Why can't I just download the EXE without Stardock?

from GalCiv2 Forums
I went to my local EBGames and they were out of stock on GalCiv II. SO Instead I decided to purchase the game directly from Stardock's website. I then had to install a program and wait for it to download and install the game. Can anyone answer as to why I am not allowed to just download the install EXE? I would rather not have extrainious software in order to download the game. Plus after reading the interviews and journals of the developer, he clearly states that he would rather have users be able to install the game on any PC they want. Having to use the Stardock Central application seems to disallow that by having me install and download the game a second time.

Is there anyway I can just download the install files, in a zip file or other type of archive, rather then having to sit through this process a second time?
4,453 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
The download version of the game is only available via SDC. However, once you have it you can use SDC's archive option to pack it up, and you can merrily burn the resulting zip files to discs along with the SDC installer, which you can then take to any other machine you own.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Also for the patches you don't need to use SDC you can download the patches and other extras directly from the download tab here to the left.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Them's the breaks. In order for Stardock to actually be able to reliably confirm that you are who you say you are, you have to log in to your Stardock account in order to access your license. It's actually not nearly as restrictive as you think it is, as regardless of how you legally got the game, you still use SDC to download the updates.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
While that does make sense, there should be some sort of disclaimer on the website site saying you will need to download, install SDC and then download the components to the actual game. Had I know this from the start I would have waited until next week to purchase the game in the store. I appreacite all your repsonses guys.

Having said that, I am looking forward to playing this game. I have been waiting for this type of game for some time now.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You don't run SDC when you run the game, only to update the game. I really don't see the problem. There is no form of DRM or other mysterious software. There is no spyware and no extra system-hogging resources. As stated in #1 you can archive the software and install it to as many PCs as you like. #2 states that you can dl the patches and extras manually and finally, #3, it really is the only way for Stardock to confirm your ownership since there is no copy protection whatsoever on the retail (CD) version.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I cant see any gripes with having to install stardock central on any pc, its not 3rd party software, its made by the same guys who make the games, so if you have trust issues with that particular application (only reason i can see why i wouldnt want to have a measly insignificant 15mb install put on my pc) then you wont be buying the game anyway.

And its obvious that they need to confirm your identity somehow in order to verify that you are the individual that purchased the game and not someone else, how else are they going to do that without verification or the use of a mre secured specialised distributiion facility that can handle the kind of bandwith needed at all times.

As fpr the inconvienience, well there isnt any, at all. If the downloads slow change server, if you want it on another pc (that you own) then you can download it again on that pc, just install SDC on it and punch in your details. If this stuff isnt common sense i dont know what is.