(Positive thread #6) Uncle Ubi's new DRM = Publicity Stunt :)

[WolfgangLuth]

Just a thought, but my gut feeling tells me Ubi's new DRM (DiRectMarketing!) scheme is a masterclass in Max Clifford style viral marketing. I don't believe there will be any online DRM, not on SH-V nor or any new Ubi release in the near future. I don't believe Ubisoft ever intended to. In my opinion, it's a publicity stunt.

To illustrate my point, look out for a Ubisoft spokesperson to make a "surprise" groundbreaking statement between now and the unveiling of their new DRM package next month, where they will say something like, "We're very, very sorry. After serious consideration and consultation with the public, we've decided to back down and be nice to you, our loyal customers. Ladies and Gentlemen *pause for effect* there will be no online DRM on any new Ubisoft games at this time. And by the way, Ubisoft love you. We listened to you. We are a listening company who cares about you! We're really just... *tear runs down cheek* ...cool guys like you! Please, love us... and please buy our games!!! *crying profusely* Please!!! I'm sorry, I can't say anymore..."

Result? The forums become alive with gushing praise and affection for our newly beloved Ubisoft. "Uncle Ubi" gets to play the "benevolent hero" for a while. Media interviews are called for. Sales increase. Ubisoft gets to grandstand and bask in glory, making power-speeches and statements such as, "well.. uh... we try to break new ground in freedoms for our customers and retain our forward-thinking innovation. Of course, it was solely the customers who made us rethink our position. We always put our customers first and foremost. After all, the customer is always right. Right?!" Sales increase exponentially. It's a stroke of PR genius. Edward Bernays would be proud.

If I'm wrong about this and the new online DRM is as real as a pair of Ubisoft handcuffs (with Ubisoft gimp outfit), well the only explanation (in my humble opinion) is that someone or a group of people in the company actually *want* it to go bankrupt. If that's the case, Columbo should have a trail to follow to find the culprit(s) behind the deliberate "downfall" of Ubisoft. Or just look for someone called Bernard or David Brent. Wait... "David" Brent Wilkinson?!?!

Just my two cents. Look on the bright side, if it's truly an elaborate exercise in Machiavellian PR & marketing (as I suspect), everybody wins! And Hitler can stop freaking out about loosing his connection... Remember, "the bigger the lie, the stronger the belief" -Hitler/Goebbels.