Far Cry 2 DRM/Securom/limited activations...

[Oakenfold]

If the revoke system works as stated then that works for me.
Much better than the Crysis Warhead DRM. Just gotta remember to un-install before formatting or playing with hardware.
:thumbsup:

I have to wonder though, what constitutes a system, if that is attached to the mobo, that could cause a problem but at least the revoke system does appear to be a better attempt at working with the customer.

 

[Bateluer]

Another game I won't be buying.

 

[ZzZGuy]

Originally posted by: Oakenfold
If the revoke system works as stated then that works for me.
Much better than the Crysis Warhead DRM. Just gotta remember to un-install before formatting or playing with hardware.
:thumbsup:

I have to wonder though, what constitutes a system, if that is attached to the mobo, that could cause a problem but at least the revoke system does appear to be a better attempt at working with the customer.

It either looks at hardware config or the OS, or both.

Change a part that is randomly on the list, new machine. Format your computer, reads it as a new OS.

Say the HD dies, your replace the HD and format (1), decide while your at it you'd like a new video card and CPU, video card arrives first so you install it right away (2) then the CPU when you get it (3), oh and you use a laptop (4). 3 system limit right?

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Miklebud
Thank God for Steam. <3

...even the mighty Gabe Newell can't fight the man.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/19900/

Title: Far Cry® 2
Genre: Action
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: Oct 22, 2008
Languages: English
3rd-party DRM: SecuROM?
5 machine activation limit

...I just submitted a ticket with a request to refund my pre-order. I was really looking forward to playing this on PC, but an Xbox 360 is starting to sound like a better idea everyday. I'm just going to have to learn how to play FPSes with a controller.

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: ZzZGuy

Originally posted by: Oakenfold
If the revoke system works as stated then that works for me.
Much better than the Crysis Warhead DRM. Just gotta remember to un-install before formatting or playing with hardware.
:thumbsup:

I have to wonder though, what constitutes a system, if that is attached to the mobo, that could cause a problem but at least the revoke system does appear to be a better attempt at working with the customer.

It either looks at hardware config or the OS, or both.

Change a part that is randomly on the list, new machine. Format your computer, reads it as a new OS.

Say the HD dies, your replace the HD and format (1), decide while your at it you'd like a new video card and CPU, video card arrives first so you install it right away (2) then the CPU when you get it (3), oh and you use a laptop (4). 3 system limit right?

It's not worth all the potential trouble just to install a stupid game. If this is the way the mainstream PC gaming industry is going, then I may save myself the upgrade hassles and just stick with the games I already have. That and maybe pick up the few titles that don't have SecuROM activation based DRM.

All that's going to happen is legit users will get frustrated and piracy will expand. What a great solution..

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: nitromullet
...I just submitted a ticket with a request to refund my pre-order. I was really looking forward to playing this on PC, but an Xbox 360 is starting to sound like a better idea everyday. I'm just going to have to learn how to play FPSes with a controller.

Or get one of these. http://xim360.com/

The XIM allows me to play any 360 game with a keyboard/mouse combo like i'm used to. It sometimes takes a bit of tweaking to get it setup properly for whatever game you're playing, but IMO it's better then supporting SecuROM or "insert stupid activation based DRM system here".

I bought a 360 earlier this year and game on it way more than my PC due to all the stupid decisions publishers are making with DRM now.

 

[coloumb]

Originally posted by: mindcycle

Originally posted by: ZzZGuy

Originally posted by: Oakenfold
If the revoke system works as stated then that works for me.
Much better than the Crysis Warhead DRM. Just gotta remember to un-install before formatting or playing with hardware.
:thumbsup:

I have to wonder though, what constitutes a system, if that is attached to the mobo, that could cause a problem but at least the revoke system does appear to be a better attempt at working with the customer.

It either looks at hardware config or the OS, or both.

Change a part that is randomly on the list, new machine. Format your computer, reads it as a new OS.

Say the HD dies, your replace the HD and format (1), decide while your at it you'd like a new video card and CPU, video card arrives first so you install it right away (2) then the CPU when you get it (3), oh and you use a laptop (4). 3 system limit right?

It's not worth all the potential trouble just to install a stupid game. If this is the way the mainstream PC gaming industry is going, then I may save myself the upgrade hassles and just stick with the games I already have. That and maybe pick up the few titles that don't have SecuROM activation based DRM.

All that's going to happen is legit users will get frustrated and piracy will expand. What a great solution..

Not really. Piracy will continue to be as bad as it is now no matter what type of DRM is used. As an example - Even though the PC version of Fallout 3 is reportedly shipping with a simple dvd-check - I wouldn't be surprised if more pirated copies will end up on gamers computers than legit copies.

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: coloumb

Not really. Piracy will continue to be as bad as it is now no matter what type of DRM is used. As an example - Even though the PC version of Fallout 3 is reportedly shipping with a simple dvd-check - I wouldn't be surprised if more pirated copies will end up on gamers computers than legit copies.

You may be right. So why use SecuROM at all? All it does is inconvenience gamers, not stop piracy. We need to boycott it, not just give in and follow behind these greedy publishers like sheep. Or justify their decision by saying "It's not that bad.." or.. "5 install limits is more than anyone needs." etc, etc.. Fact is, you bought the game and it shouldn't be a hassle to install/play it when pirates don't have any hassles at all.

I'm going to be buying Fallout 3 simply because it looks to be one of the few decent big budget games that won't harbor SecuROM.

 

[Renob]

Enjoy playing your limited activation shit in a dvd case games that you paid good cash for.

OH I will and just an FYI I have never run into a problem with running out of activations!!!

You can enjoy missing out on many very good games.

 

[Jack Flash]

In all honesty, this DRM doesn't prevent a legitimate owner of the game from enjoying it. It's not ideal, but they give you back installations when you uninstall.

 

[Zenoth]

This version of the DRM is a little less intrusive/restrictive, while I do not like it at all I will contend with it for one simple reason, because FarCry 2 has been developed by developers I personally know (well only one guy anyway), and here the video-gaming-production industry/market is flourishing (Quebec, Ubisoft, it's getting very serious stuff, big money, good name, respected all around the world now, they've made their name and are building it up), I'm simply going to support the guys because I do know what they've been through to make that game a reality, let's go Frenchies!

 

[ultimahwhat]

Originally posted by: Zenoth
I'm simply going to support the guys because I do know what they've been through to make that game a reality

I remember reading a discussion somewhere regarding how much of a game sale goes to the developer of a game vs. the publisher of the game. I don't know anything about that, but someone suggested just sending some amount of money to the developer directly after pirating a DRM-free copy of the game, thereby bypassing the publisher (most likely EA nowadays) all together.

So while buying a game does support the developers, I don't know how much of the profits they see. Although, it can't be as bad as Nike factory workers in Cambodia...

 

[Zenoth]

Originally posted by: ultimahwhat

Originally posted by: Zenoth
I'm simply going to support the guys because I do know what they've been through to make that game a reality

I remember reading a discussion somewhere regarding how much of a game sale goes to the developer of a game vs. the publisher of the game. I don't know anything about that, but someone suggested just sending some amount of money to the developer directly after pirating a DRM-free copy of the game, thereby bypassing the publisher (most likely EA nowadays) all together.

So while buying a game does support the developers, I don't know how much of the profits they see. Although, it can't be as bad as Nike factory workers in Cambodia...

Well, while it's certainly not all of the money, of course, the point is that it ain't just a question of money from my "support", it's about the efforts needed to get there, the stress, the sleepless nights of testing and re-coding, of the artists (it's what they are) and their imagination, the intellectual property, their ideas, some that work, some that don't, the elimination process of their features... etc.

We don't always (or almost never in fact) hear of what's going on in the developer's side of things when they are actually developing games, but while they're usually a small "family" all knowing each others there can be tension and disagreements and misunderstandings that can sometimes contribute largely between making a game a good one or a bad one in the very end of the development process.

The guy I know often compare it with a "stressed chicken" analogy, telling me that if a chicken is stressed during most of her life/breeding time then the meat won't end up being tender and all good, meaning that if the development "family" are creating a game under a stressed environment then it will inevitably reflect on the end product.

What he told me is that FarCry 2, at one point during its early development was very close to get canceled (that specific moment coincided with the information leak that occurred on the Internet which itself actually revealed to the public that FarCry 2 was under development before Ubisoft ever announced it, it was still under NDA, and someone internally screwed things up supposedly on purpose, but that ain't the only factor of stress during FC2's development).

 

[LS8]

Originally posted by: ultimahwhat

Originally posted by: Zenoth
I'm simply going to support the guys because I do know what they've been through to make that game a reality

I remember reading a discussion somewhere regarding how much of a game sale goes to the developer of a game vs. the publisher of the game. I don't know anything about that, but someone suggested just sending some amount of money to the developer directly after pirating a DRM-free copy of the game, thereby bypassing the publisher (most likely EA nowadays) all together.

So while buying a game does support the developers, I don't know how much of the profits they see. Although, it can't be as bad as Nike factory workers in Cambodia...

You think developers get any sort of bonus based on sales? Honestly I don't know.

Having worked in other types of software development I can tell you those programmers didn't. They got their base salary of whatever and that was it, regardless if the product made $100,000,000.

 

[postmortemIA]

Originally posted by: YEPP
[
- Ubisoft is committed to the long term support of our games: you?ll always be able to play Far Cry 2.[/i]

BS. Microsoft and Walmart are big names that dropped their DRM servers (no profit in running DRM service) leaving their users in dark.

 

[Zenoth]

Originally posted by: postmortemIA

Originally posted by: YEPP
[
- Ubisoft is committed to the long term support of our games: you?ll always be able to play Far Cry 2.[/i]

BS. Microsoft and Walmart are big names that dropped their DRM servers (no profit in running DRM service) leaving their users in dark.

No need of Ubisoft for that, lots of people crack their legitimately bought games to play them if they have problems to do so otherwise, one way or another FarCry 2 WILL always be playable as long as people are interested in doing so, is it the best choice? Certainly not, but we've come to this, and we better get used to it, since DRM is here to stay, apparently at least.

 

[KeypoX]

i dunno it is better than nothing. Damn mass effect screwed me...

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Zenoth
I'm simply going to support the guys because I do know what they've been through to make that game a reality

I will support it... Well, I already have via Steam for PC. If valve doesn't refund my purchase, I'll definitely play it on PC. However, due the DRM, I really think I'd rather play it on Xbox 360. I've been a pretty die hard PC gamer up to this point, but I think The whole activation limitations thing is my tipping point.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: mindcycle

Originally posted by: nitromullet
...I just submitted a ticket with a request to refund my pre-order. I was really looking forward to playing this on PC, but an Xbox 360 is starting to sound like a better idea everyday. I'm just going to have to learn how to play FPSes with a controller.

Or get one of these. http://xim360.com/

The XIM allows me to play any 360 game with a keyboard/mouse combo like i'm used to. It sometimes takes a bit of tweaking to get it setup properly for whatever game you're playing, but IMO it's better then supporting SecuROM or "insert stupid activation based DRM system here".

I bought a 360 earlier this year and game on it way more than my PC due to all the stupid decisions publishers are making with DRM now.

Yeah, I've seen that too... It sounds intriguing, but if I migrate over to an Xbox 360 as my primary gaming platform I'll just bite the bullet and learn to use a controller.

Kind of a bummer about FC2... I just got a Deck Legend http://www.deckkeyboards.com/ which is really high quality, has backlit keys, and that nice old school keyboard clackity-clack feel.

 

[mindcycle]

Originally posted by: Zenoth
No need of Ubisoft for that, lots of people crack their legitimately bought games to play them if they have problems to do so otherwise, one way or another FarCry 2 WILL always be playable as long as people are interested in doing so, is it the best choice? Certainly not, but we've come to this, and we better get used to it, since DRM is here to stay, apparently at least.

I really like that you are trying to support the developers and that's your reason for buying the game, but it's comments like this that guarantee that DRM will be here to stay. If we all just stand by and let these publishers get away with this crap then you're right, we better get used to it. The alternative is not supporting any game with SecuROM or activation based DRM by voting with your wallet. This is all the publishers will listen to. If they get the message that DRM hurts the sales of a product they will get rid of it. If not, then nothing will change.

I usually have 10 - 15 games installed on my computer at one time. I also upgrade my graphics card, motherboard, CPU, etc.. at least once or twice a year. If this trend continues those 15 games might someday all be SecuROM "protected" games. I can't imagine having to revoke then renew licenses for 15 games just to install a graphics card or CPU. That's just ridiculous and a waste of time.

Again, I really side with you on wanting to support the developers, but when you buy the game you are ultimately voting "yes" on the continued use of SecuROM.

 

[Maximilian]

Originally posted by: mindcycle

Originally posted by: Zenoth
No need of Ubisoft for that, lots of people crack their legitimately bought games to play them if they have problems to do so otherwise, one way or another FarCry 2 WILL always be playable as long as people are interested in doing so, is it the best choice? Certainly not, but we've come to this, and we better get used to it, since DRM is here to stay, apparently at least.

I really like that you are trying to support the developers and that's your reason for buying the game, but it's comments like this that guarantee that DRM will be here to stay. If we all just stand by and let these publishers get away with this crap then you're right, we better get used to it. The alternative is not supporting any game with SecuROM or activation based DRM by voting with your wallet. This is all the publishers will listen to. If they get the message that DRM hurts the sales of a product they will get rid of it. If not, then nothing will change.

I usually have 10 - 15 games installed on my computer at one time. I also upgrade my graphics card, motherboard, CPU, etc.. at least once or twice a year. If this trend continues those 15 games might someday all be SecuROM "protected" games. I can't imagine having to revoke then renew licenses for 15 games just to install a graphics card or CPU. That's just ridiculous and a waste of time.

Again, I really side with you on wanting to support the developers, but when you buy the game you are ultimately voting "yes" on the continued use of SecuROM.

My thoughts exactly, many people seem to have the mindset that piracy is the core problem and they must buy to the game to combat piracy and therefore combat the reason for DRM's existance, dosent work like that though, the same people also ignore the success that sins of a solar empire achieved (DRM free game).

Originally posted by: Renob

Enjoy playing your limited activation shit in a dvd case games that you paid good cash for.

OH I will and just an FYI I have never run into a problem with running out of activations!!!

You can enjoy missing out on many very good games.

Oh and FYI if you read the first line of my two line post, you would realise i will be missing out on nothing.

 

[IEC]

What is this crap? I don't want to have to "manage" the licenses for my games every time I reformat or change hardware! What happens when 15 different installed games use the same DRM? Can you imagine uninstalling 15 games and revoking the licenses before being able to reformat? WASTE OF TIME.

On my "do not buy" list. I refuse to support restrictive DRM.

Then again, I don't really have enough time to game much anyways, so meh.

 

[ZzZGuy]

Originally posted by: Jack Flash
In all honesty, this DRM doesn't prevent a legitimate owner of the game from enjoying it. It's not ideal, but they give you back installations when you uninstall.

Let me tell you about my first (and current) computer I built myself.
-First while putting it all together I put a screw driver through the MoBo.
-Later I replaced the new MoBo (gave old one to friend).
-Then my video card craped out on me (manufacture).
-I also format my computer every few months if I can (unless I'm away for a few months) because I'm too lazy to remove all the crap that builds up and slows everything down over time.

I also have a laptop which means any game that's any good gets installed on two machines (real machines, not what they consider a new one with the hardware/os checks).

Then there is the MAJOR upgrade I'm planning in the coming months for my desktop. I plan on using my current HD's which have a few years on them which means one could fail on me without warning.

And don't tell me to call tech support, if it's that easy to get around the limit then why the hell is it there in the first place.

Catch me at the right time and I can eat through the install/system limits in a month.

And if you call me a pirate I'll take a pic of the massive stack of game cases I have in my closet (I stopped trading in games because I ALWAYS end up wanting to replay one years later but can't find it)

-edit- Oh and with the uninstall thing, did I mention the big stack of games in my closet? It's bad enough trying to find a CD key, but having to worry which games needs to be uninstalled before a format is pure BS.

I also got a gaming laptop for when I'm out in the middle of nowhere (Alberta oil sands) for months at a time, getting a internet connection to activate a game is rather iffey (there are buses that go to the town up to 2 hours away after I finish working 24 days straight) if not totally out of the question.

 

[ZzZGuy]

Originally posted by: Zenoth

Originally posted by: postmortemIA

Originally posted by: YEPP
[
- Ubisoft is committed to the long term support of our games: you?ll always be able to play Far Cry 2.[/i]

BS. Microsoft and Walmart are big names that dropped their DRM servers (no profit in running DRM service) leaving their users in dark.

No need of Ubisoft for that, lots of people crack their legitimately bought games to play them if they have problems to do so otherwise, one way or another FarCry 2 WILL always be playable as long as people are interested in doing so, is it the best choice? Certainly not, but we've come to this, and we better get used to it, since DRM is here to stay, apparently at least.

Having to risk visiting unsafe sites and downloading viruses is not acceptable.

 

[LS8]

I guess we won't be seeing FarCry 2 used as a benchmark in any AnandTech reviews... One review would eat up all the installs.