Gabe Doesn't Like DRM Strategies

[modeps]

Valve's very own Gabe Newell has commented on DRM through an email to some dude stating that he feels most DRM strategies are dumb and the goal should be to add value, not decrease it. Additionally, he states that the industry may be headed in the right direction, looking to abandon the draconian styles. Tech in Hiding (http://games.techinhiding.com/2008/12/02/gabe-newell-calls-drm-dumb-says-goal-should-be-to-create-greater-value/):

As far as DRM goes, most DRM strategies are just dumb. The goal should be to create greater value for customers through service value (make it easy for me to play my games whenever and wherever I want to), not by decreasing the value of a product (maybe I'll be able to play my game and maybe I won't).

We really really discourage other developers and publishers from using the broken DRM offerings, and in general there is a groundswell to abandon those approaches.

Thanks GamePolitics (http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/12/02/report-valve039s-gabe-newell-disses-drm).

Proof that Valve is king.

[Blade]

Valve has been king since November, 1998.

[firecut]

fixed:

"Gabe Doesn't Like DRM Strategies other than Steam."

[shiznit]

Steam doesn't punish legit gamers or treat them like criminals.

[firecut]

Steam doesn't punish legit gamers or treat them like criminals.

....Gabe doesn't seem to be refusing to allow EA games with Secure ROM on steam though.

$$$ > hate of DRM?


Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on Valve. ;)

[shiznit]

....Gabe doesn't seem to be refusing to allow EA games with Secure ROM on steam though.

$$$ > hate of DRM?


Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on Valve. ;)
EA games are on Steam? I thought they used their own digital distribution service?

[Bahamut]

Steam doesn't punish legit gamers or treat them like criminals.

It does punish via not letting you resell your PC game. However it does also create more value with allowing you to download whatever game you purchased that's on Steam as many times as you like from wherever you like, as long as you log in onto your Steam account.

[Johan]

fixed:

"Gabe Doesn't Like DRM Strategies other than Steam."

Truth.

Steam is a very, very positive approach in virtually every way but one; reselling. That's a real loss for some people, but the positives are many and varied. I like Steam, even if I am "teh suck" on it for lack of using it. :D

[Rarely Operable Brain]

I don't re-sell games, so that "con" of Steam is a non-issue for me. I've always liked Steam, and even grown to *love* it as it's added additional features through the years. :cool:

[Mephistopheles]

I have my issues with Steam but overall it's working for me at the moment. I don't feel like I'm being cavity searched sans lube simply for trying to use software I've paid to use.

Valve and Stardock seem to be on the same page when it comes to policies and methods for protecting their investments without declaring war on their customers.

[revelation]

Steam doesn't punish legit gamers or treat them like criminals.

Tell that to my friend who hasn't been able to log in to his account after it had been hacked for the past four-months and waiting. And yes, he's called, e-mailed and done the whole runaround only to end up with...nada.

[shiznit]

Tell that to my friend who hasn't been able to log in to his account after it had been hacked for the past four-months and waiting. And yes, he's called, e-mailed and done the whole runaround only to end up with...nada.
wow that sucks, there is no way to prove you are the original account holder and get your games back?

[Valkyrist]

I was just gonna say "wait isn't Steam a form of DRM?" but several of you beat me to it.

Yes, I know, steam isn't even remotely close to how bad SecureRom is. But ye who is without sin, cast the first stone.

Also would like to point out that GTA4, that was released TODAY on steam, has SecureRom built in.

As in, Steam + SecureRom

Where is your dislike now, Gabe?

[F3nyx]

I was just gonna say "wait isn't Steam a form of DRM?" but several of you beat me to it.

Yes, I know, steam isn't even remotely close to how bad SecureRom is. But ye who is without sin, cast the first stone.

Also would like to point out that GTA4, that was released TODAY on steam, has SecureRom built in.

As in, Steam + SecureRom

Where is your dislike now, Gabe?

Blame the headline for putting words in his mouth. He said he dislikes "most," not all.

[alienchild]

[GOOD DRM]----1-------[NEUTRAL]---------2--[BAD DRM]

1 - Steam
2 - SecuROM/Tages

Steam is just a login system for getting access to your games. In return for this inconvenience you get access to the games anywhere you want. SecuROM is a spyware piece of shit software that can fuck up your comp and in many cases limits you to install your games a certain number of times.

I just don't understand downies who complain about Steam. Well, except for that reselling part... although reselling is for poor hobos. Get a job.