On Mass Effect & Spore Copy Protection

There's a massive thread on the Mass Effect Community Forums about the SecuROM copy-protection scheme planned for Mass Effect, BioWare's upcoming RPG (thanks Wolfox). The game will not need the disk in the drive to play, but will require an internet connection for installation to validate the CD (DVD) key and will need to go online once every ten days in perpetuity for revalidation. BioWare attempts to address all the questions this raises, at one point replying that this will be the same system used in Spore when the evolutionary game is released: "Yes, EA is ready for us and getting ready for Spore, which will use the same system." This thread continues the discussion after the first one was locked for length. Here's the deal:
Mass Effect uses SecuROM and requires an online activation for the first time that you play it. Each copy of Mass Effect comes with a CD Key which is used for this activation and for registration here at the BioWare Community. Mass Effect does not require the DVD to be in the drive in order to play, it is only for installation.

After the first activation, SecuROM requires that it re-check with the server within ten days (in case the CD Key has become public/warez'd and gets banned). Just so that the 10 day thing doesn't become abrupt, SecuROM tries its first re-check with 5 days remaining in the 10 day window. If it can't contact the server before the 10 days are up, nothing bad happens and the game still runs. After 10 days a re-check is required before the game can run.
View : : :
306 Replies. 16 pages. Viewing page 13.
Newer [  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  ] Older
66.
 
Re: No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:40
66.
Re: No subject May 6, 2008, 17:40
May 6, 2008, 17:40
 
console copy protection is built into the hardware, which can be detected and bricked by the console seller. Explain to me how thats better than a PC?

Since I don't own a console, I'm guessing, but I'm pretty sure there are no single player console games that require you to have an internet connection.

65.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:39
65.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:39
May 6, 2008, 17:39
 
All for a game that will cost less than a nice meal and a bottle of wine.

You drink shitty wine.

"Hay, don't worry, I am not a nob-goblin, I prefer passed out chicks or MILFS with stretch marks..."
BN 360 Scoreboard:
http://www.mygamercard.net/clboard.php?id=GW57kfq7
64.
 
Re: No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:38
64.
Re: No subject May 6, 2008, 17:38
May 6, 2008, 17:38
 
unless you are away for more than 10 days its not an issue.

I'm pretty sure that 2-3 weeks qualifies as "more than 10 days"... But even if it didn't, you're still wrong. It doesn't try and connect until 5 days have passed since the last connection. So you can be away for as little as 5 days and have it stop working.

63.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:38
63.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:38
May 6, 2008, 17:38
 
good point. Every MMO ever sold is just a coaster the day they turn off the servers. Nobody gets their underwear in a spin over that, but if a singleplayer game might not run in 25 years, everyone slashes their wrists?
The overhead of an authentication server vs an MMO server is trivial, so you can expect these things to be around for a loooong time. All for a game that will cost less than a nice meal and a bottle of wine.
62.
 
Collatoral damage
May 6, 2008, 17:36
62.
Collatoral damage May 6, 2008, 17:36
May 6, 2008, 17:36
 
Yep. client/server is the only sure fire way to defeat PC game piracy.

As a bonus it also annihilates your paying customers! It's a win win! Both pirates and paying customers will never bother you again!

61.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:35
61.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:35
May 6, 2008, 17:35
 
My cottage does not have a phone. I like it that way. I definitely consider it a place worth going.

So yes, authentication is an issue.

Oh, of *course* authentication is an issue. I flat out hate it. The point is that due to this wanton piracy of PC games, which results in the decline of sales, this is going to be the inevitable norm.

Anyway, if you have a Bluetooth cell phone and a data plan, you're all set. Just be sure to do a dry run before you take off!!!

Seriously, it sucks, but what are gamers to do? If you like the game - and don't want to lug your console around - I don't see where you have a choice.

Gamers will always find a way either

(1) as in your case, buy it, then find a way to auth the game from a remote location

(2) buy it, then go look for a crack; because as sure as shit, this is going to get cracked inside of a week. I can almost guaratee it.

its strange to see a thread where Derek Smart is one of the only ones making sense.

I know. Hell's frozen over. Good thing I brought a portable heater with me.
This comment was edited on May 6, 17:36.
Game developers are just human beings who happen to make games for a living. If you want to hold us up to higher standards of conduct, then go ahead
...but don't be surprised if we don't uphold them
Avatar 9141
60.
 
No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:35
60.
No subject May 6, 2008, 17:35
May 6, 2008, 17:35
 
Oh - the freaks come out at night

Write this thread off.

"Hay, don't worry, I am not a nob-goblin, I prefer passed out chicks or MILFS with stretch marks..."
BN 360 Scoreboard:
http://www.mygamercard.net/clboard.php?id=GW57kfq7
59.
 
Re: No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:33
59.
Re: No subject May 6, 2008, 17:33
May 6, 2008, 17:33
 
it looks like they specifically designed it around you dude. unless you are away for more than 10 days its not an issue.
58.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:33
58.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:33
May 6, 2008, 17:33
 
I wasn't generalizing. If your command of the English language is not up to par, you might want to get someone translate for you what I've written. If you want to debate the merits of what I've written, thats fine; but don't hide behind a smokescreen and tell me about generalizing when you have no basis for even saying that.

Quoting you: "All you sissies crying foul, I feel your pain. However, even HD movies *and* console games *have* copy protection; but nobody whines about those, do they? You mofos are only complaining because - as pirates - its just going to make things a bit harder. Wankers."

You start the sentence with "All you sissies crying foul" and then says "You mofos are only complaining because - as pirates". From that, I understand that everyone complaining is a pirate. I'd say that is generalizing, wouldn't you? If not, I'd like you to explain to me how it says anything other than that, since you have a PHD, and I don't. And english is not my native language, so I'm more than likely to misunderstand something, and I may well fail to express what I think at times. Though I don't think that was the case in this particular case.

Yeah, and like them, I'm sure that I would miss your pennies.

Well, even millions are made of pennies, you know.

For someone holding a grudge over a 1999 game - when most of us have already moved on - you're not very bright, are you? I've developed and shipped no less than ten games since and made millions.

Yes, all of them to critical acclaim, and all of them innovative and widely different from the first one. Oh, wait...

The fact that you made millions doesn't prove that I'm not bright, nor that you are smart.

Yeah, all of us should be hurting because someone decided not to buy one of our games. Gimme a break. And you're a gamer?

Well, one man can hardly make a difference. But if many do the same thing, it's a different thing. Then again, I wouldn't expect that my point of view would trouble EA or you. So feel free to ignore me, since I'm so worthless to you. I would say the feeling is reciprocal.

And I'm not sure I'm a gamer. I have a lot of games, and I play many games. I have gaming gear and stuff. I may not be a gamer, but I'm an opinionated customer.

57.
 
No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:33
57.
No subject May 6, 2008, 17:33
May 6, 2008, 17:33
 
I'm all for it. I buy my games, and big deal, it logs in for a sec and authorizes. Who cares? It stops pirate keys which is good because I like PC gaming and pirating is the bane of PC gaming. Stop crying BS, this is so not a big deal for the end user.

56.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:31
56.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:31
May 6, 2008, 17:31
 
it lives on the host server, you merely rent a license to play with a downloaded client. Thats the future and will stop all piracy.

Yep. client/server is the only sure fire way to defeat PC game piracy. Which is why there are so many MMO games in development.

you really dont have any connection with gamers, do you? i mean, have you ever?

heh, thats funny.

why are you even in this industry? or are you just bitter everyone loves kev levine?

Just goes to show how much you *don't* know. Everyone loves Ken Levine? Sure he's a likeable chap, but have you been to Google lately?

Please, if you don't have anything to say worth debating, don't bring pebbles to fire fight because cheap shots - in the face of sensible and reasonable posts - just makes you that must more stupid. Which, as all Internet anon personalities go, just solidifies your inconsequential existence and subscription to the "nobody" social club for fools on the Net.

Game developers are just human beings who happen to make games for a living. If you want to hold us up to higher standards of conduct, then go ahead
...but don't be surprised if we don't uphold them
Avatar 9141
55.
 
Re: No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:28
55.
Re: No subject May 6, 2008, 17:28
May 6, 2008, 17:28
 
console copy protection is built into the hardware, which can be detected and bricked by the console seller. Explain to me how thats better than a PC?
54.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:27
54.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:27
May 6, 2008, 17:27
 
Every place on this planet worth going to, has a phone.

My cottage does not have a phone. I like it that way. I definitely consider it a place worth going.

So yes, authentication is an issue.

53.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:27
53.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:27
May 6, 2008, 17:27
 
its strange to see a thread where Derek Smart is one of the only ones making sense.

This is pretty much a non-issue. PC games are easy to pirate for the average user. Publishers are going to try to find way to make that a bit tougher. This method is very non-intrusive. If the servers so down in 5 years and you still want to play the 'old' by then titles, I'm sure there will be a patch released or you will be stuck in the same boat as those 100,000,000 WoW disk holders when those servers are finally shut off...

Bottom line - Less piracy = more PC developers. More PC developers = more games. The inverse is also true...

52.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:26
52.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:26
May 6, 2008, 17:26
 
agreed 100%. Like 99.9% of posters here, I'm online 99% of the day anyway. If a game I bought needs to send a few bytes every 10 days its no big deal. It helps reduce casual piracy, and thus keep the devs making great games.
Of course if you are a pirate, this must REALLY be annoying, because just like when Bioshock was released, you wont be playing the #1 hot game until the warez kiddies get their crack.
But tough shit. If you want to play games, open your wallet or play freeware
51.
 
Nice
May 6, 2008, 17:25
51.
Nice May 6, 2008, 17:25
May 6, 2008, 17:25
 
After 10 days a re-check is required before the game can run.

Hahahah, pass.

Now we have to do online activation every 10 days!? HAHAHAHA.

50.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:25
50.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:25
May 6, 2008, 17:25
 
I dont get it. If anything, this will make it easier for pirates. In order to take out dvd/cd protections before, you had to emulate part of the iso. Run virtual drives..ect. The game escentualy used a hardware device to try and read partially hidden data on disc.

Now its all code.. its all within the program, and the only thing it needs is an OK from another program. Give me a break.. not only will that be easy to crack, but it will be more stable.

Online games with online accounts is fine, but offline games dont work. It requires servers to be maintained for as long as anyone MIGHT play it.. and that cost money. Money from an expense that can be cut for cost savings.

49.
 
Re: no subject
May 6, 2008, 17:25
49.
Re: no subject May 6, 2008, 17:25
May 6, 2008, 17:25
 
All you sissies crying foul, I feel your pain. However, even HD movies *and* console games *have* copy protection; but nobody whines about those, do they? You mofos are only complaining because - as pirates - its just going to make things a bit harder. Wankers.

you really dont have any connection with gamers, do you? i mean, have you ever?

i've always avoided everything you've ever done because everyone warned me it was rubbish. on top of that it seems your just an incredibly unlikable person who dislikes gamers as a whole.

why are you even in this industry? or are you just bitter everyone loves kev levine?

48.
 
Licence games..
May 6, 2008, 17:25
48.
Licence games.. May 6, 2008, 17:25
May 6, 2008, 17:25
 
it lives on the host server, you merely rent a license to play with a downloaded client. Thats the future and will stop all piracy.
thank you-goodnight

47.
 
Re: No subject
May 6, 2008, 17:24
47.
Re: No subject May 6, 2008, 17:24
May 6, 2008, 17:24
 
Welcome to the future of PC gaming. Who else but EA would be the first major publisher to introduce the "software as a service" model. If you have to reauthenticate every 10 days, then by definition, your game is now a service and EA has total control over if you can play or not and thus has all the power in the business relationship.

Mass Effect is good. I have not played it but I have seen the reviews and there is a consensus that it's a very good. However I'm not addicted to good pc games. They are not nicotene or heroin. I can say no thank you.

I will not support software a service and/or other draconian copy protection schemes.

Furthermore, just like bioshock which had a similar system, this draconian copy protection scheme will be rendered useless eventually. EA may only be prolonging that time by a few days or weeks. They have just issued a challenge to all the hackers/crackers out there on a very high profile game. Good luck with that EA.

306 Replies. 16 pages. Viewing page 13.
Newer [  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  ] Older