DRM-free classic games at low low prices, same price around the world with bonuses -> DRM-free classic (with new indie) games at the same price around the world with bonuses -> DRM-free games and DLC at the same price around the world, most with bonuses -> DRM-free games and DLC, most with bonuses ->
Before today:
(It's small but #2 says 'One world, fair price')
Today:
Indeed it's a bit concerning. Some of us have talked about this in the past, and I get why GOG has had to move in new directions. I think bringing indies to the store was a great idea and smart move. Yet, it has to be demoralizing to see your games sold dirt cheap in bundles and wonder how you're going to get people to buy that game on your own store. I imagined someone at GOG seeing Humble Bundle 11 on Tuesday and thinking, "Damn it, not again."
The writing's been on the wall for a year or so, though. Last year GOG did a customer survey asking how people felt about DLC, multiplayer DRM, early access, etc. They've been facing a shrinking pool of classics they can acquire for distribution, and they've had to shift onto newer games to maintain a steady flow of releases. I suppose today's news was inevitable - if GOG wants to continue to grow and bring in customers while marketing their DRM-free philosophy, they unfortunately have to compromise to meet publisher demands. Even a couple years ago GOG talked about the risks of devaluing games with high discounts (which I agree with), but they had to offer higher discounts to stay competitive. I sympathize with them - I really do. I'm surprised they've held out this long. Just looking at the Fallout situation - with Zenimax not even acknowledging GOG's existence, it seems that GOG doesn't have much of a bargaining chip with publishers in an industry that is largely accepting of DRM, regional pricing, etc.
While DRM-free and one fair price are not directly related, both form the heart of what GOG has been - a place that essentially gives customers an experience they may not get elsewhere. And that's what I'm seeing is the primary concern on the forum. It's not just that select few new releases will have regional prices (games GOG would not have otherwise carried) - it's that a fundamental core philosophy has been abandoned, and it makes people wonder if the DRM-free principle is next (among myriad other concerns).
GOG essentially had to make a choice - sell these new titles with regional pricing or don't sell them at all. It's a tough situation and I refrain from calling it a good or bad decision. However, I can't help but think that what they gain in the short term from additional day one sales, they might lose in the long run by essentially caving into something they've long opposed. It opens a can of worms.
I love GOG immensely, but in a way I find it harder to stump for them as I usually do given that one of their biggest selling points was just erased from their front page. I understand their decision and the tight spot they are in. Two or three years ago they would have laughed at the idea of selling games with regional pricing. Now, I don't think they have a choice given the various complications of fewer old games available due to licensing, indie competition with bundles, etc. Despite my concerns I certainly still hope this works out for GOG.
Sorry for the long post. I don't mean to sound the alarm or convey doom and gloom.