Update (4/13): Harebrained Schemes have posted a new Kickstarter update to better clarify some matters. For one thing, the DRM-free version of Shadowrun Returns is only available to Kickstarter backers. They get both the DRM-free and Steam versions, while anyone who buys the game after just gets a Steam copy. The DRM-free version also includes the editor and everything else promised in the Kickstarter.
Updates and community-created mods will work on the DRM-free copy, but everything must be done manually. Furthermore, any non-Kickstarter DLC for Shadowrun Returns is required to be on Steam due to a licensing agreement with Microsoft. The Berlin DLC will work just fine with DRM-free copies, but everything released that wasn't promised on the Kickstarter has to include DRM, namely Steam. It's a small price to pay, but remember, everyone gets a Steam copy of the game.
DRM-free versions of Shadowrun Returns are going to get the same updates as the Steam versions, regardless of operating system. Unfortunately, updates require a new download of the executable from HBS since it'll lack an auto-update feature. Again, another small price to pay.
That should cover it for the main points of HBS' new update. More information can be found at the post here.
Thanks to daveyd for the tip!
Late last year, developer Harebrained Schemes announced Shadowrun Returns would be delayed to a summer 2013 release. The successfully funded Kickstarter game originally had a January 2013 release, but things had to be pushed back. Yesterday the team confirmed Shadowrun Returns arrives in June, although a specific date wasn't mentioned. Plenty of other information was revealed, including where to pre-order if you missed the Kickstarter.
All backers of the game should receive an email with a link to the game's website. There you'll enter your mailing address and any other information for the appropriate rewards, like shirt sizes and photo for the DocWagon card. All information has to be entered in by April 22 in order to ship on time, so if you don't receive an email by this Friday, April 12, then let Harebrained know.
As for when the rewards arrive, digital rewards go out the same day as the game launches. Physical rewards ship out around three weeks after launch, due to cost and the fact that the game and soundtrack need to be completed in order to go onto discs. The same goes for the USB dog tags, where the game has to be finished first before getting loaded. The good news is any backer who donated enough to get access to the Shadowrun Returns Editor can access that the end of April, while anyone who paid for the chance to become an NPC have already been contacted.
Pre-orderers of the Deluxe and Collector's Editions are on the same time frame for digital and physical rewards as the Kickstarter backers. In fact, the Collector's Edition can still be pre-ordered until April 28 through the Harebrained website. That day is also the cutoff to knock five dollars off the price of any of the three editions, so don't delay if you want the game at discount!
One of the major changes that may not entirely sit well with everyone is the fact that Shadowrun Returns is going to be available on Steam. The decision was made in order to take advantage of the Steam Workshop to easily create and share mods, plus automatically deliver updates. Every backer will receive a Steam key for the game, while everyone else can pre-order from April 29 on.
There'll still be a DRM-free version available, featuring the Seattle story, from the developer website. The Berlin campaign, once released, requires a one-time activation for the DRM-free version. The only downside to that version is no access to any mods from inside the game and future DLC, so take from it what you will.
There's plenty more to check out about Shadowrun Returns, so head over to the Kickstarter blog to read it all. Two final bits are the Linux version of the game is still on the way, just it'll release within a "reasonable timeframe" after the PC and Mac versions. As for the Android and iOS versions, those aren't included with any backer rewards and are going to be available separately on the respective stores.
Anyway, I'm very much looking forward to this game.
If it is DRM free, could I possibly give a copy to my friend and let him play it?
So to answer your question, yeah I believe you could let your friend play your DRM-free version.
Thanks for letting me know about that. Now I just gotta figure out how to install it to my tablet.
Not sure if that's what you were talking about, or if you thinking of some "unofficial" way to port the PC / Mac version to a tablet, yourself.