I just received my copy of this game in the mail after comments I was pointed to via GOG users made via the game's official twitter account that it was in fact, DRM Free.

So why the hell does it say Internet connectivity and Steam required all over the box?

I would really appreciate a response from a Nordic rep over this. What is on the disc? Is there a separate Steam key and the disc is DRM free? I need to know. I will be thoroughly pissed off if I've just bought damn Steam product.

This could be a tough one...

I'd hate for it to only be a code in the box and nothing else...

There's some heft to the box and I can hear something large sliding around inside the packaging so there is most likely a disc... but unless I am told in advance that it's not just a Steam key I am not willing taking the shrink wrap off. I need to be able to return it in the event I've been mislead.

Well, according to the release thread, the game is published by Microsoft on Steam, and by Nordic on GOG. Maybe there are different retail versions published in different regions or something, some requiring Steam, some not. Or maybe the good people of the Internet led you astray. Either way, in this case, I'd trust the notices on the packaging more than the word of random strangers.

The one I have is published by Nordic and I can only find evidence of two retail releases, one standard (this), and one limited edition.

Even so, just because they publish it DRM-free digitally on GOG doesn't necessarily mean that their retail version is.

For now assume it's like Skyrim, namely there's an installer with like 90% of the files you need, and a key. You have to activate the key and if you put the disc in or not is optional, although it may save you on a few gigs of downloaded data. Alternatively the disc could only contain a copy of the steam program and tell you to install steam in order to get your game...


*sigh* I miss the days when cd's had cd-keys and all the data was actually on the disc, and when patches for said games were only a few megabytes download.

*looks at the skyrim game box that was gifted him for his birthday a few years ago and scowls and hisses at it*

Well the fact there is a disc means nothing. I have several games that came with disc but have to be redeemed on Steam to run. The disc is to appease people and to make it easier to install the game for people with bad connection.

I know nothing about this one, though, sorry.

But the press release on Gamasutra says:
"Nordic Games partners up with Microsoft Studios and Moon Studios to bring the Steam version of Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition to retail."

That sounds to me like it indeed requires Steam but what do I know.

You'd better ask publisher directly on Twitter or via email.

It's on the list of DRM-free Steam games, but that's probably not what you were looking for.

If it says ssteam required then ssteam is required.
Return it and buy real drmfree from gog

So maybe it does mean one does have to register it on Steam but then can copy it outside of it?
Or the Steam is just an option and you can get it either way.

http://www.nordicgames.at/index.php/article/nordic_games_will_bring_ori_and_the_blind_forest_definitive_edition_to_reta

"Nordic Games partners up with Microsoft Studios and Moon Studios to bring the Steam version of Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition to retail."

Maybe I'm making an assumption here, but if these are the posts you were talking about, it seems that what they meant was:
1) The game was completely in the disc with no need to download it at all.
2) By no DRM, they might have meant that the game doesn't require Steam at all after installation.

At any rate, you should try contacting them directly for further clarification here:
http://www.nordicgamesgroup.com/contact

There could be another possibility: don't the retail PC copies of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt say that GOG Galaxy is required, but it's actually just used as an "optional" updater (optional as long as you don't care about patches, probably), and you can install the game fine without it? Or something? I dunno, but it could be like that for Ori.

As far as I remember, the back of the retail cover didn't say anything specific to Galaxy, but instead said something along the lines of "Internet required for installation, not for playing".

Pre-post edit: Yup.

Which is confusing since it appears to be a standard GoG installer...