It would be great to have DRM-free versions of both games.
I've been holding off on buying the Windows version of Dementium: The Ward because I'd prefer a DRM-free copy that doesn't require a third-party platform to install and manage. I believe customers should be able to own a copy they can install independently of a storefront client.
It's been a year since Dementium: The Ward returned to PC, but a DRM-free release remains elusive. Developed and published by Atooi, the remaster launched on Steam on October 27, 2025, bringing the original Nintendo DS survival horror game to modern PCs with enhanced visuals, support for resolutions up to 4K, and options for recreating its original low-resolution presentation.
Now, with Dementium II scheduled to return to PC in October 2026, the question has become even more pressing. Atooi's upcoming release is intended to bring the original Nintendo DS sequel to modern computers, with updated controls and high-resolution display options. This is a separate release from Dementium II HD, which previously arrived on PC in 2013 with a different visual approach.
Yet there's still no announced DRM-free release for either game on GOG. For PC players who want to preserve their games, maintain offline installers, or avoid depending on a particular storefront, having a DRM-free alternative matters.
One of the main reasons I prefer DRM-free versions of games is that I frequently experiment with different Windows and Linux distributions (some of which are fully offline). Having a standalone copy on an external drive makes it much more convenient to install and play a game across different setups without having to download a storefront client or rely on an internet connection just to access my purchase.
For now, I'll continue to wait. My backlog is already more than enough to keep me busy, so there's no real rush to buy these games.