SH5 Constant Connection Requirement Dropped

Takeda Shingen · 11-12-10, 01:35 PM

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?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Quote:

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 · 11-12-10, 01:54 PM

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

Takeda Shingen · 11-12-10, 03:00 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-12-10, 04:01 PM

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?

11-12-10, 04:21 PM

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 · 11-12-10, 04:27 PM

Finally, DRM has been dropped

But why didn't Ubisoft tell us anything?

Jimbuna · 11-12-10, 04:28 PM

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

[501]Otto · 11-12-10, 05:53 PM

Quote:

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....

tommo8993 · 01-05-11, 02:32 PM

right, i'll now buy SH5.

SeaWolf U-57 · 11-12-10, 04:27 PM

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

BigBANGtheory · 11-12-10, 01:56 PM

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 · 11-12-10, 01:59 PM

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

Grifty_mcgrift · 11-15-10, 09:00 PM

I've tried asking Ubisoft if they have altered the DRM so that it doesn't require a constant internet connection, but they tell me that the DRM hasn't changed. So I'm not sure what to make of it. I guess it is a step in the right direction, but I'm still on the fence.

I've wanted SH5 since I heard of it, but then the DRM stuff started and really turned me off. Then all the problems with the game surfaced and I wasn't so sad about missing out. But now that I hear there is a mega mod coming out for it, that it would appear a constant internet connection is no longer required, and the price is at $10 on amazon, I'm really struggling with the decision. Do I give in to ubisoft? Should I wait until ubisoft offically patches out any trace of the DRM (whenever that is)? I just don't know what to do.

Penguin · 11-17-10, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grifty_mcgrift

I've tried asking Ubisoft if they have altered the DRM so that it doesn't require a constant internet connection, but they tell me that the DRM hasn't changed. So I'm not sure what to make of it. I guess it is a step in the right direction, but I'm still on the fence.

I've wanted SH5 since I heard of it, but then the DRM stuff started and really turned me off. Then all the problems with the game surfaced and I wasn't so sad about missing out. But now that I hear there is a mega mod coming out for it, that it would appear a constant internet connection is no longer required, and the price is at $10 on amazon, I'm really struggling with the decision. Do I give in to ubisoft? Should I wait until ubisoft offically patches out any trace of the DRM (whenever that is)? I just don't know what to do.

Stay strong!
I have a dream:
That in the second Ubi drops their idiotic DRM 100s of people instantly buy SH5 to set an example of customer power.
I know this won't happen

but us two and Steve makes at least 3 people who would try to make a stand

- I hope there's more out there.
So the profit margin Ubi makes from the product is lower then, tough **** - they should have done so before.

vanjast · 11-18-10, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penguin

Stay strong!
That in the second Ubi drops their idiotic DRM 100s of people instantly buy SH5 to set an example of customer power.

I'll buy it as soon as DRM dissapears, as I have faith in the MOD community to make it a good sim... till then my wallet is as tight as a virg... oops Cannot say that here. :hugegrin:

11-12-10, 01:54 PM	#2
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Interesting... how long were you able to play without a connection? __________________ Follow the progress of Mr. Mulligan : http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=147648

11-12-10, 04:28 PM	#7
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 181,180 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	That's interesting....I've never noticed but will try it out tomorrow __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!! GWX3.0 Download Page - Donation/instant access to GWX (Help SubSim)

11-12-10, 01:59 PM	#12
tonschk Admiral Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,200 Downloads: 172 Uploads: 0	Yes , I can play now Silent Hunter 5 without internet connection __________________ What we do in life echoes in Eternity

11-12-10, 04:01 PM	#4
[501]Otto Commander Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Spain Posts: 455 Downloads: 87 Uploads: 0	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?

11-12-10, 04:21 PM	#5
Webster Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	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.

11-12-10, 04:27 PM	#6
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	Finally, DRM has been dropped But why didn't Ubisoft tell us anything?

01-05-11, 02:32 PM	#9
tommo8993 Helmsman Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 104 Downloads: 17 Uploads: 0	right, i'll now buy SH5.

11-12-10, 04:27 PM	#10
SeaWolf U-57 Ace of the Deep Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,231 Downloads: 92 Uploads: 0	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

11-12-10, 01:56 PM	#11
BigBANGtheory Officer Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: British Waters Posts: 243 Downloads: 98 Uploads: 0	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.

11-15-10, 09:00 PM	#13
Grifty_mcgrift Watch Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 24 Downloads: 73 Uploads: 0	I've tried asking Ubisoft if they have altered the DRM so that it doesn't require a constant internet connection, but they tell me that the DRM hasn't changed. So I'm not sure what to make of it. I guess it is a step in the right direction, but I'm still on the fence. I've wanted SH5 since I heard of it, but then the DRM stuff started and really turned me off. Then all the problems with the game surfaced and I wasn't so sad about missing out. But now that I hear there is a mega mod coming out for it, that it would appear a constant internet connection is no longer required, and the price is at $10 on amazon, I'm really struggling with the decision. Do I give in to ubisoft? Should I wait until ubisoft offically patches out any trace of the DRM (whenever that is)? I just don't know what to do.