were getting carried away with assuming that HBS had green eyes.

Except their original post stated that the reason was because Steam was so awesome and that they didn't have the resources that Spiderweb software or Basilisk Games have to have to create non-Steam distribution. Now they're saying that they do have those resources, but that their license doesn't allow a DRM-free version. Only it actually does allow DRM-free versions for the initial release and for Berlin...but they're sure they won't be able to work out a similar deal a year from now when the first DLC comes out because...umm...some reason.

That was sneaky to the bitter end for sure.

Arent you thankful , you will get shadowrun auto-updating on steam, a beautiful game, as incline as the new xcom , ah well no ... xcom allowed you to save when you want at least, but all in all its really comparable, no loot, no ammo problem none of those cumbersome inventory and paperdolls, how much you bet the skills checks will be sparce and rare too ? You will play it 20 hours at best and never come back.
But see the bright side,wait a few months, it will be soon at a -75% discounted price like kings bounty,ftl or grimrocks, i cant wait for the gold edition with all the cosmetic dlcs they will release, maybe they will make an offer like crusader kings 2 , that was a shitload of dlcs + the base game for cheap . Sucks to be a backer although , you paid full price .

You know, if it happens that you can't wait for the gold edition, that would mean the game is good.
And if the game is good i'll be a happy backer and could brag about my perspicacity.
And laugh about all your posts claiming the game gonna be shit because of checkpoint and x y z....
That would be my victory over all the SR butthurts people
(moreover i will not buy DLC with DRM, i will stay pure unlike you)
(And if the game is shit it would the right time for me to quickly change account )

 

[Volrath]

it will be indie and indie is God.

Did skyway hijack your account?

Skyway speaks the truth when he's not retarded.

Just like me.

But skyway is always retarded? Oh...

 

[ghostdog]

A while back I was regretting I didn't back Shadowrun, but now not so much. The fact that there will be checkpoints and that they're forcing you to choose steam in order to get updates is a lousy turn of events for this game.

 

[Seerix]

Holy shit, naivety of some of you... Harebrained Schemes had stench of your typical jackass company from the start and this bullshit now puts it in a spotlight:

- Backers who want a DRM-free experience with Shadowrun Returns (on Windows, OSX, and Linux) are getting the game, editor and all, and will be able to transfer community-created story files and update executables manually. (It works just like a non-Steam version of Skyrim: you can install mods manually or via a 3rd-party tool such as Nexus.) The DRM-free version will not require any internet connection or any form of online authorization to play. In addition, Backers who like the convenience and reliability of Steam and who want automatic updates, easy-to-browse -content, and a DLC store are getting them.

That's a lovely corporate jargon right there, in mainstream world things like Nexus are labeled "third party" which is equal to unkown evil entities full of viruses. Not to mention steam workshop being "easy-to-browse" means that it's for morons who can't into "turn off adult content" or "show highest rated first" in the filters on the Nexus.

- We will be updating/bugfixing the DRM-free versions (Windows, OSX, and Linux) of Shadowrun Returns, maintaining them along with the Steam versions. These updates will require Backers to re-download the game from the Harebrained Account Website, since it will not include auto-patching functionality.

Yep, because you can't put much smaller patch file on some file hosting site like mediafire, right? That would be so unprofessional.

Also, let's return to what they said at the beginning of this news:

We realize that for some of you, releasing on Steam isn’t your first choice but there are a lot of really great things we get from this decision that allow us to focus on the game rather than on making things like backend servers to deploy and manage shared content. From the start, we’ve had to make practical decisions like this one to ensure we get the most out of the support you’ve given us. We consider this to be the best option for everyone.

Now, that may prompt the question, “What about DRM-free?” To honor our original promise of a DRM-free version of the game, the Harebrained Account Website will also contain a downloadable version of Shadowrun Returns that does not include Steam integration. While this version will include the Seattle story (and Berlin, via a one-time update), without Steam integration, it will be unable to browse and play community-created stories from within the game. Any future DLC will only be available through Steam.

First, when damaged human brain with corporate mentality says or hears "mod support" it doesn't mean that company will release a mod kit or whole editor. Nope, it means that this company will spend a fortune on setting up their own file hosting servers and whole infrastructure, technical help, etc. Just releasing an editor and letting people do what they want is so unprofessional.

Second, they had plenty of cash to totally integrate Shadowrun Returns with the Steam so you can actually install mods from within the game. I'm no programmer but I think that is actually more expensive than some of the gameplay features they don't have.

Meh, a little to much rant but hey, you gotta let some steam off once in a while.

Plus, I was getting optimistic about this game after gameplay video so now I'm pissed off too.

 

[tuluse]

That's a lovely corporate jargon right there, in mainstream world things like Nexus are labeled "third party" which is equal to unkown evil entities full of viruses.

 

[Jaesun]

Joined: Mar 31, 2012

 

[Seerix]

That's a lovely corporate jargon right there, in mainstream world things like Nexus are labeled "third party" which is equal to unkown evil entities full of viruses.

Should have phrased that better. I know what means "third party", but to most people who can't into computers it means something bad. There's been some funny flamewars about it on both Steam Workshop and Nexus when some dumbfucks freaked out when mod had requirement for some other mod or application(like script extenders) to work.

 

[Lancehead]

- We will be updating/bugfixing the DRM-free versions (Windows, OSX, and Linux) of Shadowrun Returns, maintaining them along with the Steam versions. These updates will require Backers to re-download the game from the Harebrained Account Website, since it will not include auto-patching functionality.

Is auto-patching functionality prohibitively expensive or something?

 

[Machocruz]

Rule # 3: If you mention Skyrim in any way other than an example of how not to do something, then

 

[Brayko]

I'm just worried that this DRM shit is gonna spill over to Wasteland 2, considering EA still technically owns the IP to Wasteland. Imagine the uproar if InXile announces that future content and updates is only available on Origin? I'll definitely be more careful as to whom I back projects to in the future, if someone is using an IP owned by a Big-Ass games publisher it's now been proven a shit deal. I did ask Fargo on Twitter what the deal was with that but as per usually he ignores my questions. He's too busy playing decline-fag Bioshock Infinity.

 

[Drowed]

Imagine the uproar if InXile announces that future content and updates is only available on Origin?

That's a... Frightening thought. Holy shit.

 

[evdk]

Imagine the uproar if InXile announces that future content and updates is only available on Origin?

That's a... Frightening thought. Holy shit.

It really isn't, yohoho.

 

[HobGoblin42]

Is auto-patching functionality prohibitively expensive or something?

Yes it is. Usually, game developers rely on the digital distribution platforms like Steam, Origin, UPlay, Xbox/Windows Live, PSN.

Setting up your own user right management and a content system is not feasible for a single development studio.
I wish GoG.com would have some kind of update system, this would make this platform perfect for indie developer like us.

 

[evdk]

Or people could just patch the game themselves. I can't be that old, can I?

 

[Lancehead]

Is auto-patching functionality prohibitively expensive or something?

Yes it is. Usually, game developers rely on the digital distribution platforms like Steam, Origin, UPlay, Xbox/Windows Live, PSN.

Setting up your own user right management and a content system is not feasible for a single development studio.
I wish GoG.com would have some kind of update system, this would make this platform perfect for indie developer like us.

Sorry, I meant to ask why they couldn't just release patches that don't require a redownload of the whole game.

 

[Brayko]

Well then I suggest developers don't flaunt "DRM free" on their Kickstarter projects just because that's what the fans want. If you can't patch your games manually (like they somehow did in the old days), you better give them the lay-down well in advance that it's cheaper and far more convenient to use Steam. If they would just say "Yo, we're using Steam, deal with it" from the start I hardly doubt this would have caused so much a stir. It's legally Fraud and misrepresentation to do what they did and someone legally could make a case out of it, then HBS will have no money to do any game.

 

[HobGoblin42]

Sorry, I meant to ask why they couldn't just release patches that don't require a redownload of the whole game.

Because you need some system that provides incremental updates for different game versions.
Steam and other digital platforms already have this system included and the developer fortunately doesn't need to take care of that.

 

[Jaesun]

How is it legal fraud when HBS is providing the EXACT product as mentioned on the Kickstarter? They are providing a DRM free version of SR with an editor and a DRM free version of Berlin DLC. That is the exact specific products mentioned they were pitching on their Kickstarter.

 

[JarlFrank]

Is auto-patching functionality prohibitively expensive or something?

Yes it is. Usually, game developers rely on the digital distribution platforms like Steam, Origin, UPlay, Xbox/Windows Live, PSN.

Setting up your own user right management and a content system is not feasible for a single development studio.
I wish GoG.com would have some kind of update system, this would make this platform perfect for indie developer like us.

What platforms will CC be released on? Steam only, or will there also be non-steam requiring versions (like the boxed copy)?

 

[Mrowak]

Infinitron

It appears my doomsaying is coming true before our eyes... Those projects... they shall all be garbage!! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!

Good thing it doesn't apply to the projects I backed... at least it looks like that... so far...

 

[Brayko]

How is it legal fraud when HBS is providing the EXACT product as mentioned on the Kickstarter? They are providing a DRM free version of SR with an editor and a DRM free version of Berlin DLC. That is the exact specific products mentioned they were pitching on their Kickstarter.

Because it was represented as a DRM free game, now they're saying that the Steam version is the superior version. That's a case right there.

 

[Mortmal]

Or people could just patch the game themselves. I can't be that old, can I?

if the audience the game cater to is people who arent able to patch a game themselves with a manual installer, i dont even want to play it .