DRM

[blips]

There is absolutely no mention of this anywhere on the store page, but apparently the game has be activated with the publisher or developer before being played and there is a limit of 3 activations per serial key.

Is this true?

[SpudAlmighty]

There is absolutely no mention of this anywhere on the store page, but apparently the game has be activated with the publisher or developer before being played and there is a limit of 3 activations per serial key.

Is this true?

If you don't have the internet youll have trouble registering the game. There are ways around that but google is your friend there.

As for 3 activations, what difference does it make? If you're uninstalling a game that often in a month then consoles might be more your thing

[Engival]

There is absolutely no mention of this anywhere on the store page, but apparently the game has be activated with the publisher or developer before being played and there is a limit of 3 activations per serial key.

Is this true?

Yes, it has really bad DRM. It forces you to activate online before you can play.

Nice of steam to not tell us before we buy. :(

[TheInsaneDump]

Yes, it has really bad DRM. It forces you to activate online before you can play.

Nice of steam to not tell us before we buy. :(

And the big deal is...?

[blips]

And the big deal is...?

People have the right to know what they're paying for?

[XxGordanxX]

There is absolutely no mention of this anywhere on the store page, but apparently the game has be activated with the publisher or developer before being played and there is a limit of 3 activations per serial key.

Is this true?

If you don't have the internet youll have trouble registering the game. There are ways around that but google is your friend there.

As for 3 activations, what difference does it make? If you're uninstalling a game that often in a month then consoles might be more your thing

Which is it 3 activations in a month or per serial key, per month I can deal with but per serial key is completely unreasonable.

[HorrorScope]

If it doesn't use GFWD or Starforce I'm ok with it.

[mriguy]

This is ridiculous I was just about to buy it. Limited activations mean a no sale no mater how friendly they try to make it. I'll have to research this, it's not on the store page; maybe steam is an exception like in Spore.

If it's a fixed 3 activations; then have to be be force to call a publisher and beg for more. You have just devalued the game to the rental budget bin of <$5

It is sad; I really, really, really wanted to support this game.

PLEASE SOMEONE- CAN WE GET CONFIRMATION OF THIS?

[TheInsaneDump]

People have the right to know what they're paying for?

Okay, but what's the issue with a 3-activation limit? Do you plan on installing the game on 10 different machines?

Also, you can request more keys should you need them.

I really don't see what the problem is. This isn't some invasive Ubisoft DRM we're talking about here.

But, to each their own, and I respect your decision.

[Hi2u! Tw1TcH]

Okay, but what's the issue with a 3-activation limit? Do you plan on installing the game on 10 different machines?

Also, you can request more keys should you need them.

I really don't see what the problem is. This isn't some invasive Ubisoft DRM we're talking about here.

Historically, these DRM softwares have actually damaged hardware such as hard drives and disk dives. Likewise, the software tends to be invasive, moreso than typical software, installing rootkits and overall comprimising the security of the computer (even more so than normal).

Generally speaking extra DRM like this accomplishes nothing, people who want to pirate it will do so / find a way to do so anyway. So having this extra DRM software only detracts potential customers by limiting them. Many people have 2 computers and laptop or two, so the 3 install limit can be reached quickly, creating quite the hassle for anyone who oftentimes does windows reinstalls (which is recommmended atleast once a year).

Bottom line is that it can be a hassle, the lower the limit, the more the hassle. Likewise it can be intrusive in that it can install potentially harmful software, as the majority of PC gamers have a justifiable negative opinion of it.

In theory it works, in practice its a hassle and has harmed computers, not to mention lowering overall sales.

Steam should be all the DRM you need.

[Murdats]

Okay, but what's the issue with a 3-activation limit? Do you plan on installing the game on 10 different machines?

Also, you can request more keys should you need them.

I really don't see what the problem is. This isn't some invasive Ubisoft DRM we're talking about here.

But, to each their own, and I respect your decision.

I could go on detailing the numerous scenarios in which limited activations cause problems. but you know what? what I do with my computer(s) is none of your business, and it's none of the publishers business either.

So if they restrict their product based on what they assume I do, well they just won't get my money, they made deciding if this was worth it real easy.

[Phatose]

I'm pretty sure only Starforce was actually shown to be damaging any hardware, and that was not an online system, plus it's been pulled off the market. Much to the joy of consumers everywhere - plus pirates, as Starforce, hostile as it was, actually worked.

The only real rootkit DRM was Sony's, and that was for music, not software.

That said, I'd prefer Steam to be the only DRM for Steam software as well. But I can't really summon up any righteous indignation about it. The reality is this particular hobby I've chosen has an unbelievably percentage of flat out thieves in it. Can't much fault developers for treating everyone playing their game like they're likely to have stolen it - as statistically, that's the truth.

[TheInsaneDump]

I could go on detailing the numerous scenarios in which limited activations cause problems. but you know what? what I do with my computer(s) is none of your business, and it's none of the publishers business either.

So if they restrict their product based on what they assume I do, well they just won't get my money, they made deciding if this was worth it real easy.

Not necessary to go into detail. If DRM is a no-sale for you, I won't persuade you otherwise. It's your money.

If I remember correctly though, don't you own Alpha Protocol? Doesn't that have a 5-limit activation DRM thinga-mabob?

I see from your other threads that you're staunch anti-DRM. That's fine, I'm only wondering why Alpha Protocol was different.

[mriguy]

Not necessary to go into detail. If DRM is a no-sale for you, I won't persuade you otherwise. It's your money.

If I remember correctly though, don't you own Alpha Protocol? Doesn't that have a 5-limit activation DRM thinga-mabob?

I see from your other threads that you're staunch anti-DRM. That's fine, I'm only wondering why Alpha Protocol was different.

Good example there. Alpha Protocol had their "DRM thinga-mabob" (nice attempt to make it look cute) patched out. The patch notes stated "To resolve activation issues, PC copy protection has been removed."

[mriguy]

Wow, while reading up on the DRM, I discovered that simply changing your video card is enough to use up one of your 3 activations.

http://board.zuxxez.com/showthread.php?t=39404

[bgreen907]

I'm very curious exactly what this DRM is. Like, specifically.
I'm reading there is a limit of 3 activations per serial key. What does that mean, exactly? And what does the per month thing mean? Is that even a thing, or is it speculation? This is all very confusing.
I've looked, but i can't find the DRM policy written anywhere. If anyone knows for sure what the restrictions are, could you please link it, or copy and paste? I really want to buy the game, but not if this is punishing to the consumer. Thanks!

[Mist69]

Is there anyway to revoke a activation? Thanks

[TheInsaneDump]

Wow, while reading up on the DRM, I discovered that simply changing your video card is enough to use up one of your 3 activations.

http://board.zuxxez.com/showthread.php?t=39404

I found another thread that explains you can reset your activations should people run into computer issues, upgrade their hardware, or other such problems that take up an activation.

Link (http://board.zuxxez.com/showthread.php?t=38442&page=2)

Somewhere towards the middle. The devs and moderators seem very helpful to aid those having issues with registering or other problems with the game.

I'm happy to support devs who do. :cool:

Maybe you guys will get lucky and they'll patch it out here as well somewhere down the road if you have such an issue with it.

But I'm playing the game now, and it really is a lot of fun. Quite enjoyable.

[Murdats]

Not necessary to go into detail. If DRM is a no-sale for you, I won't persuade you otherwise. It's your money.

If I remember correctly though, don't you own Alpha Protocol? Doesn't that have a 5-limit activation DRM thinga-mabob?

I see from your other threads that you're staunch anti-DRM. That's fine, I'm only wondering why Alpha Protocol was different.

I bought alpha protocol the instant I found out they removed the DRM, its a shame there will be no sequel because the numerous bugs (a number of which caused by the DRM itself) meant it had poor early sales.

There are 2 things that are an instant no buy for me on games (and as you have apparently looked through my list you can see I can be picky about what I buy, I have enough to play already)

1. restrictive DRM
2. regional pricing charging australians extra for no good reason

I do have to admit the publishers made my day a little easier, I was undecided on this game, they made that descision easier

[mriguy]

Somewhere towards the middle. The devs and moderators seem very helpful to aid those having issues with registering or other problems with the game.

I'm happy to support devs who do. :cool:


They have to be helpful, because let's not forget that they are creating the problem. I am less tolerant than most people on this issue. I have many old games that I go back to and already have trouble dealing with patches,DRM and compatibility. I fear what problems I will have to deal with when there is no one to call for activations or somehow my proof of purchase is not enough.

I am happy to support devs that recognize this and don't create these issues (although many times it is the publisher that does)

I will buy this game if this is patched out - it looks great. My personal feeling is that all DRM should be patched out after one year. Many companies have started doing this. They get their initial piracy protection and customers get a DRM free copy. For example: I will buy all Egosoft games full retail because I know the DRM will be gone in a year. I can put up with it for that long.

[stratus41298]

Honestly, i've never run out of activations. I hate the idea though and I have to say that if I ever did I would simply pirate the game. I simply will not be told how often I can use the software I purchased.

[edegro]

The DRM on this one is just horrid. We just picked up copies of TW2 from the summer sale and haven't been able to successfully get online with them. We're stuck with: 'Your IP has been temporarily banned' and 'Invalid serial', even though both of us have received confirmation emails from the registration process. :confused::confused::confused: So glad I waited until now to buy this turd, it has been near the top of my list for a while.