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We (still) want to hear from you!

We recently asked you guys for feedback based on some potential games that we may be able to sign in the future. The results were pretty clear--and we will be sharing them with you all soon--but we did want to ask you a single follow-up question with an actual real-world game example. One of the games that we would like to add to our catalog is Planetary Annihilation. This is an RTS with many modern gaming features, and we figured we'd use it as our test example.

<iframe width="590" height="332" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Xpze54xgqtg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Planetary Annihilation is distinctive for the following:

- Multiplayer and skirmish focused gameplay; there is no story-based single-player campaign, but AI skirmish matches provide a great single player experience.
- Optional persistent online features such as scoreboards, social features, achievements, and the online multiplayer campaign - a persistent galaxy-wide war; an account with the developer's online service is required in order to use these features.
- No activation, unique codes, or third-party accounts are required for single-player play or, LAN/direct connection multiplayer.
- A unique key is required for Internet multiplayer, and an account with the developer's service is only required for the persistent online features.

Now, that you know about the game's specifics, here's our question:
Post edited April 15, 2013 by G-Doc
high rated
A number of other existing titles already require a unique key for multiplayer, which seems fair enough (though would be less painful if this didn't require pestering support). Plus with games like Unreal there's already precedent for multiplayer-focused play. Seems like a complete non-issue to me.
End of the day, you're not making anybody pay for a game, so the features on the game are just part of the package. If the gamer wants a game with such features, they'll buy it :)
high rated
Whew - that was a long survey.
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asb: Seems like a complete non-issue to me.
*passes the bag of popcorn*
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Barefoot_Monkey: Whew - that was a long survey.
Yeah, I expected at least 2 more questions! :D
I'm also not teased about this, but with this fair conditions you wrote, only using internet for Multiplayer and free Singleplay, this game totally fits in your catalog.

You should maybe also write the notes about this game as warning in the game card. Just to be sure.
It's fine to have a game with simple non 3rd party multiplayer game, even if it has optional persistent features with an account here, i think. The first thing will still provide enough longevity to the game, more than some GameSpy enebled games, like NWN1 or 2 which are a pain to play multiplayer today more often than not. I'd even say, if the game has online play as a pretty important feature, but is perfectly playable without it, it's very welcome here, as in - if Dark Souls didn't have GFWL, i think a lot of people would love to see it being sold here.
high rated
DRM-free Solo Play, LAN-Matches and Player-Servers? Only the achievements/social features and multiplayer through the official servers need an account?

So where is the problem? Add it. ^^
Post edited April 15, 2013 by Asturaetus
As long as the single-player component of any game is completely DRM FREE then that game has its place on GOG. LAN multi-player is a bonus :).

Did I understand this part correctly: we will get to know the results of the last survey? THAT'S AMAZING GOG!
Post edited April 15, 2013 by MadalinStroe
I'm expecting an overall positive response. This seems very reasonable. The game looks nice as well - I was considering backing the kickstarter (I ended up deciding I was backing enough projects already).
I voted yes. Tho I am a little disappointed with GOG... WTF guys, can't you first add Carmageddon 2 before focusing on this stuff ? :(
Keep it no activation limits, and everything else promised in item 3 (No unique codes, or third-party accounts are required for single-player play) there, I suppose we are good to go.

MMOs are in a sense, DRM, since if the server goes kaput, you can't play it anymore.

But of course, this is a non-issue, as everyone who plays MMOs know what they are signing up for and the mode of gameplay is what the fun is all about.

A label on the gamecard, to indicate that it's an MMO, as a few posters had mentioned would be good.

On another note, GOG seems to be expanding quite nicely in new features and things you'd like to bring us. :)
Post edited April 15, 2013 by Nicole28
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/659943965/planetary-annihilation-a-next-generation-rts?ref=live
I thought i saw that name from somewhere.
I cancelled my pledge when i found out *then* it was pretty much multiplayer with singleplayer tacked on...


What happens if the server goes bye bye? (considering its a MP focused game)
Post edited April 15, 2013 by nijuu
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nijuu: What happens if the server goes bye bye? (considering its a MP focused game)
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GOG.com: - No activation, unique codes, or third-party accounts are required for single-player play or, LAN/direct connection multiplayer.