PC games should just drop all DRM measures or go with Steamworks.
Zalis Send a noteboard - 19/02/2010 08:34:44 PM
Games for Windows Live is annoying, but Steam has actually become a worthwhile service. Sure, Valve would need to devote more specific time to making the system perfect, but I'd welcome the change. Some, like Randy Pitchford of Gearbox, question the wisdom of Valve running everything... that it would be a major conflict of interest. Is Microsoft really a who you'd prefer controlling this kind of thing? They're busy enough charging for DLC on Live and running GFWL into the ground.
Valve really had the idea right. If there's to be any reasonable grounds for DRM, combine it with a service that enriches the PC gaming experience. Steam was a pain back when it was mandatory in '03, but it's hardly a blip on today's modern gaming rigs. I complained like most other games did back then, but we've since seen the awful alternatives. Steam gives me access to game downloads, a friends list, news, patches and achievements.
Metro 2033 is announced to be using Steamworks on the PC as well. Heck, MW2 did it too... if only they hadn't gimped that version by excluding dedicated servers.
I realize a big issue is that each publisher wants its own solution to be THE solution, but it's simply not practical. Meanwhile, PC gamers get frustrated, sales go down, and piracy is the scapegoat for giving us the cold shoulder on releases. (I'm glaring at YOU, Remedy...)
Valve really had the idea right. If there's to be any reasonable grounds for DRM, combine it with a service that enriches the PC gaming experience. Steam was a pain back when it was mandatory in '03, but it's hardly a blip on today's modern gaming rigs. I complained like most other games did back then, but we've since seen the awful alternatives. Steam gives me access to game downloads, a friends list, news, patches and achievements.
Metro 2033 is announced to be using Steamworks on the PC as well. Heck, MW2 did it too... if only they hadn't gimped that version by excluding dedicated servers.
I realize a big issue is that each publisher wants its own solution to be THE solution, but it's simply not practical. Meanwhile, PC gamers get frustrated, sales go down, and piracy is the scapegoat for giving us the cold shoulder on releases. (I'm glaring at YOU, Remedy...)
The sword might be grateful to the forge fire, but never fond of it.
This message last edited by Zalis on 19/02/2010 at 08:36:06 PM
Ubisoft DRM (Or how to make sure I never buy your product again)
- 19/02/2010 05:54:02 PM
725 Views
I don't think these companies realize they're encouraging piracy.
- 19/02/2010 06:11:51 PM
721 Views
Yep. I have been unable to understand the company reasoning behind such systems.
- 19/02/2010 06:54:22 PM
477 Views
There is only one reason I can see. To destroy PC Gaming
- 19/02/2010 06:59:45 PM
522 Views
That doesn't make any sense.
- 19/02/2010 10:53:50 PM
542 Views
Re: That doesn't make any sense.
- 20/02/2010 09:04:53 PM
492 Views
So the crux of your explanation is that simply ceasing to publish PC games creates bad press.
- 20/02/2010 09:47:36 PM
458 Views
Well, we have two options: the first is going to require that we kill you.
- 23/02/2010 11:11:28 PM
537 Views
PC games should just drop all DRM measures or go with Steamworks.
- 19/02/2010 08:34:44 PM
588 Views
Don't get me started on Steam again, it's just as insiduous as other DRM 'solutions'.
- 19/02/2010 10:37:00 PM
511 Views
I might resist more if I weren't a Valve game fan, but it's a pretty solid service.
- 20/02/2010 02:59:40 AM
492 Views
Steam has managed to reach a balance where it offers something
- 20/02/2010 04:57:08 AM
502 Views
Re: Steam has managed to reach a balance where it offers something
- 21/02/2010 11:37:40 PM
484 Views
Agree on the functionality complaints, disagree on the ownership bit.
- 23/02/2010 11:40:06 PM
498 Views
Is that really how you play games?
- 24/02/2010 10:54:42 PM
531 Views
Yeah, I rarely replay old games.
- 25/02/2010 12:48:10 AM
517 Views