SH5 Constant Connection Requirement Dropped

[Takeda Shingen]

So......I was transiting the Kiel Canal early this morning when I bumped my wireless router reaching for some tea, which unfortunately unplugged the adapter and caused me to lose internet connection. Windows started screaming about a connection vanishing, and things went wonky. The funny thing is that I went back to close SH5, figuring that I'd have that 'Connection to Server Lost' message, only to find that the game was still running as normal.

I thought it was odd, so I closed my internet connection and tried to start SH5. No dice. Then I reopened my connection, and all was normal. I minimized the game and closed the connection again. Once again, the game was running without connection to the server. What I am saying is that it would appear that I have to syncrhonize with the server while loading the game and saving, but am no longer required to be connected to the server during the entire play session. This would seem to indicate that there was a change made to the server.

Anyone else have luck with this?


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UPDATE: 12/31/10: PC Gamer reports Constant net connection no longer required for Ubisoft games


UPDATE 1/4/11: Appears Ubisoft has removed Removes Constant Online Authentication DRM For PC Games

Ubisoft has eliminated its controversial PC DRM technology that required players to remain connected to the internet in order to play the company's games, enabling consumers to play many 2010 titles offline for the first time.

[SteamWake]

Interesting... how long were you able to play without a connection?

[BigBANGtheory]

Well the client appears to be updated every couple of months, I would imagine the server gives the client a Time To Live and if it doesnt re-certify within that time or something close to it the game shuts down.

The servers couldn't handle constant polling there must be a pause a little like Windows checking for updates with Microsoft.

TBH I've not found the DRM to be much of a problem including the occasional disconnect from my ISP, though I do appreciate others have legitimate circustances where its totally unacceptable.

[tonschk]

Yes , I can play now Silent Hunter 5 without internet connection

[Takeda Shingen]

Originally Posted by SteamWake

Interesting... how long were you able to play without a connection?

I played for about an hour before I turned it off. Played again for awhile just now, same deal. It seems safe to say that you no longer have to be online the entire time to play SH5. All that is required is the authentication at startup. This is fabulous news for our members will slower or less-stable internet connections.

EDIT: I've now played for nearly three full hours without an internet connection, and without waiting to be synched.

[[501]Otto]

Any problem saving the game? I mean, I know that you can save in your own HD (selecting it on the launcher at the beggining of the game launcher load), but what does it happen if your internet connection fails in the middle of the patrol? You can keep on sinking, but once you finish....do you have your achieved goals saved?

since saves are also kept at ubi on their servers you would need to connect to update the saves there so without connecting you wouldnt get the saves backed up at ubi but for me anyways thats no big deal.

i wouldnt go celebrating yet thou since they may be doing things as tests for the future when they do away with the drm so this play without connection may be a temperary glitch that will be fixed soon.

[the_tyrant]

Finally, DRM has been dropped
But why didn't Ubisoft tell us anything?

[SeaWolf U-57]

It has been stated by ms-Kleaneasy the Ubisoft silent hunter 5 UK Forum Manager
that you need an internet connection to initially log into the game and once you have
you don't then need to be connected.
But there is no mention if one is needed when ending the game

[Jimbuna]

That's interesting....I've never noticed but will try it out tomorrow

[[501]Otto]

Originally Posted by Webster

since saves are also kept at ubi on their servers you would need to connect to update the saves there so without connecting you wouldnt get the saves backed up at ubi but for me anyways thats no big deal.

But you can choose to save in your own Hard Drive. When the Game Launcher is loading, you can click here and choose to save in your PC, as you can see on the pic (sorry, it is on spanish)

Maybe, even saving in your PC, once you quit from the game it sincronizes your saved with the ubi server....

[THE_MASK]

This is a big step forward for SH5 . Maybe Neal can advertise it on the subsim front page .

Originally Posted by sober

This is a big step forward for SH5

They had to do something!
Getting kicked in the 'Nads' becomes old after awhile.

Even for a Big corporation!
(And SH5 is not the only Game involved)

But I'll not say 'Way to go Ubi!'
I said that way back when SH5 was released.

[GT182]

Originally Posted by privateer

They had to do something!
Getting kicked in the 'Nads' becomes old after awhile.

Well to tell he truth, I believe they like getting kick in the nads. If they didn't they wouldn't be screwing around with DRMs and keeping an eye on you the way they are.

I also wonder if they trust one another at the UBI head office.

Originally Posted by GT182

keeping an eye on you

They haven't been able to do that from the get go.


Next thing I expect?
Official responce from Ubi that SkidRow stuff is the recommended fix!


Of course followed by a New release with Non-DRM that you can buy.


Putting glitter on a Dog Turd does not make it a Christmas Ornament.
No matter how you try to sell it.