KSP 2 copy protection

[AVaughan]

So the science update seems to finally get KSP 2 to a state where I'm considering buying it.   Before I do, I just want to double check what sort of copy protection KSP 2 has, and whether there is any difference between Steam and Epic Game Store version.   I haven't been paying much attention to KSP 2 after the disappointing state of the game at early access launch. 

One of the things I like about KSP is the fact that it will run without internet access, and without needing Steam to be started first.  It will also run if I copy the KSP install outside of the the steam directory, and run it from there.  This has advantages for modded playthroughs (no risk of KSP updates breaking mods in the middle of a playthrough), and also means the game is playable even when I'm without internet access.  (Note that when they added the launcher to KSP about 12 months ago the launcher itself wouldn't run properly without internet access, but it was still easy enough to just start KSP.exe directly, so I don't consider that a problem). 

So does KSP 2 work if you copy it outside the Steam/EGS install directory?  Does it work without needing Steam or EGS to be started first?  Does it work without internet access?  (Bypassing a launcher by launching the game directly is fine, and what I would normally do when starting KSP anyway). 

How are mods installed in KSP 2?  Is there something equivalent to CKAN, or are they hosted on Steam workshop or some other service? 

Also are there any differences between the Steam and Epic versions that affect any of the above, or that might affect which store I might wish to purchase from?  

 

Edited December 20, 2023 by AVaughan

[Periple]

It has no copy protection, you can launch it directly, and there’s no difference between the Steam and Epic versions. Modding is still in its early stages, but I believe CKAN is actually already being used for KSP2 as well (somebody please correct me if I’m wrong about that).

[Alpha_star]

I don’t want it to have drm protection. Stuff like that would probably lead to some shenanigans, which is one thing I particularly don’t want to see happening to KSP2. I want it to remain that type of “silly, kerbal” game instead of an actual game dedicated to make more money.

[Superfluous J]

I am no expert but from the outside, it seems about as DRM-laden (or -free depending on if you like your cups half empty or full) as KSP1 was.

I bought it on Steam, and run it from outside of Steam with 0 issues. Steam doesn't even need to be running and when it is, it doesn't know I'm playing.

[Kerbart]

2 hours ago, Alpha_star said: I want it to remain that type of “silly, kerbal” game instead of an actual game dedicated to make more money.

Yeah, the thought of people getting paid to work on it makes my stomach churn.

[Mikki]

8 hours ago, Alpha_star said:

 I want it to remain that type of “silly, kerbal” game instead of an actual game dedicated to make more money.

What exactly is your concept to earn for a living??? Work for free and depend on alms? You might want to rethink your idea sooner the better, sorry.

[Chilkoot]

11 hours ago, Alpha_star said:

I want it to remain that type of “silly, kerbal” game instead of an actual game dedicated to make more money.

If some decision maker didn't see dollar signs at the end of the road, they never would have bankrolled development.  No for-profit motive = no KSP 2.

Nate & Co. are not Kerbals and actually require life support.

[Gargamel]

Temp locked for moderator review.