I think that they're fundamentally different things: renting vs buying. Assuming the customer is using the services as intended, not breaking TOS/using workarounds/etc, this is basically the difference between Scheme and GOG. It goes down to people's preferences on those topics. Some people prefer to rent wide variety, some people prefer to own even if that means they experience less total.

Generally speaking, for the same amount of money I would rather own 1-2 games than rent 10-20 games.

In any case, I think it's important to have the option to buy (even if I preferred renting). I imagine most GOG users are the same way; otherwise they'd be taking advantage of Scheme's prices and monopoly-like foothold in the market (sadly, many people view GOG as "shady" or "untrustworthy" because of bs like false positives or ignorant attitudes like thinking companies in different countries are trying to scam them or something).

In an ideal world, people would have the option of both renting and buying. However, my impression is that there is this sort of agenda out there to kill off ownership/user control of what they buy. Look at all TV/movies that is now "stream-only". My view is that to buy from Scheme or support similar practices is harmful to the general concept of ownership, if people go by the theory of "vote with your wallet".

Kudos to OP for supporting GOG even at a higher price.

In that bit you quoted I was talking about GOG in BOTH examples, not gog vs. steam. ;)

(As in buying a bunch of cheap GOG games on sales rather than a few GOG games not on sale)

Sadly, voting with one's wallet almost never makes a big enough impact(well unless one is rich and/or influential somehow).....the masses of those who buy for various reasons(some of them not always bad ones) will usually outweigh those who choose not to.

This is why I support people just doing with their money what makes them happy(as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else's rights, that is).

Agreed :)
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All that said, I sometimes buy on steam as I am ok with some games being a "rental".... it gives me a chance to test them legally before buying on GOG. Then if I want to keep the game I buy on GOG as well. :)

I don't think that it's just your impression. And the only reason it appears to be a recent thing is 'technology'. There are many companies that try to balance between profit/survival and respect for their customers - but they're not the big (listed) ones.
Even Blu-ray has online DRM. It's not relevant for standalone players, but playing those discs on a PC can be a big mess. At the moment I consider streaming services a "TV-alternative", but they're slowly killing off physical releases. And DRM free downloads for movies/series mostly doesn't exist (and unlikely will ever happen).
But never say never... before GOG happened, it seemed unlikely to me too.

Oh, I understand now! And yes I also encourage people to do that if possible though I do assume the sales are "built-in" to their business model. I still maintain that the games here are a bargain even at full-price considering what you get: effective ownership over the game.

I haven't bought a single game on steam for the last 2 years or so. Only on GOG! ;)

I assume so....still, I like to give back when I can, even if that means a bunch of cheap copies of games over expensive ones.

Most are....some are a bit high considering prices elsewhere(even on smaller drm free stores) so I "have no choice" but to buy on steam/other drm free stores if I want to play them(to me, sadly, not partaking isn't a valid option....I don't deprive myself of things in such ways in most cases). I DO try to re buy on GOG, though, like I said....and so far it has worked out well(I have many more games here atm).

Personally, I don't get this price difference issue... there are so many cheap GOG games to be bought/played --- while waiting for a sale in the future that makes a certain game more than cheap enough over here.

When you're on a very tight budget yet want that one game, a steam sale that makes it around 2 bucks or less while GOG might want 5-10 seems a no brainer for some people...especially if one doesn't mind renting(or can circumvent such if their morals allow).

Take the enhanced RPGs by beamdog......the company and their dislike by some aside, I got many of em in a pack for a pittance compared to what GOG normally charges(I think like 5-7 bucks for 2 or maybe 3 of them compared to what GOG wants). Yeah, I don't own them like on GOG, but I can play them and if need be re buy on GOG in the future.

If I were loaded or somewhat better off, sure, i'd buy on GOG most every time. Sadly, though, that's not the case & I love me some games.

I'll agree with this, to some extent. Getting an installer I can download, archive, and use later without an internet connection is worth more to me than not getting one.

Doesn't much matter whether it's an actual installer or just an archive to unpack, but I want the game to work without a client (and/or an internet connection) being required to install (or run) it, "stub" installers that fetch the data from a server are also pretty much useless to me.

I think it's often an advertising or "social pressure" thing... because nowadays, even (or especially) if you're on a tight budget, why focus on that "one game" when there's a HUGE amount of great, cheap and easily obtainable other games to be had/played?

But, sure, many people just don't care about DRM... making this 'discussion' moot ;-)

I might want to play that one game/series or that particular genre atm(or in the near future).....also as I said it helps one save money and(on steam) acts as a sort of preview if one wants to eventually get it on GOG.

Also as for pressure, GOG sales do the same thing if you think about it(low prices making people more likely to buy).

I think some care, they(like me) just have other overriding priorities, or can crack it out if need be/aren't morally against such things on legally bought games/etc. :)

Also I find it fun to discuss things even with people I disagree with, and feel others are likely the same....it helps people develop a better understanding of others and helps people get to know one another.

Also, the ease of adding mods, with the games for which they set up a workshop. With newish games, it is a big plus. Surely GOG has thought of something like that (maybe).

I’ve bought games on both Steam & here during sales.
Recently a game I purchased on Steam became free. :( I have also purchased on Steam then discovered the particular game/s are not complete but the same games here are so have purchased them here too.