Joystiq

Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players

David Hinkle — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Some of you may have experienced this first hand, but if you've yet to suddenly go offline while playing Diablo 3, here's what happens. First, your game will lock up for a minute or so, then you'll be sent back to the character selection screen.

According to Eurogamer, at this point you'll log back in and find that you've retained all gold, experience and items - no penalties there. Once you get back into the game, you'll start from your last checkpoint.

The decision to require a constant internet connection initially received some blowback from the community, but it would seem it's not as bad as initially thought, at least in one regard. Eurogamer even notes that being booted back to the character selection screen didn't happen every time - occasionally the game would resume as if no disconnect even occurred.

Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft hopes to negate the need for DRM with support and content

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST

The contentious DRM systems that often accompany Ubisoft's PC releases may be made obsolete, should the publisher's plans for enhanced post-launch/community support prove as effective as its hoping.

The plan is to make pirating the least attractive consumer option by updating, supporting and providing "companion gaming" services for Ubisoft's PC releases, similar to how MMOs generally function. "As the rest of the game industry continues to evolve, the more you hear about cloud gaming, the more you hear about companion gaming, the less a pirated game should work in all of that environment," said Ubisoft VP of digital publishing Chris Early during an interview with Eurogamer.

By providing a healthy regiment of ancillary content and post-launch support, Ubisoft's PC gaming ecosystem will be so irresistible that people will stop pirating, and once that happens the publisher will be able to relax its DRM standards. Now, eradicating the whole world of theft sounds like it'll take some time, but Early maintains that Ubisoft's DRM will be as convenient as possible in the meantime: "We want to find ways that don't inconvenience that player who is paying for it. We've had a variety of degrees of success as we wind our way down that path. Our plan, our hope is we stay on the less intrusive, less cumbersome side of that path as we go on."

Ubisoft hopes to negate the need for DRM with support and content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon: Buy one, get one on Ubisoft DRM-free PC downloads

David Hinkle — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

Got five bucks? Want a couple of kinda-old Ubisoft PC games? Well, if you fall within that very niche category of people, a current promotion over at Amazon may be relevant to your needs.

Assassin's Creed, a few Splinter Cells and Far Cry 2 are just a few of the titles you can nab for half a sawbuck -- without that pesky Ubisoft DRM. And, as astute headline reader types will tell you, if you buy one, you'll get one free of charge. The sale ends Saturday.

Amazon: Buy one, get one on Ubisoft DRM-free PC downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rayman Origins coming to PC March 29, retail versions DRM free

JC Fletcher — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST

With the announcement of release dates for 3DS and Vita, there are vanishingly few platforms left that won't have Rayman Origins. Now the PC joins the platforming party, with a release in both Europe and the United States on March 29. The PC version retains the 4-player co-op functionality of the console versions, and also retains its local-only restriction.

Surprisingly, the retail release will have no DRM. The download version, for "all e-shops including Steam," will use "only an activation key." Pre-orders of the digital Origins from the Ubishop will also include a free copy of Rayman 2.

[Thanks, Mitchell.]

Rayman Origins coming to PC March 29, retail versions DRM free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anno 2070 DRM grudgingly altered as little as possible

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

It's hard to watch Ubisoft's abusive relationship with PC gamers, but here's another example of the publisher delivering a box of chocolates to the hospital room. Economics and ecology simulator Anno 2070 has some pretty strict DRM, allowing only three installs per copy, which is restrictive but not unusual for the publisher. The crazy part occurred when Guru3D discovered that changing graphics cards on the PC counted as an installation.

The situation hit DEFCON "facepalm" when Rock Paper Shotgun followed up with the publisher to ask if the bug would be fixed, to which Ubisoft responded that the DRM was working as intended. The publisher continued, "On the rare occasion when a customer does need additional activations, Ubisoft customer service is available to quickly resolve the situation, and we encourage those customers to contact us directly so that we can ensure they are able to continue to enjoy their game."

Anno 2070 developer BlueByte has since gotten in contact with Guru3D to say it has removed the graphics hardware from "the hash used to identify the PC." Customers who legally purchased the game can now switch graphics cards as many times as they want, putting them in parity with those who pirated the game.

Anno 2070 DRM grudgingly altered as little as possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The painful sting of Serious Sam 3's anti-piracy protection

JC Fletcher — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:25:00 EST

Software piracy is illegal and unfair to the people who make and sell games. That's enough of a deterrent for most people. The rest may find the giant, invincible, super-fast, assault-rifle-wielding scorpion monster more convincing.

That's the new DRM measure enacted by Serious Sam 3: BFE developer Croteam. We see the potential for this to become an industry-standard method of preventing unauthorized game copying. Or, in simpler terms, if that scary-ass monster wants to go into other games, we are powerless to stop it.

The painful sting of Serious Sam 3's anti-piracy protection originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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4.5 million pirated copies of Witcher 2 out there, according to CD Projekt

Mike Schramm — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST

Polish developer CD Projekt claims that its Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings has been pirated more times since release than you might have expected. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, CEO Marcin Iwinski does some quick back-of-the-hand calculations according to what he saw on illegal downloading sites, and comes up with 4.5 million copies of the game obtained illegally. He also says, however, that "as of today we have sold over one million legal copies, so having only 4.5-5 illegal copies for each legal one would be not a bad ratio."

He then suggests "the reality is probably way worse." Still, CD Projekt isn't interested in digital rights management, and Iwinski says that it would cause more trouble for legally paying gamers than it would stop any piracy. The solution, he says, is to both add value to buying games legally, and educate users about why it's the right thing to do.

"We started offering high value with the product -- like enhancing the game with additional collectors' items like soundtracks, making-of DVDs, books, walkthroughs, etc.," he says. "This, together with a long process of educating local gamers about why it makes sense to actually buy games legally, worked. And today, we have a reasonably healthy games market." Iwinski's got a point -- it's often an easier battle just selling more legal copies of a game (by providing a better value to customers) than preventing would-be pirates from beating even oppressive DRM.

4.5 million pirated copies of Witcher 2 out there, according to CD Projekt originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on PC replaced by Ghost Recon Online

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:13:00 EST

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is not coming to PC, Ubisoft has confirmed -- but never fear, because it is coming to PC. Ghost Recon Online will take the place of Future Soldier on PC, as "Ghost Recon Online is the PC equivalent," Ubisoft tells Eurogamer. In February 2010 Ubisoft teased a PC version of Future Soldier and began forums tagged "PC" for the game, but apparently those plans have transformed into Ghost Recon Online, a free-to-play, non-DRM, multiplayer title that Ubisoft believes will deter piracy.

If released online, 95 percent of PC gamers would download Future Soldier illegally, Ghost Recon Online senior producer Sebastien Arnoult believes, and Online is a direct reaction to that assumption. "To the users that are traditionally playing the game by getting it through Pirate Bay, we said, 'Okay, go ahead guys. This is what you're asking for. We've listened to you -- we're giving you this experience. It's easy to download, there's no DRM that will pollute your experience,'" Arnoult tells PC Gamer.

Um, thanks?

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on PC replaced by Ghost Recon Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No 'always-on' DRM for Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST

Ubisoft's always on-again, off-again relationship with its restrictive DRM policies is "off-again" for Assassin's Creed: Revelations. Rock Paper Shotgun reports word from the publisher that it will activate an initial check the first time the game boots up -- and then players are good to go with offline play.

The publisher gave the Assassin's Creed series a break from its always-on DRM after the first sequel, with last year's Brotherhood spared the inconvenience. Meanwhile, other Ubisoft products, like Driver: San Francisco and From Dust, have been burdened with the internet-required protection at launch.

Well, at least one thing remains consistent in the social contract between Ubisoft and PC players: there's no sign of the publisher halting its predictable staggering of console and PC launches.

No 'always-on' DRM for Assassin's Creed: Revelations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 could have always-on DRM, but it's out of love [update]

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will use always-on DRM as "protection from piracy," GSC Game World head Sergey Grigorovich said. A permanent internet connection will be required to load information, codes and quests, much like previous DRM systems from Ubisoft.

"Software piracy is an issue for us; we try to fight it, but within reason," Grigorovich said. "If people can not afford a licensed version, it is to our advantage if they download a pirated copy and then want to buy a license. In Ukraine, there are different products that people love so much that they buy a license in principle. We want to create just such a product."

Studios know fans don't enjoy always-on DRM, and their insistence on using it must mean it works in some capacity. We don't think it's the way to create "products that people love so much," but it's definitely great at making fans suspicious and bitter.

[Update] GSC has clarified its intentions via Twitter: "DRM was only mentioned as a possibility, not a choice." GSC also issued a statement to Rock, Paper, Shotgun: "The idea of implementing DRM came in as a possible anti-piracy solution. You know the severe level of commercial piracy we have here in ex-USSR region. This said however, there is no firm decision to go for DRM with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 as of now. Be assured, we do realize how uncomfortable this solution is for the players, so we'll continue looking for most effective, yet acceptable for all, way of protecting the game by the time of its release."

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 could have always-on DRM, but it's out of love [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: From Dust patch now available on PC, removes Ubi DRM

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST

Once again, Ubisoft has acquiesced to consumers' demands, with a DRM-removing patch for From Dust now available via Steam. The patch quite literally does nothing else, as the Steam notes describe in extreme specificity that the "Title can be played in offline mode (no connection to the Internet is required after installing the patch)," and that the "Save file is moved from the Uplay/Ubisoft server to the local machine."

Reports confirm that the patch does, in fact, allow for offline play, presumably leaning on Valve's Steam service for DRM in place of Ubisoft's own, highly controversial version. Now if only Ubisoft could patch its studio heads to stop defending the damn thing.

PSA: From Dust patch now available on PC, removes Ubi DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driver: San Francisco studio head defends Ubisoft DRM system

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST

Martin Edmonson, head of Driver studio Ubisoft Reflections, really doesn't get down with piracy. "You have to do something," he told Eurogamer in a recent interview, when asked about Ubi's PC digital rights management strategy -- which requires an internet verification of some sort for many games to be accessed, including Driver: San Francisco. "PC piracy is at the most incredible rates," he argued. "The game cost a huge amount of money to develop, and it has to be, quite rightly -- quite morally correctly -- protected."

That said, the final decision on which Ubi titles get the infamous DRM goes to the publisher, not the studio. "DRM is not a decision taken by us as a developer at all. It's a purely a publisher decision. The publisher has every right to protect their investment," Edmonson explained. And while we see his point, we can't help but continue to wonder why paying customers are being punished with restrictive DRM after paying for their games.

Driver: San Francisco studio head defends Ubisoft DRM system originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Dust PC online authentication to be patched out

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:40:00 EST

The latest move in Ubisoft's spiteful relationship with PC players will see the company lessen its controversial DRM measures from the PC version of From Dust. The publisher stated on official forums that it's currently working on a patch, which should be available in two weeks, that will remove the need for needy online authentication.

"This development time is required as we are working to ensure that those who have already started the game, and who's progress is currently saved on our servers, will receive and save their game information locally," the statement reads. "Once the patch is ready, players who already have the game will automatically receive the update on their next login and subsequent game sessions will be 100% offline."

The problems with From Dust on PC don't end with DRM, with users reporting plenty of bugs and technical issues, which Ubisoft didn't directly address in its statement. It's hard to watch PC players being treated like this by Ubisoft -- we're available for comforting bro hugs, guys.

From Dust PC online authentication to be patched out originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skyrim will feature Steamworks support, also an adorable dog

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST

A recently released packshot of the PC version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim carried a Games for Windows masthead, leaving some of the gaming community worried that it would also use the Games for Windows Live DRM system. Apparently, that's not the case: Bethesda's Pete Hines confirmed to PC Gamer that it wouldn't use GFWL, and the company's official Twitter account double confirmed that it would instead implement Steamworks. That is, like, so much confirmation.

If you don't really care about things like PC DRM solutions or, um, PCs in general, you might find the screenshots posted below a little more scintillating. There's a picture of a dog in one of them! A wonderful, wonderful dog.

Gallery: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Gamescom 2011)

Skyrim will feature Steamworks support, also an adorable dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Dust PC players erupt in anger over port

Justin McElroy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:55:00 EST

We try to be as even-handed as possible here at Joystiq, but we're going to give you the blunt version: If you were thinking of picking up the From Dust port on PC, you should hold off ... at least for now.

While the game doesn't force you to be constantly online to play, Ubisoft has seen fit to require a connection every time you launch the title, which isn't much better. Rock, Paper, Shotgun reports that paying players will find a capped frame rate, limited resolutions for the windowed mode, no anti-aliasing and plenty of bugs. What may be a mere annoyance for console gamers is, of course, the digital equivalent of a plague of frogs on PC.

We here at Joystiq are currently formulating a fix for the problems. True to the spirit of the game, we recommend players dump a pile of sand on their computer, and then a bunch of lava, and then reload their last save.

Note: Technically speaking, we are not computer technicians.

From Dust PC players erupt in anger over port originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield 3 won't be sold on Steam; EA claims service 'restricts our ability to directly support players'

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:40:00 EST

EA's big holiday release, Battlefield 3, apparently won't be available via Valve's ubiquitous PC game download service, Steam, as previously hinted. Taking to Twitter and its own forums, EA announced as much with some interesting, if not inflammatory, claims. "BF3 will not be available on Steam as the service restricts our ability to directly support players," the Twitter account says.

The forum post goes a bit further in explaining the publisher's position, though it doesn't go so far as to explicitly explain the schism. "Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content," the forum post reads. "No other download service has adopted these practices." As with Dragon Age 2, this is in reference to one specific part of Steam's Terms of Service agreement, which forces games to deliver DLC and patches through Steam rather than through a game-specific client. EA claims this to be restrictive, and thus refuses to sell some titles through the service.

It remains unclear why EA -- who, in the past, has offered a variety of games through Steam, regardless of the Terms of Service -- refuses to offer DLC and patches through Steam suddenly, but it certainly appears to be a stance the company is staying firm on. The forum post also notes EA's inclination towards resolving the issue with Valve, saying, "We hope to work out an agreement where Steam can carry Battlefield 3; meanwhile, gamers can pick from the more than 100 digital retailers."

Battlefield 3 won't be sold on Steam; EA claims service 'restricts our ability to directly support players' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard responds to complaints over Diablo 3 connection requirement

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:15:00 EST

Diablo 3 requires a constant internet connection -- a decision that has caused some strong reactions from folks looking to play the game solo, or those pushing against overly demanding DRM schemes. MTV spoke with Robert Bridenbecker, the Vice President of Online Technologies at Blizzard to get the developer's side of the story.

"Internally I don't think [always-on DRM] ever actually came up when we talked about how we want connections to operate. Things that came up were always around the feature-set, the sanctity of the actual game systems like your characters," said Bridenbecker. "You're guaranteeing that there are no hacks, no dupes. All of these things were points of discussion, but the whole copy protection, piracy thing, that's not really entering into why we want to do it."

Bridenbecker goes on to mention that Diablo 2 offline characters couldn't be used online, which got messy for players and the developer, so this time they decided to "just keep everything clean." As for those looking to play alone, they don't have to interact with any other online players if they don't want to -- but they'll still need that internet connection.

Blizzard responds to complaints over Diablo 3 connection requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft: From Dust PC will not require constant internet connection

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST

You can expect Ubisoft's PC DRM scheme to remain in the news for as long as it requires a consistent online connection to play, and for as long as its implementation remains inconsistent. The upcoming PC version of Driver: San Francisco will require an importunate online link if you want to keep going, but world-shaper From Dust will not.

Speaking to Joystiq, a Ubisoft representative confirmed that the PC version of From Dust, which should be out on August 17, won't have the DRM cranked to maximum level. "Constant internet connection won't be necessary when playing From Dust's campaign and challenge mode on the PC."

You'll note the specific language there, which may refer to a potential multiplayer mode that was mentioned by From Dust designer Eric Chahi last year. For now, though, we're happy to report that you can keep playing god, even if your connection to our modern deity has faltered.

Ubisoft: From Dust PC will not require constant internet connection originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Dust PC gets Ubisoft DRM, Steam pre-purchase bonus

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST

For being such wildly different games, From Dust and Driver: San Francisco sure have a lot in common. They were both recently delayed, for example, and now news has hit that From Dust will follow Driver's lead by making use of Ubisoft's ubiquitous "Ubisoft Online Service" digital rights management platform.

Unlike Driver, however, no announcement was made regarding From Dust's DRMyness; Steam's now-live pre-purchase page unceremoniously broke the news to the PC gaming community. The controversial DRM platform requires a permanent internet connection in order to play any game it governs, and while the company has loosened restrictions on high-profile games in the past, it's unclear whether or not history will repeat itself. For now, take solace in knowing that your pre-purchase will net you a "Mask of the Shaman" item for Team Fortress 2.

From Dust PC gets Ubisoft DRM, Steam pre-purchase bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft says always-on DRM is 'a success,' fans are confused

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST

Ubisoft riled the masses with news that Driver: San Francisco will have always-on DRM, requiring that players be constantly connected to the internet for the game to function. Ubisoft has used constant DRM in previous titles, such as Assassin's Creed 2 and Splinter Cell: Conviction, arguing it combats piracy. Players argue DRM is an unfair, frustrating hassle, and Ubisoft is now counter-arguing this point, with the announcement that always-on DRM has been "a success."

Ubisoft said it has seen "a clear reduction in piracy of our titles which required a persistent online connection, and from that point of view the requirement is a success," speaking with PC Gamer. Ubisoft has also successfully angered many fans, who say its DRM policies only hurt those who pay for the game, and citing previous DRM titles that have been cracked, pirated and hacked anyway.

Ubisoft has previously removed DRM from its titles, but this year the restriction is making a comeback -- and we'll get to decide if it's on the level of Justin Timberlake or Vanilla Ice.

Ubisoft says always-on DRM is 'a success,' fans are confused originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PC version of Driver: San Francisco needs permanent internet connection

JC Fletcher — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:10:00 EST

No matter how quickly and adeptly you control your vehicle in the PC version of Driver: San Francisco, there's one thing you won't be able to get away from: the internet. In a brief missive on the Driver Twitter account, an Ubisoft rep confirmed that the "PC version requires permanent internet connection." Ubisoft previously used this DRM scheme for high-profile games, but has since loosened the restriction for many releases. Not this one!

The console versions have a different online scheme: they'll be the first Ubisoft releases to use the "Uplay Passport," a one-time-use code included with new copies that unlocks multiplayer access.

PC version of Driver: San Francisco needs permanent internet connection originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New PS3 model drops HD Blu-ray display over component

JC Fletcher — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST

The PS3 has gradually shed features over its lifespan -- like PS2 backwards compatibility and OtherOS. That's happening again with the latest revision of the PS3 hardware, but it's not entirely Sony's fault this time.

Kotaku obtained an internal GameStop communication detailing the new "K" model of PS3 hardware, which states that an HDMI cable will now be required to display high-definition, and that component cables will no longer work. GameStop doesn't quite have all the details right, but part of that is true.

"The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards," Sony told Ars Technica. "PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content." The restriction is just on high-definition video from Blu-Ray discs. So this isn't a cost-cutting measure like the removal of PS2 hardware -- it's to conform to the Advanced Access Content System, a standard for DRM developed by a consortium of media companies including ... Sony. The standard requires that devices restrict analog outputs to 960 x 540 to prevent recording from analog capture devices.

The strange part, then, is that the PS3 ever supported HD Blu-ray playback through component. Digital Foundry speculates that the rule didn't kick in officially until the AACS Final Adopter Agreement in December 2010, and thus only affects PS3s produced after then. That would mean that Sony (and pretty much every other electronics company) skirted its own rule for as long as possible.

New PS3 model drops HD Blu-ray display over component originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco Bandai files suit over Witcher 2's European publishing

JC Fletcher — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST

Okay, this is going to get confusing. Namco Bandai is suing Optimus SA, parent company of CD Projekt Red, over the European console publishing rights for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. It claims that Optimus failed to meet its commitment with Namco Bandai when it gave THQ the rights to distribute the Xbox version of the game in some parts of Europe.

What does Namco Bandai have to do with The Witcher? Namco Bandai actually owns the European distribution business of Atari (who will publish the console release in North America, and who published the PC version in Europe), after purchasing it in 2009. For its part, Optimus says that it only signed a distribution deal with N amco for the PC version, and had its choice of distributor for the console release.

In addition, Namco Bandai claims CD Projekt Red violated its agreement when it spontaneously removed DRM from all versions of The Witcher 2. As a result, Namco is withholding payment of around €1.255 million ($1.8 million) -- a threat to which Optimus president Adam Kicinski blithely responded (as translated by Google): "Our liquidity situation is very good. Therefore, the lack of a few million does not have any leverage on current activities. Withholding of payments means only that for some time, our partner will have to give us the money with interest."

He added that he was confident the case would be settled before it went to court -- or, if not, Optimus will win the case "and then the loser will pay for our lawyers."

Wow.

Namco Bandai files suit over Witcher 2's European publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom removing DRM character restrictions in PC Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition

JC Fletcher — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:20:00 EST

After some straight-up outrage from community, Capcom has decided to keep the hostility in Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition contained within the in-game fights, instead of directing it at customers.

A title update issued shortly after the launch (or possibly at launch) of the PC version of Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition will disable the DRM-imposed restrictions on the roster. In short, you can use all 39 characters while offline, instead of being limited to 15. "As one would logically expect," Capcom's Christian Svensson notes, "to get any of the benefits of the online services (online multiplayer, replay sharing/watching, achievements, etc.) you must be online and logged in."

Svensson said that following the response to the DRM announcement, Capcom spoke to fans in the Ask Capcom forum. "The argument that legitimate users would have a worse experience than pirates was the loudest and most convincing," he said. "We certainly don't want that to be the case and that was never our intention." With Capcom having reversed its decision in favor of its own customers, we feel it's important that we all hold up our end of the deal and don't pirate the game.

Capcom removing DRM character restrictions in PC Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSFIV Arcade Edition PC to discourage piracy (and frustrate buyers) with 'limited' offline mode

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:58:00 EST

Okay, so there is a catch. We figured Capcom had a "solution" in place when it confirmed that Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition was coming to PC. The problem? Piracy -- the threat of which kept Capcom from releasing vanilla SSFIV on PC just a year ago.

In a blog post on Capcom-Unity, company VP Christian Svensson has addressed some "Stuff You Want to Know About SSFIV:AE for PC." Scroll down and you'll get to the catch.

"SFIV unfortunately was plagued by pirates and hackers that messed up leaderboards," Svensson writes of the original iteration on PC (which still sold well by Capcom's earlier account). "To hopefully remedy that, SSFIV:AE will be making use of what is called SSA technology."

While not as random as certain TSA measures -- SSFIV:AE players can still wear shoes and needn't limit their beverages to 3.4-ounce bottles -- the game's Software Security Assurance protocol is no less strict. Players are required to be signed into Games for Windows Live in order to access most of the game's features and content.

In offline mode, SSFIV:AE is reduced to a sort of demo, with players limited to local play only (obviously), but also restricted to 15 of the 39 fighters and unable to save settings or challenges progress. DLC is inaccessible when playing offline, as well.

Should the GWFL connection be lost mid-game, the player is given a chance to sign back in at a "logical break point" -- but should that fail ... you're in demo mode. And if you don't live in a GFWL-supported region? Svensson calls that a "buyer-beware situation."

Prospective purchasers should also be aware that Steam and Impulse will implement their respective "security solutions" (in addition to SSA), and that Steam users won't use GFWL Marketplace to purchase DLC. "We'll provide more details on that wrinkle at a later date," Svensson notes.

SSFIV Arcade Edition PC to discourage piracy (and frustrate buyers) with 'limited' offline mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Witcher 2 Digital Premium Edition to have no DRM from GoG.com

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST

GoG.com has announced that its version of The Witcher 2: Assassin's of Kings Digital Premium Edition will be the only version to ship without any sort of digital rights management. In a press release, managing director Guillaume Rambourg noted that, "DRM is not an effective way to combat piracy," adding that user experience has always been his company's "main concern." Of course, it's also worth noting that developer CD Projekt owns GoG.com, so it's understandable its version would receive a few perks.

If your main concern is to play The Witcher 2 without jumping through extra hoops, it looks like GoG.com is the way to go.

Continue reading The Witcher 2 Digital Premium Edition to have no DRM from GoG.com

The Witcher 2 Digital Premium Edition to have no DRM from GoG.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22

David Hinkle — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST

Ubisoft has confirmed with Joystiq that the PC version of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood will be playable in offline single-player mode after an initial login, quelling fears that Brotherhood would employ the same restrictive DRM as Assassin's Creed 2. Additionally, the PC version of Brotherhood will arrive on March 22 (a few days later than the previously suggested date). You may want to use those few extra days to sharpen your cutlery and brush up on your Italiano -- or, like, go to the Olive Garden for dinner or something.

Ubisoft has also detailed the technical specifications (posted after the break) required to play Brotherhood on a PC, as well as two retail versions of the PC release: a standard edition for $50, which includes the two multiplayer updates and the Da Vinci Disappearance DLC; and a digital-only "Deluxe Edition" for $60 that adds two extra multiplayer characters, two single-player maps, an extra skin and "additional multimedia content."

Gallery: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (PC)

Continue reading AC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22

AC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 requires PSN connection (not for co-op, for DRM!)

Christopher Grant — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST

When Capcom apologized for including anti-sharing DRM in its PSN release of Final Fight: Double Impact, it wasn't because it had a change of heart on the technology - which required players to be signed into PlayStation Network to play the game - but rather because it failed to alert users to its presence.

With yesterday's release of Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 on PSN, the Big C made sure to remedy that shortcoming with the follow notice on the game's listing: "NOTE: You must log-in to the PlayStation Network each time to play the game." While Final Fight: Double Impact could at least boast an online cooperative element (in both its Final Fight and Magic Sword offerings!), Rearmed 2's co-op is an adamantly offline-only affair, like its predecessor. If you've got a religious objection to digital rights management (or a shaky internet connection!) consider yourself warned.

[Thanks, Chris]

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 requires PSN connection (not for co-op, for DRM!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon Age 2 PC DRM detailed, no disc check or install limit

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:15:00 EST

Curious about the inconvenience factor of the PC version of Dragon Age 2's DRM? BioWare community coordinator Chris Priestly has explained the game's anti-piracy measures on the developer's forums: The Steam version of the game will only use the basic Steam DRM tools, while the box-copy edition of the game will make use of two (relatively) non-obtrusive methods to keep adventurers on the straight and narrow.

The first method is a "Release Control," which locks down the game until its official release date in the user's territory. The second is a more permanent DRM method -- though it doesn't require a disc check or limit the number of installations that can be made from a single copy of the game. After registering the game during installation, players can play on up to five different PCs within 24 hours. They can even play offline, though the game will need to make online checks at certain (heretofore undecided) intervals.

Also, before you're able to play the game, you have to drink from a pewter goblet of Darkspawn blood. There's a pretty good chance that this test will kill you. But hey -- no disc checks! That's pretty sweet, right?

Dragon Age 2 PC DRM detailed, no disc check or install limit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo comments on 3DS region locking

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST

Nintendo has offered vague confirmation to VG247 of last week's report that 3DS hardware and software would include regional lockout programming. "Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian," clarified a company statement, which added that "there is the possibility that Nintendo 3DS software sold in one region will not function properly when running on Nintendo 3DS hardware sold in another."

Nintendo cited obvious language differences, as well as regional age ratings, parental controls and "local laws" as factors in the manufacturing of (subtly) different hardware models. Additionally, the variations of the handheld are designed to provide "network services" that are compatible with regional technology. Like the DSi Shop before it, the 3DS's digital distribution channel is likely to be only stocked with region-locked content.

As for physical products, Nintendo assured that "guidance" would appear on all 3DS hardware and software packaging. (NTSC-coded Wii game boxes, for example, include the note: "For sale, rental and use only in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Latin America.") "If you are in doubt," the statement concluded, "Nintendo recommends that you only purchase Nintendo 3DS software in the region where [you] purchased your Nintendo 3DS system."

Tomorrow, you'll find out how to purchase that system in your region of choice -- and for how much.

Nintendo comments on 3DS region locking originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massive co-founder worries effects of PS3 piracy could be worse than handhelds' plight

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST

Wondering why there's such a hullabaloo over that PS3 security breach? According to Martin Walfisz, who co-founded Massive Entertainment (but left the company shortly after its purchase by Ubisoft to focus on development of new DRM strategies), it's because it's the end of the world. Well, okay, maybe it's not that bad -- but Walfisz paints a pretty grim picture for Sony, telling GamesIndustry.biz, "If that hack works as reported, I don't believe that Sony can regain any control."

Walfisz predicts that Sony could employ a system similar to Microsoft's anti-piracy measures through Xbox Live, blocking hacked PS3s from connecting to the PlayStation Network; though if the hack works as reported, and doesn't require a mod chip to function, Walfisz worries Sony won't be able to detect which users are playing pirated games -- though Sony claims it can and will shut down "jailbroken" consoles. What's worse, Walfisz adds, "I would assume that pirated copies can be stored on the HDD as well, making it so easy to use that PS3 piracy, given time, might even surpass the handhelds." Piracy is pernicious enough on exposed systems, but super convenient piracy? Yikes.

Massive co-founder worries effects of PS3 piracy could be worse than handhelds' plight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft relaxes its 'always on' internet PC game DRM

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:55:00 EST

Despite publicly sticking by its internet connection-required DRM security, Ubisoft recently and quietly patched out the connection requirement, affecting "a few" of its PC titles, including both Splinter Cell: Conviction and Assassin's Creed 2. The publisher confirmed as much with Joystiq this morning, noting that the removal is on a "case-by-case" basis and, perhaps in a bid to save face, added that "from the beginning we said that we might choose to patch out games at some point."

Forthcoming Ubisoft PC titles could still contain the highly restrictive DRM, but given that RUSE released this past summer with only Valve's DRM in place, Ubisoft may continue to spare its future PC releases from the grip of its hated, hacked and restrictive solution.

Ubisoft relaxes its 'always on' internet PC game DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUSE won't use Ubisoft's controversial DRM

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Ubisoft's RUSE will not use the publisher's controversial "always on" DRM when the game attempts to make its latest release date in September. Instead, the PC version of RUSE will use Valve's Steamworks API to, as the publisher puts it, "offer the best community experience to players." The game will require an initial online activation, but the single-player game should be playable offline thereafter.

Following up with Ubisoft, the company tells Joystiq that it will "continue to use the Ubisoft protection system for most PC games." We'll have to wait and see if the publisher stands by its DRM policies for future high-profile PC titles, or if its commentary is just a, well, you know.

Gallery: R.U.S.E.

RUSE won't use Ubisoft's controversial DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco Bandai Partners supports 'always on' DRM, for now

JC Fletcher — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:35:00 EST

Namco Bandai Partners, the former Atari Europe operation acquired by Namco Bandai last year, is a bit more supportive of Ubisoft's "always on" DRM for PC games than Blizzard -- but only a bit. Speaking to CVG, Namco Bandai Partners VP Olivier Comte called the technology "a good [approach] for one reason: I have no alternative today." He added that it's "certainly not" the best option, and "if I can make something else I'll do it, but it's better to do something than not do something."

It seems likely, then, that the same kind of DRM that has beset the PC versions of Assassin's Creed 2 and Settlers 7 will be present in Namco Bandai's Test Drive Unlimited 2 and The Witcher 2, at least in Europe.

Despite his reluctant adoption of DRM, Comte lamented the futility of such attempts to curb piracy. "I'm convinced that whatever system you put in place you can be sure that two hours before putting it out it'll be cracked in Russia," he said. "I think that the combat against piracy is very complicated because it's very complicated to explain to a 12-year-old that drag and dropping a file on a PC is piracy -- he was born with this."

[Via Big Download]

Namco Bandai Partners supports 'always on' DRM, for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard: DRM a 'losing battle' for developers

JC Fletcher — Thu, 27 May 2010 09:45:00 EST

Ubisoft is the latest company to attach DRM to its PC games in an effort to curb piracy -- an initiative that has had basically the opposite of its intended effect in keeping out people who bought the games. Blizzard's Frank Pearce told VideoGamer that it's not the strategy Blizzard intends to implement in StarCraft II, with the company opting instead for a compelling Battle.net that will make people want to stay online in single-player, rather than requiring it. It's still a form of DRM, requiring online authentication, but it's also meant to serve other, gameplay-enhancing purposes.

"If we've done our job right and implemented Battle.net in a great way," the StarCraft II producer said, "people will want to be connected while they're playing the single player campaign so they can stay connected to their friends on Battle.net and earn the achievements on Battle.net."

Pearce called DRM "a losing battle for us," noting that the group of people who want to crack DRM is always "larger than our development teams." Pearce said "We need our development teams focused on content and cool features, not anti-piracy technology" -- something with which those of us patiently waiting for StarCraft II will agree.

Blizzard: DRM a 'losing battle' for developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Humble Indie Bundle: Pay what you want for World of Goo and four others

Mike Schramm — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:30:00 EST

You've commented on Joystiq posts about oppressive DRM many times before. You dutifully wear your Target-purchased indie game t-shirt every week without fail. And you read every Joystiq Indie Pitch we post. But if you want to put some money towards supporting indie games, you won't find a better way to do it than this. Wolfire Games and a few other indie developers have put together the "Humble Indie Bundle" sale, offering five terrific award-winning indie games (World of Goo, Aquaria, Gish, Lugaru and Penumbra Overture) for the low, low price of ... whatever you want.

That's right -- they're asking you to pay what you feel is right for these bundled, non-DRM, developer-owned Mac, Linux or PC games. And that's not all: You can even specify part or all of your donation to go to a charity, either Child's Play or the Electronic Frontier Foundation. That's about as selfless as it gets in gaming -- pay what you think it's worth, to charity or the people who made it.

The average donation so far is about $8.00, but individuals have donated as much as $500 to the effort. You get lots of chances to say you support indie gaming, but fewer great chances like this to put your money where your mouth is. And walking away with five great indie titles to play doesn't hurt, either.

Humble Indie Bundle: Pay what you want for World of Goo and four others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PC Alpha Protocol's Uniloc DRM explained

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:00:00 EST

An administrator on the Sega forums has detailed what purchasers of Alpha Protocol on PC can expect from the Uniloc DRM system. With some publishers employing excessive DRM, it's good for PC players to know what they are getting into.

Sega details that initial activation of the game will require an internet connection, but after that they should be good to go. Five activations are allowed per license key, with users having the option to deactivate a computer's license if they wish. Most importantly, the DRM will allegedly be removed through a patch 18-24 months after release.

PC owners who submit to the DRM can pick up a copy June 1. In tragic irony, those who refuse to submit to any DRM will likely be able to download the game around the same time -- or earlier -- from their favorite torrent site. But don't do that.

[Via Big Download]

PC Alpha Protocol's Uniloc DRM explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom apologizes for unannounced Final Fight: Double Impact DRM

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST

Capcom has sent over a response to the revelation of Final Fight: Double Impact's DRM, which requires that a user be signed into PSN to play it, even in single-player. The publisher apologized to fans -- not for the restriction, but for not making the fact that there was a restriction clearer.

"Typically, the notification for a required PlayStation Network connection appears in the full game description when a game is downloaded from the PlayStation Store," the statement reads. "Unfortunately when populating this content this detail was overlooked and wasn't included in the versions of the game that released in North America and Asia."

Capcom has "acted quickly with Sony Computer Entertainment America" and ensures fans that it will be addressed. Before you start pooling your money with your PSN-sharing friends, we have our own warning: given the context of the statement, the promised fix is more likely to be the addition of a warning than the removal of the DRM. You can read the full statement after the break.

Continue reading Capcom apologizes for unannounced Final Fight: Double Impact DRM

Capcom apologizes for unannounced Final Fight: Double Impact DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft 'always on' DRM hated, hacked - circle of life continues

Mike Schramm — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:14:00 EST

Ah, the circle of life. Here's how it works: Game developers claim they've created some sort of unbreakable DRM that will lock pirates out, and then the pirates break their way in, leading to even more repressive forms of DRM. The snake has eaten its own tail once again, as Ubisoft's "Online Services Network" - also known as the obnoxious "always on" DRM that's already caused problems for paying customers - has reportedly been hacked. The hack, by a group named Skid Row allows users to circumvent the DRM entirely and play the affected games without connecting to Ubisoft's authentication servers.

In a statement attached to the crack's release, Skid Row proclaims that their crack "can't be compared" to other ways of hacking the games (which include having the software check in with an unofficial server), and that Ubisoft should "next time focus on the game and not on the DRM. It was probably horrible for all legit users. We just make their lifes [sic] easier."

This crack is specifically for Assassin's Creed II but if the method works, it could theoretically be tweaked to include all of the games protected in this manner, including the upcoming Splinter Cell: Conviction. And thus, the circle, the circle of life continues on.

Ubisoft 'always on' DRM hated, hacked - circle of life continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fight: Double Impact's PSN requirement is anti-sharing DRM

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST

Capcom appears to have responded to concerns about Final Fight: Double Impact's requirement that a user be signed in to PSN to play the game. IGN forum user "Nacthenud" has posted an alleged response he received from a Capcom admin about the issue.

"Yes, there is DRM," the admin confirmed. "This was employed to combat the rampant 'PSN Sharing' that has been going on over the last year. We're sorry that your family cannot play the game on their individual accounts (same console). This is a limitation of the Sony network." The message goes on to say that Double Impact's DRM is a trial to "evaluate impact" of the PSN sign-in requirement, which seeks to limit access to the game to the PSN account that purchased the title.

Since the statement was posted, Nacthenud and others have discovered an apparent workaround. They suggest it's possible to play the game using secondary accounts on a PS3, provided the account used to purchase Double Impact is set to automatically sign into PSN when the console turns on. But that's ancillary to the intended purpose of the DRM: to prevent users on other PS3s from playing the game (and thereby rendering the game unplayable offline).

We've asked Capcom for verification, but have yet to hear back.

[Thanks, HeavyToka]

Final Fight: Double Impact's PSN requirement is anti-sharing DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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