Ubisoft's PC DRM is Goddamn Terrible

[modeps]

PC Gamer (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=235290&site=pcg) recently had a chance to get their hands on Assassin's Creed II for the PC which utilizes Ubisoft's brand new DRM system. This was announced a short while ago, but now it's finally coming out in products. Despite Ubisoft's best effort to say otherwise, this shit's worse than most of the DRM around.

While playing a game, you need an active internet connection at ALL TIMES. This doesn't mean simply a one time check when you start a game, but if you Internet goes out or your wireless drops, guess what? Your game quits and you lose progress. If for some reason the connection gets fouled up between you and Ubi? Oh yeah, the game will quit. Now I know what you're saying... Assassin's Creed II doesn't even have an online component! But here's what Ubisoft is saying: Tough Shit.

We've just received Assassin's Creed 2 and Settlers VII for review, and verified with Ubisoft that the DRM is the same as the boxed product. If you get disconnected while playing, you're booted out of the game. All your progress since the last checkpoint or savegame is lost, and your only options are to quit to Windows or wait until you're reconnected.

The game first starts the Ubisoft Game Launcher, which checks for updates. If you try to launch the game when you're not online, you hit an error message right away. So I tried a different test: start the game while online, play a little, then unplug my net cable. This is the same as what happens if your net connection drops momentarily, your router is rebooted, or the game loses its connection to Ubisoft's 'Master servers'. The game stopped, and I was dumped back to a menu screen - all my progress since it last autosaved was lost.

Thanks RPS (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/02/17/you-maniacs/).

Talk about treating your customers like criminals. If this doesn't change, it will be my recommendation to avoid every single PC released Ubisoft game from here on out. Yes, this includes Splinter Cell Conviction despite how awesome it looks. Fuck this.

[Mozgus]

In a few months they'll claim the sales were horrible due to piracy, while remaining completely ignorant to the fact that the more you fuck over legitimate customers with this dogshit, the more they'll opt to just pirate your game. Next year they will either come at us with even more ridiculous DRM, or they'll announce that they will not develop for PC anymore.

Hopefully it's the latter. And then we can all come together and agree that nothing of value was lost. The end.

[randir14]

Pirates will crack this the same way they've cracked every type of protection. Why do companies even bother with this bullshit anymore?

[t3kl3r]

So who's going to resolve this issue first? Ubisoft or hackers?

[Orphiuchus]

The best part is that the pirated copy of the game will be out within hours of release and will require no internet connection after downloaded.

Seriously, its pretty bad when its better for my computer if I download games repackaged by pirates than the boxed version.

[Blog]

Wow, fuck this indeed.

[Johan]

Pirates will crack this the same way they've cracked every type of protection. Why do companies even bother with this bullshit anymore?

Shareholders and stupid executives. Despite the total ineffectiveness and uselessness of the 'locks' on the proverbial 'door,' the execs can't possibly explain to shareholders why they left the door unlocked. Rather, they need to place claymores, trip-wires, nuclear mines and the like all around their software.

The solution I have found is to buy the games when they are older. Often, by that time, the most egregious DRM has been stripped away. Of course, there is another solution...

:shrugs:

Screw 'em.

[Azriel77]

This was already on my do not buy list because of some of what I heard about this crazy DRM, but I didn't relize that if you get disconnected for a minute you lose everything and get kicked out of the game. Who are the idiots who come up with this stuff?

[Chimpbot]

Unfortunately, pirating their titles will only cause even more Draconian DRM implementation in future releases. It enforces their current stance.

Honestly, the best course of action is to simply vote with your wallet; don't buy it. Hell, don't buy any Ubisoft titles, PC or otherwise! As much as I like Ubisoft, I don't mind boycotting their products. My Activision boycott is still going strong, so I have no qualm with adding more publishers to the list.

[surj0]

Wow...why is it necessary to make sure I have a constant internet connection for a single player game? There's no excuse, but reason and logic side, they should at least provide a system to check out registrations like AutoCAD network licenses, if they're doing this.

[sonysyndicate]

Pirates will crack this the same way they've cracked every type of protection. Why do companies even bother with this bullshit anymore?

Yes, they will. I don't understand why Ubisoft wants to punish people who are actually paying for the game this way.

[DarkDaY]

Well this sucks, guess I wont be buying SC conviction or any others while this is in effect.
Nice work ubi, thanks for the kick in the ass.

[Ulysses]

Well, glad I'm not interested in that game then.

[Pluvious]

It's shit like this that makes me glad I dumped PC gaming years ago. Bullshit like this keeps reaffirming my decision to switch to console gaming exclusively.
When will the rest of you break down and say enough is enough?

[Windsong]

I guess Thief 4 will have the same DRM.

[3Suns]

Let me preface this post by saying that I don't play games that I haven't paid for, unless the publisher/developer is offering it for free.

Having said that, I haven't seen or heard of any DRM that is good. The paying customer is penalized while the pirated versions still get out there, and those who don't pay get an infinitely less hassle-free experience.

Ultimately, if I were a PC gamer, I would refrain from buying any games that I couldn't do so over STEAM - much as I hate to support them into a monopoly position. It provides the least offensive way to purchase a new game these days - and you never have to worry about losing your serial number, or losing the game because your HD broke.

[Demo_Boy]

Next up, you need an XBox Live Gold account to play Assassin's Creed 3.

Really, this is an astonishingly dumb move. Kills any players on wifi, ie laptops.

[Mozgus]

It's shit like this that makes me glad I dumped PC gaming years ago. Bullshit like this keeps reaffirming my decision to switch to console gaming exclusively.
When will the rest of you break down and say enough is enough?

I dont own any current gen consoles, and frankly, I hope all these worthless big name publishers just abandon PC already. They dont make any games that impress me anymore. They're all so fucking stale. I want PC to just remain known as the #1 indie game & casual game platform. I guess after 21 years of gaming, the "hardcore" shit just doesn't do it for me anymore.

The sooner these soulless corps stop flooding my platform with their horse shit titles, the sooner it will become a level playing field for anyone with an original idea and the skill to expand upon it.

And if that does happen, the PC hardware scene can quit focusing on performance, and instead focus on affordability and reliability. And this is coming from a man with a fucking Core i7, folks.

[Nighthawk]

Shit like this affirms my belief in only buying games from Steam at this point. I also don't want to give them monopolistic powers of PC game distribution, but one client to purchase, download, update, and run my game? Its FAR less intrusive and covers the publisher by verifying its a legitimately purchased product. I'll take this in exchange for not having a physical DVD locked down by this draconian shit.

[wastedyears]

Wow, it sounds like their DRM scheme is even dumber than the 'Infiltrate the Mansion' written on the side of the building mission objective idea.

[yutt]

There are plenty of great games without insane DRM, and plenty of distribution systems that give customers at least the illusion of rights.

Ubisoft makes some decent games. Hopefully EA finally buys them so this insanity ends. Amusing to honestly say that.

[Johan]

When will the rest of you break down and say enough is enough?

When console gaming:

* doesn't cripple online features for some titles whenever the publisher decides to do so...
* doesn't cripple my ability to use older software on the latest hardware...
* doesn't charge me ten bucks more for the same game...
* doesn't throw me into an online sewer, which I can avoid on dedicated servers on the PC...
* Doesn't pin me down to download limits, or to combined hardware/account limitations.

I can play online with older games on the PC, I can use my older PC games on my newest hardware, I can get games cheaper on the PC, I can pick dedicated servers that boot people who ruin the experience for others, and my games move with me to whatever hardware I choose to utilize.

Console gaming is fun; I have two consoles and a bevy of handhelds as well. I've just grown to really appreciate the PC over the past year.

[blackzc]

It's shit like this that makes me glad I dumped PC gaming years ago. Bullshit like this keeps reaffirming my decision to switch to console gaming exclusively.
When will the rest of you break down and say enough is enough?

Um, consoles are to limited, have shitty graphics and to many 13 year old tards and potheads are online. Dont act like PC gamers are part of some outdated group of people that need to (get with the program). When the consoles shit on you all you can do is take it. With PCs at least you can do something about DRM like this.

Tell me how consoles are better. Other than you get to sit on your couch...

[ChaosDent]

Shit like this affirms my belief in only buying games from Steam at this point. I also don't want to give them monopolistic powers of PC game distribution, but one client to purchase, download, update, and run my game? Its FAR less intrusive and covers the publisher by verifying its a legitimately purchased product. I'll take this in exchange for not having a physical DVD locked down by this draconian shit.

I agree, but let's not jump to the conclusion that the Steam version of these games won't also have this requirement. It's not like other, inferior DRM schemes, online services and payment methods haven't slipped in through other games. ( SECU-ROM, Gamespy, Games for Windows Live and EA/Bioware's atrocious Social-network/DLC abomination I'm looking at all of you... )

Then again, Steam is always great for it's sales. $5 was about right for Assassin's Creed, I'd pick up AC II for that price, even if I did have to be online to play it.

[yutt]

You guys know there are many DRM-lite or free alternatives to Steam? Many people keep repeating the sentiments that they don't want to support Valve developing a monopoly. I love the Steam service, but there are viable alternatives.

http://www.gog.com
http://www.gamersgate.com
http://www.direct2drive.com
http://www.impulsedriven.com

[T-Dawg]

Unfortunately, pirating their titles will only cause even more Draconian DRM implementation in future releases. It enforces their current stance.

Honestly, the best course of action is to simply vote with your wallet; don't buy it. Hell, don't buy any Ubisoft titles, PC or otherwise! As much as I like Ubisoft, I don't mind boycotting their products. My Activision boycott is still going strong, so I have no qualm with adding more publishers to the list.

The better choice is to buy it; don't install it; download the cracked version instead; send a letter to Ubisoft's customer service telling them you don't approve of their actions.

Not buying the game will likely send the wrong message to developers and publishers - since they won't know if the low sales are due to quality of the game or piracy. You should also support the developers of games you like, letting them know that there IS a market for PC gaming, otherwise you just contribute to it's decline.

You could always not buy it, if your convictions are that strong - and more power to you, but I thought the reason we are here is because we like to play games. And while we all have to worry about added malware/spyware in cracks, I for one am thankful that there are groups out there actively doing these cracks. But I'm not going to use them just to avoid paying for a game that's worthy.

To invoke Wheaton's law: when it comes to supporting developers of games you love "Don't be a dick"

Just my opinion on the crappy situation.

[blackzc]

The sooner these soulless corps stop flooding my platform with their horse shit titles, the sooner it will become a level playing field for anyone with an original idea and the skill to expand upon it.

And if that does happen, the PC hardware scene can quit focusing on performance, and instead focus on affordability and reliability. And this is coming from a man with a fucking Core i7, folks.


1. Its always been about money. 2. There has never been a better time to be an indie developer, go to steam and look around. Maybe, just maybe the talent YOU want just isnt there. 3. Do you realize i play crysis basically wide open with a 56$ CPU and a 160$ video card? Stop for minute....ah.ah..NO! You stop it right now!!

Playing games on the PC has never been cheaper, its retarded how cheap it is right now. So really, whats the problem?

[Paranoia]

Based on MW2's PC fiasco, Internet boycott will do nothing.

[net7runner]

I'm getting really tired of buying a game, then immediately downloading a cracked version. I have multiple games here that I've beaten and never removed from the box.

[Mantooth]

So, if I take my laptop with me out of town to a location without internet access I am shit out of luck to play a game that I paid for? Looks like I will not be purchasing any of Ubisoft's games with this bullshit. I hope you give the genius behind this decision a raise.

[VinsanityV21]

Just more reasons to play it on consoles people; the way it's meant to be. For Assassin's Creed II I mean; Settlers belongs on a computer like every other RTS. For you Settlers fans, that sucks.

[Capt_Thad]

I guess Thief 4 will have the same DRM.

Why? Is Square-Enix putting Ubi's DRM into their new games now?

[tossetaz]

You guys know there are many DRM-lite or free alternatives to Steam? Many people keep repeating the sentiments that they don't want to support Valve developing a monopoly. I love the Steam service, but there are viable alternatives.

http://www.gog.com
http://www.gamersgate.com
http://www.direct2drive.com
http://www.impulsedriven.com

how does the DRM work in those systems? Been tempted to try direct2drive since it's available in Denmark.

[Jotoco]

You guys know there are many DRM-lite or free alternatives to Steam? Many people keep repeating the sentiments that they don't want to support Valve developing a monopoly. I love the Steam service, but there are viable alternatives.

http://www.gog.com
http://www.gamersgate.com
http://www.direct2drive.com
http://www.impulsedriven.com

I would, if they would sell games to people outside North America, as I said several times in the past.

[bickle]

Um, consoles are to limited, have shitty graphics and to many 13 year old tards and potheads are online.

Hello there! How are things back in 1990?

[Your Good Twin]

Will be amused to see reviewers agonize in their reviews over trying to convince us their high scores are justified. Here's hoping some smart reviewers give this game the properly low score it deserves for this kind of horse shit.

[92miata]

was more easy to download cracked, other than driving to the store to purchase.

drm is dead, didn't everybody get the message? we are all broke. you can come after me for figuring it out, but i don't have much, so what is the point. usa be gone.

[abso]

But is anyone really surprised at how draconian these methods are? I'm just wondering what it will take for the mega-publishers to disappear. I actually say good job throwing this kind of crap on your games. Continue to make yourselves more irrelevant. Continue to produce stale sequels. Continue to do everything you are doing such that consumers start looking to independent developers that can publish their titles directly online.

[Sarconix]

You guys know there are many DRM-lite or free alternatives to Steam? Many people keep repeating the sentiments that they don't want to support Valve developing a monopoly. I love the Steam service, but there are viable alternatives.

http://www.gog.com
http://www.gamersgate.com
http://www.direct2drive.com
http://www.impulsedriven.com

Well, Steam came first (more or less), which makes a difference for folks who like their games consolidated on a single service.

Steam also tends to have the best deals.

International availability is another concern, as some have mentioned.

That being said, I do have games from three out of those four services, but the vast majority of my digital games are from Steam.

Here's hoping the Ubi system doesn't make it to Steam, but I suspect it will be there: pausing the game based on an Internet connection is more systemic than a startup check. This "feature" will also make it harder to crack, I would assume.

[altaraxic]

I wonder if microsoft or sony are paying ubi to torture PC gamers like this. I'll keep playing my nintendo and PC thanks.

[Pluvious]

Um, consoles are to limited, have shitty graphics and to many 13 year old tards and potheads are online. Dont act like PC gamers are part of some outdated group of people that need to (get with the program). When the consoles shit on you all you can do is take it. With PCs at least you can do something about DRM like this.

Tell me how consoles are better. Other than you get to sit on your couch...

I disagree with your assessment of the current gen consoles. The graphics are certainly not shitty on my 42" 1080P HD plasma set.
I also appreciate how I can just stick the game disc in and it works. I got burnt so many times with having to trouble-shoot a new PC game I bought. (I had to give up and eat Stalker because I couldn't get it to run, same with the latest Unreal Tournament which had to have PC LIVE working in the background)
I also got tired of all the upgrading of video cards,mobo's (PCI switch) ,memory,etc etc.. it was just too much hassle the older I got. In my younger days it was 'fun' to tinker, but now.. I just want to play a game and not have to replace my PC parts every 6-12 months to get a game to run at good consent framerate. I know its a lot cheaper now and I could do it 'just once more' to catch back up... but what games are worth all that seriously?

The final straw was once they started with the DRM crap and told me when and how I can use a product I BOUGHT with my money I said cya.

The ONLY thing I miss from PC gaming is the keyboard and mouse precision control I could achieve. Oh and editing .ini files to my liking. Oh well.

[brandonjclark]

First of all, Pluvious, there are so many reasons I don't play console games and stick strictly to PC. I guess you and I are complete opposites.

Secondly, someone quick remind me why I don't torrent.

quick!

[Blog]

First of all, Pluvious, there are so many reasons I don't play console games and stick strictly to PC. I guess you and I are complete opposites.

Secondly, someone quick remind me why I don't torrent.

quick!Because... that... would... be...

...
...

Wrong?

[Duskfire]

Console gaming is good for lazy people like me. I don't have to fool around with anything. Throw in the disc, kick back, enjoy. Not to mention the games I enjoy playing, either seem to not come out on PC at all or are delayed horribly for various reasons. And I am not a patient person either.

I do have a pc, and I do play games on it. I just dont enjoy it as much as a console.

[shadow763]

You guys know there are many DRM-lite or free alternatives to Steam? Many people keep repeating the sentiments that they don't want to support Valve developing a monopoly. I love the Steam service, but there are viable alternatives.

http://www.gog.com
http://www.gamersgate.com
http://www.direct2drive.com
http://www.impulsedriven.com

GOG is excellent but doesn't carry the latest and greatest.

Direct2drive is good but has DRM on many titles.

Since I own all the consoles and have a good PC I can pick and choose where I buy things. I tend to now prefer PC gaming since the visuals tend to be better, the games are a lot cheaper, and for many games a controller is worse. But when DRM crops up, then the consoles get my money.

[Reaping_Ant]

Why don't they just put a "Don't Buy Me!" sticker on the box? That would be cheaper and have the same effect.
Luckily there are enough companies out there who actually seem to want my money.

Seriously though, it's kind of sad that you have to resort to cracks to use the games you buy in the way you want to.

[AntB]

Now that I don't own a 360 and they pulled this shit, I am most definitely going to pirate it. Entitlement. Fuck yeah.

[Syl]

Fuck this.

My internet connection isn't the most stable at all times. I'm not going to risk it.

[alienchild]

Since I got internet through fiber optics 5-6 years ago my internet has never been down, meaning I personally wouldn't have any problem playing these games.. but you know what? Fuck them for trying to force this shit on me. I got almost all Ubisoft titles on Steam (thats available in EU), but I am not going to buy ANY Ubi game with this DRM included. Like a previous poster stated; I've managed to maintain my Activision boycott, and I wouldn't mind putting Ubisoft on that list.

[Gedd]

If piracy is this big of a deal for Ubisoft i'd just as well agree with them not making any more PC games at all. Just go console exclusive; the PC doesn't need your ports anyway.

[bjornbarspingvinen]

Because... that... would... be...

...
...

Wrong?

Or maybe , just maybe there are people making a living out of making these games... not the rich people at the top, but ordinary people making a decent living.

[Derella]

I'll pass thanks.

[Strider]

Hahah, this is great! No, really!

Remember when you tried to argue with non-techies how DRM screws up their computer and screws them, and you couldn't make your point?

Well, Ubisoft to the rescue. Thanks for taking this on yourselves Ubisoft! I know it's not intentional, but you'll see :).

[defiant]

This will stop pirates for maybe a day...2 days tops.

All they end up doing is wasting money and resources that could be better spent improving the game and otherwise screwing paying customers.

[blackzc]

First of all, Pluvious, there are so many reasons I don't play console games and stick strictly to PC. I guess you and I are complete opposites.

Secondly, someone quick remind me why I don't torrent.

quick!

Because steam is dirt cheap and torrented games never work 100%?

[White667]

Shit. Shit. Fuck.
Seriously? I really wanted to play this game but that's just stupid. A mixture of a boycott and not putting up with this crap.

Surely they could just put it on Steam and let them deal with it? That way they can tell shareholders they've taken precautionary measures and if there's a big problem with piracy then they can blame steam. They're covered and gamers aren't fucked.

[ElfShotTheFood]

This item could have been posted without the swearing.

[revoc]

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see their games get a grand total of $1000 in sales and see it plastered on every news site. But gamers as a group are sheep. They will probably make millions.

[brandonjclark]

Thanks to Blackz and Bjorn~ for keeping me straight.

[Chimpbot]

Shit like this affirms my belief in only buying games from Steam at this point. I also don't want to give them monopolistic powers of PC game distribution, but one client to purchase, download, update, and run my game? Its FAR less intrusive and covers the publisher by verifying its a legitimately purchased product. I'll take this in exchange for not having a physical DVD locked down by this draconian shit.

What happens if that single source goes belly-up? I know this has been brough up countless times, but it's still a very realistic threat. I own far too many titles on Steam, but I also don't lie to myself. They are subscriptions according to the EULA, so they have no real obligation to "do the right thing" and make the games useable if they happen to go the way of the dodo.

Ultimately, if I were a PC gamer, I would refrain from buying any games that I couldn't do so over STEAM - much as I hate to support them into a monopoly position. It provides the least offensive way to purchase a new game these days - and you never have to worry about losing your serial number, or losing the game because your HD broke.

After buying ME2 through Steam, my eyes were opened.
While it's the first time it happened, one of the serial keys Steam provided to me was completely, utterly and entirely invalid. Sure, it was the Digital Deluxe promo key, so I wasn't able to use the collector's edition armor or rifle...but still. I spent over four hours trying to find a solution, over an hour of which was spent waiting for an EA customer service rep to become available. Due to said rep's good graces, I was supplied with a new key...but this was a hassle I've never had to deal with when I exclusively bought boxed copies. They could have easily told me to sod off.

The better choice is to buy it; don't install it; download the cracked version instead; send a letter to Ubisoft's customer service telling them you don't approve of their actions.

Not buying the game will likely send the wrong message to developers and publishers - since they won't know if the low sales are due to quality of the game or piracy. You should also support the developers of games you like, letting them know that there IS a market for PC gaming, otherwise you just contribute to it's decline.

You could always not buy it, if your convictions are that strong - and more power to you, but I thought the reason we are here is because we like to play games. And while we all have to worry about added malware/spyware in cracks, I for one am thankful that there are groups out there actively doing these cracks. But I'm not going to use them just to avoid paying for a game that's worthy.

To invoke Wheaton's law: when it comes to supporting developers of games you love "Don't be a dick"

Just my opinion on the crappy situation.

I don't want to jump through extra hoops to play a game I've purchased legally. Downloading cracks from unreputable sources to play a game I paid for just doesn't sound appealing to me.

As a gamer, I'm here to play games. As a consumer, I'm here to vote with my wallet and look out for my best interests. Activision is no longer looking out for my best interests as a PC gamer, so I simply won't be buying any products from that company thanks to the Modern Warfare 2 fiasco. Ubisoft is quickly moving in the very same direction.

If a company is going to pull stunts like this, they simply won't get my money. Period. End of story.
There are plenty of other companies out there who do want my money and want to treat me like a normal human being at the same time. I'll play their games instead.

[lockwoodx]

Watch ubisoft drop the ball and forget to put on the box in big letters "MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET AT ALL TIMES" then have to refund all the games.

[lockwoodx]

To invoke Wheaton's law: when it comes to supporting developers of games you love "Don't be a dick"

Just my opinion on the crappy situation.

Or, don't support the publisher till the developers break off to create their own indy studio, then support the fuck out of that. I loves me some Torchlight.

[Tolgar]

Not to mention the ubisoft devs are lazy when it came to AC1, they didn't even bother to code non-widescreen support, first game I've ever played on a square monitor letterboxed......

Pirates are just gonna hack/spoof wherever this thing is gonna be calling home to 1-2 days after it comes out, and once they do that, they have the way to break all ubisoft DRM that comes out in the future.

Here's hoping they get both class action lawsuits for not putting MUST BE ONLINE FOREVER in bigger text than the game title on the box and no money for being pirated out the wazoo and go back to their freaking consoles.

Stupid French.

[Pnikosis]

Let's see a brief history of Ubisoft regarding their consumers:
- They used Starforce which installed hidden drivers and caused compatibility issues.
- They charge about a 50% more to their european customers in the digital distribution systems (charging even more than if you use the $1 = €1). Very nice from an european company, by the way.
- Installation limits through SecuROM with their latest games.
- And now this...

I was waiting so much the newest Splinter Cell, and now I feel like if Sam Fisher would have kicked me in the balls.

[Rhaze]

DRM lamesauce once again. When will the companies learn?

[Franjo]

Doesn't everybody here have an internet connection?

[Johan]

Doesn't everybody here have an internet connection?

Well, that's not really the point here, but no, I don't.

: this message brought to you via digital telepathy :

;)

[Cutter99]

After buying ME2 through Steam, my eyes were opened.
While it's the first time it happened, one of the serial keys Steam provided to me was completely, utterly and entirely invalid....

...I don't want to jump through extra hoops to play a game I've purchased legally....

...As a gamer, I'm here to play games.

Honestly, isn't that problem just as likely to happen with any game that comes with a serial number? I've had that happen with a boxed copy (very long ago - I'm sure it's pretty rare in all cases.)

But really if you're looking to fiddle less with your games, Steam seems to be ther better option. On a lark I reinstalled Battlefield 2 the other day - I had forgotten how many annoying patch files we used to have to run down. I'm not saying Steam is the Repository of Holiness, but if you're looking to jump through *less hoops* - Steam is great.

[BalekFekete]

I got off the 'upgrade your PC to keep up with current games' wagon several years ago, opting for console gaming, soooo...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/mrgreen72/page8_blog_entry21_1.gif

[Sarconix]

Doesn't everybody here have an internet connection?

Ever traveled with a laptop?

Ever had your DSL connection drop during a storm?

Ever served your country in the armed services overseas?

The reliability of an Internet connection is not something you should have to depend on for a single-player game, period. I was actually somewhat OK with limited activations. You only need the Internet connection once, to activate. Not cool, but not a disaster. But this crosses a line.

I am glad to see that a lot of people here are annoyed by this: it may not affect them directly, but it can easily affect fellow gamers, and it will only get worse if we allow this to continue.

I got off the 'upgrade your PC to keep up with current games' wagon several years ago, opting for console gaming, soooo...

"First they came for the PCs, then they came for the consoles..."

Once they finish corrupting PCs with intrusive DRM, you can bet consoles are next. Maybe not this console generation, but it will come. Better to make some noise now.

[Radiozo]

That does it. Im never buying another PC game from Ubisoft.

[Major Dan]

I don't game on PCs much anymore, most notably Civ IV on my Mac, but this would suck!

[Franjo]

Big deal you need an internet connection while you play the game...is it the end of the world if your game gets interrupted because your connection is down??

This is what you have to deal with when you buy PC games, piracy has ruined it for you.

Now with your unwillingness to accept the DRM you will refuse to buy the game. Then the developer see's the sad sales and decides to cut the game and ultimately stop developing pc games for people who bitch and complain all the time.

Either put up with DRM or buy a console.

[pwnophobia]

Big deal you need an internet connection while you play the game...is it the end of the world if your game gets interrupted because your connection is down??

So I'm not allowed to install this game on a laptop and play on the go? I don't always have internet access while in an airplane, a car or even a hotel room.

[yutt]

Big deal you need an internet connection while you play the game...is it the end of the world if your game gets interrupted because your connection is down??
What does the end of the world have to do with this conversation? Is mindless exaggeration the only defense you have?

This is what you have to deal with when you buy PC games, piracy has ruined it for you.No it isn't "what we have to deal with" considering there is not a single existing game with these restrictions. Hence people being upset. Further, Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii games are all easily pirated. The manufacturers just prefer to keep quiet about that, as if somehow their magical boxes prevent piracy.

Now with your unwillingness to accept the DRM you will refuse to buy the game. Then the developer see's the sad sales and decides to cut the game and ultimately stop developing pc games for people who bitch and complain all the time.There are over 1,000,000,000 PCs in the world (http://news.cnet.com/2100-1040-940713.html) (2002).
There are around ~4,000,000 Xbox 360s in the world (http://kotaku.com/5442283/xbox-360-39-million-consoles-sold-only-half-are-on-xbox-live?tag=recent_news;title;5) (2010).

PC games aren't going anywhere. I will never have problem getting high quality PC games with reasonable consumer rights. Ubisoft will simply no longer get my money.

[Clancy]

So I'm not allowed to install this game on a laptop and play on the go? I don't always have internet access while in an airplane, a car or even a hotel room.

Nope.
You are obviously a thief, who steals bandwidth from your neighbor. :rolleyes:

This is just a huge excuse for ubi to kill off their PC gaming division, claiming they 'tried their best', and it resulted in huge losses.
Shareholders need to oust Ubi's CEO.

[yutt]

So I'm not allowed to install this game on a laptop and play on the go? I don't always have internet access while in an airplane, a car or even a hotel room.
Deal with it. Why don't you just buy a Xbox 360 to play on the plane? You're too fucking cheap, and you pirate games, that's why.

[yutt]

There are around ~4,000,000 Xbox 360s in the world (http://kotaku.com/5442283/xbox-360-39-million-consoles-sold-only-half-are-on-xbox-live?tag=recent_news;title;5) (2010)This should be 40,000,000, sorry.

[Franjo]

So I'm not allowed to install this game on a laptop and play on the go? I don't always have internet access while in an airplane, a car or even a hotel room.

Because of piracy, no you cannot

[Sarconix]

Because of piracy, no you cannot

Because of piracy... and overreaction by a particular publisher. Don't forget that second part.

There is more than one way to react to piracy of your products. Many publishers don't require draconian DRM, and are still financially successful.

[Anenome]

This is the wave of the future, TBH. If a model like this results in a significant piracy drop, it'll expand.

[Franjo]

What does the end of the world have to do with this conversation? Is mindless exaggeration the only defense you have?

No it isn't "what we have to deal with" considering there is not a single existing game with these restrictions. Hence people being upset. Further, Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii games are all easily pirated. The manufacturers just prefer to keep quiet about that, as if somehow their magical boxes prevent piracy.

Actually it IS what you have to deal with. Of course it's the first game that has these type of restrictions. Ever thought why? Oh that's right the growing rate of piracy that's why. Developers have to come up with new ways to try to stop it.

Yeah you can pirate things on the console as well, but lets for example use the 360. If you're caught having modified firmware, you're off of live. I don't know if you've owned an xbox without live, but in my mind it's useless. Go take a look at craigslist and see all the modded xbox's on there. People want to unload them because they don't have online functionality.

On the flip side I'm sure Microsoft has sold a few systems because somebody modded their xbox, got burned and bought another legit one. The whole point here is they have the power to screw you.

The problem with the PC is, there is no threat to stop pirating. What are they going to do take your internet's away? What can they do to make more money from you? nothing. Hence the reason PC gamers are screwed and have to realize it's a dying fad.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Civ4, and other pc games. I just know that you have to accept DRM or buy a console

[brandonjclark]

I just know that you have to accept DRM or buy a console

Hey, you're sounding like a tool. Shut up an accept it? That's your stance?

Wow, you're easily controlled.

[Franjo]

Hey, you're sounding like a tool. Shut up an accept it? That's your stance?

What would you do, write a petition? You have to make a choice Sherlock. Either accept it and buy the game or don't accept it and don't buy the game.

Are you too retarded to understand this?

[brandonjclark]

What would you do, write a petition? You have to make a choice Sherlock. Either accept it and buy the game or don't accept it and don't buy the game.

Are you too retarded to understand this?


Granted, my mother probably did drop me one too many times and given the fact that my middle name is Sherlock, maybe you're right.

>>>runs off the write petition

you fucking prick, you're changing your words around. First you tell us to just shut up and like it or buy a console and now you've come to your senses and realize we've actually got a say in it with our wallets which is what everyone has been arguing with you about? Maybe you're too retarded to understand your own posts, retard.!

[morose]

It's not like there are a lack of excellent games on the PC. You don't have to bend over and take it from any publisher. So yeah... I'll just vote against Ubisoft with my wallet. Too bad... I was looking forward to SC:Conviction and AC3. Wonder how many other sales they lost due to this silly choice?

[Samstag]

I just know that you have to accept DRM or buy a console

Which DRM-free console do you recommend?

[Franjo]

Granted, my mother probably did drop me one too many times and given the fact that my middle name is Sherlock, maybe you're right.

>>>runs off the write petition

you fucking prick, you're changing your words around. First you tell us to just shut up and like it or buy a console and now you've come to your senses and realize we've actually got a say in it with our wallets which is what everyone has been arguing with you about? Maybe you're too retarded to understand your own posts, retard.!

Well what other systems is Assassins Creed 2 on? Answer: A console. Hence the reason I said buy a console. See how that works? So again, either shutup play the game with the DRM, or buy the game on a console.

Let me break it down for you a step further to where you might be able to understand:

Wanting to purchase Assassins Creed 2?

- Are you okay with the fact you need a internet connection to play the PC Version of the game: YES/NO

YES: Go to 1.)
NO: Go to 2.)


1.) Buy PC version of AC2
2.) Buy console version of AC2

Class is over, jump back on the short bus for the ride home.

[Johan]

Which DRM-free console do you recommend?

Well said...well said. :)

[Franjo]

Which DRM-free console do you recommend?

Pick whichever one will make some PC gamers stop crying.

[Ulysses]

Who's crying ? and over what, supposedly ?

[Capt_Thad]

Well what other systems is Assassins Creed 2 on? Answer: A console. Hence the reason I said buy a console. See how that works? So again, either shutup play the game with the DRM, or buy the game on a console.

We're not mad that we can't buy ACII. We're mad that if we buy it on the platform we want to buy it on, we have to deal with invasive restrictions.

Nobody is debating that not buying the game is or isn't an option... in fact many people have already said that. No one is saying you can't buy it on a console instead of a PC... but anyone who thinks consoles are free of DRM is insane. They're pretty much machines designed exclusively for enforcing DRM.

The only option under scrutiny here is the one that allows us to buy the game on our PC's without being connected to the internet constantly. It's pointless, it's insulting, and it's annoying. It even goes so far to needlessly cripple a solid portion of the player base's ability to play (again, focus on "their platform of choice" statement here).

In short, your angry ranting has little or nothing to do with the topic at hand. Now while a petition may be useless, that doesn't mean we don't have a right to complain about this in a forum. Either you should be checking what site you're on, or you should re-evaluate the meaning of the word forum (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/forum). If the discussion upsets you, then you're posting in the wrong thread. If you don't care about the PC version of ACII, then this thread does not apply to you.

On topic: I too find this a little upsetting. Was wondering which system I'd prefer to have this on, now I'm a little closer to figuring that out. Kinda used to having to be online to play though, used to running everything through Steam or even the odd game through GfwL. There has to be more than a "we're watching you play" take on this.

It's already been confirmed that you can upload your saves, so you'd be able to access your save data from your account. I think I'd prefer it if everyone just used Steamworks. You get all the features of having a robust account system (friends lists, achievements, auto-patching), plus you get the anti-piracy. You're happy, the users are happy, the world is a slightly better place. Some digital retailers might complain though...

[Capt_Thad]

The only option under scrutiny here is the one that allows us to buy the game on our PC's without being connected to the internet constantly.

Should read:


The only 'option' under scrutiny here is the lack of one that allows us to buy the game on our PC's without being connected to the internet constantly.

[yutt]

Actually it IS what you have to deal with.No, it isn't.

I'm not sure why you continually feel the need to exaggerate so extremely. This isn't the past, present, or future of PC gaming. A handful of studios, that were traditionally console-focused, are shipping poor PC ports with absurd restrictions.

The vast, vast majority of PC games will be continue to be completely unaffected by this.

If you're caught having modified firmware, you're off of live.And if you're caught with pirated version of any PC game that uses a centralized server browser, you lose access to those services. But you can still use your PC, play other games, browse the Internet; or even purchase the game you first foolishly pirated and then play online.

Hence the reason PC gamers are screwed and have to realize it's a dying fad.Perhaps you missed my post where I showed the size disparity between the PC and 360 markets. Any company abandoning the PC does so at their own peril.

Companies like Ubisoft are dying (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/ubisoft-first-half-profits-plummet-into-loss-alongside-falling-r/) while new comers like Zynga are generating massive profits (http://www.businessinsider.com/2009/1/time-to-stop-laughing-selling-virutal-goods-zynga-profits-on-50-million-revenues). Welcome to the Internet age buddy. It is the 1980s relic standalone gaming consoles that are a dying fad. They require massive research and education investment by developers, with licensing and distribution fees that cut into profits and move their product price out of the range of average consumers.

[Johan]

Which DRM-free console do you recommend?Pick whichever one will make some PC gamers stop crying.

You misunderstand. I believe the point is that consoles ARE inherently hardware (and software, through online checks) DRM devices!

As for the whole "PC gaming is dying" or "console gaming is dying" or "this is better than that"....

WHO CARES! I for one am platform agnostic. I'll play the games wherever they land.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

PC gaming is not a "Dying fad" or any of that bullshit. It will be around as long as Personal Computers are... You must be literally retarded[sic] to think PC gaming is dying in any way.

Where did this dipshit Franjo come from anyways?

[Dag-Sabot]

You misunderstand. I believe the point is that consoles ARE inherently hardware (and software, through online checks) DRM devices!

As for the whole "PC gaming is dying" or "console gaming is dying" or "this is better than that"....

WHO CARES! I for one am platform agnostic. I'll play the games wherever they land.Yes, yes you've made that point very clear. What I would really like to know is your stance on purchasing games: Do you buy new or do you wait for discounted G.O.T.Y. editions?

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

Yes, yes you've made that point very clear. What I would really like to know is your stance on purchasing games: Do you buy new or do you wait for discounted G.O.T.Y. editions?

Johan blindly buys games on day one and usually does a preorder as well for those ultra awesomely epic collectibles. The hype machine controls us all.

[Dag-Sabot]

Great! Im glad to hear it. Voting with your wallet will simply undermine the economic pillars that is America. If I know Johan, I know that he loves America, and Detroit.

[Johan]

Do you buy new or do you wait for discounted G.O.T.Y. editions?

Well, the two are not mutually exclusive. I buy "new" at retail, but I wait for the price to drop to <$20 (really more like <$15 nowadays, with all the deals out there). I have hundreds of games on multiple platforms, both digital and disc-based, and can count the used purchases with fewer than ten fingers.

Johan blindly buys games on day one and usually does a preorder as well for those ultra awesomely epic collectibles. The hype machine controls us all.

I bought Halo 3 at full price on release in Sept. of '07. I bought Modern Warfare at full price in Nov. of '07. I bought World at War at full price on release in Nov. of '08. I got Modern Warfare 2 as a gift, spending $20 to bump my order to the Hardened edition (so I spent $20 out of pocket). During the same period of time I've purchased literally an embarrassing number of games (a couple hundred). Most are in the $5-$20 range, through Steam, on the DS, or older discounted titles. All were bought new. I haven't bought a used game in years. It seems the last full-price (above $40) title that I have bought is from fifteen months ago. That's a while.

I got off the hype train a few years back. I find myself pining for some of the games many of you can afford at launch, but I cannot possibly justify it in my own personal circumstances. So I wait, until I can rationalize spending the money...which is what we all ultimately do (rationalize it! :)).

Voting with your wallet will simply undermine the economic pillars that is America.

Voting with your wallet is an essential facet of capitalism, which is part of what made us a wealthy nation, back a few decades ago when we didn't spend all of our own, and the rest of the world's, money. ;)

If I know Johan, I know that he loves America, and Detroit. I love freedom, including the freedom for people to live in a sewer like Detroit. It's a wonderful town, I've heard. :D

[bjornbarspingvinen]

FUnny how people have no problem being online all time when playing wow.
FFS people are online all the time anyhow. Moaning pc gamers...

[Duskfire]

FUnny how people have no problem being online all time when playing wow.
FFS people are online all the time anyhow. Moaning pc gamers...

I am no PC gamer, but when people buy WoW, they are having the choice of playing online, as that is what it is. Assassins Creed 2 has no online component whatsoever, so all it really is doing is making those who bought a legimiate version work harder to play it. Not to mention the whole, if you disconnect you lose progress situation. Theres a billion things that can disrupt your internet connection, even for only a couple of seconds.

[Nominal]

a billion things that can disrupt your internet connection, even for only a couple of seconds.
I am a field technician for an ISP and saying "I can attest to this" would be an understatement. In fact, people losing their internet connection even only for a couple of seconds due to circumstances completely beyond my control is a major component of my life right now.

So yeah, this DRM is ridiculous and I'll have no problem not purchasing Ubisoft games that use it. I've got plenty of other games to play, I'll be alright.

[dolemite01]

http://support.uk.ubi.com/online-services-platform/
Pretty draconian things.

[Doctorossi]

The "Consoles have DRM, too!" argument is pretty silly here. Sure, they technically do, but what we're really talking about is the symptoms associated with obtrusive and restrictive DRM.

You aren't required to be online in perpetuity when you play Assassin's Creed on Xbox 360.

You aren't limited to X number of installation attempts when you play Prince of Persia on PS3.

That's the difference.

[Venkman]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/791728635_VJ8Qa-L.jpg

[Samstag]

The "Consoles have DRM, too!" argument is pretty silly here. Sure, they technically do, but what we're really talking about is the symptoms associated with obtrusive and restrictive DRM.

Try googling for complaints about Dragon Age and Mass Effect 2 not allowing you to play on your console when the EA servers are down, even though your connection to Xbox Live is fine.

It may be nowhere near as bad as what Ubi is doing right now, but the only thing keeping Ubi from doing the same thing on your 360 or PS3 is Microsoft and Sony, and that could end as soon as the price is right.

[Doctorossi]

Try googling for complaints about Dragon Age and Mass Effect 2 not allowing you to play on your console when the EA servers are down, even though your connection to Xbox Live is fine.

Well, if the multiplayer servers a game runs on are down, they're down, regardless of DRM. The point is, you can still play the game on your console, even if you don't have an Xbox Live connection at all.

[Samstag]

Well, if the multiplayer servers a game runs on are down, they're down, regardless of DRM.

Wow. Multiplayer servers for DA:O and ME2?

The point is, you can still play the game on your console, even if you don't have an Xbox Live connection at all.

The point is that Xbox Live already has a system in place for authenticating DLC. These two games require additional authentication from a company willing to shut down support for games less than 2 years old.

[Doctorossi]

Fair enough. That's some BS right there.

[Alfred P McLovely III]

Fortunately AC2 is really good about autosaving.