Did Atari not learn anything from EA and 3 activation limits?!

[Red Irish]

Originally posted by: chizow

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Sorry, a sudden urge to bump this previous post just came over me, can't explain why.

Its difficult enough reading through your nonsense in the first place, expecting someone to read that block of text without proper formatting just isn't going to happen.

Sudden urge for me to repost this for you as well as it does a fine job disproving many of the fallacious arguments posed in your anti-DRM agenda.

Actually it looks like the Tages DRM that Riddick uses is effective enough, given the game hasn't been cracked yet a week after release. In the process, its doing a pretty good job of refuting some common fallacies about DRM:

1. 1) DRM doesn't work in preventing piracy
   2) DRM doesn't do anything to increase actual sales from those who would pirate anyways.

For proof the above statements are false, just drop into any of the many Riddick Crack threads on the various torrent sites. They're actually pretty funny reads, but certainly allows for a glimpse into the simple minds of petty thieves.

chizow, if I could convince you to stop using terms such as lies/liars, misinformation, pirates and BS every time you refer to those of us who are opposed to draconian DRM, that would be a start. Incidentally, I actually like "fallacious arguments", it has a nice ring to it.

You are openly hostile as soon as you appear on any thread relating to DRM and the thread soon breaks down into meaningless and aggressive exchanges that often have little to do with the topic of the thread. I will bear my part of the responsibility for that, will you bear yours? Can we agree to disagree, accept that we have diametrically opposed philosophies and yet still try to ensure that debate occurs in a calm and civilised manner? I'm sorry, but defending the community against misinformation is no excuse for entering a thread, where people are expressing genuine concerns, and initiating a witch-hunt: no one has asked you to take on this role. Moreover, I am convinced that you could add meaningful input to any debate on DRM, so why not share you knowledge and perspective without trying to ridicule other posters. For my part, I will endeavour to do the same.

If this DRM is effective in combatting piracy, that does not make me unhappy, I don't like pirates. However, if it limits my ability to resell the game in the process, or causes inconveniences in terms of updates/new systems, then yes, I am unhappy. Whether or not this deters anyone from purchasing the game is a personal decision after that.

Have a pleasant day, and no, no irony intended.

P.S. thanks for the writing tips, and yes, irony is intended.

 

[Dorkenstein]

I really want to play this.

 

[thilanliyan]

DRM explanation from ATARIFORUMS:
http://www.ataricommunity.com/...howthread.php?t=673039

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Red Irish
chizow, if I could convince you to stop using terms such as lies/liars, misinformation, pirates and BS every time you refer to those of us who are opposed to draconian DRM, that would be a start. Incidentally, I actually like "fallacious arguments", it has a nice ring to it.

Sure you could, that would of course, be contingent on you actually demonstrating you're not a liar intent on spreading misinformation in an attempt to promote your anti-DRM/pro-Piracy agenda. Up until this point, you've said and done nothing that would make me think otherwise.

I've systematically broken down and refuted all of your claims about DRM doing nothing to prevent piracy, only harming the end-user, when that's clearly not the case. Riddick's DRM emphasizes this point in refuting many of those fallacies, as it shows that effective DRM is absolutely effective in preventing piracy when you've repeatedly claimed otherwise. Are you disputing the fact you've claimed otherwise? No need to lie.

You are openly hostile as soon as you appear on any thread relating to DRM and the thread soon breaks down into meaningless and aggressive exchanges that often have little to do with the topic of the thread.

Of course I'm going to be hostile when the same few individuals continue to perpetuate the same lies and misinformation from thread to thread. As for the thread breaking down into meaningless and aggressive exchanges, I'd say its more like me breaking down your arguments with facts, external references and sources and you and the rest of the "scene" replying with baseless accusations about employment. Apparently I'm French this week donning my TaGES beret. They still wear berets in France right? :laugh:

I will bear my part of the responsibility for that, will you bear yours? Can we agree to disagree, accept that we have diametrically opposed philosophies and yet still try to ensure that debate occurs in a calm and civilised manner? I'm sorry, but defending the community against misinformation is no excuse for entering a thread, where people are expressing genuine concerns, and initiating a witch-hunt: no one has asked you to take on this role.

As I've stated early on, if you and people like you weren't intent on spreading misinformation and poorly researched BS about DRM, I would never have to post in one of these threads. The reality of it is, most people DO want to know how DRM actually works without having to wade through pages of bullshit and anti-DRM propaganda, so that they can make an informed decision based on the merits and flaws of said DRM.

Moreover, I am convinced that you could add meaningful input to any debate on DRM, so why not share you knowledge and perspective without trying to ridicule other posters. For my part, I will endeavour to do the same.

Uh, no, I attack the credibility and veracity of the information first and foremost, and it just so happens the source or author's credibility just so happens to come into question as well. That's very different than the baseless accusations about employment levied by a certain few individuals.

If this DRM is effective in combatting piracy, that does not make me unhappy, I don't like pirates. However, if it limits my ability to resell the game in the process, or causes inconveniences in terms of updates/new systems, then yes, I am unhappy. Whether or not this deters anyone from purchasing the game is a personal decision after that.

Which is another direct contradiction to your previous statements about DRM. Again, I'll ask you, what problem do you have with SecuROM given it does not limit your ability to resell your game, and does not pose any of the same inconvieniences as Riddick, provided you uninstall the game first?

As for limiting your ability to resell (or install, or whatever else), it clearly doesn't, as you haven't purchased the game. Its quite obvious the people who are actually impacted are busy playing and enjoying the game, not whining about its DRM and resellability on internet forums.

Have a pleasant day, and no, no irony intended.

P.S. thanks for the writing tips, and yes, irony is intended.

Oh I will, I get to play Riddick tonite after work. No pun (or crack) intended.

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: thilan29
DRM explanation from ATARIFORUMS:
http://www.ataricommunity.com/...howthread.php?t=673039

Thanks for posting that. Since i'm not registered over there, i'll post my responses here.

As of today only about 10% of all the Riddick PC games sold have been activated more than once.

Wow, that's actually a higher number than I thought it would be given the game has only been out for a week. EA pulled this same PR trick with Spore after about a week in an attempt to discredit the actual issue. I wonder what that percentage will be in 6 months..

One Riddick serial number alone had over 50,000 activation attempts, so people do try and pirate games.

Really.. That's completely surprising, I would have never thought..

Only four people have been unable to play on the PC due to DRM. In all cases the parties involved first tried to activate illegal serials. They were banned initially but then were manually unbanned when they purchased legal copies of the game.

So he confirms here that from what they've been able to accurately measure, they've gotten an extra 4 sales from people who attempted to pirate the game but couldn't. So 4 out of 50,000..

You have to wonder what the amount of sales lost to DRM is. It's certainly higher than 4 in this thread alone.

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales. After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

I wonder why that's the case nowadays.. humm..

PR speak is great at convincing those who don't think for themselves, but it's easy to see past the BS if you understand the motivation behind it. I'm glad to see most people responding to the thread actually see past the obvious PR attempt and then attempt to address the real issues.

 

[thilanliyan]

Originally posted by: mindcycle
PR speak is great at convincing those who don't think for themselves, but it's easy to see past the BS if you understand the motivation behind it. I'm glad to see most people responding to the thread actually see past the obvious PR attempt and then attempt to address the real issues.

It's funny...not one person agreed with him.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: thilan29

Originally posted by: apoppin
- and a PHONE CALL to Atari will get you a new key ... you don't have to buy the game again

Are you sure they'll give you a new key? How will they verify you bought it (even if you give them the cd key from the used game they would know it's been activated 3 times already)? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't encourage used sales as it means a lost sale for them. I'm ignorant about this as I've never had to call the company (I always use nocd cracks or buy from Steam as I never resell my games).

well, we will find out

i activated it twice


now i am going to upgrade from Vista32 to Vista64 and install 2 more times

i will let you know how it goes

The fact that you were able to resell your game is irrelevant. The DRM on the game represents an impediment to resale. Moreover, why should I pay more to phone Atari?

i have NO idea why you would pay ANYTHING to call Atari

Give me credit for being smart enough to use my cell phone

OK guys, first I want to say thanks for being patient, now to get right to it.

There has been a lot of talk lately about DRM and how it was implemented in Riddick and there is a lot of misinformation being tossed around. I just wanted to get word out to you guys that we are listening to your concerns but I also wanted to let you know a few facts.

As of today only about 10% of all the Riddick PC games sold have been activated more than once.

One Riddick serial number alone had over 50,000 activation attempts, so people do try and pirate games.

Only four people have been unable to play on the PC due to DRM. In all cases the parties involved first tried to activate illegal serials. They were banned initially but then were manually unbanned when they purchased legal copies of the game.

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales. After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

I want to make it clear that there are people who are monitoring activations so if and when we get into an issue with people not being able to play that issue will be addressed. Should the case get so severe it effects a large portion of the gamers, more activations will be set in place as needed. Further down the line the DRM will be removed and a new unprotected exe will be released.

So to summarize if you buy Riddick legally on the PC we are going to do our best to make sure you can play it for as long as you want.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions / concerns.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Red Irish

Originally posted by: apoppin
just because Atari doesn't "jump" when you ask them for clarification, does not support your claims - either way

Actually it does, as our main concern revolves around the fact that the companies are ignoring the wishes of their clients. Considering what they are charging for games these days, I expect them to jump and come equipped with a tape measure and several hoops.

You mean the less than 1 out of a hundred Atari customers who may have legitimately installed on more than 3 PCs in the first week of release?

4) I am reasonably confident that a crack will be released for this game eventually. Stalker CS has one (earlier version of Tages), SecuROM has been cracked for all currently available games, and even all Steam games are readily available for illegal download as well. History tends to repeat itself...

i'm reasonably sure a revocation tool will be released soon also

and i had an offer to buy my copy already for $30 .. clearly the buyer wasn't worried about having "only" 2 installs left
- i am keeping ... i already got my full $50 worth

You can tell them, it's ok. It was me that offered to buy it for $30. Reason being is that a used copy gives absolutely nothing back to ATARI financially speaking, would keep me legal, and allow me to replay one of my favorite games with updated graphics (I still own EFBB 04 Director's Cut, played it all the way through, it still resides on my hard drive , and I break it out from time to time).

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Clearly the buyer didnt have a fricking clue he would only have 2 installs left! No wonder people move to consoles...

Yes he does and has been active in THIS thread - he told me he does not install his OS or change his HW often
- and a PHONE CALL to Atari will get you a new key ... you don't have to buy the game again
:roll:

Consoles are the MOST restrictive form of DRM on earth
- that is a ridiculous statement you just made

Again, it was me and I'm fully aware of the setbacks. I'm also sure a crack or revoke tool will be release eventually. If a revoke tool is never released, this would be the last ATARI game I'll ever even consider. As it stands now, I'm absolutely unwilling to buy a new copy and have asked apoppin if he'd sell his. I've also checked eBay for used copies. I make enough money that even if the used copy becomes a coaster, it's no huge deal to me financially speaking. If I didn't think the game was an absolute must play, I wouldn't even bother looking for a used copy though.

Not all of us concerned about overreaching and anti-consumer DRM are closet PC game pirates chizow.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Red Irish

Originally posted by: apoppin
just because Atari doesn't "jump" when you ask them for clarification, does not support your claims - either way

Actually it does, as our main concern revolves around the fact that the companies are ignoring the wishes of their clients. Considering what they are charging for games these days, I expect them to jump and come equipped with a tape measure and several hoops.

You mean the less than 1 out of a hundred Atari customers who may have legitimately installed on more than 3 PCs in the first week of release?

4) I am reasonably confident that a crack will be released for this game eventually. Stalker CS has one (earlier version of Tages), SecuROM has been cracked for all currently available games, and even all Steam games are readily available for illegal download as well. History tends to repeat itself...

i'm reasonably sure a revocation tool will be released soon also

and i had an offer to buy my copy already for $30 .. clearly the buyer wasn't worried about having "only" 2 installs left
- i am keeping ... i already got my full $50 worth

You can tell them, it's ok. It was me that offered to buy it for $30. Reason being is that a used copy gives absolutely nothing back to ATARI financially speaking, would keep me legal, and allow me to replay one of my favorite games with updated graphics (I still own EFBB 04 Director's Cut, played it all the way through, it still resides on my hard drive , and I break it out from time to time).

Thanks

Let's quote ATARI:

OK guys, first I want to say thanks for being patient, now to get right to it.

There has been a lot of talk lately about DRM and how it was implemented in Riddick and there is a lot of misinformation being tossed around. I just wanted to get word out to you guys that we are listening to your concerns but I also wanted to let you know a few facts.

As of today only about 10% of all the Riddick PC games sold have been activated more than once.

One Riddick serial number alone had over 50,000 activation attempts, so people do try and pirate games.

Only four people have been unable to play on the PC due to DRM. In all cases the parties involved first tried to activate illegal serials. They were banned initially but then were manually unbanned when they purchased legal copies of the game.

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales. After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

I want to make it clear that there are people who are monitoring activations so if and when we get into an issue with people not being able to play that issue will be addressed. Should the case get so severe it effects a large portion of the gamers, more activations will be set in place as needed. Further down the line the DRM will be removed and a new unprotected exe will be released.

So to summarize if you buy Riddick legally on the PC we are going to do our best to make sure you can play it for as long as you want.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions / concerns.

Clear enough for everyone?

http://www.ataricommunity.com/...howthread.php?t=673039

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: Dorkenstein
I really want to play this.

Me too :frown:

 

[apoppin]

but i already played it

.. the ""

is for sympathy

sorry i opened my big mouth and said i am going to sell it
- hell, i am going to play it all over again ... this time on my GTX280
[i am looking for IQ and Performance differences with Ambient Occlusion 'on' and 'off' vs. playing with my 4870 ]
(. . . sure, that's the reason )

 

[Maximilian]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Red Irish

Originally posted by: apoppin
just because Atari doesn't "jump" when you ask them for clarification, does not support your claims - either way

Actually it does, as our main concern revolves around the fact that the companies are ignoring the wishes of their clients. Considering what they are charging for games these days, I expect them to jump and come equipped with a tape measure and several hoops.

You mean the less than 1 out of a hundred Atari customers who may have legitimately installed on more than 3 PCs in the first week of release?

4) I am reasonably confident that a crack will be released for this game eventually. Stalker CS has one (earlier version of Tages), SecuROM has been cracked for all currently available games, and even all Steam games are readily available for illegal download as well. History tends to repeat itself...

i'm reasonably sure a revocation tool will be released soon also

and i had an offer to buy my copy already for $30 .. clearly the buyer wasn't worried about having "only" 2 installs left
- i am keeping ... i already got my full $50 worth

You can tell them, it's ok. It was me that offered to buy it for $30. Reason being is that a used copy gives absolutely nothing back to ATARI financially speaking, would keep me legal, and allow me to replay one of my favorite games with updated graphics (I still own EFBB 04 Director's Cut, played it all the way through, it still resides on my hard drive , and I break it out from time to time).

Thanks

Let's quote ATARI:

OK guys, first I want to say thanks for being patient, now to get right to it.

There has been a lot of talk lately about DRM and how it was implemented in Riddick and there is a lot of misinformation being tossed around. I just wanted to get word out to you guys that we are listening to your concerns but I also wanted to let you know a few facts.

As of today only about 10% of all the Riddick PC games sold have been activated more than once.

One Riddick serial number alone had over 50,000 activation attempts, so people do try and pirate games.

Only four people have been unable to play on the PC due to DRM. In all cases the parties involved first tried to activate illegal serials. They were banned initially but then were manually unbanned when they purchased legal copies of the game.

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales. After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

I want to make it clear that there are people who are monitoring activations so if and when we get into an issue with people not being able to play that issue will be addressed. Should the case get so severe it effects a large portion of the gamers, more activations will be set in place as needed. Further down the line the DRM will be removed and a new unprotected exe will be released.

So to summarize if you buy Riddick legally on the PC we are going to do our best to make sure you can play it for as long as you want.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions / concerns.

Clear enough for everyone?

http://www.ataricommunity.com/...howthread.php?t=673039

Oh right so atari said their very own product isnt crippled garbage oh well that makes it ok then totally changed my mind hearing that :roll: Yay for DRM, slay those pirates...

 

[apoppin]

Oh right so atari said their very own product isnt crippled garbage oh well that makes it ok then totally changed my mind hearing that Yay for DRM, slay those pirates...

Atari said they will first increase the activation limit and then remove the DRM

Did you miss that part?

:roll:

i have to agree with slaying those pirates .. especially in Somalia preying on the ships

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: apoppin

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales.[/b] After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

1) Just because the marketplace for used games is small doesn't mean I like having my rights as a consumer methodically stripped away.

2) There aren't any outlets for used PC games because of the smaller market size, overreaching EULAs, and DRM.

Several smaller shops in my old hometown of Springfield, MO used to sell used PC games, but that was back when the DRM was a simple CD-Key entry. Hell, there were even a couple that rented PC games back in the day.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: apoppin

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales.[/b] After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

1) Just because the marketplace for used games is small doesn't mean I like having my rights as a consumer methodically stripped away.

2) There aren't any outlets for used PC games because of the smaller market size, overreaching EULAs, and DRM.

Several smaller shops in my old hometown of Springfield, MO used to sell used PC games, but that was back when the DRM was a simple CD-Key entry. Hell, there were even a couple that rented PC games back in the day.

How about reading a bit further

I want to make it clear that there are people who are monitoring activations so if and when we get into an issue with people not being able to play that issue will be addressed. Should the case get so severe it effects a large portion of the gamers, more activations will be set in place as needed. Further down the line the DRM will be removed and a new unprotected exe will be released.

1. when their phone lines start lighting up, they increase the activation number limit

2. when it is bargain bin and most likely to be resold .. they remove the DRM with a new exe

3. Call them in the meantime, if you have issues; this seems to cover it:

So to summarize if you buy Riddick legally on the PC we are going to do our best to make sure you can play it for as long as you want.

i get it. They are protecting themselves from leeches that steal their IP and attempting to not inconvenience their customers as much as they can
.. i don't mind supporting a company that does that

screw the pirates. they are society's garbage

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: apoppin
i get it. They are protecting themselves from leeches that steal their IP and attempting to not inconvenience their customers as much as they can

They can claim whatever they want, but install limit DRM is not in their customers best interest no matter what the justification. The damage has already been done, so they can think about all the backlash it has caused and decide if it's worth it for future titles. I'd be very surprised if they release another big title with this crap on it again..

I find it funny you are attempting to defend justification for obnoxious DRM by quoting an obvious PR statement that doesn't address any real issues.

The real issue is that Atari put a DRM solution on their product that does one thing.. attempt to protect it's own interests (which is fine). What it doesn't do is protect any of our interests as consumers and simply adds additional headaches while diminishing many of our rights. From a consumer standpoint there is not a single plus from the additional DRM they employed, and thus there is a backlash from us, the potential Atari customers, who recognize this problem and won't just blindly accept it.

It's like the locks on doors example that EA CEO John Riccitiello made back when the Spore debacle was going full force. He claimed that DRM is necessary like locks on doors are necessary. What he didn't recognize is that locks on doors protect us, not the company that made the lock, so the comparison was inherently flawed. And unfortunately this is the mentality that many of these companies adhere to when making these decisions. Their actual customers are the farthest thing from their mind, which is what I and many others have problems with.

 

[pmv]

"As of today only about 10% of all the Riddick PC games sold have been activated more than once."

That's a surprisingly high number. So after just one week 1 in 10 purchasers are already down to one installation left? That's quite a condemnation of this form of DRM, no?
I would guess that those 1 in 10 are people with both a home PC and a laptop, or PC's both at college and at home. Perhaps a few dual-booters?
So for those guys, one hardware upgrade and that's their lot.

"DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales. After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games."


Has he really never heard of Amazon marketplace? Or charity shops? Or the many small second hand shops in major cities?


"Further down the line the DRM will be removed and a new unprotected exe will be released."

This, on the other hand, is good news and when it happens I'll immediately buy the game. It'll probably be (legally) available for much less by then anyway.

apoppin
"a PHONE CALL to Atari will get you a new key"

Yea, but have you seen how much they charge for that phone call in countries outside the US? It's over $1 a minute in some of them. The excess charges for the call, incidentally, are usually shared between the phone company and the company running the line, i.e. Atari. So you'd be paying them a significant portion of the original cost of the game to reactivate the game again - or paying them for nothing, if they refuse. I've seen reference to a free number for the US, but only the US.

 

[NoWhereM]

Originally posted by: mindcycle
It's like the locks on doors example that EA CEO John Riccitiello made back when the Spore debacle was going full force. He claimed that DRM is necessary like locks on doors are necessary. What he didn't recognize is that locks on doors protect us, not the company that made the lock, so the comparison was inherently flawed. And unfortunately this is the mentality that many of these companies adhere to when making these decisions. Their actual customers are the farthest thing from their mind, which is what I and many others have problems with.

I never heard that analogy before but I think it's actually spot on. The problem is that EA is the company selling the lock and it's going on our front door. When the company selling the lock tells us we can come into our house up to three times before we have to call them and prove it's really our house before we can come in again they are being a bit presumptuous.

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: NoWhereM

Originally posted by: mindcycle
It's like the locks on doors example that EA CEO John Riccitiello made back when the Spore debacle was going full force. He claimed that DRM is necessary like locks on doors are necessary. What he didn't recognize is that locks on doors protect us, not the company that made the lock, so the comparison was inherently flawed. And unfortunately this is the mentality that many of these companies adhere to when making these decisions. Their actual customers are the farthest thing from their mind, which is what I and many others have problems with.

I never heard that analogy before but I think it's actually spot on. The problem is that EA is the company selling the lock and it's going on our front door. When the company selling the lock tells us we can come into our house up to three times before we have to call them and prove it's really our house before we can come in again they are being a bit presumptuous.

Yes, exactly.

Here's a link to the interview for those of you who are interested.

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-b..._index.php?story=20655

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: apoppin
Thanks

Let's quote ATARI:

OK guys, first I want to say thanks for being patient, now to get right to it.

There has been a lot of talk lately about DRM and how it was implemented in Riddick and there is a lot of misinformation being tossed around. I just wanted to get word out to you guys that we are listening to your concerns but I also wanted to let you know a few facts.

As of today only about 10% of all the Riddick PC games sold have been activated more than once.

One Riddick serial number alone had over 50,000 activation attempts, so people do try and pirate games.

Only four people have been unable to play on the PC due to DRM. In all cases the parties involved first tried to activate illegal serials. They were banned initially but then were manually unbanned when they purchased legal copies of the game.

DRM is not designed to keep you from playing the game, nor is it designed to combat any after market sales. After market sales for PC games are nowhere near what they are for console games anyway, aside from ebay, craigslist and yard sales I can?t even really think of anywhere to get used PC games.

I want to make it clear that there are people who are monitoring activations so if and when we get into an issue with people not being able to play that issue will be addressed. Should the case get so severe it effects a large portion of the gamers, more activations will be set in place as needed. Further down the line the DRM will be removed and a new unprotected exe will be released.

So to summarize if you buy Riddick legally on the PC we are going to do our best to make sure you can play it for as long as you want.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions / concerns.

Clear enough for everyone?

http://www.ataricommunity.com/...howthread.php?t=673039

Great news, with all the key points bolded! :thumbsup:

That should strip away the last few bits of FUD preventing anyone genuinely interested in purchasing the game from doing so. No need to worry about install limits, or resale, as Atari has now gone on record stating they plan to increase installs as needed and eventually remove the limited DRM down the line completely.

In other breaking news, I just saw Vin Diesel released a statement about Riddick's DRM! :laugh:

Tages is certainly DRM worthy of Vin Diesel, its pretty clear from that post Atari is capable of accurately tracking a lot of different info. Particularly interesting was the bit about banning IPs and hardware keys that already attempted to use an illegal serial key. That would serve as a pretty Diesel-worthy deterrent against piracy.....

And no that Vin Diesel pic isn't misinformation, its clearly a joke.

 

[thilanliyan]

Originally posted by: chizow
No need to worry about install limits, or resale, as Atari has now gone on record stating they plan to increase installs as needed and eventually remove the limited DRM down the line completely.

They can SAY it BUT who knows if they'll stand by what they said (that doesn't really look like an official statement from ATARI to me)...and who knows how long it will take for said increase.

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: thilan29

Originally posted by: chizow
No need to worry about install limits, or resale, as Atari has now gone on record stating they plan to increase installs as needed and eventually remove the limited DRM down the line completely.

They can SAY it BUT who knows if they'll stand by what they said (that doesn't really look like an official statement from ATARI to me)...and who knows how long it will take for said increase.

Exactly. Look how long it took for EA to even release a revoke tool for all of their games.. Atari may be a bit faster than EA, who knows, but I wouldn't count on an unprotected executable anytime soon. So in the meantime legit customers get screwed.

And lol.. 4 people actually bought the game after trying an invalid serial out of over 50,000 attempts. I love how he posted that pitiful evidence clear as day for anyone to read trying to prove that the DRM hasn't been a problem. What it does prove is interesting though.. which is the vast majority of pirates aren't actually going to buy the game if they can't pirate it.

The question then becomes.. How many people didn't buy this game because of the DRM deployed? People that would have gladly paid money for it on day one. In this thread alone it's more than 4 people.. Draconian DRM has worked once again! ..lol

 

[NoWhereM]

Originally posted by: mindcycle
And lol.. 4 people actually bought the game after trying an invalid serial out of over 50,000 attempts. I love how he posted that pitiful evidence clear as day for anyone to read trying to prove that the DRM hasn't been a problem. What it does prove is interesting though.. which is the vast majority of pirates aren't actually going to buy the game if they can't pirate it.

It's possible that 4 people out of those 50,000 purchased the game after intentionally using an invalid serial number. It's also possible that 4 people who purchased the game mistyped or misread their activation code and were locked out of the game they just purchased by the activation server which banned their IP address.

In fact it's not only possilbe I would think it is likely that a small percentage of people trying to activate their game would mistype or misread their activation code. The real question then, is how many people purchased the game only to have their IP address banned by Atari's activation server? It would be interesting to know how many people returned the game after purchase for a replacement thinking there was something wrong either with the disk or the included activation code.

Usually I'll purchase a game that has limited installs after a revoke tool is issued. From what's been posted I don't think I can trust Atari enough to do that is this case. I guess I'll have to wait until they remove the online activation requirement entirely for this game.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: mindcycle

Originally posted by: thilan29

Originally posted by: chizow
No need to worry about install limits, or resale, as Atari has now gone on record stating they plan to increase installs as needed and eventually remove the limited DRM down the line completely.

They can SAY it BUT who knows if they'll stand by what they said (that doesn't really look like an official statement from ATARI to me)...and who knows how long it will take for said increase.

Exactly. Look how long it took for EA to even release a revoke tool for all of their games.. Atari may be a bit faster than EA, who knows, but I wouldn't count on an unprotected executable anytime soon. So in the meantime legit customers get screwed.

And lol.. 4 people actually bought the game after trying an invalid serial out of over 50,000 attempts. I love how he posted that pitiful evidence clear as day for anyone to read trying to prove that the DRM hasn't been a problem. What it does prove is interesting though.. which is the vast majority of pirates aren't actually going to buy the game if they can't pirate it.

The question then becomes.. How many people didn't buy this game because of the DRM deployed? People that would have gladly paid money for it on day one. In this thread alone it's more than 4 people.. Draconian DRM has worked once again! ..lol

I wouldn't count on unprotected games from ATARI either. The Witcher and Neverwinter Nights 2 are still protected by Tages and SecuROM respectively. Both have also been cracked.