How Do Pirates Hack a Game ?

[Nisgeis]

Originally Posted by Herman

One of the rationale put forth for the implementation of DRM is the prevention of launch-day piracy.

It doesn't really work well, if the crackers are getting their hands on copies of the game before it is released, when the pirate version is available before the retail version is.

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Well there's got to be an answer how to stop this.

For the niche genres, of which subsims definately are, I'd personally like to see a new type of model set up, where the player buys the main game for the same or slightly reduced cost, then every x months, the game developers release a new 'content' add-on with some extra features. This add-on could address some previous bugs and also add in new tech, like in the SH5 example, $10 for the tech and campaign of 1944. Then 1945 and all the high end tech. It could keep going on and being expanded, with more ships, more weapons, more stuff that there just isn't time for in a $40 / £40 (can't find the euro symbol) game.

The advantages would be the same dev team and engine could be kept on, which would minimise disruption and time lost in setting up a new titile and maximise the knowledge of the game engine being developed for. Also, there would be a steady income stream for the developer and steady improvements for the community. Even if people didn't want to play it, they could decide to 'donate' their money to support the genre. If the same title were continuously developed then we'd have, after a while, a very deep sim, with most of the issues addressed.

Of course this would have to be done properly, e.g. not have the same bugs ignored over and over, like in the patches. It would have to be a serious attempt to better the product, not just dash for the cash.

[Herman]

Originally Posted by Nisgeis

It doesn't really work well, if the crackers are getting their hands on copies of the game before it is released, when the pirate version is available before the retail version is.

I think that it can work well. Let's use the Storm Eagle Studios example. They claim that their server-chained DRM scheme is unbreakable and that may very well be the case since every installation must always call home to SES pretty much every time the customer wants to play.

Now, those games have been out for months/years. So, it is conceivable that the launch-day piracy 'threat' has long passed. Why not take it off and go with a less intrusive protection mechanism like simple ID#s the way Matrix does it? I think that there are plenty of folks who would gladly sit out a launch-day piracy scheme and patiently await the DRM-free version.

[Wolfehunter]

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Don't they have to buy it first so they have something to work with ?

Yes and no.

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

btw I don't want the mechanics of hacking.

Then why did you ask?

[FIREWALL]

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

Yes and no.

Then why did you ask?

Because of the majority of responses and ideas you didn't bother to read.

It's common around here for some to read Title and "maybe" bother to read first post then hit "Reply to Post" without reading most of the content.

Then posting.

This thread is to find maybe a solution we Gamers and Publishers can live with.

As it stands now all will be hurt.

[Wolfehunter]

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Because of the majority of responses and ideas you didn't bother to read.

It's common around here for some to read Title and "maybe" bother to read first post then hit "Reply to Post" without reading most of the content.

Then posting.

This thread is to find maybe a solution we Gamers and Publishers can live with.

As it stands now all will be hurt.

I say good riddance to EA, THQ, Bethesda and all the others who are ripping the fan's off. I'm tired of their excuses of blaming pirates, hacker and crackers. Its bul****.

Instead of listening to us and hearing our voices the ones who have supported them for years. spending our hard earned cash for valued advices they just screw us with DRMs and crappy games. Most games today are buggy as hell or DRMed to the max. PC is in the firing lines in favor for cheaper produced console games.

Its always easier to point the finger then just looking into the mirror.

There tactics with the console is about control.. They is little or no options to add value to a console game. PC games can be modded and depending on your rigs power you can have more eye candy.

Firewall I understand what your trying to get at. I do.. but if the companies don't care what we want... there will never be any balance. They know most people are suckers.. They buy there crap.. That's how they're going to survive on the general players.. Hardcore gamers are screwed..

They dictate how much you can play, how much you spend and what you like or don't like.. That not a fun game.. Not for me it isn't.. I can't speak for the masses.. I like to control what I install, I like the game values that fit my wants. I like to spend what I feel is fair..

Otherwise let them rot and die. Good riddance..