ECA Forms 'Gamers for Digital Rights' Group

[mindcycle]

The non-profit Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA) today announced the formation of the "Gamers for Digital Rights," a new group with the goal of providing "tools and resources that will help protect the rights of video game consumers today."

The group has opened a website which allows users to join the movement. Among other information, the site offers a pre-filled form to write the FTC concerning DRM and EULA issues.

"With Gamers for Digital Rights, our goal is to educate consumers about their rights, as well as the copyright and trademark laws associated with such technologies, and then work to open a dialogue between software publishers, developers and gamers," said ECA VP Jennifer Mercurio.

The ECA has also hired Robert L. Hunter, IV ("Beau"), to head up the DRM front as the organization's Digital Rights Consultant. Which makes his official title: ECA Digital Rights Consultant and President of Global Intellectual Property Securities, Robert L. Hunter, IV, ("Beau"). In case you're keeping track.

"The importance of this issue is mounting, as we move from a packaged goods model, where we own what we buy, to a digitally-distributed model, where we may have a license for what we buy," added Mercurio. "With Beau's unique background and skill-sets, we're excited to have him on our team and are optimistic that we can tackle those challenges and work cooperatively with publishers to strike a fair balance that benefits everyone."

via - http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/60698

Gamers for Digital Rights Website: http://www.theeca.com/gamers_digital_rights?key=0

 

[ViviTheMage]

Interesting, wonder what they will get done...

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Probably nothing. If gamers really want to make a difference they should vote with their feet and consider purchasing Stardock-distributed products.

Sins of a Solar Empire and Galactic Civilizations ftw!

 

[lupi]

Originally posted by: WhipperSnapper
Probably nothing. If gamers really want to make a difference they should vote with their feet and consider purchasing Stardock-distributed products.

Sins of a Solar Empire and Galactic Civilizations ftw!

yeah, cause that woul dbe about as effective as supporting steam.

 

[Golgatha]

marked

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: WhipperSnapper
Probably nothing. If gamers really want to make a difference they should vote with their feet and consider purchasing Stardock-distributed products.

Sins of a Solar Empire and Galactic Civilizations ftw!

Supporting any developers who deliver a quality product without it being hampered by DRM. Unfortunately, too many people will buy bug ridden, DRM crippled titles because 'thats just the way it is'. Ultimately, unless the consumer stops paying for the crap, nothing will change regardless of how loud people yell.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Eh, I don't find myself "crippled" by any of the DRM in the games I own.

 

[mindcycle]

There's a link on the website "# Write the FTC about DRM and EULA's". It contains a form letter that will be mailed to the FTC with your name attached, and there is also an area to add additional comments.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Mike Gayner
Eh, I don't find myself "crippled" by any of the DRM in the games I own.

Try install them on another PC you own. Upgrade a few pieces of hardware after using up the paltry activations given you, then report your experience with customer service. Try run that DRM laden game in a year when the activations servers are gone. Try running the game in an OS other than windows.

 

[duragezic]

Originally posted by: Mike Gayner
Eh, I don't find myself "crippled" by any of the DRM in the games I own.

Me neither. I don't like limited activations but other forms of DRM like an authentication on install have been a painless 10 second process for me. And at least EA did release the deactivation tool for games with limited installations.

Activation servers being shut down is a worry but I'm not aware that has ever happened. Windows only is weak argument since the vast majority of games are Windows only anyway.

I don't buy the games because that's the way it is or because I support their DRM. I buy them since I have not had any problems with it; it is almost transparent to me. Not that there couldn't be problems, I just think its often exaggerrated with ridiculous scenarios and misinformation.