Posted August 10, 2009
That the customer's login credentials would be attached to the game files is not something you made clear in your previous post. This is a major security vulnerability, and would mean an instant no-buy for me. The only acceptable means of tying user data to the game files would be as a cryptographic hash. Although this is actually moving away from DRM as a form of copy deterrence and moving into watermarking. Watermarking, when done properly, isn't something I'm opposed to as a customer, although I think it's not particularly effective as a deterrent to copying, and for to the point for this discussion it's not DRM.
cogadh:
Thanks for that additional info, it was quite informative. Given more on the specifics of how it works I no longer find much objectionable about it from a customer standpoint, although it doesn't seem like it would be all that effective at stopping piracy (one throwaway e-mail and it's released to everyone), and even less effective at stopping "casual" piracy (as I doubt people would have an issue with giving their e-mail to people they know). Still, if it gives the publishers a warm, fuzzy feeling of false security I'm not going to complain. I also agree that the addition of even a pseudo-resale option is a big step in the right direction for digital distribution. I do have another question, however, that I'm hoping you could provide the answer to. If the only time an internet connection is required is the initial activation of the installer, then how is access revoked once the game is "resold"?
DarrkPhoenix,
You do realize that Cogadh and I are talking about the same system right? Your Login credentials are your email and password, both of which are encrypted into the game. As for how access is revoked once sold; you end up losing the ability to update/patch the game, you can no longer download a replacement, and you wouldn't be able to play online multiplayer... Now if you saved a backup then yes you could technically still play it "as is" at that point in time, as you would any other pirated game (no online multiplayer, etc. etc.). This is of course assuming you never ran the update program or anything like that which would then revoke your useage. I suppose a hosts file edit could easily fix that though. Then again those that are worried about legal ways of selling digitally distributed software would never do anything wrong like continue to use a game after they sold it, right? ;)
