The gawd-almighty merged DRM in Silent Hunter V thread

[Nordmann]

Originally Posted by TDK1044

The only advantage is for the Publisher, not the player. They control the game.

Very true. This is what we are really looking at, total control of the customer's access to the product. Oh, they dress it up as a piracy deterrant, helpful to the user, but really they are controlling, limiting even, our access to a product we have bought and paid for. Call it what you like, defend DRM and the reason for it's existence, but all it ever comes down to is control.

I own and play many indie titles which feature little, or in some cases no DRM whatsoever, this is because the developers have realised that said DRM does not stop pirates. It only encourages more of them, as pirated versions no doubt do not contain the DRM designed to stop them in the first place. The only people who suffer, is the law abiding consumer, punished yet again in a vain attempt to stop a minority.

Consumers need far more legal protection, especially as far as software is concerned; time and time again developers/publishers wipe the floor with their customers, burying them in legal obligations which are unethical at best, and damned criminal at worst. Were any of us to behave in the manner of some of these corporations, we would no doubt be hauled through the legal system in short order! But as with many things in life, money talks.

Sadly, this is a growing trend we are now facing. Years ago a CD Key was sufficient proof of legal purchase, and at most, registration of the game on the company's website. Yes, keys could be generated, or in some cases stolen, but pirates always find a way, no amount of measures will ever stop these particularly inventive individuals. Some companies have seen the light, and continue to offer products which do not alienate the consumer. These are unfortunately becoming a rarity, especially insofar as the larger brands are concerned.

So, what can we, the consumers, do about this situation? Well, we really have two choices. Buy the game, and submit to the authoritarian regime being thrust upon us, or avoid the game, until such time as the company in question realises we are not as stupid as they first thought. While I realise it is unrealistic to suppose that 95% of the target market will avoid the game, if a large enough number do so, they may just take notice of their mistake. It has happened before, if enough people protest, DRM can and indeed will be removed.

The coming months are likely to be interesting, and indeed I will be following articles related to SH5's DRM issue. If it is removed, then I will buy the game, if not, they will have to convince me that their system is absolutely 100% flawless. False promises simply will not do.