SEGA got it right

[Arclight]

Their new DRM system:

• Alpha Protocol uses Uniloc: SoftAnchor.

• Uniloc: SoftAnchor requires an internet connection to activate, though you don't need to always be connected to play the game, and the web site offers a work-around if you don't have an internet connection on the PC you install it on. 

• The PC version of Alpha Protocol uses an internet based licensing system, where, after installation, the user is required to enter a product registration code (license key) in order to begin playing the game. 

• You do not have to have the disc in your drive to play the game. 

• The game does not user SteamWorks, and the Steam version of the game will use Uniloc DRM. 

• The game can be installed on up to 5 different computers at any one time using the license key the game comes with. 

• There is a limit to the number of computers you can use Alpha Protocol on at any one time, but Sega says that the company is not restricting the number of computers you can install the game on over the life of the product. 

• SEGA will provide a version of the game without DRM using a future patch that it expects to make available 18-24 months after the game's release.

This Is SEGA's DRM Solution

1-time activation with off-line workaround and though there's a limit on number of installs at the same time, there's no limitation on number of installs overall. Good system imho.

[NeonSamurai]

I like the last line best

[Dowly]

Another new DRM. What for?

[HunterICX]

Great, now that's a user Friendly DRM

HunterICX

[Weiss Pinguin]

Originally Posted by HunterICX

Great, now that's a user Friendly DRM

HunterICX

It'll never catch on

[HunterICX]

Originally Posted by Weiss Pinguin

It'll never catch on

Given the options you have nowaday, this is the best I heard so far.
I don't have a problem with a DRM, as long its not based on the fact that THEY control when I am able to play as in UBI's internet based DRM.

but knowing the people that like to whine about DRM's even a CD key is too much of a DRM for them so I can hardly take their cries seriously.

DRM is more of a to-bitch on topic then that the DRM actually does harm.
if the DRM is working properly without standing in your way when playing the game, then what's the problem?

HunterICX

[Raptor1]

Weren't there systems like this already?

It's better than most DRM these days, but still rather moot because it'll get cracked just as easily.

[Arclight]

Originally Posted by Raptor1

Weren't there systems like this already?

It's better than most DRM these days, but still rather moot because it'll get cracked just as easily.

Kinda, but stuff like SecuRom and the new StarForce limits total number of installs, which is the big no-no in my book. SEGA changed this to limited number of installs at a time, while you can always reinstall without worries.

Basically, to get it right, imo all any publisher/developer has to do is not have constant connection required, and not have a limited number of installs.

If you reinstall windows, it's usually because something got borked and it won't run (properly). Not much chance of doing a de-activation in that scenario, and usually a system (hardware) upgrade requires a re-activation as well. At some point you're going to run out of installs no matter what you do and you need to contact their support to get your frickin game unlocked, which is simply a hassle you should not force on your paying customers. Same applies to this always-on connection requirement; you can't ask that of a customer. People don't have any control over connection quality, the ISP does. And even the best wireless connection can be flaky.

[TteFAboB]

This is how it should be done.

I'm mildly interested in SH5 but I won't buy it because of the DRM; I'm not at all interested in this SEGA game but I seriously think I'll buy it just because of the user-friendly DRM.

It would be nice to play a game that doesn't spit on my face for a change.

[Skybird]

Fair deal.

Considering that copy protection is not meant to prevent piracy alltogether and forever, just to delay the major blow from it until the profit-rich market introduction phase is over, this sounds like a list of very reasonable features, doing justice both to legitimate interests of the company, and legitimate interests of customers.