Ken Levine says Bioshock Eventually Won't Need Online Activation
Joystiq got their hands on Ken Levine again to discuss the issues with Bioshock, widescreen problems, copy protection, and gives a response to the people who call the game a "child murder simulator". One of the interesting things to note however is that Levine says the Bioshock activation is only temporary:
Quote:
Given the internets and what they are -- with their tubes and all -- I want to sort of talk about the concerns people have. We take the concerns people have very seriously. There's been some concern like, "What happens if it's three years from now, or ten years from now, when I want to play this game. And, you know, Irrational Games has been hit by a meteor?" We will unset the online activation at some point in the future -- we're not talking about when. If people have concern about that they shouldn't be worried about that. This activation is for the early period of the game when it's really hot and there are people really trying to find ways to play the game without buying it. Of course, there are a lot of people who are legitimately trying to play it. We're not trying to be Draconian, we're trying to find a balance.
Once Irrational works out the proper way to launch a good game I will pick this up. In the meantime I can wait until they get their shit in gear. I think that Irrational thought that just because they made a good game that they could try to get away with all this other crap. I don't appreciate that as a customer.
This activation is for the early period of the game when it's really hot and there are people really trying to find ways to play the game without buying it.
Thats good to hear. That was actually my number one concern.
I had faith Ken and Irrational knew it would be a problem, but I was worried thier hands were tied one way or another. Typically support for a game is dropped so suddenly that theres no time for a patch to fix any dependences on the publisher. I guess Bioshock is too fondly loved by its creators and too popular to meet that fate.
I would really like to know the profit breakdowns from publishing on PC vs. console.
I think such figures could put all the whining to rest if it turns out that console is a bigger earner. As a developer I'd have a lot less PR to worry about.
"Fuck the headaches, we're making this one console only."
I'm still not buying the "added extra pixels for fullscreen" argument. I don't think they would have designed the pov for widescreen with half a hand showing.
I'm still not buying the "added extra pixels for fullscreen" argument. I don't think they would have designed the pov for widescreen with half a hand showing.
Have you played the game beyond the demo? I ask this because weapons like the shotgun display a full arm for all you limb fetish enthusiasts.
The DRM issue is boring. Now this is a much more interesting point:
Quote:
Do you harvest the Little Sisters?
Honestly, I -- can't. [Laughs] That's what I liked about it. I had a journalist talk to me yesterday who said his fiancé saw him harvest a Little Sister and now he's sleeping on the couch. I'm glad that people take it seriously. They can immerse themselves in the experience. I'm not one of the people who does, I know there are people who do, but they have to live with that choice.
