News

By: Joe Topolnisky May 10, 2008

BioWare Changes Mass Effect DRM Plan

Earlier this week, BioWare announced that the PC edition of Mass Effect would require online activation every 10 days for the game to continue working. Obviously this news didn't sit well with fans, as they voiced their displeasure through various message boards. Seeing this reaction, BioWare has decided to change their DRM plans, scrapping the whole 10-day reactivation deal and replacing it with a one time-only online activation, with reactivations only required if you choose to download new content. The announcement and a full FAQ on the changes can be found right here.

Also, Kotaku has word that Spore is dropping the 10-day DRM as well. Score one for the little guys! ;)

Comments

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phenom	2008-05-10 #1
Thank god.

johnmr531

2008-05-10 #2

What in the hell were they thinking in the first place?

What happens if I don't use the computer the game is installed on for 10 days???
JEESH! I hope the game doesn't need to be reinstalled or something or becomes unusable.

My god there going to far with security these days.

But glad to hear there not going to do it anymore :)

EDIT:

Its still b.s.

"Q: Will EA or BioWare take any personal information from my computer during an authentication?

A: Absolutely not. We do not take any personal information from your computer. The system simply verifies that a valid CD key has been provided and assigns that activation to that PC.

Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum # of computers for my game and I need more, say due to theft of computer, computer crashes, etc?

A: 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."

What a hassle....

So if I decide to:
buy a new machine or
buy lets say 2 machines a year or
I play on a laptop and desktop

I have to go through the hassle of contacting customer support.
YIPPEE! I love doing that.

Perhaps I don't understand the policy right, but to me thats B.S.
I want to play my game in any of my machines just as I can a DvD movie I buy.

I'm sorry but if this is how it works its going to attract piracy not fend it off.
Once you hassle people too much your just asking for it... either
A) People to not buy the game
or B) Rebellion by piracy to enjoy the game and avoid the hassle.

If I don't like it, y don't I just not buy the game then?
Because its a discussion board and I'm voicing my opinion.

EDIT2:

Apparently there is a limit of 3 machines it can be installed to.
In my opinion its still a disappointing hassle...

Batesd	2008-05-10 #3
Well the fact that they responded at all to the "little people" is encouraging. Lots of companies have become so militant about these issues that they just do what they want, then act surprised when the piracy actually gets worse. Score 1 point for Bioware.