I don't think I will be getting Red Alert 3

[Syxx_Killer]

Well, I guess I will be passing on Red Alert 3. I've only waited years for it. No big deal. :damn: For those that don't know, Red Alert 3 will use SecuRom and have a 5 limit install. There is no way in hell I will be forced to accept an install limit. This is the same lunacy Spore is afflicted with. The executive producer of the game made a thread on the EA forums about the DRM RA3 uses. Here's the thread for anyone interested.

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=430797&start=0&tstart=0

[Ilpalazzo]

wow that's annoying. How sad it is that they feel this kind of thing needs to be used. If I felt like it made a difference, I would probably not purchase it. I loved the RA series too much to let this stand in my way though.

If this was just some ordinary game I would pass.

Do you suppose they tell the customer these kinds of things on the box? I just imagined Joe Nobody purchasing some game he thought looked cool and deal with this junk down the line.

I suppose that's one more benefit to using a console. None of this hassle when you just want to install and play a game. Soon all pc games will be like the Windows OS. You're going to have to authenticate it, call some number to get your activation code and enjoy until the next install that requires more bs. Lol, authentication for patch installs too. Even single player games will require an internet connection so that the game can call home.

[Wolfehunter]

EA will be adopting that secuRom crap since MEPC came out which caused a stink. One of the reasons why I didn't buy Mass effect for the reason they will need to check your computer every 10day or you can't play. If you forget it then you have to call the tech line for them to release your game.... LOL Most big PC game companies are going this route. They will screw the honest buyers but the pirated crack version will work flawless. Who do you think will be laughing?

Dead Space might have this too. I'm waiting for EA to answer my question about the choice of protection and silence I'm getting from them. I will wait till other suckers buy it and then decide my choice.

This is one of the big reasons why I haven't bought a EA game in ages. They're respect for clients sucks royally. :down:

I'm with you dude.;)

[danlisa]

Red Alert 3 will use SecuRom and have a 5 limit install. There is no way in hell I will be forced to accept an install limit.

How many PC's do you have?

:-? From the link you supplied, it's limited to 5 different computers, the amount of installs on a single PC is unlimited (provided you are connected to the net for verification during install & first launch). You only have to verify your game once on any PC, after that uninstall & reinstall as you see fit.

While it's rather draconian in it's method, the copy protection in RA3 seems to be the best way forward for the developers to counter piracy. Although, we all know how long it takes for protection to be 'worked around'. Spore for example, already done.;)

[kiwi_2005]

Red Alert 3 will use SecuRom and have a 5 limit install.

That sux. :down:

[cobalt]

Read the rules. --Ed.

[Dowly]

*****
Keelhauled.

What is Subsim.com's stance in relation to warez and piracy?
SUBSIM Review has a longstanding policy against software piracy. We do NOT allow discussion or even mention of warez, abandonware, peer-to-peer game swapping, illegal download sites, or rip-off websites. Nothing will get you banned faster than pointing people to illegal software distribution sites. Don't ask for serial numbers, manuals, or cracks. Any admission that you have in your possession illegal software can and usually will result in revocation of your Radio Room forum account. Support computer game programmers buy legally purchasing their work. They have to eat too, you know.

[cobalt]

holy ****.

[Syxx_Killer]

Red Alert 3 will use SecuRom and have a 5 limit install. There is no way in hell I will be forced to accept an install limit.
How many PC's do you have?

:-? From the link you supplied, it's limited to 5 different computers, the amount of installs on a single PC is unlimited (provided you are connected to the net for verification during install & first launch). You only have to verify your game once on any PC, after that uninstall & reinstall as you see fit.

While it's rather draconian in it's method, the copy protection in RA3 seems to be the best way forward for the developers to counter piracy. Although, we all know how long it takes for protection to be 'worked around'. Spore for example, already done.;)
The original post of that thread was amended some pages on down the line to say that you actually do not get that install back even if you are connected to the Internet. If you look at the OP you will see that it was edited. Here's a quote from that thread:

Quick update. As many conversations as I’ve had about this, it turns out I got an important detail wrong so I need to clarify something important.

An uninstall does not return the entitlement to the user. I’ll be updating my original post to reflect this.

Only five unique machines can be licensed with the same installation code. So you will be limited to a total of five machine activations.

However, we will ensure that nobody gets left in the lurch. Our customer service organization is committed to granting additional authorizations on a case- by-case basis for those folks who have good reason to need additional installs.

I am really sorry about the confusion, guys. I asked several people about this and thought I had it down, but obviously didn't. Totally my bad.

[danlisa]

Yeah, I noticed that but it's still only a limitation on the number of machines that one copy can be used on. There's nothing stopping me (or anyone) re-installing RA3 5 or 500 times on the same PC and I will only have used 1 unique PC install code, I can then do the same on another 4 PC's. That is not an install limit as most assume, that is an astute solution to piracy.

I fail to see what the problem is here. If it's the limitation imposed by RA's copy protection about the number of unique PC's that one copy can be applied to then it shouldn't really affect any home users as most people don't have 5 gaming rigs at home, even if you did, put the game up as a network share.

[Syxx_Killer]

When the thread was first started, I was actually in agreement with the DRM terms, that if I was connected to the Internet at the time of uninstall I would get that back. My computer is always connected to the Internet so that would have never been a problem. Not needing a disc was a nice bonus, too. While the practically unlimited install/uninstall is nice on the same computer, I don't like using up an install when I get a new computer or upgrade/replace the hardware. I still play Red Alert 2 after all these years (bought at release). I'd like to think I can do the same with Red Alert 3. ;)

[stabiz]

Meh, after Soldiers: HoWW2 every RTS gets a bit tedious. I cant get into these kill-kill-build-build-things anymore.

[Dowly]

Meh, after Soldiers: HoWW2 every RTS gets a bit tedious. I cant get into these kill-kill-build-build-things anymore.

Yeh, I know what you mean. But C&C series is abit different to me, I dont play it for the gameplay, but the welldone FMV's. :p (Oh yeh, and hot chicks with guns)

[Wolfehunter]

Meh, after Soldiers: HoWW2 every RTS gets a bit tedious. I cant get into these kill-kill-build-build-things anymore.I'm with you on that dude. I hate having to rush in a game.. I like to take my time and enjoy it.. RTS game tend to be a fast pace game or your killed hehehe.;)

[Robsoie]

If people are fed up with those publishers disrespecting and annoying you with their built-in DRM, Securom, Starforce etc... just boycott them and do not buy products featuring this kind of thing.

If people continue to support such drm/securom/starforce publisher practice by continuing to buy such product, it will never stop.

It is not like there is no other game in the world that is good enough to deserve your money without forcing such annoyance on you.

Just "vote with your money" to support publisher you think deserve it and don't give it to the ones that annoy their customers.

[Wolfehunter]

If people are fed up with those publishers disrespecting and annoying you with their built-in DRM, Securom, Starforce etc... just boycott them and do not buy products featuring this kind of thing.

If people continue to support such drm/securom/starforce publisher practice by continuing to buy such product, it will never stop.

It is not like there is no other game in the world that is good enough to deserve your money without forcing such annoyance on you.

Just "vote with your money" to support publisher you think deserve it and don't give it to the ones that annoy their customers.your right dude but most people don't care. They're casual gamers. DRMs isn't in there vocabulary. We consist of a small percent of the population. The rest are consol gamers and thats a whole other issue. I'm about prinicple. But these large publisher control distribution for the game companies. If they want to see there games sold they have to follow the publisher policies. Sometime its not by choice.:-?

Here is another article on a similar issue that was posted on another site.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/2008/05/09/desperate-measures/

[goldorak]

Well, I guess I will be passing on Red Alert 3. I've only waited years for it. No big deal. :damn: For those that don't know, Red Alert 3 will use SecuRom and have a 5 limit install. There is no way in hell I will be forced to accept an install limit. This is the same lunacy Spore is afflicted with. The executive producer of the game made a thread on the EA forums about the DRM RA3 uses. Here's the thread for anyone interested.

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=430797&start=0&tstart=0

This is a real pity.
No wonder I find myself buying less and less videogames as time goes on.
Limited installs = RENT. EA should be obliged by law to write big and clear on the retail box that the consumer is only renting the game. Up to 5 times, then game over.

[Ilpalazzo]

It is pretty weak. I tend to reinstall windows and upgrade my computer frequently. I also play a lot of older games from time to time.

sigh, majority rule I suppose. Of course they wont make it so you can't play the game you purchased. Eventually they will remove this junk.

Still though, it is an annoyance. I know it's important to them, but to the regular customer it's just a game. When a person feels annoyed by a mere game, they will just say,"screw this" and ditch it. The 'casual' might even decide not to buy pc games anymore. Same reason why the 'casuals' prefer Macs. "It just works":doh: If it doesn't just work, they will stick to their console.

So yeah, there better be some warning on the box to let people know what they are getting.


On a bizzarrely related note, anybody notice how their has been an increase in rts games for consoles lately? Seriously WTF I recently saw in a magazine something about Supreme Commander on XBOX. It must have been a joke, but I hate this magazine and didn't bother seeing if it was a fake review.



No wonder I find myself buying less and less videogames as time goes on.
I've been playing a lot of older games lately. It's certainly not because of copy protection crap though. Just seems like there hasn't been too many remarkable games lately. Many exciting announcements, but no exciting releases. For me anyway.

Mentioning SC earlier just got me thinking. I was so excited about Supreme Commander for some time before it's release. I bought it and shelved it, dissapointed. Too bad, I really wanted to like that game.

[goldorak]

I've been playing a lot of older games lately. It's certainly not because of copy protection crap though. Just seems like there hasn't been too many remarkable games lately. Many exciting announcements, but no exciting releases. For me anyway.

Well in my case its the over the top drm that just pushes me away from buying games.
Where is the value in having rented a game ? None whatsoever (talking from a pc-centric perspective here, I don't consider consoles).
In any case admist those crazy publishers (many of whom should deserve a laser guided bomb on their headquarters....) there are some that still consider (value) their costumers.
I know that naming ubisoft will bring a lot of heavy flack, but they are one of the few publishers that actually release no-cd patches for most of their games after 1-2 years.
Even Egosoft does this. But they are too few.
What do I do ? Play old games, that don't timeout and that I will have the pleasure of engoying even 10 years from now. I still play the original Falcon 4 and from time to time Microsoft Space Simulator.

[Ilpalazzo]

heh I felt a little screwed when I purchased SH3. The cd check thing would actually take like 3-5 minutes. It took too long for me to start the game because of it. Was so damn annoying. <edit please stay with in the rules> NeonSamurai



^^^sorry. Just pointing out that legit customers need them too.

[goldorak]

heh I felt a little screwed when I purchased SH3. The cd check thing would actually take like 3-5 minutes. It took too long for me to start the game because of it. Was so damn annoying.
Hehe I waited basically 2 or 3 years before buying SH3 all because I didn't want to install that POS starforce driver in my system.
Luckily some time ago Ubisoft released a no-cd patch for the game eliminating any traces of starforce. So I went and bought it, 10 €.
And I can enjoy it in xp 32, xp 64 and even *gasp* vista.
With Ubisoft you need to have patience, its pretty certain that after some years they release a budget edition that doesn't have any kind of drm crap.
And they even release the no-cd patch for the original retail game. Kudos for that.
Now some publishers such as Codemasters can't even do this :damn: :damn:

[elanaiba]

[quote=WolfehunterOne of the reasons why I didn't buy Mass effect for the reason they will need to check your computer every 10day or you can't play. If you forget it then you have to call the tech line for them to release your game....[/quote]

The 10 days check was dropped before the game was released.

And no "call the tech line" was required, if you came home after 15 days you just needed to connect to the net. Still crap, but not the way you presented it ;) And it was dropped.

[Kraut]

While it's rather draconian in it's method, the copy protection in RA3 seems to be the best way forward for the developers to counter piracy. Although, we all know how long it takes for protection to be 'worked around'. Spore for example, already done.;)
I think it is the best way to increase piracy.

http://www.forbes.com/technology/2008/09/12/spore-drm-piracy-tech-security-cx_ag_mji_0912spore.html?feed=rss_popstories

[Skyhawk]

One of the reasons why I didn't buy Mass effect for the reason they will need to check your computer every 10day or you can't play. If you forget it then you have to call the tech line for them to release your game....

Not true. The cp will validate your install every 10 ten days OR the next time you run the game if it has been longer than 10 days since the last time you played. No need to call tech support, etc.

Yes, cp can be downright annoying.

Galactic Civ was a massive hit in spite of NOT having any cp whatsoever. Factual case in point against cp.

For the record, I have never had ANY illegally obtained software on a harddrive of mine ( and I've been a pc consumer since the two Steve's started making pc's in their garage). Gets old real fast when it seems that all must pay the price (end users and software developers alike) for those who don't. No pun intended.

[goldorak]

DRM is not about piracy never was and never will be. How is it that console games are pirated as much as pc games but they don't have DRM nor limited installs ? :hmm:
The real reason for DRM is to cut off completely second hand game sales.
And second hand pc games sales is just a tiny tiny part of the pie. Console second hand games sales are much more important but you don't see EA killing that kind of market on consoles. EA is doing something fishy right here and the slogan "pirates, pirates, pirates, omfg the pirates have arrived" is just a smoke screen.
EA is just trying to kill the pc game market pure and simple. If they wanted to supress piracy, why don't they start using intrusive drm and limited installs on consoles ? Why don't they require active internet connection on console games ? Lets see how that would be interpretated by the general gaming populace.
The irony of all this, is that by going to consoles and actually modding your hardware you're able to enjoy all the games for free without even a trace of inconvinience that legimitate pc buyers have had for the last couple of years.

[Wolfehunter]

Their all involved and not just EA.

Bigwigs like Sony and Microsoft are both in a battle to win total control in the console game markets.

Their trying to alienate PC market and destroy it forcing people to accept Console alternative...

So they don't have any real hardcore DRMs that cause you issues for consoles. But I have a PS3 which I seldom use. But its connected online and it goes connect and tries to verify my games for updates and patches.. What else is Sony doing behind the sinces? Anyways I don't have any important info on it so I couldn't care less. They can BL Me

But PC game now from the larger companies are all controled by Publishers. Their forcing the new direction.

Smaller dev companies are getting erased or assimulated and resistance is futile.

But don't you worry... PC games will fight back. We're always the underdog!:arrgh!: There are smaller dev companies spawning and continue to make games. They get around the publishers by selling there game online as a download.

My favorite bull comments Dev companies try to justify why Consoles are better than PCs

1) Consoles are more powerful than a PC.

What a load of ****! Uber PCs will always out preform any console anyday.

2) Piracy.....

Console games can be pirated just as easy as PC games. A mod chip can be installed or firmware software can be cracked.

3) Keyboard and mouse a pain when you can use a console pad? PC have pads joysticks etc. But mouse and keyboard have more functions and are programable like the logitech's G15's Can you imagine trying to play warhammer online with a pad?

[goldorak]

Their all involved and not just EA.

Bigwigs like Sony and Microsoft are both in a battle to win total control in the console game markets.

Their trying to alienate PC market and destroy it forcing people to accept Console alternative...

[cut]



Yes I agree with you. EA is not the only offender, other publishers also try to push this DRM crap on us. It is all a concerted attack to lure the pc gaming population onto consoles. Consoles that are becoming in every way like a pc with the fundamental difference in that they are locked down. See a pattern here ? ;)
Who knows, maybe in the future EA will make an EA branded console filled to the brim with DRM. With all the franchises she is proprietary of just imagine a vertical integration between locked down hardware and locked down software.
Pretty scary perspective don't you think ?

EA the only publisher that isn't capable of eliminating drm on her own games.
Just look at Red Alert 1 being givin' for free last week or so.
Its a decade old game, and EA wasn't even capable of offereing a copyprotection-free version.
How dumbass is that ?