Ubisoft‘s controversial DRM for PC games, which required users to maintain an always-on internet connection in order to use their purchased software, has officially been scrapped.
In the past the company has relaxed the always-on requirement for certain PC games, but in a recent interview with RockPaperShotgun, Ubisoft’s worldwide director for online games, Stephanie Perotti, confirmed that as of June they have reduced the DRM requirement to a one-time online activation.
“We have listened to feedback, and since June last year our policy for all of PC games is that we only require a one-time online activation when you first install the game, and from then you are free to play the game offline.”
“Whenever you want to reach any online service, multiplayer, you will have to be connected, and obviously for online games you will also need to be online to play. But if you want to enjoy Assassin’s Creed III single player, you will be able to do that without being connected. And you will be able to activate the game on as many machines as you want.”
I’ve always felt that overly restrictive (and sometimes broken) DRM ends up causing more software piracy than it prevents, because it ends up adding value to the pirated version of the software by making it more flexible for users.
Hopefully, this move by Ubisoft will allow them return that value to their games, and help lower their supposed 95% piracy rate on PC.
Source: GamesIndustry
Published: Sep 5, 2012 10:42 am