The release of spore has started a new revolution, no not the game itself but the outcry over the virus that is shipped with it.
The key demographic for this game are voting with there wallets, 100's of preorders canceled on amazon but yet no offical figures.
Some circles are looking for a call to arms and for a boycot of not just this game but ALL EA games.
others suggest under there breath that this is a publisher just trying to add another nail in the coffin of the PC gamer, by forcing people to play fully enabled games on consoles rather than PC.
An I as one think being treated as a criminal like this is just far too much, and am now going to be far more cautions when buying games.
And talking about treated as a criminal, the real criminals (other then EA) are the only people who can enjoy these games without limitations.
hour's after the official release of spore, a DRM free version was seen in the wild. the only down side of this particular version. No online, (this however doesn't matter as you can apparently add other players creations just by taking a copy of the PNG off of the creature creator websites.)
but here's the kicker, with all the problems people are having with crashs in the official purchased version, the unofficial no DRM version seems to work without flaw.
Is the DRM doing more than it is supposed to and acctually crashing customers games.
What are your thoughts, does this make you as angry at EA as others, or don't you mind being treated like a criminal in respect for their 'digital rights'.
The fuck?!
I thought they removed the DRM?!
nope it's SECUROM and installs the latest root kit.
apparently the original idea was to make you re'auth the game every 10 days, but
because of the uproar over this they just reduced it to 3 intalls only.
Oh and if your a family, you can only use one user per install, meaning if you
want to let your kids / siblings play on your spore, it's exacly that, they play in your universe and
can uterly destroy anything you've built up.
If you are unfortnate enough to already have purchased this and installed it, then
you can download 'RootkitRevealer' just google it, but removing the rootkit will kill
your game.
Amazon uk have already edited (read as removed) a fair amount of negative customer reiveiws, although amazon usa are just taking the deludge of database increacing slatings on the chin.
edit ===== added responce from Maxis
A few things we wanted you to know:
* We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it the first time.
* We'll re-authenticate when a player uses online features, downloads new content or a patch for their game.
* The new system means you don't have to play with the disc in your computer. And if you are like me, always losing discs, this will be a huge benefit.
* You'll still be able to install and play on multiple computers.
* You can play offline.
We do hope that players will play online - sharing creatures, buildings and vehicles with other players is something that is unique to Spore and one of the coolest features of the game. Every day, when I play the Creature Stage, I get to see wacky and awesome new creatures from my Buddies on the team coming over the hill at me and I can't wait to see what happens when our creative, passionate community starts sharing their creations.
I'd love to write more - but I need to get back to work. We've got a game to finish. :-)
-caryl
Its time for life on the high seas once again.
If I'm going to be treated like a criminal, might as well be one; I always say.
If they release a DRM free version on Steam (like they did with BioShock) I'll give them the money they should be getting from me.
looks like EA might be getting the hint
http://kotaku.com/5047048/ea-sticking-wi...ier-on-you
edit-----
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
"Subsection 1030(a)(5) prohibits transmitting "a program, information, code, or command" that causes damage to a computer system. Those with authority to access the computer are criminally liable only for intentional damage, while those without authority are liable for any damage that they cause.
. . .
Penalties under most of the provisions can be up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for a first offense, and up to ten years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine for a second offense. The Act also authorizes the victims of computer crime to maintain a civil action for damages and other equitable relief."
well that sounds like a rootkit / Securom to me.
Class act lawsuit anyone?
Someone should. This is the main thing preventing me from getting Spore. I'd have already downloaded it if it wasn't for this DRM crap.
That's a no-go. If you install the game, you agree to the EULA, meaning you can't sue, cause you agreed.
Also, I love how so many people call DRM a "copy-protection" program. (A.K.A. Anti-piracy program)
If that was the case, developers/Publishers would get rid of the DRM from games as soon as it was cracked.
(In the case of spore.. 4 days before release...)
No.. DRM is on place to maximize revenue for the publishers. If DRM didn't exist, PC games would be able to be sold used.. and everyone knows the developers/publishers don't make money off used sales. Screw EA, they're the reason PC gaming is slowly dying. Valve has its **** together with Steam at least.
Here's to hoping Steam prevails.
That's a no-go. If you install the game, you agree to the EULA, meaning you can't sue, cause you agreed.
Tell me where in the EULA that you agree to installing a rootkit, and 'where' it tells you before you pony up the money in the store.
EULA are bunk and in there current for illegal because you've already paid your money before you install it, and hence before you get the chance to read the licence agreement.
Under the directives of the computer fraud and abuse act, a rootkit aka a virus aka malious software, aka the **** that hides from the operation system and anti-virus programs and can execute code as and when it wants, and is a pain to get rid of and can cause harm to a system. and is NOT ADVERTISED THAT IT IS EMBEDED into the software is illegal, hence if you agree to the licence agreement and install it, by the end of the install the EULA is renderd useless/null and void, becasue of the very fact it just installed a rootkit on the End users machine.
Why don't you try and buy a game, disagree with the licence agreement then just try and take it back for a refund. you'll be laughed right out of the store.
you: 'yeah i read the licence agreement and don't agree to it so i didn't install it, so i want a refund.'
Clerk: 'hahahahahahhhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaha'
Yeah, that's the corrupt way of buisness.
The rootkit isn't installed until you agree to it.
Meaning they haven't broken any laws.
It's not EA's problem whether or not you are able to return you're uninstalled, yet opened, product to the store you bought it at.
This loop hole has been around since DRM was introduced.
I'm not backing it, I'm just saying that they've done nothing illegal. Shifty, but not illegal.
Where does it say it on the box?
"Internet connection, online authentication and end user license agreement required to play. EA terms & conditions and feature updates can be found at
http://www.ea.com"
Doesn't talk about it directly, but it tells you you'll have to agree to something. Youdon't know everything else you're agreeing to before you buy the game too do you?