|
Post by mysterd on Apr 7, 2009 3:15:48 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Elliot Kane on Apr 7, 2009 11:28:48 GMT
Well, that description of game players bodes very well for the DRM, never mind the DLC... ;D
|
|
|
Post by Alrik on Apr 7, 2009 16:08:37 GMT
DLC as a substitutte for DRM ? Interesting thought ...
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on Apr 7, 2009 22:45:54 GMT
I don't think DLC will be a substitute for DRM. Especially since one of the companies that often give DLC for free -- which is Valve, who does this through Steam -- has been doing this for some time. They have done this many times w/ their games, such as TF2 -- adding maybe a few new maps and new Achievements, every God knows how many months later. Valve is planning to add more FREE DLC soon to Left 4 Dead soon.
I think you'll likely see more games do DLC AND DRM together. If you give people enough DLC, they will put up with your DRM -- see Steam, as this has been proven given they are the leading digital distribution seller. It's just recently, that now some games on Steam -- namely by third-party companies (i.e. those who ain't Valve) that plan to have DLC have the option now to charge for it or just release it for FREE.
If the DLC gets pirated -- which has happened before for sure i.e. see the whole Oblivion: Horse Armor pricing fiasco, for started -- then it's a waste to have DLC as a substitute for DRM. Especially if the DLC isn't anything substantial nor important (either).
The problem with DLC is that often, there is not much substantially in the DLC for the game's price. See Fallout 3 with its DLC, which has been released basically every month or two. From what I know and read, each DLC has added about 2-3 hours worth of content for the usual 800 MS Points fee -- which is $10 USA dollar.
In many cases, there could be the other factor -- that not much DLC gets released. I recently finished Mass Effect: Bring Down The Sky DLC (which comes free with the PC version) and it took me around 2 hours to finish that content. Yeah, and still -- we're waiting to find out what Bioware's 2nd upcoming DLC is. And this game has been out for a while on the X360 and PC. So, what's the hub-bub here, Bioware?
I think Sacred 2 has it right on the DLC thing. Make a patch to fix tons of issues -- and also within that patch, add new features and new content for FREE. This will go a long way with gamers, if you ask me.
I think the key to killing DRM is for companies to do what Steam and Impulse have been doing, which has been a combination of things. Basically, it's the idea of treating the said game more like a service than a one-shot deal. I also have some other ideas, too.
Basically, it's the idea of treating the said game more like a service than a one-shot deal. Here's an idea of a one-shot deal. What I mean is, if you go online, how many updates were made for the PC version of Prince of Persia 2008? Right, zero. So, if someone wants to say pirate a copy of it, you'll always have the newest version of the game. By treating a game like a service -- which is something that say Ascaron has been doing with Sacred 2 by adding FREE updates in FREE patches with new content, bug fixes, etc etc -- you will keep your gamer happy.
Here's my thoughts on thing: 1. Activation not required period. If you want to use Version 1.00 when there's newer editions of the game out for free updates and you do not want to connect to the Internet to get newer versions of the game -- especially if it's a Single Player game -- then that's your damn problem. 2. Every user must register their unique ID name and include their CD Key/DVD Key/Game Key with it -- which allows only THIS user to get release updates for a game through one single channel ONLY, so that there's no other place to get it; i.e. I can only get new updates to Sins of A Solar Empire through Impulse, I can only get new updates to Half-Life 2 through Steam; etc etc. 2. Force the updates automatically on gamers through some said service (i.e. Steam, Impulse, etc), so that gamers really won't really know what exact files were what the hell was actually updated and added for files. This also does forces gamers to back-up the entire game, especially when they decide to uninstall it. So, when they decide to reinstall the game, well -- they have to log on with their unique ID and unique game key onto the said service to get their game updated. If the game's been updated more times than you can shake a stick at, this forces the gamer to want their game as up-to-date as possible. 3. Developers should do frequent updates so damn often -- even if the update doesn't add, fix, or change much -- to the game so that hackers just give up on cracking the EXE file all the time. Adding new content can make it even more of a pain in the ass for crackers to figure out -- sheesh, what's the new files changed or added? TF2 has been through around 66 updates or more since its release -- what cracker/hacker really want to puts up with cracking every single update? Adding extra new content is even more so a plus, as it makes likely will make a game folder size bigger -- and gamers will want the updates to include new content for their game; especially if it's FREE.
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 2, 2009 11:19:32 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Flix on May 4, 2009 21:49:47 GMT
Well I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief since Bioware has announced that Dragon Age: Origins will be DRM-free! "We’re happy to announce that the boxed/retail PC version of Dragon Age: Origins will use only a basic disk check and it will not require online authentication. In other words, the retail PC version of the game won’t require you to go online to authenticate the game for offline play. We have chosen not to use SecuROM in any version of Dragon Age that is distributed by EA or BioWare."Full post
|
|
|
Post by Elliot Kane on May 4, 2009 21:51:35 GMT
Awesome! Back to the top of my 'most wanted' list! Thanks, Flix
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 4, 2009 22:10:19 GMT
This still does not state what disc check protection it'll use -- whether it's SafeDisc, Tages, Securom, StarForce, or who knows what...
|
|
|
Post by Flix on May 4, 2009 22:19:21 GMT
Yes, but it DOES state that SecuROM will not be used.
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 4, 2009 22:20:39 GMT
But that still doesn't state what they WILL be using, which is a little worrysome.
|
|
|
Post by Elliot Kane on May 4, 2009 22:26:56 GMT
Dealt with MY main problems. It explicitly states 'no online activation'. Beyond that, I don't have problems with anything unless 'limited installs' rears its ugly head, and I see no way to do that without online activation. So it's all good, for me
|
|
|
Post by Flix on May 5, 2009 0:43:32 GMT
Is Starforce really still used much when it has such a reputation as malware? With that and SecuROM out of the way, that takes care of the big uglies.
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 5, 2009 21:13:04 GMT
Is Starforce really still used much when it has such a reputation as malware? Not in the USA, no. Yeah, but there's got to be another big ugly coming. There always is and always will be...
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 10, 2009 12:32:50 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Elliot Kane on May 10, 2009 12:49:11 GMT
Totally awesome! I want that game now! (Even though my computer needs upgrading before I could run it, so I'm a bit dumb... ;D)
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 16, 2009 21:38:09 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Elliot Kane on May 16, 2009 22:10:29 GMT
They seem to have thought this out so well it's scary... Their world is really going to live at this rate.
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 27, 2009 22:27:06 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Elliot Kane on May 27, 2009 22:41:59 GMT
The way this game is building, it'll either be one of the best games ever made or one of the biggest disappointments ever... I'm trying not to get too hyped... And probably failing.
|
|
|
Post by mysterd on May 27, 2009 23:00:14 GMT
I can't wait for DA, myself -- but, I'm sure you knew this already, Kane. It's a Bioware game, so I doubt it'll be anywhere near horrible.
I am betting it'll still be good, whether it disappoints or not.
|
|