Stardock Entertainment has just relaunched its TotalGaming.net electronic distribution service with new features, games, a redesigned website and more. As part of the relaunch, we have transitioned all of our current TotalGaming.net subscribers to our new Token-based payment system in an unprecedented upgrade program. In the following article you'll find details on everything you need to know about the next evolution of the TotalGaming service.
What Will Current TotalGaming Subscribers Get Out of the Upgrade?
Any TotalGaming subscriber with an active account on June 10, 2005 will be automatically upgraded with the following benefits:
How Much Will a New TotalGaming Membership Cost?
New customers can become TotalGaming.net members for just $69.95 which comes with 10 Tokens.
How Do the Tokens Work?
Each game available through TotalGaming.net costs a certain number of Tokens (for example, Galactic Civilizations II costs 5 tokens). Members can use their Tokens to purchase any of the games available through the network.
Why Use Tokens at All?
The new Token system gives us a far greater level of flexibility than what we used in the past, allowing us to sign on more games than before with a wider range of developers and publishers. In addition, the Token system gives customers a significant discount over the standalone price of the games available through the network.
And if you don't like tokens, no problem, all the games are available for purchase stand-alone.
What If I Use All of My Tokens?
We have two types of Booster Packs available: 5 Token Booster Packs are available for $34.95 and 10 Token Booster Packs are available for $65.
What If I Don't Use My Tokens Before My Membership Expires?
TotalGaming memberships never expire for new customers (Subscribers from Phase 2 of TotalGaming.net or Drengin.net should see below). Tokens are yours to use whenever you like once you purchase them.
Do I Have to Be a TotalGaming.net Member to Buy Games From the Network?
No. You can purchase games individually. The reason for a TotalGaming.net membership is that if there are multiple games you want, then you would want to get a membership so you can get the games at a discount.
Can I Return a Game If I Don't Like It?
No, but nearly every game on the TotalGaming network has a demo version so that people can try before they buy; these are available for free download from the TotalGaming website. In addition, people can post on our Forums to see what others think about a particular title, read reviews from various gaming websites and more. This restriction does not apply for those who buy a game standalone.
What If I Can't Get a Game to Run?
If you have trouble getting a game to run, we'll work with you to resolve the problem. If we're unable to get the title to run on your PC, we'll escalate support to the developer of the program. If you still can't get the game to run after that, we'll refund your Tokens for that title.
What Happens to My Games If I Get a New PC or My Games Get Lost?
Once you purchase a game from TotalGaming, it's yours forever. You will be able to re-download the latest version of your games using our Stardock Central application at any point in the future.
Can I Backup My Games?
Absolutely. Stardock Central will allow you to archive the games you purchase through TotalGaming, which you may then copy to other media (i.e., CD, DVD, removable hard drive, etc.). You will need a copy of Stardock Central to reinstall your archives, however.
* Limited time offer that expires September 30, 2005. Users whose accounts would have expired by June 30, 2005 that have not logged in by September 30, 2005 are not eligible. Transitional tokens expire on December 31, 2006.
Hi guys,
If there are specific games you'd like to suggest (like EvilIdler), just post here or email me (bclair@stardock.com). Unfortunately there's really no good way for us to announce what games we will be adding to the service ahead of time for Indies - the lack of extreme red tape means the turnaround is very fast. What we can do is make a forum post in the future (I'll make it sticky) that may give you a few days heads-up on new titles. Usually it doesn't take longer than 2-3 days before a new Indie offering is good to go on TGN.
Thanks for the suggestions. We'll look into the titles you've listed. Odds are that you won't see any MMO games on TotalGaming, as we're just not setup for it right now. In regards to titles which use copy protection (i.e., SecuROM, SafeDisc, TryMedia, etc.), you won't find them on TotalGaming. Unfortunately this also means that publishers who require strict DRM (like Ubisoft, RealArcade, GameHouse, etc.) won't distribute their games through TGN either.
No, what indications are you referring to?
This is something that's been popping up for some people (it didn't appear in testing - and AM got a lot of it since many of us are pretty hooked on it ourselves). We're investigating the problem with the developer and think we may have tracked it down. If you email me (bclair@stardock.com) I may be able to get you fixed up (if we're correct on what's going on), or if you're on IRC (irc.stardock.com) you can find me in the #stardock channel so I can walk you through it in real-time. You definitely will not need to buy the game again.
Note: We've changed the Token policy for TotalGaming members. Tokens can now be used at any time - even after your membership time expires.
jab2565 - Before we relaunched TotalGaming, they had just put out the v1.1 update that added an additional 8 cards. I suspect (and this is only my guess) that they'll add additional cards with future patches.
Zoomba - Not yet, too early. I can tell you that a new version of Reaktor will be appearing soon, tho.
Yellow Sign - The only other method would be for you to send us a check or money order in U.S. funds for the TGN membership. If this is something you'd like to do, please email me (bclair@stardock.com).
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
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