Ubisoft DRM FAQ's

[navyvet]

This should answer some questions about the DRM. Found it at Assassins Creed 2 website. I am sure it applies to SH 5 too.

Online Services Platform

Q&A

Frequent Asked Questions about Ubisoft's Online Services Platform for PC

What are the key elements of this platform for PC gamers?
Although a permanent online connection is required, this means that a CD/DVD is not required to play the game after installation. The protected game can be installed as many times and on as many computers as you like. Saved games are also synchronized online so the user can continue playing from any location with the game installed.

How many players can the server system support?
There is no limit to how many players can play at the same time. For each title, we carefully study the demand and allocate servers accordingly. We will also of course allocate back-up servers in order to be able to respond to fluctuations in demand. Ubisoft provides 24/7 monitoring of its servers.

How many computers can I install the game on?
There is no limit to the number of computers on which you can install the game. However you can only play with your individual Ubisoft account on one computer at a time.

Is there an "off-line" option?
No. The added services to the game (unlimited installs, online storage of saved games and the fact that you don’t need the game disc to play) require you to have an online connection while playing the game.

Can I play my game from another computer?
Yes. As long as the game is installed on the PC, you can play from any computer and your Ubisoft account will recognise your last saved position as well as automatically save any updates.

Can I play from an airport or when I'm travelling ?
Anywhere you have an internet access, you can play.

Can I use the Ubisoft account for both single player and multiplayer online?
Yes, using your Ubisoft account , once you are signed in, all aspect of the gameplay are available to you.

I am in a strict environment with lots of firewall rules etc. Can I still play the game?
If you can access the Internet from the computer, you can play the game.

What if I lose my account or my computer crashes?
Customer service is available to help you re-access your account. If you experience a computer crashes, the game will kwill still recognise your license and all synchronizations made before the crash will be stored online.

What if Ubisoft decides not run these online services in the future? Will my game stop working?
If any service is stopped, we will create a patch for the game so that the core game play will not be affected.

What will happen if I lose my Internet connection when I play the game?
If you lose your Internet connection the game will pause while it tries to reconnect. If the Internet connection is unable to resume, the server will have stored your last saved game and you will be able to continue from where you left off once your internet connection is restored.

Why do I need to register with a Ubisoft account?
The synchronized saved games are personal, so to access them you need to log in. Even if your computer crashes you will be able to access your saved games with your Ubisoft account and continue your game from another computer. The services tied to your account will work regardless if you purchase the game as a physical or digital copy from any distributor.

[longam]

Frequent Asked Questions about Ubisoft's Online Services Platform for PC

Q: Do you need the internet?
A: Yes.

[Sgtmonkeynads]

#1 Frequently Asked Question

Q: WHY?
A: Because we say so.

[NefariousKoel]

#1 Frequently Asked Question

Q: WHY?
A: Because we say so.

:haha:


:hulk:

[Akula4745]

Sorry... for the life of me this type of DRM will never make sense to me - no matter how many times it has been explained or rationalized. But at the same time... do I wanna play or not?

[Athlonic]

Q: Why many peoples are complaining about this DRM ?

A: Because in complainers :

85% are nasty Pirates,
10% are workshy and wanted to be able to play games when at work,
03% have nothing else to do and doesn't like us,
and at least
02% are legitimate customers whose doesn't have a good internet connection, and we are sorry they pay the price to fight against piracy.

:D

PS: personnaly I am in the 10% ^^

[IanC]

Q: Why many peoples are complaining about this DRM ?

A: Because in complainers :

85% are nasty Pirates,
10% are workshy and wanted to be able to play games when at work,
03% have nothing else to do and doesn't like us,
and at least
02% are legitimate customers whose doesn't have a good internet connection, and we are sorry they pay the price to fight against piracy.

:D

PS: personnaly I am in the 10% ^^

You think it's the pirates that complain about the DRM? :har:

[Athlonic]

You think it's the pirates that complain about the DRM? :har:


Well ... yes.

Why complain about it if you have bought the game ?
At first I was screaming like others : "OSP ??? WTF ?!? Damn you Ubi !"

But I must admit that I never had a problem with this DRM, NO install limits, multipost possibility, NO DVD swapping, NO DVD read error and it makes years that my computer is online even before startup and permanently.

So ... why should I complain ?

[kylania]

But I must admit that I never had a problem with this DRM, NO install limits, multipost possibility, NO DVD swapping, NO DVD read error and it makes years that my computer is online even before startup and permanently.

So ... why should I complain ?

Days long server outages at Ubi preventing you from playing a single player game, inability to play it on your laptop while visiting the relatives, lost save game files due to horrific remote wipe "synch" scheme, install key issues (for some users), having to wait for the launcher to finish start and finish every time you start the program, the joy of hearing yourself complain, and the reason most people seem to do it: they feel superior for having not bought the game because the DRM is so dastardly. Good day to you sir, i say good day! :|\\

Paying $60 for a game you can only play when you're allowed to that came with a less than worthless manual and absolutely no communication or post release support from the publisher and all the bugs are other reasons, but not specifically DRM related. :O:

[IanC]

Well ... yes.

Why complain about it if you have bought the game ?
At first I was screaming like others : "OSP ??? WTF ?!? Damn you Ubi !"

But I must admit that I never had a problem with this DRM, NO install limits, multipost possibility, NO DVD swapping, NO DVD read error and it makes years that my computer is online even before startup and permanently.

So ... why should I complain ?

My friend, pirates don't complain about DRM, they laugh at it and they get to play it without needing to go online very soon after the game is out.
It's the legit user who's upset about it. Either because they have a bad connection or on matter of principle.

[msxyz]

What about people who used to buy and sell several games a month?

DRM destroyes the used game market. While any second hand sale is a "lost" sale, from the publisher point of view, it encourages gamers to try more diverse games as well as going to the store more often. Remove it and you'll have only fully priced games that may scare buyers away or encourage them to wait (or, err... to download) before commiting to a purchase they won't know if they will like it.

In other words, the market becomes more stagnant.

[robbo180265]

What's the point of this thread?

Just wondering...

[Zedi]

Here we go again, another DRM topic. Some people are just obsessed by this DRM and they can't get over it no matter what. I'm with Athlonic on this and even if I don't like this drm crap, there is nothing in it that bothers me. Never had any issues like lost saves, lost connection or anything else that hold me back to play the game in good conditions. I have many issues with SH5 and Ubi, but DRM is not on that list.

And yes, the pirates are not complaining about the DRM as they had great fun in breaking it, the complains are from those who want to play that version and are not able to set it up properly! Playing the pirated version is not that simple as many of you think. Just read what you need to do to play without drm, I'm sure not many are able to handle those requirements.

[Athlonic]

Days long server outages at Ubi preventing you from playing a single player game, inability to play it on your laptop while visiting the relatives, lost save game files due to horrific remote wipe "synch" scheme, install key issues (for some users), having to wait for the launcher to finish start and finish every time you start the program, the joy of hearing yourself complain, and the reason most people seem to do it: they feel superior for having not bought the game because the DRM is so dastardly. Good day to you sir, i say good day! :|\\

Paying $60 for a game you can only play when you're allowed to that came with a less than worthless manual and absolutely no communication or post release support from the publisher and all the bugs are other reasons, but not specifically DRM related. :O:

As always, I must agree with what you said :03:
Maybe I am so worrying about the 1.2 patch release I forgot about those points. :-?

My friend, pirates don't complain about DRM, they laugh at it and they get to play it without needing to go online very soon after the game is out.
It's the legit user who's upset about it. Either because they have a bad connection or on matter of principle.

Right too, I would call me a "light" DRM complainer as I understand that this DRM cames out because of piracy in the first time.

Anyway publishers should face it, they will NEVER won this Publisher/Pirates war. So they better find another solution than implementing some too restrictive DRM for legit users.

Or next time you will see on the box :

"A webcam is required to play this game at anytime."

and this to perform an eye scan to authentificate the user when playing, if you doesn't look at the screen for more than 1 minutes the game will pause and ... blah blah blah.

:D

[jason210]

Indeed, it is legit users who complain about this insane DRM system. As for pirates, it's just another system to be cracked.

[Takeda Shingen]

Just read what you need to do to play without drm, I'm sure not many are able to handle those requirements.

Sure. Just don't read about it or talk about it here.

The Management

[The Enigma]

FAQ:

Is DRM useless?
Yes it is

Is DRM a game killer?
Yes it is, but UBI denies it is.

Is DRM a surprising new technology?
Only for those who didn't read the small prints before buying the game.

Is DRM better then nothing?
You may answer that question

Is DRM an endless story?
It appears to be so.

Next question?

;)

[Feuer Frei!]

What's the point of this thread?

Just wondering...
Not a bad question...

[Noren]

I guess this thread is about DRM small talk, which should be fine.

I agree that its mostly veteran, paying customers who compain, it might be true that DRM slowed down the pirated versions but not without a lot of pain inflicted on the paying customers.

[Brag]

Q: Why do I need to stay online for single player mode?

A: Because you are a weak, charactless whimp who can't say no. Now go back to your room and be quiet. :O:

[Sub Marauder]

Q. What if someone finds a security flaw with DRM and they hijack my connection to send me to a porn site?

A. Most porn sites provide ad funding for great features such as DRM so you should be fine.

[kylania]

Q. What happens when intermittent drops in connection result in the "No Internet Connection" box ONLY after changing something in a mod that you had to restart the game to test?

A. It will confuse you as to why changing a key mapping would break your internet connect, but at first you won't realize what it was because a missing tab (whitespace) in a python file will have made ALL warning messages pile up under the connection warning utterly confusing you... :O:

[Bilge_Rat]

Q:Why do I need to keep discussing a game I do not own?

A:Because you are a weak, characterless wimp who can't say no. Now go back to your room and be quiet. :)

[robbo180265]

Q:Why do I need to keep discussing a game I do not own?

A:Because you are a weak, characterless wimp who can't say no. Now go back to your room and be quiet. :)

Hear hear! I used to have a lot more respect for certain members...

[severniae]

Here we go again, another DRM topic. Some people are just obsessed by this DRM and they can't get over it no matter what. I'm with Athlonic on this and even if I don't like this drm crap, there is nothing in it that bothers me. Never had any issues like lost saves, lost connection or anything else that hold me back to play the game in good conditions. I have many issues with SH5 and Ubi, but DRM is not on that list.

And yes, the pirates are not complaining about the DRM as they had great fun in breaking it, the complains are from those who want to play that version and are not able to set it up properly! Playing the pirated version is not that simple as many of you think. Just read what you need to do to play without drm, I'm sure not many are able to handle those requirements.

I agree, I think we all know by now everyone's opinions on the DRM, I philosophically disagree with it, but aside from early router issues, which I suppose aren't really UBI's problem, I've not had a single issue with the DRM, it even loads quickly (THANK GOD they put in the option to disable save game synchronisation!)

Sev.

[longam]

Q: Why must I upgrade from windows 95 to run this game!
A: You...

[Nisgeis]

Q: Queue?
A: Eh?

[IanC]

Q:Eh?
A:What?

[esculapio]

Q: I will not have internet for a long time, what do I have to do?

A: Fu*k yourself or buy a dog

[Noren]

Q: Why was the game released with tons of bugs?
A: Development wanted to be in keeping with present industrial standards :up:

[thyro]

Q: Is DRM flawed?
A: Yes it is

Q: Can DRM be fixed?
A: Yes it can be fixed by applying DRM mod fix.

Q: Do I need DRM to play SH5 offline
A: Yes and NO! But you decide which one you prefer.

:haha:

[robbo180265]

"Two blondes decided that this Christmas they wanted to cut down their own Christmas tree. So they drove two hours into the country and walked deep into the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree. They had planned the trip well, especially considering that they were blond. They were dressed warmly with boots, warm coats and hats. They had a chain saw, hatchet, a bag to protect the tree and rope to drag it back to their car. Every detail was covered.
They searched and searched. They had gone to all this trouble, nothing but the prefect tree would do. They searched for hours through knee deep snow and biting wind. Finally, five hours later with the sun beginning to go down, one blonde says to the other, "I can't take this anymore. I give up! There are hundreds of beautiful trees out here. Let's just pick one whether it's decorated or not!"


As on topic as the Q & A session, and a whole lot funnier:03:

[NefariousKoel]

Q:Why do I need to keep discussing a game I do not own?

A:Because you are a weak, characterless wimp who can't say no. Now go back to your room and be quiet.

Hear hear! I used to have a lot more respect for certain members...

If shutting up about a valid complaint is a requirement for the aforementioned respect, then I'll continue losing it.


I see a DRM thread created once every few days and it's the same every time.

However, locking them doesn't change a thing. Another one is started within a few days. The same people show up to sling mud at each other.. rinse, repeat.

We should just have a *DRM Pro vs Con Fight Thread* here where we can go to call each other crybabies/sellouts. Perhaps that would cut down on the new threads and the resultant crying about crying. :woot:

Maybe somewhere in there, someone will mention if the crap has been taken off by Ubi so some of us can actually buy it and deserve to be here. Which seems to be the primary complaint thrown back at us.

[robbo180265]

If shutting up about a valid complaint is a requirement for the aforementioned respect, then I'll continue losing it.

It's more the hopping into the forum - stirring up trouble and hopping out again, usually using a very tenuous link between a valid subject and DRM to shoehorn the argument in. That's when I loose respect for people - You see it's trolling pure and simple and I have no respect for trolls.


I see a DRM thread created once every few days and it's the same every time.

However, locking them doesn't change a thing. Another one is started within a few days. The same people show up to sling mud at each other.. rinse, repeat.

We should just have a *DRM Pro vs Con Fight Thread* here where we can go to call each other crybabies/sellouts. Perhaps that would cut down on the new threads and the resultant crying about crying. :woot:


Actually, I think we're singing from the same hymn book you and I;)

[Brag]

Q: Why is it that when an anti DRM thread appears, pro DRMers want it shut down, or herded into another thread or generally complain about it?

A: Only a certain elite thinking people accept full time internet connection when they don't need it. That's why this thread should be closed and other anti-drum threads banned and anti-DRMers sent to the brig.

Heil Ubi

[robbo180265]

Q: Why is it that when an anti DRM thread appears, pro DRMers want it shut down, or herded into another thread or generally complain about it?

A: Only a certain elite thinking people accept full time internet connection when they don't need it. That's why this thread should be closed and other anti-drum threads banned and anti-DRMers sent to the brig.

Heil Ubi



A: Because you are a weak, charactless whimp who can't say no. Now go back to your room and be quiet. :O:

Q: Why is it in a SH5 forum , non game owners still feel they have to stir up trouble, invent conspirasies and insult game owners?

A: Who knows?

[Noren]

Q: How much time and resources were allocated to beta testing?
A: ....next question please.

[longam]

Q: What does OGFC stand for?
A: Old Grumpy Fart Club

[robbo180265]

Q: What does OGFC stand for?
A: Old Grumpy Fart Club

Fully paid up member here:yeah:

:har:

[dannygjk]

B.S. There is always a limit to the number of online players-even if it is a billion, there is a limit.

[Nisgeis]

Unlimited online players *

* Number of online players limitted to the number of humans alive when online play commences. Humans born after online play commences may not be able to join the session.

[Nordmann]

Q: Why is it in a SH5 forum , non game owners still feel they have to stir up trouble, invent conspiracies and insult game owners?

A: Their day job involves wearing Armageddon signs, and making outlandish claims about a new world order and the anti-Christ.

[Yak]

- Why do people think that because they have a silly little signature saying how much they don't like DRM that Ubisoft will listen once they've bought the game and Ubi is too busy counting their money to care?

- Why are so many members of an extremely niche genre of game so eager to support the deliberate exclusion of a large portion of customers who would like to buy and play the game?

[flag4]

To those who dont like all the moaning about DRM...

...if you think about all the things that people have fought for/against over the years, like voting, nuclear disarmament, human rights, gay rights, apartheid etc etc...

if they had not gone on and on and on and fought and aired their views about what they were passionate for and cared for, then, chances are none of the above would be in existence. And the powers that be would have MORE power.

so i take my hat off to them - because if you care that much IT DOES MATTER! :salute:

[Westbroek]

Whoa... Comparing DRM to apartheid and human rights might be kind of a stretch.

[robbo180265]

Whoa... Comparing DRM to apartheid and human rights might be kind of a stretch.

Just a lot:o

[flag4]

it is the right to give voice to something you care about. it is not so much the 'issue' but the freedom to give voice to it. all the people who are complaining about the complainers, whats their problem?

it is a bit like Television. if you dont like whats on turn it off.

the moment an opinion is stopped because it is the wrong kind of opinion we are in trouble.

[Yak]

He's not saying OSP is the same as apartheid or human rights, what he is saying is that if people just sat meekly and did nothing, nothing changes.

Just wait until the next level of DRM kicks in and you can't play it too, lets see how much you moan.

[Nisgeis]

He's not saying OSP is the same as apartheid or human rights, what he is saying is that if people just sat meekly and did nothing, nothing changes.

Just posting on this forum is the same as doing nothing. No one from Ubisoft that has any say about the DRM comes here, so what people should be doing, if they care is to email Ubisoft. What if all the great activists from history had just logged onto a bicycle repair forum and posted about how unfair things were. Where would the world be then?

If people want to complain, then great, do it, but complain to those that make the decisions, cos the readers here don't. By all means, keep us updated on what progress and responses you have had to your email/phone/media/news campaign. I'd be interested in that.

[Brag]

He's not saying OSP is the same as apartheid or human rights, what he is saying is that if people just sat meekly and did nothing, nothing changes.

Just wait until the next level of DRM kicks in and you can't play it too, lets see how much you moan.

Well said.

The meek shall inherit the DRM! :D

[robbo180265]

Just posting on this forum is the same as doing nothing. No one from Ubisoft that has any say about the DRM comes here, so what people should be doing, if they care is to email Ubisoft. What if all the great activists from history had just logged onto a bicycle repair forum and posted about how unfair things were. Where would the world be then?

If people want to complain, then great, do it, but complain to those that make the decisions, cos the readers here don't. By all means, keep us updated on what progress and responses you have had to your email/phone/media/news campaign. I'd be interested in that.

+100 Excellent post and one I whole heartedly agree with. Apartheid wasn't broken by people sitting on their bums in internet forums whining and complaining. It was broken by active campaining.

Keep us updated with what you are doing - and by all means let us know if we can help in anyway.

Good luck with your campaign guys:salute:

[JMV]

+100 Excellent post and one I whole heartedly agree with. Apartheid wasn't broken by people sitting on their bums in internet forums whining and complaining. It was broken by active campaining.
:salute:

Yes, may be we should suggest Neal to organise a flight ( with hotel bookings, restaurants adresses etc.. ) to UBI and stay there at their main gate, saying loud what we think for a week or so ...

LoL :haha:..................:yawn:

[Méo]

but complain to those that make the decisions, cos the readers here don't.

Hear, hear! :rock:

This is the most brilliant thing that has ever been said about all the online requirement drama (I can't even type the 3 letters, I'm too fed up..)

[NefariousKoel]

- Why do people think that because they have a silly little signature saying how much they don't like DRM that Ubisoft will listen once they've bought the game and Ubi is too busy counting their money to care?

- Why are so many members of an extremely niche genre of game so eager to support the deliberate exclusion of a large portion of customers who would like to buy and play the game?

Odd sort of affairs isn't it? The people who've completely written off ever buying SH5 aren't posting much anymore. Just those of us who are hoping the Ubidjits get wise and remove OSP so we can still buy it.

What I find even more strange is the few people who seem to enjoy lending a defense to Ubi's system, even if it is so base as only telling people to shut up in so many words and go elsewhere. Ubi employees visit here and, thus far, locked and deleted threads aren't the norm on the subject here. So we can have our own little Panther Party. :woot:

[SKurj]

Q: Why many peoples are complaining about this DRM ?

A: Because in complainers :

85% are nasty Pirates,
10% are workshy and wanted to be able to play games when at work,
03% have nothing else to do and doesn't like us,
and at least
02% are legitimate customers whose doesn't have a good internet connection, and we are sorry they pay the price to fight against piracy.

:D

PS: personnaly I am in the 10% ^^

And what about those of us who refuse to buy a game that we can only play when Ubi says we can...

I will not buy SHV until the DRM is gone.

[robbo180265]

And what about those of us who refuse to buy a game that we can only play when Ubi says we can...

I will not buy SHV until the DRM is gone.

But have you contacted UBI and told them why you are refusing to buy their game?

As I said earlier - simply sitting on your bum behind a computer complaining in an internet forum will achieve nothing as they will attribute the loss of sales to many factors.

You need to contact them not us:yep:

[bolachas]

Martin Luther King
Ghandi
...
Amateurs


All they had to do was, get this, COMPLAIN TO THE MAN.

There you go. Problem solved.

Everyone who disagrees with DRM should COMPLAIN TO THE MAN.


So, if someone disagrees with those who disagree with those who disagree with DRM, who should they complain to?

TO THE MAN


PS. don't worry i won't be coming back :rotfl2:

[Brag]

Getting back on topic.

Q: Can I buy DRM without the game?
A: You are the kind of guy we like!

:D

[The Enigma]

Q: What do you get when you remove DRM and the morale system,
add realistic traffic, add all the missing subs, play until end of wwII and ... and ....?


A: A copy of SH3 perhaps?

[robbo180265]

As I said earlier - simply sitting on your bum behind a computer complaining in an internet forum will achieve nothing as they will attribute the loss of sales to many factors.



:zzz::zzz::zzz:

[Brag]

Q: Why didn't you beta test SH5 before release?

A: Because the DRM wouldn't let us play the game.

[robbo180265]

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181/robbo180265/care.jpg

:har:

[Rockin Robbins]

I care what Brag thinks. Especially when he's right.

The worst part of the DRM (OK, maybe the second worse part after the elimination of the used market) is that it leaves us all hostage to UBI's willingness to continue to run the holes in it's pocket it calls servers. WHEN (not if) they pull the servers it leaves us dependent on trusting them when they do not trust us. Think about it. It's not a situation a clear thinking person would volunteer to engage. When someone does not trust you, that attitude says a good deal more about them than it does about you.

[robbo180265]

I care what Brag thinks. Especially when he's right.

The worst part of the DRM (OK, maybe the second worse part after the elimination of the used market) is that it leaves us all hostage to UBI's willingness to continue to run the holes in it's pocket it calls servers. WHEN (not if) they pull the servers it leaves us dependent on trusting them when they do not trust us. Think about it. It's not a situation a clear thinking person would volunteer to engage. When someone does not trust you, that attitude says a good deal more about them than it does about you.


Yeah I know - you all think DRM is bad M'Kay. But has one of you actually contacted UBI and told them that? I doubt it, far easier to sit behind your computers whining at us and puffing up your egos.

[Yak]

Have you noticed what happens on the Ubi forums when you even hint in a post towards DRM?
Instant lock and deletion.

They're not interested in words; Dollars, Euros and Pounds f*cking Sterling are the only thing they will hear.

[609_Avatar]

Yeah I know - you all think DRM is bad M'Kay. But has one of you actually contacted UBI and told them that? I doubt it, far easier to sit behind your computers whining at us and puffing up your egos.

Well, I actually have. Doubt it has done any good but that is what's needed to be done so I did it.

[robbo180265]

Well, I actually have. Doubt it has done any good but that is what's needed to be done so I did it.

Well done matey - so have I.

Wonder how many of the others have:hmmm:

[609_Avatar]

...so have I.

:up: