Yesterdays question is sadly locked so i have do open another tread http://community.playstarbound.com/...on-of-sb-i-think-its-time.97126/#post-2599779 If i understand the answer correct, there will be no possible way to download Starbound without Gabe Newell scareware (steam) on at least one PC ? PLEASE don't quote now about Gabe Newells kingdom of heaven. I made my decision. I don't care of others salvation. Let me explain my situation: I will prefer to live without a computer, instead of installing steam client, indifferent for what using it (distribution, always on, update, ranking, achievements or whatever sin the evil is coming up with). BUT, i like your game idea. I watch let's plays, check nearly daily the wikichanges (thanks for such constant information) and every evening i hope there is a update on your blog with a little new piece of this marvellous waste of time (thanks here for the daily blog, fine idea and helps to keep the fire on). Now i am on the point, where you got me (or my money). I check "Buy Starbound" on your homepage and read: You'll receive immediate access to the Starbound beta on Steam Early access, a digital copy of the game's soundtrack and, when available, a non-Steam DRM-free copy of Starbound. First damned it, nice a soundtrack, and a little piece of hope. I understand that the evil side of power is always the easy kind of way. Hey, they have cookies, haven't they? For updates, especially like the nightly, steam is a good implement. BUT, what is about the stable versions? Thanks god, the time between gets shorter and shorter (3 Month at least, endless thanks for that, waiting can be such painful, oh nooooo 2 episodes GoT and then one year waiting ). So can you PLEASE give me a opportunity to participate on your great work without enter the heart of darkness? It would be very kind, if you can provide a download of the stable version on your homepage every few month. (obviously only for payed keys) If this is not worth the effort (i know i am a absurd minority in Gabe Newells world), can you please update your intention about : ... and, when available, a non-Steam DRM-free copy of Starbound. The quote post of yesterday could be taken as the way of final release. Its DRM-free, steam is only needed for installation. I hope i misinterpret this, but sadly i learned such things on the hard way.
There a few misconceptions in your post. 1. Starbound is already DRM Free 2. Your issue has absolutely nothing to do with DRM - instead it is an issue with the distribution platform. Also what you are asking for might have worked back in the 1990's where developers directly offered downloads. But things have changed substantially since then. It is no longer as simple as uploading the file to an FTP server. Now you have to deal with millions of users connecting to the server, authentication of downloads, massive bandwidth transfer rates. There is a good reason why developers give 30% of gross revenue willingly to distribution platforms like Steam \ GoG \ and humble, because it requires a massive cost and infrastructure to do. So in other words its far simpler for the user to just download steam and get starbound. After which you can either leave steam installed and never run it. Or uninstall it after copying the starbound folder out of the steam common apps folder. So its far practical to stick with the comfort zone of majority users, than the beliefs of a few.
A bit dramatic, but anyways, they've said before they'll make it available through avenues other than steam eventually. Best course is to wait, I would say. However, if you don't want to wait and don't like Steam either, you could download the game and then uninstall Steam. I don't think there's anything else to do beyond these options.
There a few misconceptions in your post. 1. Starbound is already DRM Free 2. Your issue has absolutely nothing to do with DRM - instead it is an issue with the distribution platform. Also what you are asking for might have worked back in the 1990's where developers directly offered downloads. But things have changed substantially since then. It is no longer as simple as uploading the file to an FTP server. Now you have to deal with millions of users connecting to the server, authentication of downloads, massive bandwidth transfer rates. There is a good reason why developers give 30% of gross revenue willingly to distribution platforms like Steam \ GoG \ and humble, because it requires a massive cost and infrastructure to do. So in other words its far simpler for the user to just download steam and get starbound. After which you can either leave steam installed and never run it. Or uninstall it after copying the starbound folder out of the steam common apps folder. So its far practical to stick with the comfort zone of majority users, than the beliefs of a few.
I would gladly ditch steam if possible. Their ToS is... not good. But alas, it is the best platform for distribution, and it is hard to falt an indie company from wanting to use it to get their game exposed to the masses. Your hatred for steam, while not all unfounded, is rather misguided.
Hmm, unless im mistaken they have mentioned the possibility of a non steam download once its released. Havent they?
Yes i aware of that, thats why i said "once its released". But thanks for clarifying anyway (for others that may not know).
