So soon after release. But I guess if people were interested in the game, and wanted a cheap copy, they would be more likely to get it from G2A or other shady key resellers, rather than waiting for a sale. Such an absurd situation, and such a tough decision to have to make, I hope it works out for them.

I'm not sure if this was a good idea..
Some people at least are afraid to download pirated games due to viruses.
But if you offer the legit version yourself, they won't hesitate to pay zero.

Reading the devs' message, this seems all G2A's fault.

Interesting sales strategy:

- Realize the inevitable, that it will be pirated fairly quickly anyway
- Get your message out there AND make yourselves look like the good guys - which they may very well be.
- And lengthen the game's exposure to the marketplace in the critical first weeks, via articles (and possibly some future interviews) talking about this decision.

So basically they're doing a modern day shareware-ish deal, but using TPB as a marketing gimmick and also as a free host when this "full-length demo" could instead be hosted directly on their own site.

Clever move, AcidWizard, clever move.

100% agree ... publicity stunt, not about wanting ppl to enjoy the game etc. If that'd been the motivation, it wouldn't have been solely a windows torrent.

Had to install torrent software for this one. Got it and -- its only Windows release. Meh :(( Better do a freeware demo, IMHO :(

The steam forums are full of people who are pissed off they paid for something that's being given away for free a week later. This may backfire and deter legitimate buyers on Steam. I get where Steam users are coming from but I also understand the entire G2A debacle.

Hopefully this works out for the devs.

well that's the ignorant mentality of most people who can't see reality through their own greed

Got curious and stuck it on one of the seedboxes.

3800 seeds. 850 down loaders currently.

A big problem with Steam is that a lot of users are pro-DRM. They believe that DRM stops pirates (no it doesn't). Giving away the game on Pirate Bay directly contradicts those beliefs so there's a backlash. They feel betrayed and are speaking up about it - they don't seem to understand that what G2A does is worse than piracy.

As far as many of the Steam users are concerned, the Pirate Bay release is an official release is as legitimate as Steam because the devs were the ones releasing it. The devs are perceived to be condoning piracy. Yes they can say they don't condone piracy but actions speak louder than words.

Honestly, the devs could have executed this better. Take a page from Tales of Maj'Eyal and release the game for free with some extra perks for people who buy the game. Don't host it on Pirate Bay. They could make a statement that doing it this way is taking a stand against the scummy behavior of key-resellers and also not condoning piracy.

I am completely on the side of the developers in taking a stand against key-resellers. Like I said, I can see the viewpoint of the other side. I just don't want the devs shooting themselves in the foot to do so - Darkwood is so awesome I want to see more of what the devs can do.

off topic

Believe me or not , but there are modders ( for example on the Saints Row mods forum ) who don't support the Gog version ( aka if you own the non-Steam version you are a pirate )

I believe you. Lots of Steam users believe that if you have a DRM-free version or want a DRM-free version you MUST be a pirate. Difference between here and Steam is night and day. Most GoG users realise how futile it is to battle pirates with DRM. How many people here are pissed the devs are giving the game away on Pirate Bay for instance?

off topic

But what if you own both versions? Short circuit?

That's the result of Steam's extremely successful marketing campaign to paint themselves as the One and Only True Store. Similar to how some people never speak of cell phones or tablets anymore, but of iPhones and iPads, because they don't understand how someone would not buy an Apple product.

Cults have been started for less.

Funnily enough, you said cellphones, instead of smartphones, since the two have become practically synonymous ;)

Signed, owner of a dumb phone.