Maxis Responds to the Spore DRM Controversy

There has been a small firestorm concerning the Spore Digital Rights Management system. Well Maxis has been listening and Caryl Shaw, Online Producer for Spore, sent me a note about these concerns:

Hey Spore Fans -

We wanted to let you know that we've been hearing your concerns about the online authentication mentioned earlier this week. I didn't want to head into the weekend without getting back to you with some information about how Spore is planning on using this new system.

A few things we wanted you to know:

• We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it the first time.
• We'll re-authenticate when a player uses online features, downloads new content or a patch for their game.
• The new system means you don't have to play with the disc in your computer. And if you are like me, always losing discs, this will be a huge benefit.
• You'll still be able to install and play on multiple computers.
• You can play offline.

We do hope that players will play online - sharing creatures, buildings and vehicles with other players is something that is unique to Spore and one of the coolest features of the game. Every day, when I play the Creature Stage, I get to see wacky and awesome new creatures from my Buddies on the team coming over the hill at me and I can't wait to see what happens when our creative, passionate community starts sharing their creations.

I'd love to write more - but I need to get back to work. We've got a game to finish. :-)

-caryl

Personally I don't see the big deal about the online DRM, especially for a game such as Spore which all but requires you to play online and communicate regularly with EA's servers. Heck, Spore is almost an MMORPG in considering all the online content that will be available for the game once it's released.

Oh yes, and if you think EA's DRM is harsh wait until you see the new DRM that Blizzard is working on for S2 and D3....

Posted by Gaming Steve at 3:00 PM | Comments (27) | Posted to PC | Spore |      

Vivendi, Activision-Blizzard Snub ESA, E3

In their first big move since they became the biggest publisher in gamerdom, Activision-Blizzard have officially left the ESA and will not be attending this year's E3.

From the ESA's senior VP of communication and research, Rich Taylor:

"While the Entertainment Software Association remains the preeminent voice for U.S. computer and video game publishers, we can confirm that Activision and Vivendi Games opted to discontinue their membership. The ESA remains dedicated to advancing our industry's objectives such as protecting intellectual property, preserving First Amendment rights, and fostering a beneficial environment for the entire industry. Our high level of service and value to members and the larger industry remains unchanged."

What does this mean for gamers? Well, for starters, none of Vivendi's developers will be "in" E3 (most will have a presence "around" E3, separated from the official show) including Activision-Blizzard, Sierra, Atlus, Majesco, NCsoft, and WBIE. Vivendi will also have to start defending themselves in cases of government interference and copyright infringement, both areas the ESA helped game companies when defending these interests.

The ESA, like many industry organizations, probably had some rules and perhaps fees that Vivendi just didn't agree with but it's unclear the reason for the departure at this time. Whatever the reason this is something which will probably have significant long term repercussions for the industry in general.

Posted by Clayton Ashley at 1:00 PM | Posted to Business |