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EA abandons online activation DRM (for the Sims 3 at least)
Posted: 2009-03-26 01:09pm
by Acidburns
Rob Humble wrote:Hello everyone I wanted to share news with you regarding our copy protection plans for The Sims 3.
We’ll have more information for you as we get closer to launch about everything we’ll have to offer on TheSims3.com and The Sims 3 Store, but we have heard your requests over the past months and here is our plan for The Sims 3.
The game will have disc-based copy protection – there is a Serial Code just like The Sims 2. To play the game there will not be any online authentication needed.
We feel like this is a good, time-proven solution that makes it easy for you to play the game without DRM methods that feel overly invasive or leave you concerned about authorization server access in the distant future.
We’re really excited to bring you the game for the PC and Mac starting June 2, 2009. The extra time we’ve taken to polish the game has resulted in an even better game experience for you to enjoy and we can’t wait for you to see for yourself!
Thanks for your passion and your loyalty.
Rod Humble
Sims3.ea.com
I don't give a shit about Sims 3 but with several recent EA releases requiring online activation it's good to see they've changed their minds. Just as well really, given the casual gamer appeal of the sims I imagine the number of tech support calls about activation would make their call centres explode. What I'd really like to see them do now is to patch out all the online activations for their other games.
Re: EA abandons online activation DRM (for the Sims 3 at least)
Posted: 2009-03-26 03:40pm
by DaveJB
The Sims is their biggest non-sports franchise, maybe even their biggest overall - they're not going to risk sabotaging that with a repeat of the Spore fiasco.
Re: EA abandons online activation DRM (for the Sims 3 at least)
Posted: 2009-03-26 09:11pm
by Ghost Rider
Let's see Spore was a fiasco on monumental levels, Sims is their biggest moneymaker and possibly the most successful franchise ever.
I wonder...
Really, they are doing this because as everyone believes. A repeat of Spore on Sims level would be a crippling blow to EA. Will they do this for other games? Likely not because it hasn't caused the waves needed and they presume they need this to prevent mass pirating from their consumers.
Re: EA abandons online activation DRM (for the Sims 3 at least)
Posted: 2009-03-27 07:54am
by Oskuro
Also, whenever I drop by a games shop, I see the Sims2, still sporting an outrageous price tag despite it's age, and more importantly, having a whole shelf devoted to it and its expansions.
No need to invest in DRM when people keep buying the overpriced game years after release.
I mean, man, even The Sims 1 is still going strong!
One can only dream the would patch online activation and pesky DRM out of other games, I might finally decide to buy Battlefield 2 and 2142. Or Mercs 2. Or Spore.
Re: EA abandons online activation DRM (for the Sims 3 at least)
Posted: 2009-03-27 06:59pm
by Phantasee
Man, I have the sudden urge to dig out my copy of The Sims... I loved building houses. I just hated the people.
Which, conveniently, led me to discover ways to kill the people, through innovative design.
Re: EA abandons online activation DRM (for the Sims 3 at least)
Posted: 2009-03-27 07:16pm
by Acidburns
I think I remember reading an article about the developers observation on how people play the sims. There were folks who set up scenarios and let them play out, some who micromanaged their sims up the career ladder, those who played it like a big dollshouse and folk who tortured their little sim people to death.