Is DRM Getting Out of Hand?

Filed in archive Industry New on March 11, 2010

© rebopper


Outrage is the number one emotion expressed by gamers over the new UbiSoft DRM. It all started with PC Gamer getting a pre-release copy of the new Assassin's Creed 2 for review. After writing their review, the gaming community took up the cry.

So here's what happens with the DRM, if you haven't heard yet. First, you cannot connect to the game unless you have an internet connection. That's right, no gaming without being online. Then, if for whatever reason you're connection goes down, you're screwed. It's not quite as bad as some of the rumors that everything you've done is wiped out, but you when you reconnect you'll have to go back to the last auto-save point. So let's hope your connection never gets wonky, or you want to play the game on a flight or in the car.

It seems like there's never been a good solution to piracy. The gamers who play within the rules feel punished. And eventually some kid hacks the DRM anyhow. Many gamers also feel like this kind of Big Brother hook-up means a lack of privacy. On this system, UbiSoft will know exactly who logs in and when and what they do in the game. So what did UbiSoft have to say for itself? Nothing that makes it better.

UbiSoft explained that the number one reason for the new DRM is protection. They also claim the new system has advantages to gamers such as: not requiring a disc to play, allowing download on multiple computers and the uploading of all saved games to UbiSoft's computers. They promise the auto-saves are close together.

You can read more of UbiSoft defense of its new DRM if you want, but they mostly say, "Yeah, we know you're angry but we don't really care that much. Piracy is more important than angry customers." The DRM will affect The Settlers VII, Splinter Cell, Silent Hunter 5, Assassin's Creed 2, Prince of Persia and Ghost Recon as well as all the games in the foreseeable future.