Big Fish Games - Bad DRM

Reece · 06-27-10, 07:42 AM

Hi, my wife purchased a game called Ravenhearst for her laptop that doesn't have internet connection, the box says absolutely nothing about having to have an internet connection but you are expected to go online to purchase the game, I followed this up on my pc and although I'm annoyed at this I followed the guide and discovered that I have to have an account, then I discover that I am expected to pay a further $8 for this.

On principal I refuse, I have sent an email but wont hold my breath on getting an answer, needless to say my wife is p!ssed!!
This DRM crap today is getting absolutely stupid, pirates get it free with no hassles but look what the honest guy has to go through and still can't play it!!

krashkart · 06-27-10, 11:14 AM

Is that the Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst?

Reece · 06-27-10, 07:43 PM

Yes, with nothing mentioned on the box I think this is appalling! especially expecting you to pay another $8 to be able to play the game!!

Will probably just throw it in the bin, I could have returned it but we live in the country and only go down to the city once a fortnight, and game returns at EB only last a week!

Gerald · 06-27-10, 07:58 PM

http://games.justadventure.com/game....RefId=jareview

Famous,sensitivity game (DRM i`ts sucks)

krashkart · 06-27-10, 08:01 PM

Man that's a bummer, Reece. I looked over at their website and did a dry run to purchase the game. I wasn't warned at all about any DRM at any point. The system requirements on the game's page didn't mention anything about it, either.

Reece · 06-27-10, 08:59 PM

Amazing that if I pirate a copy it's free with no hassles but if I pay money for it you can't play it!

Why do these guys punish the paying customer??

This type of DRM is promoting Piracy!!

Idiots!

krashkart · 06-27-10, 11:07 PM

I hope the industry does an about face before these protection schemes become too widespread, 'cuz I think you're right about that. Seems like the more pressure they put on the bad guys the louder we squeal. It should be the other way around with Team Haxor pulling their hairs out in frustration. Why haven't the publishers figured that out yet?

The other thing, too, is that for every measure the industry takes there is always a team out there that will break the protection. It doesn't really make much of a difference. Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

So somewhere along the line there has be a compromise. Stolen software, or unhappy customers? I'd almost bet money that looser restrictions would actually net more gains for the industry, but they'll have to figure that one out before we can see any change for the better. Positech Games is giving no-DRM a try, and I guess there are a couple of other companies around doing the same. Cross your fingers and hope they can help turn the tide.

Kinda frustrating, but there are plenty of titles in the genres at least. Publisher B, meet my wallet!

Reece · 06-28-10, 12:34 AM

Yes I have probably purchased hundreds of games over the years, I usually try the demo, read reviews and if I like it I buy it!

Now you have to check out certain sites to find the protection method (online requirement etc) before purchasing, gone are the days of just going to EB and looking through the pile, (and I used to enjoy this), now if you see something you like you have to go over the fine print carefully on the box to find out the type of DRM, even then like this game, nothing is mentioned on the box so you don't know where you stand!

Lets hope, as you say, that this changes and goes back to the good old days!

Skybird · 06-28-10, 03:16 AM

I feel lucky and truely blessed that - maybe due to age reasons? - I have lost interest in 90% of computer gaming that I once had fun with: that means I am not interested in new releases at all. It's very, very rare these days that I find some title catching my interest, and this possibly then is some kind of a niche product from none of the great publishers.

I also wonder if maybe they are pushing DRM crap like they do in order to make people giving up the PC segment alltogether and move towards consoles in strength, so that they can give up PC developement alltogether. For High end simulations like Blackshark, this does not seem to make sense, but for many normal games published on consoles and PC as well - who knows.

HunterICX · 06-28-10, 03:35 AM

IF nowhere in the game's case/manual (or website) refers to a Online requirement DRM you should be able to get the game refunded.

I can't blame devs trying to protect their game, but they are way going over their heads with DRM's that asks too much of the paying customer.

I don't like DRM's that install something I don't know of in the background or DRM's that require to be online all the time as I dont' want anything else to decide WHEN I can play my purchased product simple as that.

@Skybird: You still haven't considered getting DCS:Black Shark? for the little hassle of activating and deactivating throught SF which doesn't install anydrivers it's completly worth it. and soon they'll be releasing DCS: Warthog (A-10) that's now 2 knives stabbed in your back

*runs*

HunterICX

NeonSamurai · 06-28-10, 10:45 AM

I generally try to avoid anything that needs to be activated over the internet. The reason being legacy support. What happens 2 years down the road when they take the server down and don't release a fix for the game. Or what if the company goes under or gets taken over.

I still play old games (even old dos games), so the thought of my game being rendered useless down the road gives me pause in purchasing such games.

Reece · 06-29-10, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeonSamurai

I generally try to avoid anything that needs to be activated over the internet. The reason being legacy support. What happens 2 years down the road when they take the server down and don't release a fix for the game. Or what if the company goes under or gets taken over.

I still play old games (even old dos games), so the thought of my game being rendered useless down the road gives me pause in purchasing such games.

Agree 100%, just a pain when the box says nothing about online activation etc, should be made law imo!

FIREWALL · 06-29-10, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reece

Agree 100%, just a pain when the box says nothing about online activation etc, should be made law imo!

game returns at EB only last a week!

I would still take it back when I was next in town.

No DRM disclosure on box and $8 to play !!!

They'll refund if they want anymore of your business.

I hope every game that crooked company makes turns into "freeware" if you get my drift.

Reece · 06-29-10, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

I hope every game that crooked company makes turns into "freeware" if you get my drift.

That or bankruptcy!!

I'll try and return it, can't hurt!!

FIREWALL · 06-29-10, 04:30 AM

Seeing a friend cheated makes me angrier than an unfinished game.

06-27-10, 07:42 AM	#1
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,691 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Big Fish Games - Bad DRM Hi, my wife purchased a game called Ravenhearst for her laptop that doesn't have internet connection, the box says absolutely nothing about having to have an internet connection but you are expected to go online to purchase the game, I followed this up on my pc and although I'm annoyed at this I followed the guide and discovered that I have to have an account, then I discover that I am expected to pay a further $8 for this. On principal I refuse, I have sent an email but wont hold my breath on getting an answer, needless to say my wife is p!ssed!! This DRM crap today is getting absolutely stupid, pirates get it free with no hassles but look what the honest guy has to go through and still can't play it!! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

06-27-10, 11:14 AM	#2
krashkart Navy Seal Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5,292 Downloads: 100 Uploads: 0	Is that the Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst? __________________ sent from my fingertips using a cheap keyboard

06-27-10, 07:43 PM	#3
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,691 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Yes, with nothing mentioned on the box I think this is appalling! especially expecting you to pay another $8 to be able to play the game!! Will probably just throw it in the bin, I could have returned it but we live in the country and only go down to the city once a fortnight, and game returns at EB only last a week! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

06-27-10, 07:58 PM	#4
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	For free and http://games.justadventure.com/game....RefId=jareview Famous,sensitivity game (DRM i`ts sucks) __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

06-27-10, 08:01 PM	#5
krashkart Navy Seal Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5,292 Downloads: 100 Uploads: 0	Man that's a bummer, Reece. I looked over at their website and did a dry run to purchase the game. I wasn't warned at all about any DRM at any point. The system requirements on the game's page didn't mention anything about it, either. __________________ sent from my fingertips using a cheap keyboard

06-27-10, 08:59 PM	#6
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,691 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Amazing that if I pirate a copy it's free with no hassles but if I pay money for it you can't play it! Why do these guys punish the paying customer?? This type of DRM is promoting Piracy!! Idiots! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

06-27-10, 11:07 PM	#7
krashkart Navy Seal Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5,292 Downloads: 100 Uploads: 0	I hope the industry does an about face before these protection schemes become too widespread, 'cuz I think you're right about that. Seems like the more pressure they put on the bad guys the louder we squeal. It should be the other way around with Team Haxor pulling their hairs out in frustration. Why haven't the publishers figured that out yet? The other thing, too, is that for every measure the industry takes there is always a team out there that will break the protection. It doesn't really make much of a difference. Damned if they do, damned if they don't. So somewhere along the line there has be a compromise. Stolen software, or unhappy customers? I'd almost bet money that looser restrictions would actually net more gains for the industry, but they'll have to figure that one out before we can see any change for the better. Positech Games is giving no-DRM a try, and I guess there are a couple of other companies around doing the same. Cross your fingers and hope they can help turn the tide. Kinda frustrating, but there are plenty of titles in the genres at least. Publisher B, meet my wallet! __________________ sent from my fingertips using a cheap keyboard

06-28-10, 12:34 AM	#8
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,691 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Yes I have probably purchased hundreds of games over the years, I usually try the demo, read reviews and if I like it I buy it! Now you have to check out certain sites to find the protection method (online requirement etc) before purchasing, gone are the days of just going to EB and looking through the pile, (and I used to enjoy this), now if you see something you like you have to go over the fine print carefully on the box to find out the type of DRM, even then like this game, nothing is mentioned on the box so you don't know where you stand! Lets hope, as you say, that this changes and goes back to the good old days! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

06-28-10, 03:16 AM	#9
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,603 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	I feel lucky and truely blessed that - maybe due to age reasons? - I have lost interest in 90% of computer gaming that I once had fun with: that means I am not interested in new releases at all. It's very, very rare these days that I find some title catching my interest, and this possibly then is some kind of a niche product from none of the great publishers. I also wonder if maybe they are pushing DRM crap like they do in order to make people giving up the PC segment alltogether and move towards consoles in strength, so that they can give up PC developement alltogether. For High end simulations like Blackshark, this does not seem to make sense, but for many normal games published on consoles and PC as well - who knows. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

06-28-10, 03:35 AM	#10
HunterICX Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2006 Location: Malaga, España Posts: 10,750 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	IF nowhere in the game's case/manual (or website) refers to a Online requirement DRM you should be able to get the game refunded. I can't blame devs trying to protect their game, but they are way going over their heads with DRM's that asks too much of the paying customer. I don't like DRM's that install something I don't know of in the background or DRM's that require to be online all the time as I dont' want anything else to decide WHEN I can play my purchased product simple as that. @Skybird: You still haven't considered getting DCS:Black Shark? for the little hassle of activating and deactivating throught SF which doesn't install anydrivers it's completly worth it. and soon they'll be releasing DCS: Warthog (A-10) that's now 2 knives stabbed in your back runs HunterICX __________________

06-28-10, 10:45 AM	#11
NeonSamurai Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Socialist Republic of Kanadia Posts: 3,044 Downloads: 25 Uploads: 0	I generally try to avoid anything that needs to be activated over the internet. The reason being legacy support. What happens 2 years down the road when they take the server down and don't release a fix for the game. Or what if the company goes under or gets taken over. I still play old games (even old dos games), so the thought of my game being rendered useless down the road gives me pause in purchasing such games. __________________ SH3 Newbie Guide Links and other helpfull stuff

06-29-10, 04:30 AM	#15
FIREWALL Eternal Patrol Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CATALINA IS. SO . CAL USA Posts: 10,108 Downloads: 511 Uploads: 0	Seeing a friend cheated makes me angrier than an unfinished game. __________________ RIP FIREWALL I Play GWX. Silent Hunter Who ???