I am very much for opting option 3. I believe that while it's not the most attractive option for the beta testers, or perhaps those who just want an early peak, I think it would be the best for getting the end game out the most quickly and efficiently. As stage 1, 2, and 3, roll by, I can see a justifiable steam update, but as far as the normal update tedium goes, I think it should wait. Reasons being: 1. Beta tester input. Now while important for your game, I don't believe specific inputs are going to be entirely important until later phases in the game, general direction inputs and such I'm sure will not be as big of a problem, and can be accomplished just as easily in a slower update format. 2. Stability/Efficiency I probably shouldn't group these too, but I think stability or efficiency will suffer a lot if you can't focus on the basics until they are sufficiently developed, and you may---as a company have to decide which is more important to focus on in general. client side work shouldn't be over-done until later phases. In other words, I want the finished product, in it's completed glory out faster, and unless you think you can really divert attention to steam as well as DRM free, my intuition tells me this (option 1, 2) will hamper the process. 3. This is your product. We fans know you guys are very accountable, and are working very hard on being responsible to your user base and give us what you think we'd like to play. In the end, I honestly think you guys should decide what format you think is going to be the best for you. A good game will speak for itself, a bad game needs someone speaking for it. Conclusion? I think 3 is the best option, but i think you guys know what you are doing and should make the most reasonable choice, given your resources and abilities. If a kid wants his toy before it's even finished so be it, but I don't think you need to provide further service until it comes to such a point that you as a company, and as your individual opinions go---that you can say, this is a good stopping point for now, let's show them what we have---Which is i'm sure a very stressful thing for you developers to consider.
Just release the DRM-free version when the game is released, or very late into the beta. I think those who -CANNOT- use steam are in an extreme minority, as it functions across all the major OS systems. No sense wasting a bunch of time manually grinding out updates.
I'd go for option 3, myself. Options 1 and 2 would probably hamper development speed. Once we get something more stable, like stage 2 or 3, than the DRM free setup becomes an option, but if you plan to be making lots of changes, definitely go with steam.
I personally need a steam key because steam is my main system. but i can use DRM free if needed but i wish to have a steam key in the end, maybe the end of the beta?
They're actually favoring the Steam option very much. There is no "DRM-only" choice, which suits your wishes extremely well. However it goes, you're getting your Steam key for the beta!
All very valid points. I would say option 2 or 3. My vote is for 3 though. Option 2 will at least include the people who want DRM
Beta Be the one who gonna make the Beta be Beta faster, so anyone who waiting for Beta can play the Beta version of Beta and everyone gonna be Beta. the Beta will come out soon right?
Well, Option 3 is probably the best bet, though Option 2 would be nice for those who don't like Steam (Who doesn't like Steam? ). Or those who don't have the most reliable Internet (like me ).
I love Steam, and if the Steam workshop later on for mods happens even better. Do whats best for the game while still making it.
