Shadowrun Returns Post-funding Update #50: Clarifications on DRM-free Copy and FAQ

A new update is out for the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter campaign, explaining why Harebrained Schemes is legally bound to release the post-Berlin DLC on Steam only, although it doesn’t do much to remove the impression that backers should have been told much earlier and that there hasn’t been the kind of transparency the Kickstarter model sort of implies. Here’s a snip:

So let’s start here: We clearly left some critical information too vague, which resulted in some bad feelings and speculation. We are sorry about that and we’re going to fix that poor communication right now.

• To reiterate, our Backers don’t have to choose a DRM-free version of the game or a Steam version of the game. You get both.
• Backers who want a DRM-free experience with Shadowrun Returns (on Windows, OSX, and Linux) are getting the game, editor and all, and will be able to transfer community-created story files and update executables manually. (It works just like a non-Steam version of Skyrim: you can install mods manually or via a 3rd-party tool such as Nexus.) The DRM-free version will not require any internet connection or any form of online authorization to play. In addition, Backers who like the convenience and reliability of Steam and who want automatic updates, easy-to-browse content, and a DLC store are getting them.
• We said that post-Berlin Campaign DLC would only be available on Steam but we never said why. We regret the omission. The reason is that our license to develop Shadowrun Returns actually requires that the game and its DLC be distributed under DRM. This didn’t come up earlier because the situation was complicated by the number of parties involved in the license and because the process was (ongoing). Ultimately, we were able to successfully negotiate an exception with Microsoft for us to provide our Backers with a DRM-free version of the Kickstarter rewards (specifically the game and the Berlin Campaign) but that exception does not extend to non-reward DLC. So unfortunately, we cannot sell or give away DRM-free versions of the game or DLC on stores like GoG, and that’s why any future Shadowrun Returns DLC will only be available for purchase on Steam.
• We will be updating/bugfixing the DRM-free versions (Windows, OSX, and Linux) of Shadowrun Returns, maintaining them along with the Steam versions. These updates will require Backers to re-download the game from the Harebrained Account Website, since it will not include auto-patching functionality.

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Will the DRM-free version always be available to Backers through the website?

Always is a mighty long time but yes, that’s our intention.

Once it is available, will the DRM-free version of the Berlin Campaign always be available to Backers through the website?

Yes.

Will the DRM-free version & Berlin Campaign be a downloadable executable that does not require internet to install?

Yes.