Matrix Games Forums

Norb said yesterday over on the SOWGB forum:

"I fully expect to remove the drm stuff at some point. I like to do that once we're done with it ourselves."

Just thought I'd pass this along to anyone who has been holding back because of the activation DRM.

Good news..

cool [8D]

That is still a fairly criptic answer. Could be a year, 5 years, ??

At least they could change it to multiple Machines right now.. so you can do your desktop and laptop.. and who knows how long this company could be around.... really wanted to get this one.. but the DRM thing is pretty big..

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

That is still a fairly criptic answer. Could be a year, 5 years, ??

My thoughts exactly. Let me know when something definite is announced. [>:]

I'm at least going to wait for the boxed version hopefully I'll at least get a printed manual out of it for $44.95
Does anyone else think it's a little much for just a download version?

Does anyone else think it's a little much for just a download version?

Nope, seriously it's a bargain.

I am waiting for the boxed version to. Like the two Take Command titles it is fabulous and I have no problem paying $44.95 for I will get a great many hours enjoyment from it. Still playing Take Command, this will be no different. 

ORIGINAL: Chris Merchant

Does anyone else think it's a little much for just a download version?

Nope, seriously it's a bargain.

I agree. It's been a long time since I've played a game right out of the chute with so few bugs. They took their time and got it right. It really is a bargain at $44.95.

I fully expect to remove the drm stuff at some point.

Is that after the DRM is cracked, or after the title is at its end of shelf-life? 

ORIGINAL: Obsolete

Is that after the DRM is cracked, or after the title is at its end of shelf-life? 

Probably the former, as its important (majors seem to think that way, at least) to protect sales of the first 2 weeks. Quite some companies remove or tone down copy protection (eg. the CD-check) through one or another patch, after initial sales have been secured, some do it after several weeks, others after a few months.

I know it still does not state any final plans for when DRM would ever be removed, the developer did make an additional post that stated if ever the company folded or decided not to provide support, they would lift the DRM at that point. Of course who knows until that time really comes:)

ORIGINAL: Grim.Reaper

I know it still does not state any final plans for when DRM would ever be removed, the developer did make an additional post that stated if ever the company folded or decided not to provide support, they would lift the DRM at that point. Of course who knows until that time really comes:)

Coming from a guy that deleted 3/4 of the MMG forums out of spite and released a patch to unlock Tc2m maps without partners consent [8|]

stated if ever the company folded

You are not going to like what I have to say here, but it must be said.  I have seen many developers come and go.  Many wargames have lost their support because of this.  And one thing that you can count on, is when a developer goes bust, all assets get frozen.  This is done due to legal reasons, and it also means that last minute changes, fixing, editing of the software simply DOES NOT HAPPEN.

Even if a programmer has a patch all ready to go at the last second and wants desperately to repair some bugs, this just will not happen.  Once assets are frozen (this order comes quickly and literally does happen over-night), that’s it.  Everything is locked down.  Layers will immediately remind all former employees of severe penalties that may/will happen if tinking around with patches, etc. during the final months of dissolving the companies.

You can argue this, but I have seen it over, and over, and over again…  IIRC Norm Kodger thought he could be an exception in at least one of these cases, and despite he had some great code fixes he wanted to do, was simply told to go fly a kite.

Now sure, there are a few exceptions where some support was carried out after termination by devoted community hackers (though a bit illegally).  I would not count on it too likely.

ORIGINAL: Obsolete

stated if ever the company folded

You are not going to like what I have to say here, but it must be said.  I have seen many developers come and go.  Many wargames have lost their support because of this.  And one thing that you can count on, is when a developer goes bust, all assets get frozen.  This is done due to legal reasons, and it also means that last minute changes, fixing, editing of the software simply DOES NOT HAPPEN.

Even if a programmer has a patch all ready to go at the last second and wants desperately to repair some bugs, this just will not happen.  Once assets are frozen (this order comes quickly and literally does happen over-night), that’s it.  Everything is locked down.  Layers will immediately remind all former employees of severe penalties that may/will happen if tinking around with patches, etc. during the final months of dissolving the companies.

You can argue this, but I have seen it over, and over, and over again…  IIRC Norm Kodger thought he could be an exception in at least one of these cases, and despite he had some great code fixes he wanted to do, was simply told to go fly a kite.

Now sure, there are a few exceptions where some support was carried out after termination by devoted community hackers (though a bit illegally).  I would not count on it too likely.

Believe me, I understand the uncertainess but that comes with everything in life. I have seen little companies and big companies disappear overnight so no use trying to guess what will happen. I really wasn't try to defend or bash the DRM for this game or any other. It is what it is and each person can make up their own mind if they want to risk it or not.

At this point, I'm personally not going to spend too much time playing the "what-if" game with this developer or any others. Before I purchased, I understood the DRM and I choose to accept it. I'm confident enough that I will get my money's worth so I have decided to take the risk. In the end could something bad happen sure, but I'm not going to spend everyday thinking about it:)

I bought the first two games retail w/o any sort of licensing scheme.

I'll give the game a second look when it's for sale, rather than for rent. [:)]

I think i'm going to wait for the $5 version. Lol!

The demo's a hoot..

G'day, firstly lets not cast dispersions on this forum 1 thread has already been locked, lets keep our opinions to the game, I must say it is a lot of fun. It's designed to make money for the devs and give buyers some value for what they think it's worth for their entertainment $ The Courier system appears to be a real winner, not to mention other great features. D/L the demo and feel for the game, it cost nothing other than bandwidth. I wish I had the same opportunity with other games.
Ron