[Gaming] Interesting anti piracy method from 1991, was it used?

[Lionclaw]

Found an old computer magazine from 1991 with an interesting anti piracy method announced by Codemasters at the time.

If you wanted to play the pirated copy, instead of the game a telephone number was shown on screen. The call at the time cost 33 pence per minute. If called you got the necessary instructions required in order to get the game to start.
The purpose was that you had to call that number every time you wanted to play. But only if it was a pirated copy.


Was that actually used?

Quite an interesting method though.

Tried looking via google, but couldn't find anything about it.


I remember some other methods though, it was basically look up page # and enter the code from Row #, Column #.
Or to look up an image on page # and select the correct one.

If you didn't have the booklet/manual with the codes/images. You couldn't play.

One I remember clearly was that the codes were written in glossy black ink on black paper. So you had to move it around in order to see it.

It was due to my older brother that I experienced the C64 and Amiga, good times.

[CaptainHaplo]

One of the best ones I remember was the little code wheel - you had to line up different symbols and then had to type in the word it gave you - but there were like three words in the little windows so you also had to use the right one based on the instructions. It was fun doing to, not intrusive.

[Raptor1]

I remember the manual letter lookup method, that was annoying.

Then again, back then a manual was hard to pirate, couldn't find it in PDF everywhere...

[antikristuseke]

Originally Posted by Lionclaw

Found an old computer magazine from 1991 with an interesting anti piracy method announced by Codemasters at the time.

If you wanted to play the pirated copy, instead of the game a telephone number was shown on screen. The call at the time cost 33 pence per minute. If called you got the necessary instructions required in order to get the game to start.
The purpose was that you had to call that number every time you wanted to play. But only if it was a pirated copy.

coding vise, how the **** is this supposed to work?

[OneToughHerring]

Originally Posted by antikristuseke

coding vise, how the **** is this supposed to work?

Elementary my dear Watson. Have you been drinking, or something?

[Wolfehunter]

My favorite copy protection was from starflight 2. There massive galatic colored maps. You had this little square gizmo and had to align it to various grid locations. Then count the many colored stars that the game ask.

If you failed there was a chance that the space police came after you and well game over.. hehehe.

Back then not many people had color printers.. I don't recall any scanners ether...

I still have that game.. I wish it was updated... and improved with todays graphics\sound effects... that would be an awesome game if they stay true to the story.

[GoldenRivet]

surprised this one hasnt been closed... since it mentions the "p" word

[Lionclaw]

Maybe I could have worded it differently. But since my original post has been quoted I cannot change anything, and the title can only be changed by a moderator.
I only wrote what I saw in an article in a magazine that's almost 20 years old about a copy protection method that may or may not have been used.

If the moderators wish to close it, well that's ok.

[GoldenRivet]

I was being a smart ass

[CaptainHaplo]

Better than the alternative!

Manual based DRM was always pretty good, though it could be gotten around. Things like the Starflight2 and SSI D&D games made it harder. Still, no system in the world will ever be 100% secure.

I am suprised at one thing though. In many states (and perhaps in other countries) - you are legally entitled to a backup copy of any software you purchase / license. Usually the License Agreement prohibits this, but clauses it with the fact that your locale may not allow that prohibition and that you may have other rights under local laws. However, DRM makes such copies - when in the possession of the original purchaser and legal under the law, still be non-functional. I am curious as to the legality of that - since if your original media is damaged the publisher usually charges you for a "copy" from them. One could make the arguement that, because the original purchaser is entitled to a backup copy, that copy should be functional - as otherwise its of no use. If a publisher has a legal requirement to make such a copy functional - well that would be opening up a can of worms....

Something to think about. Anyone know much about this subject? My knowledge is limited on it at the moment.

[Safe-Keeper]

That telephone thing is actually almost a good idea for today's market. You can either buy the full, retail game, or download a completely free version that charges you a small sum (like 10 to 25 cents) every time you play.

Of course, the reality would be that the pirates just downloaded a cracked full version, so I guess we'll never see it happen.

[Arclight]

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

Something to think about. Anyone know much about this subject? My knowledge is limited on it at the moment.

Been wondering that for a long time as well. To my (limited) understanding, you do indeed have the right to make 1 copy for personal use.

Used to make images from the discs and use those to play the game. When content was still being streamed from the disc, it helped loading times a good deal, and the physical copy could be safely stored.

Still possible nowadays, though it is made increasingly diffcult, and often requires that you use tools that are directly linked to piracy. Gave up on it years ago, though I still have a big collection of images from older (legally purchased) games.


Never seen that phone-based system used, though I could swear I heared about it before.

[CaptainHaplo]

If your legally entitled to one copy - can the manufacturer legally include a mechanism that makes your copy NOT work? I would think not - simply on the basis that defeats the whole purpose.

The reason I bring this up is because it would in fact make online copy protection the way to go, because on disk stuff would technically be violating the rights of the user.

I may have to research this some when and if I get the chance.

[Dowly]

Dont have up-to-date knowledge about it either, but it indeed was (is?) legal to make a backup copy of audio/movie/game/app CD/DVD for your own use.

No idea if they have changed the law now that we have DRM's that prevent a backup copy to work.

EDIT: Quick google search says that you are allowed to make an backup of your media atleast in the States and in UK.

But here's the catch with the UK's law (mind you this is from 2004, so it might not be correct anymore.)

This section of the law has NOT been changed by the CRRA. You are still entitled by UK law to make a backup copy of any piece of software you buy legally. Where things start to get interesting, though, is in Section 296Z of the new law. Section 296 makes it an offence to do anything at all which is designed to circumvent any piece of copyright protection technology put in place by the manufacturers or distributors of any copyrighted work.

[Feuer Frei!]

Basically you are able to copy your purchased original, for your own use, however are not able to distribute, sell or otherwise advertise the copy for your own gain.
The way i understand it.