DRM free question
DRM free question
The account in the game isn't a DRM restriction. DRM limits access to one platform. If it can be installed on 1000 different devices, it isn't a restriction. It might be limited to those who purchased it. This is essentially a digital copy of proof of purchase. If you view DRM this way, every physical purchase counts as DRM since the receipt serves as the proof. Only two parties hold that proof: you and the seller.
According to Wikipedia, the situation involves registration for verification and using an account to play a game, which represents a type of access control. It suggests that DRM influences consumer rights after purchase, raising questions about ownership—especially for digital items—once sold. The producer retains control over access, even if the goods are available for sale. In another perspective, Amazon's music service appears DRM-free since no restrictions apply once the music is downloaded, allowing unrestricted use without needing additional licenses. Yet a Steam game with no DRM attached, such as Denuvo, remains subject to DRM when played through an account linked to the seller.
I'm also conflicting here. DRM is essentially a restriction on how the use works, not an installation. It doesn't specifically target one platform either; the main issue comes from variations in operating systems and companies deciding that a verified purchase isn't valid across devices. For instance, with the Battlefield series.
You can install games on as many computers as you want, but you must log in to confirm your purchase rights.
This analogy is incorrect. DRM isn't like a receipt. In your comparison, a receipt would contain a CD key—it's just proof that ownership has changed hands. Proof of ownership would be something tangible, like a photo of you holding the item after the purchase date. If you want a real-world example, DRM functions like vehicle registration. You could get it as a gift without receiving a receipt, yet still have the right to control its use.
No, because physical copies are physical, not digital. Aside from the fact that in ye olden days on PC you installed a game directly to your hard drive. CD keys grew in popularity in an attempt to try and curb "piracy" by installing or distributing the game files with no check. So THAT actually is a form of DRM and you're still wrong.
But even if you didn't buy that, that physical copy you bought is limited to the console you bought it for, i.e. Just because I bought Metal Gear on PC doesn't mean I get it free on PS4 or Xbox. Otherwise there's only 1 physical disk, and the installation process is irrelevant in this instance. That disk is the CD-key so you can only have 1 instance of the game going at any time. There's also copyright laws so you can't duplicate the disk. The only difference between physical and digital DRM is that they can't stop me from handing my brother my game copy. Well, they could, Microsoft and Sony both wanted to clamp down on DRM and not let people trade or resell games, which people rightly flipped the fuck out over so they shitcanned it.
DRM free means DRM free. CD-keys are DRM. But if you have video evidence I'll take it.
Bingo. GOG.com is DRM free. You make an account to have a library and purchasing options, but once you download the game installers from the site, or install through the
optional
GOG Galaxy, you can do whatever the hell you want with it. There's no CD-keys or anything. I only question online because as mentioned I
think
I need Galaxy to play online. In the store page it says it only works with other GOG users, but there's other games like Divinity Original Sin 2 that are cross-platform and will also work with Steam users.
I'm not concerned with physical items. I'm not discussing CD keys. I'm not about purchasing anything. I'm not talking about consoles. I'm not referencing laws. GOG games can be downloaded and played without any verification or authentication. Just download and enjoy the game.
I'm even more puzzled than you are, since what we're discussing isn't related to GOG. You even referenced someone else talking about physical files not having DRM, which is misleading because it does. I've been clearly stating throughout that CD keys are indeed DRM.
Does what @Franck just mentioned resolve any misunderstandings? Or would you need video proof?
I'm not confirming or denying his statements, just checking if his words clarify the issue.
Again, it's not about physical items or CD keys. I'm asking whether GOG games can be downloaded and played without verification—DRM-FREE. I'm unsure what’s causing the confusion.