Is there a DRM free version available for purchase?

[plutomaniac]

You will even need a key, but it's not checked by an online server, so it's not DRM.

Then I did not properly understand the term DRM. In that case, as YourComputer said, everything except Steam is DRM-free.

[Your Computer]

By definition, serial keys are DRM, but in this case i don't see it as practical DRM since this design allows for multiple users to use the same serial key (DRM is supposed to prevent that).

[plutomaniac]

(DRM is supposed to prevent that).

Yes, that's what I didn't know.

[Yuhaney]

I have a belief that Frictional Games' store has DRM-free games.

[felixmole]

Oh, so Frictional Games store uses a SafeDisc-like DRM (without disc...)? Each game purchased has its own serial key the user must give upon install?

[plutomaniac]

I have both Amnesia & Penumbra from their store shelf and a cd key is required before starting the game for the first time. Technically, as YourComp said, it is DRM-free since this protection is not "forced" and cannot be validated.

[Googolplex]

The SafeDisc protection is a completely different kind and has nothing todo with no-disc games. In contrary! You need a disc to play the game.

Frictional Games store is DRM-free, every user gets his own serial, but every serial works on every game! There is no validation!

I think, people with mind like Frictional Games will not go crazy and punish their own community with DRM obligation like EA did with Origin.

It's nice to have an alternative to the Steam version.

DRM obligation only would mean external servers for key validation that costs a lot of money, the online service has to work continuously, they would just punish their own players, and the illegal crackers will anyway find a way to avoid the protection.

I also think, the success of a game depends on the quality of the product, not whether it has DRM or not. Most people will buy it, because they trust to get a qualitative game, when not, there are two reasons:

1. The devs failed to make a good game.
2. The people wouldn't buy the game either way.

DRM sucks, because it doesn't work and only damages the experience of the legitimate buyer while make people angry.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnyegri...kt-on-drm/