SecuROM Discussion Thread

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Capitalizt
I can't get any of the no-CD cracks to work.

I would suggest against using no-cd patches. Sometimes they violate the EULA (due to modification of the game's executable itself), they could also result in a ban from certain multiplayer games (they think you may be cheating because the game has "changed" in a way that was unintended), or worse still it could be a trojan.


There are however virtual drives that do not modify the game's executable and will not result in a false positive when it comes to anticheating measures. If you make your own image, then you do not have to worry about malware. Alcohol 52% allows you to make your own images and to mount them in a virtual drive, so you will never need the CD / DVD. Although please read the EULA to see if you are allowed to make a backup of your game's DVD / CD and/or if they allow this type of thing, if the EULA says that you are not allowed, then I would have to recommend that you just play the CD / DVD shuffle. Alcohol will only work if you have a legit license key for the game.

 

[NicColt]

Originally posted by: Piuc2020
These things all get cracked I really don't see whats the point in implementing them besides bringing customers headaches of course, does it really stop piracy?

This one will probably increase piracy, I'm more tempted to put cash in an envelope and send it to 2K and download a malware free version.

Guess what guys, games sell because they are good, Warcraft, Starcraft, they all have measle copy protection at best yet they sell better than the games you sell with these absurd copy protection. Newsflash, quality sells games not copy protection. We have, sadly, reached a point where a pirate gets a BETTER gaming experience than a paying customer.
Is there anyone with a brain and some common sense in the game publishing industry?

exactly, I'm willing to bet that %95 of users getting this game doesn't even know what they are installing. There should be a law that says what kind of malware copy protection is included and see if this thing will even sell.

The things that gets me is hearing game companies crying the pirates are killing the gaming industry, well you know what your killing yourselves. Some will come to their senses and others will kill it into the ground.

So no there isn't someone with a half decent brain left in the gaming *(we should say) publishing industry. which is most likely run by brain dead lawyers just like the riaa and mpaa.

So from now on nothing goes on my PC without knowing what type of copy protection it has. I don't care what game it is, I read a cpl post that's saying that crysis will have securerom, well you know what I'll pass on that one to.

Please excuse me while I go play my copy protection free Quake 4 that I fully bought with cash.

 

[Piuc2020]

Originally posted by: NicColt
So from now on nothing goes on my PC without knowing what type of copy protection it has. I don't care what game it is, I read a cpl post that's saying that crysis will have securerom, well you know what I'll pass on that one to.

You could always buy the game and use different media (without securom) to install the game, you bought the license, doesn't matter where you install the game from but there is probably some SecuROM related terms in the EULA.

My point is, you don't have to stop playing games because of idiotic copy protection measures, after all its not the developers' fault, its the publisher's. If we don't pay for the game, the idiots who implemented the copy protection don't get the money but the guys who developed don't get it either. And in the case of Bioshock, Irrational very well deserves the money even though 2K doesn't (2K sucks to be honest, its sad to see Irrational get rebranded as generic and flat looking 2K Boston and Australia).

Just be aware that you end up hurting the developer (which has little to no fault in the distribution and protection of the game) when you deliberately skip games to hurt the publisher.

 

[nova2]

Perhaps you agree, but it probably doesn't even really matter with these super popular multi-platform games as people who make choices similar to NicColt are probably in the minority.

 

[nealh]

Originally posted by: Piuc2020

Originally posted by: NicColt
So from now on nothing goes on my PC without knowing what type of copy protection it has. I don't care what game it is, I read a cpl post that's saying that crysis will have securerom, well you know what I'll pass on that one to.

You could always buy the game and use different media (without securom) to install the game, you bought the license, doesn't matter where you install the game from but there is probably some SecuROM related terms in the EULA.

I want to play Bioshock the PC(I rented X360 version...looks good)

But will never spend money if I have to have securom...If you copy the game wouldnt the securom still be on it when you install the backup and still get the BS and crap, except the copy just wont play

 

[tk149]

Well, since I already bought Jade Empire before I saw this thread, I went ahead and installed it anyway.

Cool game so far, and no hardware/software issues yet.

/crosses fingers

 

[NicColt]

Originally posted by: nealh

Originally posted by: Piuc2020

Originally posted by: NicColt
So from now on nothing goes on my PC without knowing what type of copy protection it has. I don't care what game it is, I read a cpl post that's saying that crysis will have securerom, well you know what I'll pass on that one to.

You could always buy the game and use different media (without securom) to install the game, you bought the license, doesn't matter where you install the game from but there is probably some SecuROM related terms in the EULA.

I want to play Bioshock the PC(I rented X360 version...looks good)

But will never spend money if I have to have securom...If you copy the game wouldnt the securom still be on it when you install the backup and still get the BS and crap, except the copy just wont play

I don't think that's what he means....

I buy all my games and software period no matter what and I don't have one piece of software that's illegally obtained on my PC, what the poster is probably suggesting is that you go buy the game and leave it sealed in the box and use a different media available from other sources to play the game which doesn't contain any malware, his point is that if you buy the game you have somewhat of a license to use it.

Originally posted by: nova2
people who make choices similar to NicColt are probably in the minority.

I agree with your comment Nova2 and ya I'm in the minority but again, if gamers would know what type of malware comes with some of these games maybe I wouldn't be in the minority.

I believe that one person can make a difference. Look at X3 Reunion and starforce I added my voice to a huge online revolt and Eggosoft finally decided to drop it. I don't really know if that was the reason but money does talk and companies like 2K don't want this to be made public.

This time 2K has gone way beyond simple copy protection, any other company doing this type of stuff would be out of business or in court facing lawsuits.

Here's an example. Imagine you buy a car and nowhere in the contract does it indicate that after 6000 miles you have to have it serviced at the dealership where you bought it. At 6500 miles the car will not start because you failed to have it serviced at the dealership. Only the dealership and Unlock your car from not starting. Can you simply imagine the backlash that this would have.

However game companies CAN do this without even telling you. Another example is vista's WGA system, when Microsoft's WGA servers went down it was supposed to allow everyone to install it but even that failed and legitimate consumers who purchased vista were treated like pirates.

There is acceptable copy protection (like safedisk and steam in my opinion) and then there's copy protection that's not acceptable like securom and starforce.

[clay] And that's what I think [/clay]

 

[nova2]

@NicColt: sure with starforce, i agree with you there, but personally -
securom doesn't affect me much, it doesn't get in my way much. (note that I use mini-images so I don't need the disk in my drive)
i do certainly prefer that DRM is removed in the future tho. (via an official patch for example)

> Bioshock's 5x5 activation limit can potentially be a problem for some, definitely.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioshock#Technical_issues
states that Ken Levine has said that the activation limit will be removed in the future.
'good.' is what i say.

> regarding the vista WGA server failure
for business users, if they were running a local WGA server like they should be anyways, then this wouldn't have affected them at all. Of course, home users were still burned somewhat, except, I think, for the laptops that have vista preinstalled and preactivated on them, as the data is in the BIOS.

 

[nealh]

Originally posted by: NicColt

Originally posted by: nealh

Originally posted by: Piuc2020

Originally posted by: NicColt
So from now on nothing goes on my PC without knowing what type of copy protection it has. I don't care what game it is, I read a cpl post that's saying that crysis will have securerom, well you know what I'll pass on that one to.

You could always buy the game and use different media (without securom) to install the game, you bought the license, doesn't matter where you install the game from but there is probably some SecuROM related terms in the EULA.

I want to play Bioshock the PC(I rented X360 version...looks good)

But will never spend money if I have to have securom...If you copy the game wouldnt the securom still be on it when you install the backup and still get the BS and crap, except the copy just wont play

I don't think that's what he means....

I buy all my games and software period no matter what and I don't have one piece of software that's illegally obtained on my PC, what the poster is probably suggesting is that you go buy the game and leave it sealed in the box and use a different media available from other sources to play the game which doesn't contain any malware, his point is that if you buy the game you have somewhat of a license to use it.

Originally posted by: nova2
people who make choices similar to NicColt are probably in the minority.

I agree with your comment Nova2 and ya I'm in the minority but again, if gamers would know what type of malware comes with some of these games maybe I wouldn't be in the minority.

I believe that one person can make a difference. Look at X3 Reunion and starforce I added my voice to a huge online revolt and Eggosoft finally decided to drop it. I don't really know if that was the reason but money does talk and companies like 2K don't want this to be made public.

This time 2K has gone way beyond simple copy protection, any other company doing this type of stuff would be out of business or in court facing lawsuits.

Here's an example. Imagine you buy a car and nowhere in the contract does it indicate that after 6000 miles you have to have it serviced at the dealership where you bought it. At 6500 miles the car will not start because you failed to have it serviced at the dealership. Only the dealership and Unlock your car from not starting. Can you simply imagine the backlash that this would have.

However game companies CAN do this without even telling you. Another example is vista's WGA system, when Microsoft's WGA servers went down it was supposed to allow everyone to install it but even that failed and legitimate consumers who purchased vista were treated like pirates.

There is acceptable copy protection (like safedisk and steam in my opinion) and then there's copy protection that's not acceptable like securom and starforce.

[clay] And that's what I think [/clay]

I wanted to buy the PC version...copy and install without getting securom on my PC
Not sure whether I can or not

I rented the Xbox360 version and like d..so I have that at home sealed trying to decide if I get the PC version which is where I would prefer to play

I was not suggesting anything illegal..except for maybe using a cracked .exe with the legit game

Oh well..looks like PC gaming for me is done..the publishers are morons..lloks like Xbox360 is best way to go

ANy game that risks my stability can take leap..screw them...my $50 and stability are not worth there piracy protection

I buy so little games now becasue of this....lost another consumer

 

[NicColt]

Originally posted by: nova2
> Bioshock's 5x5 activation limit can potentially be a problem for some, definitely.
> regarding the vista WGA server failure
for business users, if they were running a local WGA server like they should be anyways, then this wouldn't have affected them at all. Of course, home users were still burned somewhat, except, I think, for the laptops that have vista preinstalled and preactivated on them, as the data is in the BIOS.

This type of DRM has gone mad, my point is that with 2K's 5x5 and with WGA servers possibly failing and starforce, we are at the total mercy of these types of malware schemes and it's only going to get worse. For example when Microsoft got caught updating files without user permissions It's now more than just protection it's come to a point that's it's an ethical dilemma where you purchase software and it may not even work out of the box, you don't even know if access to your personal data or hardware is being compromised. If it works then the user doesn't care but it's when it doesn't work that's when it becomes a really huge problem.

This is just another reason why Microsoft must abandon Vista to save itself Vista is basically a bloated DRM infested Pig with Lipstick. Why do you think that Microsoft is extending XP's stay I would like to think that's it's for these reason. I think that people are fed up and are starting to see the big picture here.

10 years ago my comment about DRM was Just Bring It. They brought it but it will eventually be at their own demise. Walmart iTunes and now Amazon will offer malware free tunes. Starfarce type of protection has probably seen the end. It took a while for music to catch up and see the picture and OS/software/games will follow eventually. Why do you think that Novell Linux sales are growing

 

[tk149]

Originally posted by: tk149
Well, since I already bought Jade Empire before I saw this thread, I went ahead and installed it anyway.

Cool game so far, and no hardware/software issues yet.

/crosses fingers

Well, I finished Jade Empire, and had no issues with hardware locking up or anything. The game itself was very fun, and never crashed at all. I'm not happy about the Securom stuff, but at least it hasn't screwed anything up yet.

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: NicColt

Originally posted by: nova2
> Bioshock's 5x5 activation limit can potentially be a problem for some, definitely.
> regarding the vista WGA server failure
for business users, if they were running a local WGA server like they should be anyways, then this wouldn't have affected them at all. Of course, home users were still burned somewhat, except, I think, for the laptops that have vista preinstalled and preactivated on them, as the data is in the BIOS.

This type of DRM has gone mad, my point is that with 2K's 5x5 and with WGA servers possibly failing and starforce, we are at the total mercy of these types of malware schemes and it's only going to get worse. For example when Microsoft got caught updating files without user permissions It's now more than just protection it's come to a point that's it's an ethical dilemma where you purchase software and it may not even work out of the box, you don't even know if access to your personal data or hardware is being compromised. If it works then the user doesn't care but it's when it doesn't work that's when it becomes a really huge problem.

This is just another reason why Microsoft must abandon Vista to save itself Vista is basically a bloated DRM infested Pig with Lipstick. Why do you think that Microsoft is extending XP's stay I would like to think that's it's for these reason. I think that people are fed up and are starting to see the big picture here.

10 years ago my comment about DRM was Just Bring It. They brought it but it will eventually be at their own demise. Walmart iTunes and now Amazon will offer malware free tunes. Starfarce type of protection has probably seen the end. It took a while for music to catch up and see the picture and OS/software/games will follow eventually. Why do you think that Novell Linux sales are growing

I hate DRM schemes which make legitimate owners of material jump through hoops to get things working... and even in bad cases won't run on a system forcing you to look for a "Fixed" exe file. When Steam first came out I thought it would be a decent alternative but now that it's been a while I see Valve being greedy and under-delivering... since when does a B&M copy cost LESS at launch than a "digital" copy? I also can't comprehend why they would include some DRM besides steam authentication in games bought online...

Starforce? More like Starf*%k for what it does to your DVD/CD drives (not to be confused with the anti-Starforce tool of the same name). I loved getting asked "Please insert the correct CD" when I was using a perfect retail copy... ended up reformatting to get rid of Starforce and used a "Fixed" exe instead.

DRM does nothing besides stop casual piracy and cause legitimate users unending grief. Any DRM scheme can and *will* be cracked, sometimes within 24 hours. A more profitable alternative would be to ditch DRM (reducing costs) and cut prices to pass the savings on to the consumer (also encouraging more purchases at the lower price). People who are going to buy something will buy it, and people who are going to pirate will pirate. DRM or no DRM.

 

[Throckmorton]

I'm glad I found this thread before buying NWN2...

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: NicColt

There is acceptable copy protection (like safedisk and steam in my opinion) and then there's copy protection that's not acceptable like securom and starforce.

[clay] And that's what I think [/clay]

Safedisk yes, but Steam is a big'ol hell no. Ever try and resell a Steam download? You can't and it's anti-consumer...period! If there is a retail equivalent to a Steam game I always get the retail version (Dark Messiah, ID software games, Bioshock, etc.).

Valve makes great games and that's the only reason I have Steam installed. That and I got Half-Life 2, CS Source etc. with a video card purchase coupon. I felt pretty screwed when the Orange Box retail version was simply a key-code for a Steam unlock. Very lame IMHO.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: NicColt

There is acceptable copy protection (like safedisk and steam in my opinion) and then there's copy protection that's not acceptable like securom and starforce.

[clay] And that's what I think [/clay]

Safedisk yes, but Steam is a big'ol hell no. Ever try and resell a Steam download? You can't and it's anti-consumer...period! If there is a retail equivalent to a Steam game I always get the retail version (Dark Messiah, ID software games, Bioshock, etc.).

Valve makes great games and that's the only reason I have Steam installed. That and I got Half-Life 2, CS Source etc. with a video card purchase coupon. I felt pretty screwed when the Orange Box retail version was simply a key-code for a Steam unlock. Very lame IMHO.

Plus there's always the issue of value with Steam. Let's take Dark Messiah of Might and Magic for instance.

Cheaper, you can resell it if you wish, and it's not locked to a certain Steam account.

Higher price because of distribution monopoly, and you can't resell this version even if you wanted to.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Think we can probably pin the issues with Crysis on SecuROM as well? What are people on the other forums that you guys visit saying?

• Regarding Crysis - aka Oh Securom how I love thee and other minor annoyances...
• Crysis DVD broken in SATAdrives.
• My DVD drive can't read Crysis

 

[Jaskalas]

I'm glad I found this thread before buying Crysis.

 

[shortylickens]

I dont know if anyone remembers but I complained in another thread about this. Since that one is gone I'll complain again here.

I had NWN2, Test Drive Unlimited and then got Dark Messiah. With the first two my system ran fine. After installing the third one I couldnt play either of the first two and Dark Messiah had MANY issues.

Had to uninstall all of them and tried each of them one at a time. NWN2 ran with the fewest problems but only after removing all my mods.

Just reinstalled my OS and am only running TD:U right now. Will let you guys know if I ever figure out this puzzle.

For reference I am not using Alcohol 120% or anything else. No hacks or fixed EXE's or anything.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

All I can say is that I have Crysis, and it does not work right on my SATA dvd burner. I it works perfectly when I plug in my USB burner and use that. That is wack... I have been told that this is a Securom issue.

 

[Anubis]

ivs basicially given up pn PC gaming, steam sucks, rootkits suck, secuRom sucks, EA sucks.....
games arnt even worth stealing let alone paying for

 

[manowar821]

I've been trying to figure out how to run Crysis with SecuROM disabled/removed. It's a tricky bitch, that's for sure.

Crytek should follow suit with the makers of Supreme Commander, and remove SecuROM all-together in a patch. I <3 SupCom.

 

[Starbuck1975]

All I can say is that I have Crysis, and it does not work right on my SATA dvd burner. I it works perfectly when I plug in my USB burner and use that. That is wack... I have been told that this is a Securom issue.

I am having a similar issue with Crysis...it will not work on my primary DVD-ROM drive, but it does work with my Plextor DVD burner.

I contacted EA technical support, and their final verdict is that it is a problem with my DVD-ROM drive and not a problem with the Crysis DVD

If you go to the Crysis Tech Support forums, there are numerous threads of people having drive issues with the Crysis DVD-ROM...i.e. the drive makes strange grinding noises and does not read the DVD.

Unbelievable.

 

[hooflung]

I blame all the people on tech sites who scream, "DRM IS FINE STOP STEALING GAMES AND STFU!" everytime debates about this happen across the next. My Gaming PC has a SATA Optical Drive. Guess I am fucked with Crysis... won't buy it now period.

 

[manowar821]

Originally posted by: hooflung
I blame all the people on tech sites who scream, "DRM IS FINE STOP STEALING GAMES AND STFU!" everytime debates about this happen across the next. My Gaming PC has a SATA Optical Drive. Guess I am fucked with Crysis... won't buy it now period.

They're paid shills or sheep, either way, those types don't matter.

 

[T2k]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975

All I can say is that I have Crysis, and it does not work right on my SATA dvd burner. I it works perfectly when I plug in my USB burner and use that. That is wack... I have been told that this is a Securom issue.

I am having a similar issue with Crysis...it will not work on my primary DVD-ROM drive, but it does work with my Plextor DVD burner.

I contacted EA technical support, and their final verdict is that it is a problem with my DVD-ROM drive and not a problem with the Crysis DVD

If you go to the Crysis Tech Support forums, there are numerous threads of people having drive issues with the Crysis DVD-ROM...i.e. the drive makes strange grinding noises and does not read the DVD.

Unbelievable.

EA technical support is a worthless PoS service, totally loser crapshoot people.