Warning to Ubisoft game players, crappy DRM coming

[Gwarsbane]

http://support.uk.ubi.com/online-services-platform/

Online Services Platform Q&A

Frequent Asked Questions about Ubisoft's Online Services Platform for PC

What is the added value of this platform for PC gamers?
A CD/DVD is not required to play the game. The protected game can be installed as many times and on as many computers as you like! Saved games are also synchronized online so the user can continue playing from where he/she left off from any computer; at work, at a friend's place etc.

How many players can play at the same time (concurrently)?
There is no limit to how many players can play at the same time. For each title, we carefully study the demand and allocate servers accordingly. We will also of course allocate back-up servers in order to be able to respond to fluctuations in demand.

How many computers can I install the game on?
There is no limit to the number of computers on which you can install the game! However you can only play with your individual Ubisoft account on one computer at a time.

Is there an "off-line" option?
No. The added services to the game (unlimited installs, online storage of saved games and the fact that you don’t need the game disc to play) require you to have an online connection while playing the game.

Can I play my game from another computer?
Yes. As long as the game is installed on the PC, you can play from any computer and your Ubisoft account will recognise your last saved position as well as automatically save any updates.

Can I play from an airport or when I'm travelling ?
Anywhere you have an internet access, you can play.

Can I use the Ubisoft account for both single player and multiplayer online?
Yes, using your Ubisoft account , once you are signed in, all aspect of the gameplay are available to you.

I am in a strict environment with lots of firewall rules etc. Can I still play the game?
If you can access the Internet from the computer, you can play the game.

What if I lose my account or my computer crashes?
Customer service is available to help you re-access your account. If you experience a computer crashes, the game will kwill still recognise your license and all synchronizations made before the crash will be stored online.

What if Ubisoft decides not run these online services in the future? Will my game stop working?
Ubisoft is committed to being a forerunner in providing new exciting online service. If any service is stopped, we will create a patch for the game so that the core game play will not be affected.

What will happen if I lose my Internet connection when I play the game?
If you lose your Internet connection the game will pause while it tries to reconnect. If the Internet Connection is unable to resume you can continue the game from where you left off or from the last saved game.

Why do I need to register with a Ubisoft account?
The synchronized saved games are personal, so to access them you need to log in. Even if your computer crashes you will be able to access your saved games with your Ubisoft account and continue your game from another computer. The services tied to your account will work regardless if you purchase the game as a physical or digital copy from any distributor.

Will all my saved games be stored online?
Yes! They will be stored both online and on your PC.

Will customers need to upgrade their Internet connection to broadband speed?
No. We've made sure that the game is playable even with the lowest (A)DSL connections.

Will I need to be online the whole time when I play the game? Including for single player?
Yes. You will need to have an active Internet connection to play the game, for all game modes.

Will this platform use Uniquekeys?
Yes. Uniquekeys are verified throughout this system.

Do any services run when I am not playing?
No. The only service that might be running after you exit the game is the online synchronization of saved games which runs until it is completed. It is not a hidden window, so you can cancel it at any time, and it will finish the synchronization the next time you start the game.

Do you add any monitoring tools to my computer?
No! We respect your privacy and will only access information needed for the new services and game to function. There are no hidden programs or monitoring tools installed.

Do you send information to third parties?
No. We offer the option opt-in to receive news and updates from Ubisoft, but we do not send any nformation to any third parties

Will this affect the performance of my PC?
No. The services that we offer run only when you start the game and there are no background services.

Can I resell my game?
Not at this time.

Can I resell my game along with my Ubisoft account?
Your Ubisoft account features your personal data and cannot be given or sold to anyone.

Do you have to be a member of Uplay to use this service platform?
This system requires you to have a Ubi.com account. A Uplay and a Ubi.com account are the same. You don't need to use Uplay to use this service platform, but if you wish to do so, it's very simple.

Do you plan to implement this system on home consoles?
This system is for PCs only.

What happens if I pre-ordered my game without being aware of the permanent online connection requirement ? Can I get a refund?
Please check with your retailer to find out their return policies.

Will this system be available for every Ubisoft game?
Most upcoming Ubisoft PC games will make use of this system.

How does Ubisoft use my personal information? How can I control which data is actually provided to Ubisoft?
Ubisoft uses information provided by its customers only to ensure our services run properly for an optimal gameplay experience - including the customer service. Ubisoft does not use personal information for any other purposes, unless you have explicitly accepted for us to do so.

What happens if the server crashes on weekends or at night? Will there be 24/7 support?
Yes, Ubisoft provides 24/7 support on servers.

Why is Ubisoft forcing their loyal customers to sign up for a Ubisoft account when they don't want to give their private data and only play single player games?
We hope that customers will feel as we do, that signing up for an account will offer them exceptional gameplay and services that are not available otherwise.

I would like to add another question with answer to the list....

Why is Ubisoft killing PC gaming on purpose with crappy DRM?
Because we make a pile more money with console games although we want to make it look like we're doing it to combat piracy which in fact isn't effecting us as much as we (and all other game makers) claim it is.

[Bridget]

How does DRM affect the innocent guy?

[Gwarsbane]

Easy, by making it hard to play the game.

There are many people who can't buy the legally bought game on their legally bought hardware because the DRM included.

For example, you upgrade your system a few times, and have to reinstall the game. It tells you that you've installed the game more then 5 times now you are not allowed to install it anymore.

A new example would be Games for Windows with dirt 2 (as just an example). People all over the world bought dirt 2 legally. They try to install it, giving all the proper info, but the game tell them because they are in a certain part of the world they are not allowed to play the game.

A slightly older example, securom included with a game bought off one of a legal download service like steam or direct drive. People try to play the game, but are told they have to have the game disc in the DVD drive, which they can't because they bought the game digitally. It took a while for a patch to be finally made available.


If you don't know about any problems with DRM and legit users then you haven't been looking at many game sites that use DRM.


These are just some examples of what can and does happen

[Lost]

Originally Posted by Gwarsbane

For example, you upgrade your system a few times, and have to reinstall the game. It tells you that you've installed the game more then 5 times now you are not allowed to install it anymore.

This new digital system they're presenting seems to be based off the success Steam has generated and has no limits to installs.

Originally Posted by Gwarsbane

A new example would be Games for Windows with dirt 2 (as just an example). People all over the world bought dirt 2 legally. They try to install it, giving all the proper info, but the game tell them because they are in a certain part of the world they are not allowed to play the game.

Most games that are region specific are noted as such and, from what I have ever seen, are done so for social or cultural reasons, not business reasons. What real reason would an international company have to not sell their shit overseas?

Originally Posted by Gwarsbane

A slightly older example, securom included with a game bought off one of a legal download service like steam or direct drive. People try to play the game, but are told they have to have the game disc in the DVD drive, which they can't because they bought the game digitally. It took a while for a patch to be finally made available.

This is removed with digital delivery systems like the one you just posted and shit like Steam. Yah, you can only play one account online at a time, but there are ways around it.

Originally Posted by Gwarsbane

If you don't know about any problems with DRM and legit users then you haven't been looking at many game sites that use DRM.

I've bought and own many games with some sort DRM, most of them I crack if I'm not able to play without a disk and the smart companies realize this and eventually patch it. I won't say I haven't played pirated games, it's kind of the only way to test them without a demo, but I don't have any that I haven't purchased if I liked. If I can find it, which with older or rare games, it's sometimes damned hard.

[Gwarsbane]

Originally Posted by Lost

This new digital system they're presenting seems to be based off the success Steam has generated and has no limits to installs.

While this is true, it was asked how does DRM can effect an innocent person. I took that as a how does DRM in general effect an innocent person. So I explained how DRM in general can effect an innocent person.

Originally Posted by Lost

Most games that are region specific are noted as such and, from what I have ever seen, are done so for social or cultural reasons, not business reasons. What real reason would an international company have to not sell their shit overseas?

For my example of Dirt 2, from what I have read the people that were having problems with GFW bought the game in their own country or got the game with a video card that they brought in their own country.

Originally Posted by Lost

This is removed with digital delivery systems like the one you just posted and shit like Steam. Yah, you can only play one account online at a time, but there are ways around it.

Yup I know, but it has happened.

And I have no problem with only being able to have the game connected to an account so that you can only have it active on 1 computer at a time. I just have a problem with crappy DRM telling me I have to have the disc in the drive to play.

Originally Posted by Lost

I've bought and own many games with some sort DRM, most of them I crack if I'm not able to play without a disk and the smart companies realize this and eventually patch it. I won't say I haven't played pirated games, it's kind of the only way to test them without a demo, but I don't have any that I haven't purchased if I liked. If I can find it, which with older or rare games, it's sometimes damned hard.

I buy very few games, when I buy them I try to avoid as much DRM as I can just because I have had bad experiences with it in the past.

While I am not fully happy with steam, so far its one of the better ways to get games.

I think all game makers should make demos for their games and those demos should not include any kind of DRM. They should just be very limited in what can be done. No online connection, one character, only a couple of weapons, 1 level or one map. Stuff like that.

One thing I really do like with steam are the free weekends now and then for games. It gives people a chance to get a really good feel for the game. Maybe a feature they could have is (1) 2 day free play for every game. This way you could say, "I want to see what this game is like" and you right click on it and hit "1 free 2 day play". And you have a couple of days to test out the whole thing.

[~kev~]

No. We've made sure that the game is playable even with the lowest (A)DSL connections.

DSL is still high speed,,, so I guess it wont work with dial up?

So if your internet connection gets turned off, you can not play the games? If you lose your job, get a little behind on your bills, internet gets turned off, you can not play? Its funny and sad at the same time.

At least steam will start in off line mode, and you have access to the games you installed.

[GenghisTron]

Further proof that DRM does the opposite of it's intended purpose.

[Pixel]

I'm sure there will be a way around it.