Wow...Close one

[IDefectedI]

3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft Online Service Platform :rolleyes:


Almost got sucker into another ♥♥♥♥ UBI game !

[zombietoaster]

They've removed the "always online" and only left a one-time online activation: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/397885-Minimum-PC-Configuration-and-important-DRM-information

Better than before, but I still don't appreciate having UPlay on top of Steam. Steam is already enough DRM for me thanks :P .

Still debating whether to buy it because of the awesomely innovative "shift" mechanic.

[TheInsaneDump]

3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft Online Service Platform :rolleyes:


Almost got sucker into another ♥♥♥♥ UBI game !

Don't buy it then. Why make a forum thread about it? Want some kind of validation?

Also, way to not do any research.

"Always On" DRM was removed.

[IDefectedI]

They've removed the "always online" and only left a one-time online activation: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/397885-Minimum-PC-Configuration-and-important-DRM-information

Better than before, but I still don't appreciate having UPlay on top of Steam. Steam is already enough DRM for me thanks :P .

Still debating whether to buy it because of the awesomely innovative "shift" mechanic.

Steam achievements and cloud have become a big selling factor for me ! Ubisoft seems to care less about what I the paying customer wants

[TheInsaneDump]

Ubisoft seems to care less about what I the paying customer wants

Glad you speak for everyone.

[IDefectedI]

Glad you speak for everyone.

You missed the word here "I" nowhere did "I" say "You"

[Fred DM]

as long as no persistent internet connection is required to play, i'm good. besides, at 75% off and below 10 bucks, i really don't much care what DRM system is used.

[Topote]

Diablo 3 DRM is worse.

[mriguy]

They've removed the "always online" and only left a one-time online activation: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/397885-Minimum-PC-Configuration-and-important-DRM-information

Better than before, but I still don't appreciate having UPlay on top of Steam. Steam is already enough DRM for me thanks :P .

Still debating whether to buy it because of the awesomely innovative "shift" mechanic.

I really wish Ubisoft and people reporting about this DRM would get it correct.

It is NOT a one-time activation.
This type of activation is similar to a registration. This would imply that you only have to activate the game only once at installation.

It IS an activation at game launch.
Every time you start the game it has to check the servers to verify that your game is not pirated. You can then select if you would like to play offline.

I love how Ubisoft comments that this is not a problem for people that travel suggesting that they just tether their phones to the laptop. They then go on to insinuate that anyone that has problems must have altered hosts files because of other pirated Ubisoft products. Really, still pulling out the everyone that has a problem with DRM is a pirate card. Not cool. (source) (http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/397885-Minimum-PC-Configuration-and-important-DRM-information/page2?)

I am sorry, but it is this arrogance that keeps me away from recent Ubisoft titles. It is no longer about protecting your IP, it is now about tracking stats, control, self publishing and DLC. I hope that Ubisoft does offer "One Time Activation on Installation" or decides to use Steamworks. Until then, I have over 475 games on Steam, plenty of other stuff to play.

[eetcheez]

I really wish Ubisoft and people reporting about this DRM would get it correct.

It is NOT a one-time activation.
This type of activation is similar to a registration. This would imply that you only have to activate the game only once at installation.

It IS an activation at game launch.
Every time you start the game it has to check the servers to verify that your game is not pirated. You can then select if you would like to play offline.

From the store page:
A HIGH SPEED INTERNET CONNECTION AND A VALID UPLAY ACCOUNT ARE REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE THE GAME DURING INITIAL INSTALLATION. TO ACCESS ONLINE FEATURES, PLAY ONLINE OR UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, YOU MUST HAVE A VALID UPLAY ACCOUNT AND A HIGH SPEED INTERNET CONNECTION.

That directly contradicts what you're claiming.

[SHSPVR]

I really wish Ubisoft and people reporting about this DRM would get it correct.

It is NOT a one-time activation.
This type of activation is similar to a registration. This would imply that you only have to activate the game only once at installation.

It IS an activation at game launch.
Every time you start the game it has to check the servers to verify that your game is not pirated. You can then select if you would like to play offline.

I love how Ubisoft comments that this is not a problem for people that travel suggesting that they just tether their phones to the laptop. They then go on to insinuate that anyone that has problems must have altered hosts files because of other pirated Ubisoft products. Really, still pulling out the everyone that has a problem with DRM is a pirate card. Not cool. (source) (http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/397885-Minimum-PC-Configuration-and-important-DRM-information/page2?)

I am sorry, but it is this arrogance that keeps me away from recent Ubisoft titles. It is no longer about protecting your IP, it is now about tracking stats, control, self publishing and DLC. I hope that Ubisoft does offer "One Time Activation on Installation" or decides to use Steamworks. Until then, I have over 475 games on Steam, plenty of other stuff to play.

Case close it NOT ALWAYS ONLINE
Big deal but at lease it less then $10 so that in self is a good deal better then $20, $30, $40, $50 or even $60 and Diablo 3 DRM is far worse.

http://ubisoft.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/15373/~/can-i-play-driver%3A-sf-without-an-internet-connection%3F

[TheInsaneDump]

I really wish Ubisoft and people reporting about this DRM would get it correct.

It is NOT a one-time activation.
This type of activation is similar to a registration. This would imply that you only have to activate the game only once at installation.

It IS an activation at game launch.
Every time you start the game it has to check the servers to verify that your game is not pirated. You can then select if you would like to play offline.

I read further in the thread that the wording is out of date and you no longer have to "opt-out" whenever you first run the game.

Doing more research to be sure.

Posts:

Just a thought, I know PC customer communication is a weak point with Ubi but shouldn't you guys..you know... TELL PEOPLE you have suddenly got some common sense and chucked an offline mode into your awful DRM for Driver?

A LOT of people still think you need to log in every time for permission to play a game you bought legally with your hard earned money. It's what you told customers yet here and there I'm hearing it will work offline, with so many of us ignoring Ubi games with the internet DRM you would think changing your mind at the last minute might be something worth shouting about to gain extra sales.

They did need to word it better.
You only need the internet to register your cd key with your uplay account during install.

Well no they didn't word it wrong actually they told us we need to log in everytime on Driver , that may have been another mistake like the From Dust fiasco (understandable given how Ubi throw in all these different DRMs instead of opting for one for some stupid reason) but they should check up on these things and clear them up when people get the wrong info surely they are aware customers are not buying the internet chained games, like I said a lot of people still think the DRM they are using is the loging at every start one they told us in the official announcement and customers are (quite rightly) ignoring the game. It isn't helped that the games offline play is a bizarre poorly designed method with it supposedly being in the form of a seperate launcher.

[dukmiester2]

I just completely disconnected my internet (pulled the LAN cable out) and launched the game in offline mode WITH NO PROBLEM.

As seen here:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7388851798_3c51862edf.jpg

Game ran fine in offline mode, and I had my Ethernet cable physically removed from my PC!

[eetcheez]

I just completely disconnected my internet (pulled the LAN cable out) and launched the game in offline mode WITH NO PROBLEM.

As seen here:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7388851798_3c51862edf.jpg

Game ran fine in offline mode, and I had my Ethernet cable physically removed from my PC!
Thanks for the confirmation!

People really need to stop making baseless assumptions and ranting without any factual accuracy...

[scubs]

still requires uplay to run/install each time you play the game which is still additional DRM checking regardless of actually having to be online, it's just as bad..

[SHSPVR]

still requires uplay to run/install each time you play the game which is still additional DRM checking regardless of actually having to be online, it's just as bad..

Did not read dukmiester2 post ????.

[eetcheez]

Did not read dukmiester2 post ????.
Now he's just complaining about UPlay being there as a launcher. Seriously guys, there are perfectly legitimate complaints when it comes to DRM, but come on...

[Fred DM]

Now he's just complaining about UPlay being there as a launcher. Seriously guys, there are perfectly legitimate complaints when it comes to DRM, but come on...
this.

if you don't want to buy the game now, fine, but jeez, stop making up excuses! :rolleyes:

[mriguy]

I have no problem with "Activation on Installation", as long as there are no limits place on the number of activations. It is better than TAGES or others and is just like the old CD keys. I still would prefer just Stream's DRM or DRM-free.

Ubisoft does need to revise their statements on the issue. It's very confusing. They don't seem to do anything until a mass number of people complain.

[SpectralShade]

I have no problem with "Activation on Installation", as long as there are no limits place on the number of activations. It is better than TAGES or others and is just like the old CD keys. I still would prefer just Stream's DRM or DRM-free.

Ubisoft does need to revise their statements on the issue. It's very confusing. They don't seem to do anything until a mass number of people complain.

I just wanted to correct a wrong assumption on your part here.

Needing to activate through online connection is unfortunately not like cd-keys.

I've tried picking up boxes in a store, coming home and then finding out that the server the game needed to connect to was taken down, thus giving me a waste of time for my effort. I've tried this even with games that had the name "Microsoft" on the box, so no, big name publisher isn't a guarentee that the servers will be up indefinately.

So online regs will eventually force users to need 'cracks' to be able to play the games.

If people keep ignoring every time companies take away consumers ability to play their purchased games, then you eventually end up with EA like scenarios where a given game only 'works' until the next or second next in line gets released on the conveyer belt. Artificial induced lifetime limits on a product that has too long lifetime for the publishers taste.

[ericL]

because of ubisoft drm i passed on buying this.

[TheInsaneDump]

because of ubisoft drm i passed on buying this.

Thanks for letting us know. I can sleep a little easier.

Didn't bother to do any research before you posted this though didn't you?

[SHSPVR]

If people keep ignoring every time companies take away consumers ability to play their purchased games, then you eventually end up with EA like scenarios where a given game only 'works' until the next or second next in line gets released on the conveyer belt. Artificial induced lifetime limits on a product that has too long lifetime for the publishers taste.
Maybe we all need sue the companies fat CAT'S along with some jask-a$$ developer "Criterion" EA/Ubisoft/etc and there slow at getting patchs out and alway jack us around to with there half-a$$ lie's and if they pull crap like that, There are more then one way to skin a cat you like you said SpectralShade 'cracks' even know I don't like that idea at all.
Developer like Remedy Entertainment saw the ligth the day when Alan Wake come out boy did make a killing.
That why they need make them open source after so min years just look at Doom and still selling after 18+ years even if dose have poor game graphics go fig.
With indie developer getting better at graphics and wiring codes doing a far better job then big companies but there is a problem with thoses dumb developer who sell out to big publisher where there hoping to make it big but as know EA very bad kill off the small developer studios.
I to wish Ubisoft had stop with over kill DRM before hand I would have got this game from them a long go off steams but if all looking they sceam be back off DRM stuff just look at Mad Riders (aka Nail'd), Rayman Origins.

[cr7camiao]

Diablo 3 DRM is worse.

Yeah, DRM isn't a problem at all as long as there's a game being worse!

There's a game with a 5 time activation limit (not specifically talking about this game)? No problem, because TDU2's DRM only allows 4 installations!

[IDefectedI]

Maybe we all need sue the companies fat CAT'S along with some jask-a$$ developer "Criterion" EA/Ubisoft/etc and there slow at getting patchs out and alway jack us around to with there half-a$$ lie's and if they pull crap like that, There are more then one way to skin a cat you like you said SpectralShade 'cracks' even know I don't like that idea at all.
Developer like Remedy Entertainment saw the ligth the day when Alan Wake come out boy did make a killing.
That why they need make them open source after so min years just look at Doom and still selling after 18+ years even if dose have poor game graphics go fig.
With indie developer getting better at graphics and wiring codes doing a far better job then big companies but there is a problem with thoses dumb developer who sell out to big publisher where there hoping to make it big but as know EA very bad kill off the small developer studios.
I to wish Ubisoft had stop with over kill DRM before hand I would have got this game from them a long go off steams but if all looking they sceam be back off DRM stuff just look at Mad Riders (aka Nail'd), Rayman Origins.


Sad that so many young Gamers accept DRM as the norm ! This is actually scary since you can see how easy it is to manipulate the public - just nudge them every 2 years until they have accepted control .

Piracy can not be defeated since ignorance is bliss

I love this quote by Ubisofts developers


"We've heard loud and clear that PC gamers are ♥♥♥♥♥ing"

[zombietoaster]

I just wanted to correct a wrong assumption on your part here.

Needing to activate through online connection is unfortunately not like cd-keys.

I've tried picking up boxes in a store, coming home and then finding out that the server the game needed to connect to was taken down, thus giving me a waste of time for my effort. I've tried this even with games that had the name "Microsoft" on the box, so no, big name publisher isn't a guarentee that the servers will be up indefinately.

So online regs will eventually force users to need 'cracks' to be able to play the games.

If people keep ignoring every time companies take away consumers ability to play their purchased games, then you eventually end up with EA like scenarios where a given game only 'works' until the next or second next in line gets released on the conveyer belt. Artificial induced lifetime limits on a product that has too long lifetime for the publishers taste.

+1 to this

I bear with Steam even though DRM-free games like at GOG.com offer me more freedom like playing on my netbook without internet and without Steam wasting resources, and even though the offline mode is not reliable at all unless you activate it in advance. Why? Because I appreciate the ease of installation and being able to redownload the game whenever I want, and because the company that handles internet activation is the same that provides the download. If I can't activate my game, it means I can't download it anymore anyways.

Not so with this DRM: once Ubisoft take down the activation servers for this game, even though I can still download it from Steam it becomes unplayable.

Yes, there are cracks, but people making them can go to prison or suffer heavy fines in more and more countries, and I don't want someone else to put his well-being in danger just so I can play my game.

[mriguy]

I may be pushing the limits of the forum rules here but I found this great write up by bryanhbell on Reddit about the DRM and what to expect with screenshots. Here is a link to their post.

http://www.reddit.com/r/GameDeals/comments/v6lw1/steam_daily_deal_driver_san_francisco_75_off/c51xblw

[OrbitalBliss]

I just wanted to correct a wrong assumption on your part here.

Needing to activate through online connection is unfortunately not like cd-keys.

I've tried picking up boxes in a store, coming home and then finding out that the server the game needed to connect to was taken down, thus giving me a waste of time for my effort. I've tried this even with games that had the name "Microsoft" on the box, so no, big name publisher isn't a guarentee that the servers will be up indefinately.

So online regs will eventually force users to need 'cracks' to be able to play the games.

If people keep ignoring every time companies take away consumers ability to play their purchased games, then you eventually end up with EA like scenarios where a given game only 'works' until the next or second next in line gets released on the conveyer belt. Artificial induced lifetime limits on a product that has too long lifetime for the publishers taste.

I can confirm that this is happening right now. I bought the game today, installed, and now all I get from the launcher is "Ubisoft services are unavailable at the moment. Please try again later"

I try the launcher's 'Offline Mode' and of course it tells me "You have to log in online at least once to play offline".

So, Ubisoft hosed me. Its not anything a pirate has done, its something Ubisoft did. And if I want to play the game I just purchased I'd have to consider relying on those pirates to fix Ubisoft's problem for me. Not something I want to do, nor should I ever have to do to use the product I just bought.

[PCgamerzz]

I can confirm that this is happening right now. I bought the game today, installed, and now all I get from the launcher is "Ubisoft services are unavailable at the moment. Please try again later"

I try the launcher's 'Offline Mode' and of course it tells me "You have to log in online at least once to play offline".

So, Ubisoft hosed me. Its not anything a pirate has done, its something Ubisoft did. And if I want to play the game I just purchased I'd have to consider relying on those pirates to fix Ubisoft's problem for me. Not something I want to do, nor should I ever have to do to use the product I just bought.

Same case, just bought it and I can't activate it at all because the damn server is down:p

[Fred DM]

I've tried picking up boxes in a store, coming home and then finding out that the server the game needed to connect to was taken down, thus giving me a waste of time for my effort. I've tried this even with games that had the name "Microsoft" on the box, so no, big name publisher isn't a guarentee that the servers will be up indefinately.

that can't be right, unless you mean "taken down temporarily". :confused:

what games are we talking about here?

Same case, just bought it and I can't activate it at all because the damn server is down:p
seems to be working now. managed to start the game and join multiplayer, too.

[PCgamerzz]

that can't be right, unless you mean "taken down temporarily". :confused:

what games are we talking about here?


seems to be working now. managed to start the game and join multiplayer, too.

oh right, it's working now, thanks for informing, cheers :D

[SpectralShade]

that can't be right, unless you mean "taken down temporarily". :confused:

what games are we talking about here?


Can't remember the name, as it was some time ago. Some sort of spacesim shooter I can remember, though.

I remember scouring the web to try and figure out how or why I couldn't fire up my game and as far as my memory jogs, the case was something along the lines of Microsoft being the publisher, but the company that had developed the game wasn't Microsoft (I think). I seem to recall that the developing company had gone bust, and microsoft hadn't bothered to take over the activation server adress since it wasn't technically their game. It's been a while, so the details may be somewhat off, though.

I've seen it in other companies too, though. I think it was an EA game that game me the same issue once (can't remember the game now, though, just the issue I had with it). EA didn't list the game on their website, while the box clearly had an EA logo.

I'm curious about Steam, though. I know some of the games I have on Steam my friends cannot find in the Steam online store anymore (even though I used that store to purchase them from initially), so I'm wondering if even steam will give us these kind of headaches in the future. After all, they don't got unlimited capacity either. :(

[antux]

The game doesn't have Steamworks DRM btw, and it works offline after the initial activation. Pretty fair I think.

[IDefectedI]

The game doesn't have Steamworks DRM btw, and it works offline after the initial activation. Pretty fair I think.

Why accept something like that , who is this protecting ? Sorry but I believe in the simple CD Key and play !
If they are checking up on me from time to time for a product I paid for it I call this disrespect . Pirates have an easier time playing games while I the paying customer jumps through the mistrust hoop

[antux]

Why accept something like that , who is this protecting ? Sorry but I believe in the simple CD Key and play !
If they are checking up on me from time to time for a product I paid for it I call this disrespect . Pirates have an easier time playing games while I the paying customer jumps through the mistrust hoop


But you're using Steam, right? There isn't much difference between the method that this game uses and Steamworks DRM.
Not that I'm advocating DRM at all, and I agree that it in some cases only preventing legit customers from playing, which is why I am really grateful for stores like gog.com, but in this case it doesn't seem all that bad.