Executive summery: What (if any) DRM-information is there on TL2 and which release clients/methods are the best in this regard? (Because if possible I'd rather pre-order than wait)
So LT1 is rapidly becoming a dangerous item for me (what do you mean I'm two hours late I've still got half a dungeon to finish
) and that being the case I of course want to pick up a copy of TL2 (torchlight, it's the gateway game
).
However I have at so many epically awful experiences with DRM that at this point having it on a game is almost an auto 'No Sale' for me, meaning usually unless something is confirmed DRM-free I just don't bother to look any further into a game... TL2 on the other hand, as much because of the devs as the game, is another story.
So I've been looking around and thus far haven't found any confirmed information on release options, what I've got so far is direct from the devs (in some form). And through steam (which I hope will never touch my system again /rant redacted/ ). The Encore USA fiasco with TL1 makes me wary (despite how much I support the devs) but the recent release of TL1 via GOG makes me a bit more optimistic.
If it comes down to it I'll wait for it to come out DRM-free but I'd rather pre-order/buy out of the gate to support Runic. (ps ~ I won't mind if TL2 uses an account/login protocol to access the Runic multilayer servers so long as it doesn't go the steam/origin/etc. route of requiring 3rd party software installation to do so. Basically D1 style BNet doesn't phase me, D3 style however
).
Cheers,
Phoenix
EDIT: I think I've found my answer. (Re-posting in case anyone else had the same question)
JediFreeman » Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:31 am
Our DRM is a simple unlock mechanic, no rootkits, no modified hardware drivers, no background tasks or applications at all. The only data that gets stored is some license data stored in your user profile to allow you to uninstall and reinstall on the same machine without requiring you to re-enter your product key.
When you launch the game, you will get a launcher screen asking you to enter your key (same process as Torchlight if you purchased from Runic or Perfect World). Entering your key will do a ONE TIME ONLINE ACTIVATION for your installation. The DRM will NOT dial home or require an internet connection EVER AGAIN. Uninstalling and reinstalling the game on the same machine without clearing out your OS should not require you to reactivate either.
More than I usually go for tbh (I've become rather intensely anti-DRM, to me these days it = Defectively Restrictive Malware) but I can play it steam free so for Runic I'm willing to bend my personal prohibitions.
