id Software CEO: piracy pushed us multiplatform
by Ross Miller 
{ Mar 9th 2007 at 5:28PM }
At an early session Friday, id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead gave a lecture on the problems of piracy on the internet. During his speech, Hollenshead revealed that, although they are still primarily a PC developer, id Software had begun to look at console game releases as a way to financially combat piracy."Piracy has pushed id as being multiplatform," Hollenshead said, noting that the current project Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is being scheduled for release on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Hollenshead's rationale is that console piracy is, by a large factor, minimal relative to the rampant PC piracy.
In Hollenshead's lecture, entitled "The Videogame Piracy Problem: Fifteen Men on a Dead Man's Chest," was a discussion on the problems of piracy, his company's experiences with the issues, and suggestions to help the diffuse the issue.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
pete @ Mar 9th 2007 5:34PM
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars. ohhh yeah cant wait till this baby drops, bitcomet eagerly awaits!;)
pete @ Mar 9th 2007 5:35PM
i jest by the way, my laptop cant even run that shit!
Shagittarius @ Mar 9th 2007 5:35PM
It a shame to see the best platform hurt by piracy, well we might as well just all develope for the Wii now.
Farseer @ Mar 9th 2007 5:45PM
LOL, only Shagittarius can shit on the Wii with an article that has absolutely nothing to do with it. The big N or its console isn't even mentioned here. Did Nintendo kill your mom, dude?
SeriousKriss @ Mar 9th 2007 5:50PM
What was the last good game Id Software developped? Seriously, they should also consider the fact that their latest games were average at best. I'm honestly not convinced that the 360 version of Quake 4 gave them a big boost in sales.
Guy- @ Mar 9th 2007 5:51PM
Oh please Id. Making boring, dark, over-hyped first person shooters that cant that are years behind the competition gameplay-wise made them go multi platform. This is 2007, not 1999. Id is irrelavant.
alienclay @ Mar 9th 2007 5:50PM
i just bought a wireless usb keyboard and mouse for my ps3,
maybe unreal tournament 3 will support the best control scheme and i won't hurt so much.
stephentur @ Mar 9th 2007 5:54PM
PC gaming peaked in 99-00 and has fallen off since. With the availability of broadband pc games are fast and easy to pirate so it's only a matter of time before "locked" consoles will be the home for developer's time/money. Don't get me wrong, games like Warcraft will always be around for the PC it's just that a f-ing sweet 42' Plasma looking back at you is too much for most gamers(like me) to ever think of going back to clicking a mouse.
Kuipo @ Mar 9th 2007 5:58PM
Possibly people didn't buy your games because anything after Doom3 sucked? Sounds just like the movie industry... We can't just be making crappy games, it MUST be piracy.
SeriousKriss @ Mar 9th 2007 5:58PM
@ stephentur : it has never actually "fallen off"; it kept growing, just at a slower pace than console gaming.
And no law prevents you from hooking up a PC to a plasma screen.
john @ Mar 9th 2007 6:03PM
Um... Yay Piracy?
fox @ Mar 9th 2007 6:11PM
Why try and justify something that didn't need justification in the first place? It was a fairly obvious move to bring Quake Wars to consoles. And if id really felt compelled to explain themselves why not tell the truth? The console market is a much more profitable market. That and let's be honest, id isn't raking in the money from licensing their engines anymore.
Autocrawler @ Mar 9th 2007 6:16PM
"it's just that a f-ing sweet 42' Plasma looking back at you is too much for most gamers(like me) to ever think of going back to clicking a mouse."
Shut. Up. Right. Here. Please.
Connect your PC to a HDTV, as I did, and stop complaining about this.
AJB @ Mar 9th 2007 6:17PM
um. . . i think videogame makers would like to "defuse" the issue, not "diffuse" it. don't you have an editor?
Autocrawler @ Mar 9th 2007 6:18PM
Also, more on-topic:
What does piracy have anything to do with sales of a MULTIPLAYER shooter, I wonder?
cw @ Mar 9th 2007 6:22PM
Multiplayer PC game = No piracy.
Singleplayer PC game = Piracy.
Singleplayer PC game with Multiplayer aspect = Piracy
Singleplayer PC game with WORTHWHILE Multiplayer aspect = No piracy.
You'd think they'd figure it out by now.
Empty_One @ Mar 9th 2007 6:35PM
I have one major problem with PC shooters going to consoles. Mods. You can't have the large community modding that happens with games like the Quake series if it is on a console. Yes, they may make some basic map editor or something, but there won't be the total conversions, or the mods that really tweak the game play. That's what kept games like Quake alive for so long.
Although, that's probably what they want. Why have consumers play the same game for years, like in the past, when you can force Quake '08 down their throats next year.
Rubang B @ Mar 9th 2007 6:43PM
Empty_One has solved the riddle.
Imagine what would happen to EA's wallet if they let you mod Madden, so the fans could constantly update the team rosters and player stats.
Nobody benefits from mods, except for Valve, because then they buy the mods and make more money, Counterstrike and Portal style.
Poisoned Al @ Mar 9th 2007 6:45PM
Piracy on the PC is a problem yes, but is it just me that's noticed that piracy gets blamed for all developer's ills? Of course making no interesting games for several years has nothing to do with poor sales. It's all the pirates fault! It's your fault for giving copies of a game you mate wouldn't had bought anyway. I hope your happy YOU MURDERER!
Rob @ Mar 9th 2007 6:55PM
And the circle is complete.
I left PC gaming for console gaming partly because of the copy protection crap being put on games. (the other reason the publish then patch mentality)
Dave @ Mar 9th 2007 7:11PM
id Software is the Metallica of the game industry.
Black Velvet Elvis @ Mar 9th 2007 7:40PM
It's probably easier to pirate a console game than a PC game.
They're just chasing the money, that's all.
Anonymous @ Mar 9th 2007 7:31PM
Quake Wars:Enemy Territory is going to be awesome, but I'd rather have a sequel to Wolfenstein:Enemy Territory, instead of Quake Wars =/ Wolfenstein:ET is probably the best free FPS out there right now, and I'm convinced that a sequel has to come at some point. I play Wolfenstein:ET because, quite frankly, Day of Defeat source has almost no player base, even though it is a superior (graphically) game to W:ET. Where you at peeps? Come on!
Autocrawler @ Mar 9th 2007 7:44PM
"I left PC gaming for console gaming partly because of the copy protection crap being put on games."
Are you kidding me?
Noone uses Starforce anymore, and I don't see what's so bad about all the other copy protection methods.
Rob @ Mar 9th 2007 8:13PM
@autocrawler:
Requirements for software I buy:
1) Must not need direct network for Single Player *EVER* (files I can download on other, non-windows machines acceptable)
2) Must install and run as Limited User
3) Must not be running processes when the game isn't running
4) Must not limit hardware (none of that "This product may not run on all models of drives" crap)
5) Be able to run from HD only if it's a multi-hundreds of meg or more install. If I'm travelling and using my laptop, I don't want to run the battery down running the optical drive nor bring media.
6) Running under WINE a big plus (if 1-5 is satisfied, chances are it will)
Autocrawler @ Mar 9th 2007 8:28PM
"3) Must not be running processes when the game isn't running"
That applies to most protection mechanisms.
"5) Be able to run from HD only if it's a multi-hundreds of meg or more install. If I'm travelling and using my laptop, I don't want to run the battery down running the optical drive nor bring media."
Umm, try using no-cd patches, if you really need that.
That was a weird choice for you to switch over to proprietary platforms just because of copy protection.
Only titles I ever refused to buy because of that are Starforce titles. Steam is something that I do like, both because it limits piracy, and its quite convenient as means of DD.
Rob @ Mar 9th 2007 8:54PM
@Autocrawler:
no-cd patches? Lesse, open myself up to viruses and copyright charges? Thanks, but no.
Steam was why my latest computer was a Mac. Don't want it, not going to bother. HL2 was why I was going to build a killer machine, steam stopped that right in it's tracks.
Yes, consoles are propietary, but I also don't have to worry about other data and other programs being corrupted by what the quacks peddling protection may do. My computer, my rules.
And, as I said, it wasn't just copy protection, it was also "publish then patch" that pushed me away. Since that's starting to happen in the console world, the last gen of consoles will probably be my last. I'll find another hobby.
What I ultimately want is a game appliance, one that doesn't need network and I don't need to worry about, and games are put it in and it'll work, and there's no danger to any of my data. If it doesn't meet those requirements, it doesn't get bought.
skyrous @ Mar 9th 2007 8:57PM
Well at least they aren't suing gamers the same way the RIAA is suing music lovers
Autocrawler @ Mar 9th 2007 9:12PM
"no-cd patches? Lesse, open myself up to viruses and copyright charges? Thanks, but no.
Steam was why my latest computer was a Mac. Don't want it, not going to bother. HL2 was why I was going to build a killer machine, steam stopped that right in it's tracks.
Yes, consoles are propietary, but I also don't have to worry about other data and other programs being corrupted by what the quacks peddling protection may do. My computer, my rules."
Sorry, but what you are saying is inane.
a) Viruses and copyright charges? What the hell, no-cd patches have nothing to do with copyright. Seriously. Viruses aren't an issue either-because it takes some serious 'talent' to pick up a virus-infected no-cd. You may just as well stop using shareware and freeware downloadables, since they may be virus-infected as well.
b) Next, Steam isn't much worse than what game consoles are. Steam requires internet access for verification, consoles require, well, discs. It isn't much different from one another.
c) Copy protection systems do not "corrupt" stuff. I don't understand where did you pick up that strange notion. The only things they usually do with Starforce being an exception is umm...check your game's CD/DVD and allow you/refuse you access to the game's executable. Nothing else.
All those reasons you've listed could be basically cut down to one: paranoia.
Err, anyway, I guess I'm stepping out of this pointless discussion right now.
Spencer @ Mar 9th 2007 9:16PM
This makes sense to me. A pirated PC game can be installed by following very basic instructions. Except in rare cases, the only people who have trouble are astoundingly dumb.
A console game requires the knowledge that console modifications exist and the ability to use Google (which we all know many people lack) to find somebody to mod a console. It requires some waiting time, money for the work and usually for a chip, and putting aside the perceived risk that the console could be damaged. In some cases it also requires some computer skills, as some console games can't be burned as easily as the data or music CD most users are comfortable with.
averox @ Mar 9th 2007 9:28PM
Along with id making games that suck some ass, I think everyone is forgetting a very important part of the greater picture too. Licensing your game engine out for developers.
Doom 3 engine: 4 games and 1 expansion. No news on anyone licensing this engine.
Unreal Engine 3: 24 games with countless other developers who have licensed the engine.
brent @ Mar 9th 2007 9:53PM
@Rob
?What I ultimately want is a game appliance, one that doesn't need network and I don't need to worry about, and games are put it in and it'll work, and there's no danger to any of my data."
So you want a Wii then?
Abscissa (Cranky Kong) @ Mar 9th 2007 11:04PM
That's it: id has officially turned into Metallica. They go from putting out good stuff, to putting out crap after crap after crap, and then wine and complain that they're loosing money because of "piracy".
Not only that, but unlike the games they actually made money off of, the newer ones won't even run on a run-of-the-mill home PC.
Let's see: Put out good games that people can play on their ordinary home PCs - and make lots of sales. Then, start putting out crappy games that require $100+ upgrades to play - and loose sales. Hmm, yea, gotta be the piracy :rolleyes:.
There was a time when id would gave away a third of their game for free, and yet *that* was the time when they were getting good sales.
Meh, the problem is they lost their good designers years ago. Say what you will about Romero, but him and McGee are the ones that turned Carmack's engines into legendary games.
Laurens Holst @ Mar 10th 2007 12:50AM
So, isn’t that a good thing then? :) Yay for piracy.
~Grauw (ps3 owner)
fawazr @ Mar 10th 2007 1:57AM
I won't deny the impact of piracy, but for a developer to blame lagging sales on piracy is a cop-out. There isn't exactly a running tally of all pirated games in the world nor is there any real indication that each pirated game amounts to a lost sale. In other words, when challenges arise, winners step their game up, losers just bitch.
razer @ Mar 10th 2007 2:03AM
Not that I condon piracy, but maybe ID Software should concentrate on making a good game instead of blaming poor sales on piracy. I agree with an earlier comment that Quake on 360 was mediocre at best. It's funny that we still have tons of million+ selling games why isn't piracy affecting them?
@#33 - Your comparison to Metallica gave me a good laugh and you hit it right on the head.
Dave @ Mar 10th 2007 2:08AM
Right, Abcissa. Romero and and Carmack should do a reunion game and get back together. So should David Lee Roth and Van Halen. One last hurrah and they fade gently to black... Bye, bye, id. Thanks for the good times--but now I can play your best game on my calculator.
Dave @ Mar 10th 2007 2:09AM
Right, 36--but I think 21 said it first. ;)
siro @ Mar 10th 2007 6:38AM
I agree on comment #34. I don't see it being bad to have this game available to a wider audience. Oh well, it might be for those into hardcore PC fetish.
supremespleen @ Mar 10th 2007 8:28AM
Sounds like someone should dial 'Whine One One' and get a 'Wahhmbulance'.
Rob @ Mar 10th 2007 9:06AM
@Autocrawler:
"What the hell, no-cd patches have nothing to do with copyright."
Go read the DMCA some time.
1201(a)(1)(A): No person shall circumvent a technological measure that effectively controls access to a work protected under this title.
"Steam requires internet access for verification, consoles require, well, discs. It isn't much different from one another."
What part of 'No Internet Access For Single Player' did you not understand?
"Copy protection systems do not "corrupt" stuff. "
Starforce, as you mentioned, and then there's the recent problems with Vista getting "unregistered" from various protections, drives getting wiped by uninstalls (Myth 2), Viruses (Wargasm), Rootkits (OK, so that wasn't a game, but it was protection). Gaming is not worth *any* risk to my computer.
@brent:"So you want a Wii then?"
It's been patched via the net, so that would be "no".
Alex K. @ Mar 10th 2007 9:34AM
I see a lot of Steam bashing/defending going on, well, here's my 2 cents:
1. I think it's convenient to be able to use internet verification and not have to insert CDs every time I want to play a game. PC games completely install on the HDD these days - so why should I have to insert a CD each time?
2. Services like Steam help reduce piracy a little and for a quality game developer like Valve I think they don't deserve to be pirated. And for those of you who want to pirate, there are cracked images that don't even install steam at all. The game industry is one entertainment industry that I think doesn't really deserve piracy because they aren't assholes like the RIAA or MPAA and their work takes a LOT of money to produce.
3. Steam doesn't have to be on all the time - you can just run it when you want to run your steam games.
4. I'd rather use Steam than most anti-piracy measures (Starforce anyone?)
Even though id are just POed that they don't make any good games anymore, they do make a valid point about piracy that it might push developers to consoles. For a PC fan, that sucks. And it is true that consoles are less prone to piracy because you always need a modchip for it.
I don't think it's a terrible problem yet, however, and this probably has more to do with id's crappy games.
miles foreman @ Mar 10th 2007 10:00AM
Wow... Rob you are really paranoid. Do you use the Lynx text browser or something? I own hundreds of PC games, and I've never had a problem with any of them.
Brian @ Mar 10th 2007 10:43AM
If I can afford a game, I'd much rather quickly pick it up at the store for a fee than wait hours or days while bit torrent ramps up to speed. If I CAN buy a game, I will. If I can't buy it, I'll prirate it. Either way, my money does the exact same thing.
Abscissa (Cranky Kong) @ Mar 10th 2007 10:53AM
I'm compelled to take this Metallica analogy another step further. I'd claim id is *worse* than Metallica (no offense to any Metallica fans), because at least Metallica's albums (even the worst ones) still play fine on even the cheapest of CD players. Take everything post-black-album, engineer it so that it's barely plays at all on any CD player that isn't hooked up to at least a high-end receiver and a subwoofer, and *then* you have id.
TeamAwesome @ Mar 10th 2007 11:56AM
I have what I think is a legit reason to pirate PC games... I like to see what they look like on my system before I drop 50 bones on what could be a chunky p.o.s running at 4 frames a second.
When I see game for a console, I know I'm getting the experience that was intended for the given platform.
For example, had I bought Never Winter Nights, I would have been really pissed... I never would have thought that game would be such a resource hog (I guess they must be rolling 500,000 sided dice or something) Instead I downloaded a copy and decided to wait a year or two to buy it when I upgrade my system.
/my two pence
Autocrawler @ Mar 10th 2007 12:03PM
"And it is true that consoles are less prone to piracy because you always need a modchip for it."
Umm, not really: say for the X360 you just need to reflash the DVD drive. That takes just a single PC.
Slaziman @ Mar 10th 2007 1:40PM
Rob, you are a whiny bitch. There, I said it.
Why are you being such a bitch about getting updates? For example the Wii will run just fine if you never update it, but you would be missing out on a lot. Do you have internet fear or something? Seriously. About no-cd cracks, do you think people are gonna sue you for copyright infringement over that? Get real dude.
Extinction @ Mar 10th 2007 3:10PM
"What I ultimately want is a game appliance, one that doesn't need network and I don't need to worry about, and games are put it in and it'll work, and there's no danger to any of my data."
So you want a Wii then?"
No, he said game appliance. Wii is a non-game appliance. What he wants is 360 or PS3
Burnt Meatloaf @ Mar 10th 2007 3:31PM
*Poisoned Al: "Piracy on the PC is a problem yes, but is it just me that's noticed that piracy gets blamed for all developer's ills?"
What people say killed the Amiga: piracy.
What really killed the Amiga: Waiting 7 years to get a chipset 2x as fast, developers hard-coding for the original chipset so software wouldn't work on the new chipset, and -- oh yeah -- copy protection so aggressive, it actually ENCOURAGED people to get cracked software so the games actually WORKED.