Slashdot Mirror
Tensions Rise Between Gamers and Game Companies Over DRM
Tootech recommends an article at the Technology Review about the intensifying struggle between gamers and publishers over intrusive DRM methods, a topic brought once more to the forefront by Ubisoft's decision not to use their controversial always-connected DRM for upcoming RTS RUSE, opting instead for Steamworks. Quoting:
"Ultimately, Schober says, companies are moving toward a model where hackers wouldn't just have to break through protections on a game, they'd also have to crack company servers. The unfortunate consequence, he says, is that it's getting more difficult for legitimate gamers to use and keep the products they buy. But there are alternatives to DRM in the works as well. The IEEE Standards Association, which develops industry standards for a variety of technologies, is working to define 'digital personal property.' The goal, says Paul Sweazey, who heads the organization's working group, is to restore some of the qualities of physical property — making it possible to lend or resell digital property. Sweazey stresses that the group just started meeting, but he explains that the idea is to sell games and other pieces of software in two parts — an encrypted file and a 'play key' that allows it to be used. The play key could be stored in an online bank run by any organization, and could be accessed through a URL. To share the product, the player would simply share the URL."
We have battles over huge terrain with stunning graphics and dozens of players on a single server with surround sound, integrated social systems and voice chat, and Hollywood-level production values now.. (For whichever genre you like)
I can't remember the last time I actually had to deal with DRM (I think I had to enter a CD key for Doom 3 a couple of years ago). If you're paying for DRM-stripped 90's games to avoid that I feel bad for you
// MD_Update(&m,buf,j);
I bought Half Life 2 in a store back then, I can't even play it anymore because of the DRM. For me Steam failed, and then I bailed. No thanks! I support Indie developers now!
I don't have the bandwidth to install, decrypt and update the game before I can play it. I realize this is part of Steam, but when I bought the game Steam was new and I didn't know this. Back then I also had uncapped access. Things change so fast in 3rd world countries.
Owning the original discs, but not being able to use them as expected, makes me feel sad and cheated.
I think I'll get a cracked copy, do you hear that, Steam?!
I don't have the bandwidth to install, decrypt and update the game before I can play it.
...
I think I'll get a cracked copy, do you hear that, Steam?!
So you don't have the bandwidth to verify it legitimately, but you do have the bandwidth to download a cracked copy?
I've got a fever and the only prescription is more COBOL.
So true. All the people that claim they would buy software if it was DRM free are just sitting on their high horse. It just doesn't happen.