The Mass Effect syndrome

June 12, 2008

I was really looking forward to the PC port of Mass Effect. I played this game on a friend’s XBox360, and remarked at the time that this game was meant for the PC. So I was disappointed to discover that EA had implemented a strict Copy-protection scheme for the PC game. According to the Wikipedia entry -

In addition, only three activations will be allowed per CD key[80]. Reinstalling Windows or upgrading certain parts of a computer the game is installed on will use up an additional activation. Bioware employees have repeatedly stated that they do not have any information on what parts can be upgraded without triggering a new activation. [81]

As far as I’m aware, it hasn’t been made clear by either EA or Bioware under what circumstances an activation is required. Is it on re-installing the game? Or when Windows is re-installed (which is patently ridiculous)? And gamers have to regularly upgrade their videocards and soundcards for the best gaming experience. I was forced to re-install my Windows installation from a Norton Ghost image only just last week.

EA and Bioware have the right to protect their property from software piracy. But I do feel that the activation scheme unfairly punishes people who legally purchase the game.
UPDATE: Kotaku have reported that Bioware and EA have changed the schema to a once-only online activation, although the 3-times only limit still applies.

Posted in Entertainment, IT |

2 Comments »

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  1. Hiya. Came here after seeing your post on Outpost Gallifrey. (No I don’t normally do that…).

    PC games lose lots of money from piracy, from what I’ve heard. Different opinions on the matter, but some regard this as something that is seriously, seriously harming the PC game industry.

    Consoles, as you know, have different discs or whatever that aren’t so easily copied - also you can’t hop on a torrent and download a console game so their profits, I would conclude, aren’t hit so high.

    Everybody I know, besides myself and my brother, pirates video games. Why in the last 5 years between my friends ten of thousands of dollars. Make of that what you will. Will check out the rest of your blog. :)

    Comment by Stephen — June 15, 2008 @ 5:05 am

  2. Hi SH

    Just waving!

    Cheers
    CST ;-)

    Comment by Cassie ST — June 24, 2008 @ 6:07 am

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