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DRM/STEAM and a Few Other Questions

DRM/STEAM and a Few Other Questions

I'm just wondering if this game will also be available on other etailers like STEAM? I've had a Stardock account since Galciv but ever since the move to Impulse I haven't installed, patched, or done anything in general with Stardock. Also will there be 3rd party DRM on any of the digital formats including Impulse? It also says Multiplayer in the NFO for the game but being a Stardock game will it actually work ONLINE in multiplayer? Does multiplayer work in the beta or is it just being patched in? Also are there anything like Acheivments or something? I must admit the game is on my radar but definantly not at full price and multiplayer must work period.

PS Forums are super slow

21,319 views 28 replies
Reply #26 Top

Quoting Vladesch, reply 25



Most people consider DRM to mean that the software or media is tied to the particular machine that it is run on, with some sort of recognition of the machine itself, so if you were to transfer it to another machine it would cease operation.

For example windows uses drm, since if you take an image of a windows volume and put it on another machine it will require reactivation. Same for a lot of the new games. They will only work for a particular machine if it is activated on that machine.

 

Im sure that you will be able to buy Elemental and run it on any machine, provided you have an impulse account. So in that sense it wont have DRM.

 
End of Vladesch's quote

CD-Keys are not tied to a machine in any way and CD-Keys ARE a form of DRM. Most people don't claim that most people think anything about DRM because the term is loosely defined. I define it as an attempt by a company to control their software in anyway beyond the point of sale which means, forcing people on their servers is DRM. It's also defined this way by other organizations, not just me.

 

Quoting OMG_BlackHatHedgehog, reply 24
I got it from the instruction manual. It's in Beta 3's manual.

Thanks guys. Real nice of you for saying I need to take my meds.
End of OMG_BlackHatHedgehog's quote

You were wrong, still are wrong, and kind of freaking out about it. And there is something wrong with Stardock not supporting their players past the point of purchase as it is written they are supposed to do so in their own Players Bill of Rights. Using your own words, furthermore, I never said Stardock was not going to support their players. In fact, I actually used the words NON-INVASIVE which implies that I do not think it is the most horrific form of DRM there is, even if I don't agree with it. It is, however, a form of DRM.

Reply #27 Top

If Stardock is planning on supporting Elemental and follow-ups well after release, then I don't think there is much chance of them withdrawing the servers any time soon.  But anyway, sometimes the best results for the most people are achieved by making some small compromises.  However you define DRM, and no matter which is the "best" definition, I think Stardock are one of the best teams to support.  If they do well with Elemental, get it right *and* make a lot of sales then that is a success story for less invasive DRM.  Having a CD-Key which can be used on any system of yours that you own, IMHO is pretty good.  And to reduce the prevalence of piracy, all of us need to support the games by buying them that are the best with the least DRM.  That puts less weight behind Ubisoft and Co's extremely invasive DRM schemes. =)

Best regards,
Steven.

Reply #28 Top

Quoting kyogre12, reply 23

Quoting Frogboy, reply 22The game supports 32 players but WE don't support 32 players on our servers.

Well that answers one question, but it raised another; why not? Why can't we have SD hosted 32 player games?
End of kyogre12's quote

The other 16 are probably for things like NPC factions and such. Could you possibly imagine a 32 player game? It'd take an eternity.