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EA "Clarifies" DRM
An email was sent out by EA-Maxis as reported at GamingSteve. The core issues still remain however that the system they've set in place has already been broken by pirates. While the 3 install limit isn't effected by reinstalling on the *same exact* machine, it *is* if you decide to change the hardware in your computer by upgrading and reinstalling the game. This is because the system works by summing the amount of different parts in your machine through a formula, if this formula changes, it's deemed a new machine.
Here is the email
There has been a lot of discussion about the DRM in Spore, and the team
at EA and Maxis wanted clarify how the system works, and why it’s in
place.
Our system works just like online music services that
limit the number of machines you can play a song on. This system is an
effort to control piracy.
You can install the game on three
computers – at your office, at home or for your family. What you can’t
do is make and distribute a thousand copies online.
If you feel like your situation presents special circumstances, contact our customer service and we’ll talk through it with you.
QUESTION
How will Digital Rights Management (DRM) work with Spore and Spore Creature Creator?
Answer
The
DRM solution implemented for the Spore and Spore Creature Creator
changes copy protection from being key-disc based, which requires
authentication every time you play the game by requiring a disc in the
drive, to a one-time online authentication. This system has the added
benefit of allowing you to seamlessly play your game without requiring
the game disc in the drive.
KEY POINTS:
This system
allows you to authenticate your game on three computers with the
purchase of one disc. EA Customer Service is on hand to supply any
additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a
case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
Games are authorized to your machine when you first install and launch the game.
We’ve
all had those times when the discs get lost or scratched, and you
can’t play a game you’ve bought because you need a working disc in
the drive. With this new system, players will no longer need the disc
to play the game, but can instead simply retain the disc as backup for
reinstallation.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between the old PC disc authentication solution and the new online model?
A: Two things have changed:
First,
authentication of your game disc has changed from a physical format to
an online format, eliminating the need to have a disc in the drive when
playing.
Second, with online authentication, consumers now connect
to the Internet the first time the game is launched and are only
required to reconnect if they are downloading new game content.
Q: How will the game authenticate now?
A: We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it for the first time.
Q: Do I have to reauthenticate after the first time my game is launched?
A:
Reauthentication is required only if you make significant changes to
your PC's hardware, reformat your hard drive, or in some cases, upgrade
your Operating System. Multiple installations of the game on the same
computer do not count against the number of computers the game can be
installed on.
Q: What are the benefits of online authentication versus the disc-based model?
A:
The new system means you don't need to have the game disc in your
computer in order to play. Losing a disc will no longer keep you from
enjoying a game you already have installed.
Q: Am I able to play my game on more than one computer? Do I need the disc for that?
A:
You'll be able to install and play your game on up to three computers
without the need of the game disc. Your computer is authorized after
installation and the initial launch of the game.
Q: Will I still be able to play my game offline?
A:
Yes, you can play offline, however, we do hope that you will play
online. Sharing creatures, buildings, and vehicles with other players
is something that is unique to Spore and Spore Creature Creator, and is
one of the coolest features of the game.
Q: What happens when
I’ve reached the maximum number of computers for my game and I need
more? (Due to computer upgrades, theft, crashes, etc.)
A: EA
Customer Support is on hand to supply any additional authorizations
that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by
contacting Customer Support.
Q: Why are Maxis and EA implementing this new authentication process?
A:
This solution serves to protect our software from piracy. It has the
added benefit of allowing you to activate your game on multiple
machines without needing the game disc in the drive when playing the
game."
1. xHarrold251 - Sep 16, 2008 12:24 PM
Huh interesting.............actually I no longer care for EA and its money grabbing schemes.....I wish a decent publisher would buy Maxis....
2. Robber - Sep 13, 2008 04:08 PM
Pirates don't have any disadvantages any more. There is even a awesome private server. They can even share CELLS! The paying consumers have all the disadvantages.
3. kingdruid - Sep 12, 2008 03:01 AM
Yeah that is so dumb. They just made more people cancel their pre-orders and pirate the title. I don't really see the logic in this....
4. minipwnerer - Sep 11, 2008 11:19 PM
the Anon - they won't be spending more on customer support, they'll charge you to cover that. That's how EA rolls. Its funny, i've played both the pirated and legit versions and well, i regret buying it cause i could have saved myself a good $100NZD, AND the bonus of getting it before its even released on top of as many installs as i like. You can really tell when a company has failed it when the legit version isn't that much greater than the pirated. Unless of course, you DO want penis monsters. I've already banned 3.
5. lucky711 - Sep 11, 2008 09:21 PM
omg can somebody help me PLEASE!! in the game, there are 2 races or 1 idk but its taking over all my cities and allies in the galaxy! Its all aver and i need money! does anybody no a cheat or help please!!!!!!!! ty
6. apollo_11 - Sep 11, 2008 07:50 PM
This is nonsense. My exceptionally old Carnivores II game can run without the disc. It doesn't have even a line of DRM coding on it. Plus, as has been stated many times, the game was available for free download before it even came out.
7. Biidi - Sep 11, 2008 06:35 PM
DRM has NOTHING to do with being able to play without the disc in the drive. Plenty of other games do that without DRM. DRM probably isn't gonna go away any time soon. Case in point, Starforce copyprotection. Hated by nearly everyone but still in use.
8. The Anon - Sep 11, 2008 05:56 PM
So basicly all the email does is clarify that they spent alot of money on something that is annoying and it doesn't actually solve any problems or make life in any way easier and they're commited to spending even more in the future on customer support. All I can say is I'm glad I don't own any EA stock.
9. sporefreak - Sep 11, 2008 05:33 PM
LOL it's easier to pirate the game than actually buy it, EA dumbasses.
10. Ivaron - Sep 11, 2008 05:11 PM
Not having to have a disc in the drive is only throwing salt on the wounds. I like having a disc in the drive to play a game, it feels more... real. I dunno :/
11. lucky711 - Sep 11, 2008 04:55 PM
can somebody please explain to me what the DRM is and whats the 3 install thing about?? ***R.I.P. the 2,00+ppl from 9/11/01 :(***
12. Wierdmin - Sep 11, 2008 04:45 PM
I really don't mind at all. Who cares about the three install system... I just like not having to have a disc.
13. kerg01 - Sep 11, 2008 04:45 PM
Yes, playing with the disk in the drive is just hard darn work to do that. I'm glad I have that 3 seconds of my life back.
14. vetrijar - Sep 11, 2008 03:26 PM
guess they should just go back to a dongle device again (w/ chip) and supply a set number included with games.
15. Bubb9 - Sep 11, 2008 03:01 PM
Its still BS.
16. built2spill - Sep 11, 2008 02:21 PM
The people playing illegal copies have it too good - unlimited installs, no SecurRom, and no online play. Yes, I went there. I've seen a few too many USS Enterprises, including creatures, and ran in to species with names like "ButtSauce" etc. I'm starting to think that playing online is as over hyped as the game itself.
17. xRWiggum - Sep 11, 2008 02:02 PM
not real helpful, and not much better than we originally interpreted DRM for Spore
18. Quesenek - Sep 11, 2008 01:52 PM
i laughed on the last question because DRM cannot stand up to game crackers any better then a chicken bone can, i wonder why they keep on insisting on doing this i mean it has been the same story with both mass effect and bioshock they were both cracked before they were even released on the store shelves. but anyways everyone knows DRM is just a tool in EA's plans to do a mass take over of all the worlds computers.
19. built2spill - Sep 11, 2008 01:39 PM
Mystify - I think you have it wrong: "Reauthentication is required only if you make significant changes to your PC's hardware, reformat your hard drive, or in some cases, upgrade your Operating System." Reformatting your computer is covered as something that WILL eat an activation. Also, he mis-represents how music companies do it. iTunes (and Audible and even Photoshop CS3) let you install on multiple computers, but, they let you de-activate your computers and devices also, which puts YOU in control. With EA's system, most people will eventually find themselves at the mercy of the dreaded "case-by-case basis" calling them up and hoping that they believe you. If they'd only give you an activation credit when you uninstall the game, most people would calm down about all this. Then there is the only one user account per computer issue...poor families.
20. DespisedBeing - Sep 11, 2008 01:09 PM
It still does not fix the problem of the inconvenience of upgrading a computer. It's bothering me a lot because I plan on getting a new larger hard drive in the near future which would of course mean I'm going to use up 2/3 authentications (one now and one when I upgrade) "Reauthentication is required only if you...reformat your hard drive, or in some cases, upgrade your Operating System." The only reason I'll need to reinstall Spore is because I need to reformat or reinstall the game for the new hard drive. This explanation does not help me at all.
21. Mystify - Sep 11, 2008 12:55 PM
that seems better than before, since if you have to reformat your computer it doesn't count as a new install, which was a major complaint, esp. for windows. Don't get me wrong, it still sucks, just not as much
22. xKarma - Sep 11, 2008 12:01 PM
the DRM is insanely over-the-top and unnecessary. As Staticwolf said, it's already pirated. Just seems like excessive greed.
23. xStaticwolf - Sep 11, 2008 11:57 AM
Despite it already being pirated... >_>
23 Comments