Wait, what are the "real" culprits vs the "fake" ones? Does it depend on the majority opinion?

What about something like a Google Spreadsheet for the longest lists, and put the link inside this thread?

I guess it would be nice if we could centralize these things in a database that's already tracking all these games. My first thought would have been MaGog, but since it is being phased out, perhaps Yepoleb would be interested in adding "actually DRM-free"/"Not really that DRM-free" metatags or something of the sort to the GOG DB. It never hurts to ask.

Given the title of this thread, I'd say that the "real" ones are those with single-player elements locked behind some form of wall. I would suggest having a different thread for multi-player elements, such as CD-keys, but that's my opinion. I don't think this should be a majority decision; it should be Lifthrasil's and his alone, as he's the one doing the work.

How about best of both worlds and split it into two lists then? Letting people actually decide which forms of DRM they are bothered by is a huge breath of fresh air compared to the long standing status quo which is either GOG or fanatical GOG apologists going "I don't care about multiplayer, therefore it's not DRM!" or "you have to be online to play multiplayer, therefore it's not DRM!" or "you can play the game, therefore there's no DRM!!" or "GOG said it's only about single player, therefore it's DRM free!"

EDIT: But I agree that if CD-keys are relevant to multiplayer only, then it should be in that multiplayer thread.

That's a very good point about single-player, I was thinking in terms of "list of ... games with DRM" :P

However the second post in this thread does already list DRM'd multiplayer games, so keys for multiplayer could fit theoretically in there. But a separate thread is a good idea.

Unfortunately, this is the problem with these types of lists. Everyone has a different opinion on what DRM is and if you include everything that anyone may consider DRM, your list gets long and may end up having the effect you noted. But, I guess it's also up to people to read the list and decide for themselves.

Yes, let's do that. I think it's the best version.

Games with CD-key requirement don't go in the 'DRM-list' and also not in the 'DRM-free' list. So they should get a separate thread.

Will you make a CD-keyed games thread?

There is already a thread about CD-keys/serial numbers:

https://www.gog.com/forum/general/gog_games_with_serial_numbers/page1

Good work Lifthrasil.

List them all and place them all in a hall of shame where they belong.

I have one for you to consider adding to your list: Egosofts X4

There is additional content that can only be accessed through the creation and registration of an Egosoft account. A typical Egosoft tactic that is not in the spirit of GOGs no DRM stance.

This requirement is listed on the storepage and I have linked below for your interest.

https://www.gog.com/game/x4_foundations

Sorry but i really do not get why anyone complains about multiplayer. By it's nature alone it needs online.
Therefore it will need a server and the client provides that.
Caring about DRM on online features is pointless.

As i see it only single player matters.

Sorry, but that simply isn't true. Multiplayer does not inherently require the internet or third-party servers. This thread, which the OP started in parallel with this one, lists games on GOG that support multiplayer using direct IP or LAN. No third-party servers or user accounts required.

DRM-free multiplayer is very much possible. Of course, it would also be possible for developers to set up multiplayer servers that let anyone with a copy of the game join and play, without doing any sort of purchase/license verification.

Seems to me that if you are willing to add other games with "cosmetic" issues, you should also add all games with achievements that aren't also available in-game/offline.

edit: also, all Zachtronics games (except maybe Eliza), since they won't give you an evaluation of your solution without on-line access. They don't even cache the current "histograms": only when you're on-line are you able to see them.

Thank you! that is very useful!

Thanks for pointing that out

Nothing much to add at the moment but wanted to say thank you for this topic. This is providing the function that GOGmixes used to allow. Calling out corporate bs and warning others about it.