Gamers get upset when developers sneak ugly hacks onto their computers when they just want to play video games. Although gamers really only revolt when they know their being exploited, Spore is a fine example of how not to lock down a video game. Using SecuROM was a bad decision on the part of Electronic Arts, no matter what their PR spin tries to tell us.
Imagine a world of DRM free spore and you may be imagining reality using the Valve’s Steam software download architecture.
“The moderator specifically mentioned Spore but it’s possible this extends to other EA games that used SecuROM as well (like Mass Effect). If a game on Steam uses third-party DRM, it’s supposed to be mentioned on the product page.” (cinemablend)
We’ve been complaining about the Spore DRM for month snow on the gaming podcast, perhaps we’ll have to shut our mouths soon enough.
(Thanks, GameStooge)
If you’ve ever been through an acquisition or merger you’d have expected this news to come, but for those new to the concept it’s simple: you can’t keep everyone. After a complete merger you end up with two sales departments, two IT departments, etc.
A bunch of other EA games, all of which use SecuROM, will be on Steam:
http://www.gamestooge.com/2008/12/20/electronic-arts-hitting-steam/
A bunch of other EA games, all of which use SecuROM, will be on Steam:
http://www.gamestooge.com/2008/12/20/electronic-arts-hitting-steam/