A temporary pause in DRM?

[Silverdog]

Just been reading about the new Sims release. I have no interest in this game, but I am aware that it sells more than a few copies, but it’s being released without DRM? From what I've read it will use the good old serial number on the disc, just like what Matrix have always used.

Maybe I'm reading this all wrong, had too much cider to drink, some journalists are overreacting as usual and have not reported the whole story.

But could I be reading the beginning of the end of DRM? Could the big publishers go back to adopting the Matrix approach?

[Terminus]

No chance.

[Fred98]

I read the heading as: "Dice Roll Management" [:D]

[E]

ORIGINAL: Silverdog

Could the big publishers go back to adopting the Matrix approach?

Only if they want my money. Sadly, I don't see my money as a big enough incentive to redirect an entire industry's direction though.

[SS Hauptsturmfuhrer]

ORIGINAL: E

ORIGINAL: Silverdog

Could the big publishers go back to adopting the Matrix approach?

Only if they want my money. Sadly, I don't see my money as a big enough incentive to redirect an entire industry's direction though.

Sadly DRM may get some of my money. It depends on whether I can afford the hit contracts.

[Greybriar]

Just what exactly does "DRM-free" mean? To me, DRM-free should mean there is no copy protection whatsoever.

But according to Wikipedia:

....The term is used to describe any technology which makes the unauthorized use of such digital content and devices technically formidable, but generally doesn't include other forms of copy protection which can be circumvented without modifying the file or device, such as serial numbers or keyfiles....

2K Games announced that Civilization IV: The Complete Edition will be DRM-free. I ordered the game mainly (I had already purchased Civ4 and all its expansions) to show my support for releasing it DRM-free. But I have not yet received it.

[Erik Rutins]

I have to admit I still have to remind myself that DRM does not mean "Die Roll Modifier" in this context. [;)]

DRM is not the same as copy protection though. DRM is a more comprehensive/intrusive form of copy protection.

[sapper_astro]

None of my money will go to any DRM that needs a "back-to-base" connection to install/play. I like to own the game I buy. Consequently, that means Battlefront games is also scrubbed off the list. Only found this out after I bought Theatre of War.

As for the Sims 3, maybe they have decided this after the big lawsuit brought on by that Spore game? I thought that it would surely have some draconian version on it though.

[JudgeDredd]

ORIGINAL: sapper_astro
...Consequently, that means Battlefront games is also scrubbed off the list. Only found this out after I bought Theatre of War.

Same here, only I have the Combat Mission Shock Force, so I will likely get the British Forces add on, but that's probably pretty much it for me.

[Barthheart]

For Sims 3, apparently only the downlaod version has SecuRom in it. The disk version only uses serial numbers.

[Perturabo]

ORIGINAL: sapper_astro

None of my money will go to any DRM that needs a "back-to-base" connection to install/play. I like to own the game I buy. Consequently, that means Battlefront games is also scrubbed off the list.

Same here. Which means that WinXP is off my list[:D].
Anyway, I remember my bewilderment when single player games that require an internet connection to activate started appearing on shelves.

[Qwixt]

Maybe EA is noticing something. I stopped buying their games after I bought Spore, then found out about the DRM. I don't do limited installs. I've been playing computer games since the mid-80s, and recently I've finally had enough with these stupid anti-pirate schemes that hurt customers more than the pirates. I bought a new computer this year, and told myself no more games that silently install their root-kit crap. So in order for me to consider buying a game, it can't do the limited activations, or install device drivers. Which is why I started spending more time here [:)]

[Hertston]

I think Spore did make them sit up and take notice, particularly following on from Mass Effect some months earlier. Spore was much hyped (and many suspect reviewers much bribed) and sold well, but was not the mega-smash hit EA expected. Over-the-top DRM scared the punters away in their hundreds of thousands.

[Perturabo]

Speaking of DRM - one form of copy protection that I hate passionately is CD-check. CDs should be used purely for data transfer and developers shouldn't force players to swap CDs.

[E]

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

ORIGINAL: sapper_astro
...Consequently, that means Battlefront games is also scrubbed off the list. Only found this out after I bought Theatre of War.

Same here, only I have the Combat Mission Shock Force, so I will likely get the British Forces add on, but that's probably pretty much it for me.

I will not get any Shock Force addon. I pre-ordered Shock Force and didn't know about the DRM until I received it. Yet another source of computer wargaming goes by the wayside. At least I have Matrix. Now I need them to do an updated Computer Ambush and/or the Soldiers at War.

[Greybriar]

ORIGINAL: Perturabo

Speaking of DRM - one form of copy protection that I hate passionately is CD-check. CDs should be used purely for data transfer and developers shouldn't force players to swap CDs.

I much prefer CD-checks to StarForce or SecuROM.

[Perturabo]

Choosing a lesser evil is still choosing evil. Also, if I understand correctly, SecuRom and Starforce is a more advanced version of CD-check created because almost everyone has CD recorders now.

[Silverdog]

Hmm yes reading the article about the Sims 3 I did think this was temporary, but one can only hope. I did notice that Gamersgate had a discount on 'Men of War' last week, but as soon as I saw those three dreaded letters any chance of me buying the game disappeared in an instance.

Also there is mention of Battlefront games. I don't own any of their games, but I have been keeping an eye on Histwar Les Grognards as that is a game I would probably buy. But.. oh no if it is released with DRM....ah crap [:@]

[sapper_astro]

ORIGINAL: Silverdog

Hmm yes reading the article about the Sims 3 I did think this was temporary, but one can only hope. I did notice that Gamersgate had a discount on 'Men of War' last week, but as soon as I saw those three dreaded letters any chance of me buying the game disappeared in an instance.

Also there is mention of Battlefront games. I don't own any of their games, but I have been keeping an eye on Histwar Les Grognards as that is a game I would probably buy. But.. oh no if it is released with DRM....ah crap [:@]

Fraid so, unfortunately. My original copies of Combat Mission etc are fine. It must have been the past couple of years they started putting this back to base rubbish in to their games, who knows why...it isn't like the wargaming scene is full of pirates and kids wanting to copy these games.

I had an attack over it on their forums some time ago, and was leapt upon by the regulars, and none too politely told to get stuffed if I didn't like it. I promptly went to a taxidermist straight away.

[Hertston]

I can live with the Battlefront system. You can copy the disk, install to two machines at the same time and there is no limit on activations; you just need to activate online at install and remember to un-activate when you uninstall. Not ideal, but a heck of a lot better than the farcical system Storm Eagle use. I really would quite like 'Jutland' but that is just taking the p*ss.