Does CW4 direct purchase (via Fastspring) still grant Steam keys in the confirmation like Particle Fleet / will there be an exchange system like CW3?
Happy to buy direct for the cheaper processing fees (unclear how much Steam reviews still matter n years after the game has been released / I don't care if I'm counted if you don't) but would like to be able to track achievements /organize my game collection
Related (from 2016): http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=21567.0
There never was a key exchange system for CW4. If you buy via FastSpring, you get a standalone key and you will have to manually check the site for future updates. There is a beta version currently on Steam, which is why I mention this.
Additionally the transaction cost on FastSpring is roughly equivalent to Steam transaction fees.
For the next game, there is strong consideration for a "Steam-only" game due to efficiencies in creating builds and managing updates, given the very small number of off-Steam sales.