Ubi, Pirates and Release Dates

[CCIP]

I hate to join the ranks of the ranters, but here goes one:

1) Pirates - :down:
Way to leak a game. I should hope that anyone who even thinks of going this route thinks again. Whatever the case, we all HAVE to support the developers. This, like it or not, is a matter of life-and-death to our hobby - if we can't support commercial subsims, we can kiss them goodbye. If anyone here dares to say non-commercial subsims are the way to go - I'll give them a pat on the back, and ask them to see their finished product - and don't get me wrong, but it's just a fact that we NEED true, original commercial development in our hobby right now.

2) Ubi - :down:
Great way to let the pirates get ahead of you. For shame, you're a company with millions of dollars in budget, and you can't afford to set up even an online distro system, TWO WEEKS after the game has gone gold - and after the 'scene' beat you to it.
I consider myself a very dissatisfied customer. Though I will not cancel my order, because I'm honorable enough to have two legit game copies, I must say I am seriously disappointed - I paid $49.99 US, and I can't even get a game I've been waiting for more than a year, any earlier than the pirate scambags.

3) Release date confusion - :down:
How can a game be shipping in one country, while others who paid to pre-order in others can't even get it online or mailed to them in time?

I ask that everyone here who's pre-ordered from Ubisoft PLEASE write these guys a few emails expressing their dissatisfaction. As customers, you have to speak out for yourselves.

You will never see me whining about the game - I'll post bug reports and errors in proper threads, and that'll be the end of it. But this is where I draw the line.

Again, :down:

[CCIP]

Err, to that I'd like to add a request - could anyone please point me to a Ubisoft customer contact email?

I have a few (politely written and to-the-point) words for them - and I'm irked it's impossible to even find a way to send them to the company's complaint department (and they'd better have it). :-?

[dean_acheson]

Hear hear!!!

I totally agree. I purchased an online copy and the freaking big dollar collector's edition....

So here I am, unable to d/l it, it is the weekend, and people are playing it.

I am really piqued.

[kiwi_2005]

I pre-ordered from the local pc store, Collectors edition and im expecting i wont be playing till either late this week or early next.:roll: Whens it coming out 21st of this month isn't it? So i figure i will have it either 23rd (yeah right) or definately next week.:shifty: We usually get our games same time as Aussie gamers.

I hope.

[Meco]

I put a deposit at the gaming store. His computer screen indicated it would be in on Friday the 23rd.. Im in no rush. Ill pay the full price for both copies. Mine and the one Im buying for a friend.

Personaly, I don't care what pirates do. My copies are clean and to me thats all that matters. I did my part for the devs and I think most others will too. In a week from now we will all be having a great time with SHIV and days like today will be a distant memory.

What can ya do. It's a global ditributed product. There is bound to be variation in delivery.

I see and understand your point completely CCIP.

But I shudder at the alternative. Remember the SF days with SHIII. I'm thinking it coulda been much worse than a few days wait while others play it by theft. In every new game release there are bugs, items that dont meet expectations, items that surpass them, pirates, hours of fun, minutes of frustration, time goes too fast, it takes too long.

Such is life. It's too short. let em have their moment of evil. let the devs figure out how to prevent it next time. Yesterday is over, today is here, and tomorow is another day.

[stabiz]

I dont see where this is coming from, this happens with ALL GAMES. Sure it sucks, but it has nothing to do with Ubi. (This time)

Oh, and I have bought the game, and not received it either.

[Safe-Keeper]

I dont see where this is coming from, this happens with ALL GAMES. Sure it sucks, but it has nothing to do with Ubi.Exactly. Just like nearly all stores experience shoplifting.

[CCIP]

I dont see where this is coming from, this happens with ALL GAMES. Sure it sucks, but it has nothing to do with Ubi.Exactly. Just like nearly all stores experience shoplifting.
Mind you, the release differences are only my complaint. When it's a question of logistics, it's fine by me.

However, when the game's been gold for a while and there's a download service, I'm REALLY not seeing the justification for it. Sure, I know it'll be as it has to be... but I can be unhappy about it and complain. I think it's unfair and causeless - if the pirates can have it on their torrent sites, I don't see how Ubi can't logically see what's holding Ubi's supposedly-established pay-per-download system :-?

[geetrue]

Your jumping to conclusions about pirates ... :arrgh!:

Lots of them out there, true ... but shipshape showed everyone that he didn't pirate anything ... He didn't even know how to post a pic.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=107763&page=2

Settle down and think it out ... for all we know he owns a software store or has a friend that works at one. Shipshape is just the first of many yet to come.

We have to adjust to the situation of just one or two so far ...

Just a few more days, don't say anything you will regret later ... :cool:

Play it and patch it ... everything will work out. :up:

veterans of SHII and SHIII we have another one on our hands ... :yep:

It's kind of funny if you stop and think about it ... :lol:

[DJSatane]

Don't worry about the pirates, they still wont be able to play multiplayer without their own cdkey which you only get if you buy the game.

Although I am dissapointed the game is already out in Europe:( Here in new york city I have few more days to wait it seems...

[Dowly]

Don't worry about the pirates, they still wont be able to play multiplayer without their own cdkey which you only get if you buy the game.

Although I am dissapointed the game is already out in Europe:( Here in new york city I have few more days to wait it seems...

That isnt entirely true. It really depends of the game. Games that are solely for MP are protected very well, but a game like Silent Hunter, where the main focus is the singleplay career, <edited by Drebbel: no dicussion about "walk the plank topics">

Sucks, but nothing you can do about it. :roll:

[Spray]

Don't worry about the pirates, they still wont be able to play multiplayer without their own cdkey which you only get if you buy the game.

Although I am dissapointed the game is already out in Europe:( Here in new york city I have few more days to wait it seems...
That isnt entirely true. It really depends of the game. Games that are solely for MP are protected very well, but a game like Silent Hunter, where the main focus is the singleplay career, singleplay career, <edited by Drebbel: no dicussion about "walk the plank topics">

Sucks, but nothing you can do about it. :roll:

What I thought UBI would smarten up and add in CD Key protection for multiplay. That sucks majorly.

[DJSatane]

Actually with SH4 you do need a cd-key that comes with either manual or inside dvd box and its a unique key that you will use along with your ubi account to be able to play online. SH3 didnt need this but with 4 every person that buys will have unique key. This is good because for those that want to play online have to buy the game :)

[CruiseTorpedo]

I dont see a problem, this is a game after all! It's not a military op that must be pulled off correctly or people die. Ubi tried to make it fair by delaying in the US an extra week so everyone can have at it about the same time. I'd loooove to be playing it right now as I'm on vacation but it's fine, the game will be here when I get back (leaving next tuesday for a week).

[flintlock]

The pirated leak is unfortunate, though definitely not surprising. I believe this remains a significant reason why PC sales continue to decline and more and more developers/publishers are choosing to focus their efforts and resources on consoles. As usual, the thieves (I prefer this over pirates) get the game before paying customers and without copy protection. What's wrong with this picture?

[DJSatane]

Well I dont want to get into this, but I have few friends with consoles and let's just say there is plenty of piracy in consoles as well. In any case, UBI did the smart thing if protecting mp with cd key. This way at least there is some protection.

[Ark]

I hate to join the ranks of the ranters, but here goes one:

1) Pirates - :down:
Way to leak a game. I should hope that anyone who even thinks of going this route thinks again. Whatever the case, we all HAVE to support the developers. This, like it or not, is a matter of life-and-death to our hobby - if we can't support commercial subsims, we can kiss them goodbye. If anyone here dares to say non-commercial subsims are the way to go - I'll give them a pat on the back, and ask them to see their finished product - and don't get me wrong, but it's just a fact that we NEED true, original commercial development in our hobby right now.

2) Ubi - :down:
Great way to let the pirates get ahead of you. For shame, you're a company with millions of dollars in budget, and you can't afford to set up even an online distro system, TWO WEEKS after the game has gone gold - and after the 'scene' beat you to it.
I consider myself a very dissatisfied customer. Though I will not cancel my order, because I'm honorable enough to have two legit game copies, I must say I am seriously disappointed - I paid $49.99 US, and I can't even get a game I've been waiting for more than a year, any earlier than the pirate scambags.

3) Release date confusion - :down:
How can a game be shipping in one country, while others who paid to pre-order in others can't even get it online or mailed to them in time?

I ask that everyone here who's pre-ordered from Ubisoft PLEASE write these guys a few emails expressing their dissatisfaction. As customers, you have to speak out for yourselves.

You will never see me whining about the game - I'll post bug reports and errors in proper threads, and that'll be the end of it. But this is where I draw the line.

Again, :down:


I went the extra distance and went ahead and called everyday for the past week. Usually right before they get off work. lol

[mookiemookie]

The pirated leak is unfortunate, though definitely not surprising. I believe this remains a significant reason why PC sales continue to decline and more and more developers/publishers are choosing to focus their efforts and resources on consoles. As usual, the thieves (I prefer this over pirates) get the game before paying customers and without copy protection. What's wrong with this picture?
With DVD burners becoming very common, even consoles are not immune to the effects of piracy.

I blame the Playstation 2. When it came out, it offered a good system for an affordable price. People flocked to it, and the game companies saw that's where the money was. And now with Nintendo and Microsoft on the bandwagon, it's become a snowball effect. I just hope that there will continue to be companies like Ubi who cater to us niche market simulation folk despite the fact that PC game sales continue to decline.

I am kind of hacked off about the release date confusion. But I won't blame Ubi just yet. It could be the fault of a few retailers breaking the release date and not Ubisoft's doing at all.

[CCIP]

Still, I do say the biggest problem with game sales is not so much piracy but bad customer service and unfinished products. Every copy pirated is not a copy that stays on the shelf, however.

Not to defend piracy, but I think companies need to take initiative to 'win'. They could sell games at more competitive prices, or use their returns to better-finance developers and make games with fewer holes to plug.

And I'll always stand by the idea that the best copy protection is a good package, lots of extras, and a detailed manual!

I think game companies need to be prodded by their customers into being more efficient and less greedy - but piracy is not the right way to do it!

[kiwi_2005]

EDIT wrong thread

[THE_MASK]

Basically the pirators are taking away from genuine sales and our chance to have a atlantic add on or whatever .:stare:

[bigboywooly]

Piracy has gone on for years and will continue to do so
Whatever security systems are in place someone will always want to break it
Just because they can

Consoles arent immune from piracy either
Not quite sure how the latest ones stack up as not bought one since PS2

Not excusing or condoning it its just a fact of life

No substitute for having the proper disc and packaging though but to a lot of ppl that wont matter
A free game\program or album is just that

But it shouldnt take away from the fact games arent being released finished
I love the SH series and long may it continue

My computer specs stop me from moving onto SH4 at the moment but I will end up buying it soon

By the time I get round to being able to afford to upgrade SHV will be out :rotfl:

[Aimbot]

Fortunately the target market of sims are not the 15-20 age group, as they are most likely to download torrents. Most people older than 20 have a steady income and can spend 50$ without too much consternation, and are more worried about hardware upgrades, which obviously can't be downloaded.

Back in high school most of my friends used torrents as a rental system. They couldn't afford to plink down 50$ on every game that caught their interest so they'd just download it and try it for a week or so before either buying or uninstalling it. One of my friends did do nothing but download, but he got busted for music piracy a couple of years ago, so enjoy a good laugh at his expence.

I can understand using torrents as rentals, though I've never done it, if it's a kid who can't afford to buy more than two or three games a year. I think devs should be given an open season on pure pirates though. :up:

[kptn_kaiserhof]

to kiwi 2005

im a aussie gamer i started my prepay order for sh4 3 weeks ago
then i payed the rest of it on the 15 of march supsed release date

then
eb told me 15th was pre release date
then they said 26 of march its relesed

THEY SHOULD MAKE THERE MINDS UP!!!

[StandingCow]

The pirated leak is unfortunate, though definitely not surprising. I believe this remains a significant reason why PC sales continue to decline and more and more developers/publishers are choosing to focus their efforts and resources on consoles. As usual, the thieves (I prefer this over pirates) get the game before paying customers and without copy protection. What's wrong with this picture?

I disagree, while I am against pirating, to think that is the reason for PC sales declining in my opinion is not correct.

First off, the quality of games is not what it once was, and many games are released with so many bugs some are even unplayable.

Cost is another issue that ties in with the above comment, why spend 40-50 bucks on something that you cannot even play or is a terrible game?

The last is, many people that pirate a game would not have gone out and purchased it, they only get it because they can for free, so that throws statistics way off (Game Makers saying they lost so much money), if people that pirate games end up liking said game, many will go out and buy it, so they sort of use it like a demo. There is a very interesting article on cnn.com about this.

I am not condoning pirating games at all, I am very against it. But I disagree with it being a reason that PC sales are declining.

[IRONxMortlock]

I think the best copy protection is to have a unique CD key for every copy and then require people to create an account at Ubisoft which checks that key. If you don't register the account you can't play.

Short of hacking into Ubi I can't see anyway someone could get around such a system.
________
Ass live (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/anal-sex/)

[flintlock]

I am not condoning pirating games at all, I am very against it. But I disagree with it being a reason that PC sales are declining. You may disagree, but it remains one of the reasons of declining PC sales. Moreover, there have been developers which have publicly stated that due to rampant PC pirating, they will focus future efforts on console platforms. Whether or not they are correct is irrelevant, all that matters in the end is that they perceive it to be true. That's not to say that console titles can't be pirated, because we all know they can--it's a different animal though.

[StandingCow]

I am not condoning pirating games at all, I am very against it. But I disagree with it being a reason that PC sales are declining. You may disagree, but it remains one of the reasons of declining PC sales. Moreover, there have been developers which have publicly stated that due to rampant PC pirating, they will focus future efforts on console platforms. Whether or not they are correct is irrelevant, all that matters in the end is that they perceive it to be true. That's not to say that console titles can't be pirated, because we all know they can--it's a different animal though.

I agree that them thinking its the reason for a major decline is the issue... not that it IS a huge issue.

What happens when they focus on Consoles? People will just hack those more.

And all copy protection seems to do is annoy people that have legally purchased their software, hackers get around it pretty easily.

I think the best copy protection is to have a unique CD key for every copy and then require people to create an account at Ubisoft which checks that key. If you don't register the account you can't play.

Short of hacking into Ubi I can't see anyway someone could get around such a system.

Anything can be hacked into... hell, government computers get hacked into..

[flintlock]

all copy protection seems to do is annoy people that have legally purchased their software, hackers get around it pretty easily. I agree wholeheartedly. Legit, loyal and paying customers deal with annoying copy protection schemes whilst thieves enjoy the titles devoid of any such nuisances. It seems publishers have a difficult time wrapping their collective heads around this concept.

C'est la vie.

[IRONxMortlock]

Anything can be hacked into... hell, government computers get hacked into..

Yes, we've all seen war games but I think this method would effectively stop it. The vast bulk of software pirates would lack the skills needed to do that. It would be easier to just go to the shop and buy it.
________
Live Sex (http://livesexwebshows.com/)

[StandingCow]

Anything can be hacked into... hell, government computers get hacked into..

Yes, we've all seen war games but I think this method would effectively stop it. The vast bulk of software pirates would lack the skills needed to do that. It would be easier to just go to the shop and buy it.

Many do it for the challenge. One thing we are taught in networking classes.. in fact, any computer class is that the only sure way to keep a hacker out is a pair of wire cutters. Anything can be hacked/spoofed.

[IRONxMortlock]

Anything can be hacked into... hell, government computers get hacked into..
Yes, we've all seen war games but I think this method would effectively stop it. The vast bulk of software pirates would lack the skills needed to do that. It would be easier to just go to the shop and buy it.
Many do it for the challenge. One thing we are taught in networking classes.. in fact, any computer class is that the only sure way to keep a hacker out is a pair of wire cutters. Anything can be hacked/spoofed.

Oh I don't doubt some people would get through. Like you said, they'll get through anything anyway. Most of the people who can so easily pirate games ATM (by that I mean the people who use the cracks not those who make them) would not be able to do it and majority of piracy would be eliminated.
________
Live sex (http://livesexwebshows.com/)

[Dantenoc]

Well, the main reason that games are migrating to consoles is that the general public is more likely to buy a $600.00 console in order to play today's hottest games, instead of having to buy a $1,500 computer.

Having said that, piracy does hurt developers.

I personally prefer computer games, mainly because:
a) the mouse and/or a touchscreen are unbeatable as input devices
b) computers screens have higher resolutions (TV's are just awfull at this)
c) Easily moddable games

[Dowly]

The last is, many people that pirate a game would not have gone out and purchased it, they only get it because they can for free, so that throws statistics way off (Game Makers saying they lost so much money), if people that pirate games end up liking said game, many will go out and buy it, so they sort of use it like a demo. There is a very interesting article on cnn.com about this.

Very true! :yep:

[macky]

I have 2 points to add:

1) According to PC gamer there is no decline in PC gaming, in fact this will be the year of the PC. With dual core being favoured by MS and big game developers as being the breakthrough. Windows vista was made for the pc gamer. Doubt MS would throw away a lot of developing money if they thought the pc market was in decline. Although we dont see a lot of pc games on shelves, apparently the online market (legitamate one not the pirates) is booming. World of Warcraft have exceeded 8million subscribers which is bigger than many countries :p

Yes a lot of games are purely console, and tbh the type of games that they are probably deserve to be there. But there a many that never will, SH series probably one. However, as pointed out, piracy for these are also rife. Yet you dont see game developers saying not going to make any more console games due to piracy

2) As was posted previously, make the retail versions more excitable. Proper merchandise, instructions and maps etc. Make people want to buy the actual game for real. But don't spend out so much on material that the game just gets too expensive to buy. After all, piracy is here and it will stay. Don't put software protection on thats unreliable and can cause legitimate game owners PC's to crash uniformly.

btw, expecting mine after the 23rd:up:

[Seeadler]

Although we dont see a lot of pc games on shelves, apparently the online market (legitamate one not the pirates) is booming. World of Warcraft have exceeded 8million subscribers which is bigger than many countries :p

Yes a lot of games are purely console, and tbh the type of games that they are probably deserve to be there. But there a many that never will, SH series probably one. However, as pointed out, piracy for these are also rife. Yet you dont see game developers saying not going to make any more console games due to piracy

An article to this topic:

"Can PC Gaming Survive in a Console World?"
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2102189,00.asp

[Aimbot]

I am not condoning pirating games at all, I am very against it. But I disagree with it being a reason that PC sales are declining. You may disagree, but it remains one of the reasons of declining PC sales. Moreover, there have been developers which have publicly stated that due to rampant PC pirating, they will focus future efforts on console platforms. Whether or not they are correct is irrelevant, all that matters in the end is that they perceive it to be true. That's not to say that console titles can't be pirated, because we all know they can--it's a different animal though. This issue has been common for too long to be a major reason for recent declining sales. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xfqkdh5Js4) As others have said, it's largely a decline in packaging and extras, increased console function, higher cost in production, increased personel requirements, and hardware issues. Hell, consoles are modded and the titles pirated as well, it's just a bit harder.

[Fat Bhoy Tim]

I hate to join the ranks of the ranters, but here goes one:

2) Ubi - :down:
Great way to let the pirates get ahead of you. For shame, you're a company with millions of dollars in budget, and you can't afford to set up even an online distro system, TWO WEEKS after the game has gone gold - and after the 'scene' beat you to it.
I consider myself a very dissatisfied customer. Though I will not cancel my order, because I'm honorable enough to have two legit game copies, I must say I am seriously disappointed - I paid $49.99 US, and I can't even get a game I've been waiting for more than a year, any earlier than the pirate scambags.

3) Release date confusion - :down:
How can a game be shipping in one country, while others who paid to pre-order in others can't even get it online or mailed to them in time?

I ask that everyone here who's pre-ordered from Ubisoft PLEASE write these guys a few emails expressing their dissatisfaction. As customers, you have to speak out for yourselves.

You will never see me whining about the game - I'll post bug reports and errors in proper threads, and that'll be the end of it. But this is where I draw the line.

Again, :down:
I find the fact you're complaining with the game not being released despite having gone gold 2 weeks ago, and then moaning about the difference release dates on the other hand - to be rather ironic. if I'm a publisher, I need a least a minimum of a month from gold to send it to the manufacturers to press it, and then distribute it worldwide. Meanwhile I'm not going to make it available online until it's a simoultaneous launch worldwide.

I agree they cocked up the different release dates, and the differences in availability of versions. But otherwise I don't see any problem. If pirates are going to get a hold of it and immediately stick it on the net, there's little you can do about it there.

[StandingCow]

All you can do is promote people to actually but it, as somebody stated this genre is not very popular. If you see or hear of anybody pirating this game, try and convince them to go out and buy it.

I have been promoting this game on all the forums I visit in hopes that it does well and more subsims follow.

[Fat Bhoy Tim]

Still, I do say the biggest problem with game sales is not so much piracy but bad customer service and unfinished products. Every copy pirated is not a copy that stays on the shelf, however.

Not to defend piracy, but I think companies need to take initiative to 'win'. They could sell games at more competitive prices, or use their returns to better-finance developers and make games with fewer holes to plug.

And I'll always stand by the idea that the best copy protection is a good package, lots of extras, and a detailed manual!

I think game companies need to be prodded by their customers into being more efficient and less greedy - but piracy is not the right way to do it!

I'm going to play devil's advocate here a bit, and say that the massive amount of copy protection on some games is exactly why people go for cracked or pirated ones. After playing BF1942, Battlefield 2 was horrible. The software was clunky, had to log into the server for anything and just too ages. Then with SH3 we had Starforce that caused endless headaches for certain people.

Whilst I agree copy protection has its rightful place, I get the impression some buy pirated stuff - or use cracks for legitimately purchased games - simply out of frustration with games that have heavy handed implementation.

[Fat Bhoy Tim]

I have 2 points to add:

1) According to PC gamer there is no decline in PC gaming, in fact this will be the year of the PC. With dual core being favoured by MS and big game developers as being the breakthrough. Windows vista was made for the pc gamer. Doubt MS would throw away a lot of developing money if they thought the pc market was in decline. Although we dont see a lot of pc games on shelves, apparently the online market (legitamate one not the pirates) is booming. World of Warcraft have exceeded 8million subscribers which is bigger than many countries :p


A declining market share in comparison to consoles, sure I can see that easily but I find the information stating declining total sales because as the article posted above says, the PC is becoming ironically what it was before - a niche platform.

[kptn_kaiserhof]

theory qestion if someone did not have the internet how will one register sh4 online?

perhaps have a ubi soft registy hotline like with microsoft??

[HunterICX]

Piracy :arrgh!:

Nowadays , its something you cannot avoid it too happen,
in the early days it was not as worse as today, but why?
there are several reasons.

1: The games nowadays have a lot in promise
2: The amount of pirate sites that can easily be found
3: the age of the person who dowloads it, you cannot think a 14 yr old gains enough pocket money for all the games he has on his computer :yep:
4: The speed of the internet nowadays, the minimal that people have is 1 Mbit. go figure.
5: The games nowadays is poor quality/ or are in e Pre-ready state-(so the buyers have to test it), I bought BF2 , and NEVER going to buy any of the titles again. it has been an complete dissapoinment with the amount of Exploits , Glitches, bugs and errors, and FALSE promised patches that had to fix the amount of problems the game came with. 50€ down the toillet
6: *see 5* People are wondering or are afraid of the same dissapointment, is the game worth my 50€?, try & Buy thingy mention before by other posters.


thought the MP function in some cases are well defended, like CD key requirement
some games need an unique cd key in order to play online if its used before or its in the blacklist because it duplicated, or its a fake one.
the best defence of a MP feature is a .exe check.
if it sees that the .exe have been modified by a fix that it will block ur attempt of joining an online game.


things that could reduce the amount of piracy is:

*bring out a DEMO for the people to try (to see if they like it and how it runs on the system)
*Bring out the product as the final game and not something that is filled with bugs and has been poorly tested.
*make the Multiplayer feature extra attractive and hard to fool with pirate versions (like mentioned above , unique CD key and a .exe checker)

hearing me say this all, well I have red a lot about the piracy stuff, it really is interesting how they manage to beat the publisher too it. its also a big shame that it is, but hell.
the games are a big target and the movies and music as well. its a simple fact that is on the dark side of the internet. Just ignore the fact that someone has it and be proud that you support the publisher when you get the Game in the Box you paid for

but sometimes a publisher cannot exeed the budget they get for the game, its poor.
hopefully SHIV will turn out well, thought I,m not going to buy it as I have no interest in the pacific at all

(hopefully what I have said above isnt breaking the TOS of Subsim)

[IRONxMortlock]

5: I bought BF2 , and NEVER going to buy any of the titles again. it has been an complete dissapoinment with the amount of Exploits , Glitches, bugs and errors, and FALSE promised patches that had to fix the amount of problems the game came with. 50? down the toillet


Want to get your 50 euros back? www.realitymod.com

________
Vapormatic (http://www.vaporshop.com/vapormatic-vaporizer.html)

[mookiemookie]

I have 2 points to add:

1) According to PC gamer there is no decline in PC gaming, in fact this will be the year of the PC. With dual core being favoured by MS and big game developers as being the breakthrough. Windows vista was made for the pc gamer. Doubt MS would throw away a lot of developing money if they thought the pc market was in decline. Although we dont see a lot of pc games on shelves, apparently the online market (legitamate one not the pirates) is booming. World of Warcraft have exceeded 8million subscribers which is bigger than many countries :p



Stole this from Wikipedia:

US PC Game Software Sales [2] (http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=15831) [3] (http://www.dfcint.com/)[4] (http://www.npdfunworld.com/)

1998 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998) - $1.7 billion
1999 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999) - $1.9 billion
2000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000) - $1.78 billion (84.9 million units)
2001 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001) - $1.75 billion (83.6 million units)
2002 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002) - $1.4 billion (61.5 million units)
2003 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003) - $1.2 billion (52.8 million units)
2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004) - $1.1 billion (45 million units)
2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005) - $953 million (38 million) [5] (http://gamespot.com/pc/rpg/worldofwarcraft/news.html?sid=6142571) + $344 million digital sales [6] (http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=12777)
2006 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006) - $970 million [7] (http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=40015&mode=thread&order=0)I'd say that's a decline, but not in a bad way. Like someone else said, I think PCs will fill that niche for people who want games that are deeper than "if it moves, shoot it." I hate consoles because I feel the games on them are dumbed down for the masses, and that's why I stick with PC strategy and sim games.

As for the people who think that a CD key check will stop piracy cold, look at what happened when Valve used Steam for Half Life 2. It was cracked shortly after release. Granted, it made it harder for the pirates but they did find ways around it. I don't think there's one be all, end all answer to piracy. It's a constant cat and mouse game.

[Drebbel]

I'd say that's a decline, but not in a bad way.

But for SubSims the USA is not the main market, not even for a Sim featurinmg US submarines.

[StandingCow]

I have 2 points to add:

1) According to PC gamer there is no decline in PC gaming, in fact this will be the year of the PC. With dual core being favoured by MS and big game developers as being the breakthrough. Windows vista was made for the pc gamer. Doubt MS would throw away a lot of developing money if they thought the pc market was in decline. Although we dont see a lot of pc games on shelves, apparently the online market (legitamate one not the pirates) is booming. World of Warcraft have exceeded 8million subscribers which is bigger than many countries :p


Stole this from Wikipedia:

US PC Game Software Sales [2] (http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=15831) [3] (http://www.dfcint.com/)[4] (http://www.npdfunworld.com/)
1998 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998) - $1.7 billion
1999 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999) - $1.9 billion
2000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000) - $1.78 billion (84.9 million units)
2001 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001) - $1.75 billion (83.6 million units)
2002 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002) - $1.4 billion (61.5 million units)
2003 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003) - $1.2 billion (52.8 million units)
2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004) - $1.1 billion (45 million units)
2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005) - $953 million (38 million) [5] (http://gamespot.com/pc/rpg/worldofwarcraft/news.html?sid=6142571) + $344 million digital sales [6] (http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=12777)
2006 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006) - $970 million [7] (http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=40015&mode=thread&order=0)I'd say that's a decline, but not in a bad way. Like someone else said, I think PCs will fill that niche for people who want games that are deeper than "if it moves, shoot it." I hate consoles because I feel the games on them are dumbed down for the masses, and that's why I stick with PC strategy and sim games.

As for the people who think that a CD key check will stop piracy cold, look at what happened when Valve used Steam for Half Life 2. It was cracked shortly after release. Granted, it made it harder for the pirates but they did find ways around it. I don't think there's one be all, end all answer to piracy. It's a constant cat and mouse game.

On the last one did they forget to add digital sales?

[mookiemookie]

On the last one did they forget to add digital sales?

I guess digital sales numbers weren't available for 2006. I work in the securities industry so I may have access to a market research report with these figures. I'll go see what I can dig up.

[bigboywooly]

Well I look at it as obvious that PC sales have declined - pirates or not

For most ppl I know the console is king
All the type of games my girls used to play on PC are now on console so they dont touch the PC for gaming anymore - suits me as I dont have to share time lol

[danlisa]

Well I look at it as obvious that PC sales have declined - pirates or not

For most ppl I know the console is king
All the type of games my girls used to play on PC are now on console so they dont touch the PC for gaming anymore - suits me as I dont have to share time lol

We might see a boost in PC sales in the near future now that Microsoft is opening up a PC/XBOX 360 gaming lobby.

It would be ideal if we PC'ers could take on the consoles.:arrgh!:

[Deep Six]

Well heck I was INVITED by Ubisoft to be one of the first to pre-order the Delux collectots Edition.....Have the e-mail still on my comp....Be one of the very first to pre-order one of only 3000 units worldwide to be made, the delux Edition containing..Blah , blah..you get the picture.....Put my money right up front, paid by credit card...I now have an invoice and Confirmation Inc order number...I whacked out £49.99...That's a few quid.....I EXPECT my game to arrive VERY SOON....Yeah I'll hold my breath..Not for long though...Really how can some countries get it in shops or by pre order and others ARE still waiting...


Deep six.....Out

[FIREWALL]

Actually with SH4 you do need a cd-key that comes with either manual or inside dvd box and its a unique key that you will use along with your ubi account to be able to play online. SH3 didnt need this but with 4 every person that buys will have unique key. This is good because for those that want to play online have to buy the game :)


I bought 2 SH-3 and a friend bought his and all 3 have the same key
code.I can post my key code and will bet most have the same. We
can have a pole on this.

[Yak]

I dont see where this is coming from, this happens with ALL GAMES. Sure it sucks, but it has nothing to do with Ubi.Exactly. Just like nearly all stores experience shoplifting.
Mind you, the release differences are only my complaint. When it's a question of logistics, it's fine by me.


Remember SH2? There was a NINE MONTH delay in shipping in australia...

And they wondered why the whole 29th flotille had pirate copies?